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I ran the math on 2026 plug-in hybrid SUVs against their gas counterparts. Recovery percentage, charging access, premium fuel, and what changed when the federal credit ended.
Read moreElectric vehicles (EVs) were once heralded as the inevitable future of the automotive industry, with automakers rushing to announce bold plans to electrify their lineups. But as 2024 unfolds, it’s becoming clear that this future may not arrive as quickly as once expected. The last few months have seen a significant pullback from several major automakers, including Ford, General Motors (GM), Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and Volvo. Economic headwinds, rising costs, and supply chain issues are forcing these companies to reassess their once-lofty EV ambitions. While consumer demand for electric vehicles remains strong, the reality of scaling EV production has proven far more complicated than anticipated. Ford’s Battery Plant Delay and Mixed Results Ford has been one of the most vocal advocates
Read moreWith many unknowns still looming, electric vehicles are the future and the future is now. Mercedes-Benz is all in. Its expanding lineup of EVs is the same as the new status quo for many domestic and global manufacturers. Last year, the German manufacturer debuted the EQE SUV. It’s a midsize five-passenger sport utility vehicle counterpart to the EQE sedan and was available in EQE 350, EQE 350 4Matic and EQE 500 4Matic trims. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV, the performance-tuned option, joins the lineup. It’s the performance division’s first EV SUV and it shares a lot with the AMG EQE sedan, including its AMG-specific dual electric motors and 90.6-kWh battery pack. It’s the closest thing to a supercar that doubles
Read moreBig and bold and wearing a front-grille badge the size of a serving platter, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 sport utility vehicle is all about luxury, power and excess all in no uncertain terms. The biggest SUV from the manufacturer’s high-performance subsidiary, the three-row family hauler does nothing subtle. It features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with hybrid assistance and delivers 603 horsepower. It generates another 21 horsepower from the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). It’s a 48-volt auxiliary on-board motor that operates an electrical system giving a boost power to several systems. Operated via a nine nine-speed automatic transmission, the SUV advances from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is pegged at 174 miles per hour and the
Read moreThe Mercedes-Benz C-Class debuted in 1993 as the manufacturer’s entry-level sedan. Now 30 years old, the C class is no longer the cheapest in the lineup. It’s a go-to level for many brand loyalists and it’s an expanded lineup in 2023. The newbie is the Mercedes-AMG C 43. It’s a turbocharged four-cylinder (the V6 is gone) and the German automaker’s entry-level performance sedan. The electric turbocharger is a first for a production car. Competition includes the Audi S4, BMW M3 and Genesis G70. While maintaining a traditionally attractive exterior like its stablemates, the AMG collaboration means the vehicle has sports car leanings. The exterior features a new front grille and a front bumper with air intakes. The rear bumper looks
Read moreMercedes-Benz has announced a sophisticated enhancement to its MBUX Voice Assistant—a seamless integration with smart home technologies. Effective immediately, this advanced feature facilitates users to orchestrate their domestic appliances and security apparatus via vocal commands from their vehicles. This refined iteration of the MBUX Voice Assistant is now congruent with an array of esteemed smart home brands, encompassing Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, TP-Link, and myQ by Chamberlain Group. The suite of controllable devices extends from intricate lighting systems and intelligent plugs to state-of-the-art thermostats, motion detection mechanisms, and automated garage doors. The system proffers a real-time diagnostic of various home apparatuses. An inquiry such as, “Hey Mercedes, is the domestic environment secure?” might elicit a response delineating, “All fenestrations are
Read moreMercedes-Benz has taken a big step back to the future in its unveiling of the Vision One-Eleven concept. The German auto manufacturer gives the nod to a previous iconic design, specifically the 1969 C111 concept, with the appearance of the Vision One-Eleven. Mercedes’ designers didn’t stray radically from the vintage lines of the C11. Retained were the two large, contrasting hood scoops, side vents and, most importantly, gullwing doors that made the C111 so iconic. However, the past ends and the future begins with the Vision One-Eleven’s augmented reality capabilities. Mercedes has integrated an augmented reality headset which can be used by occupants to enhance user experience, combining the car’s physical interior with a digital interface. For instance, AR makes
Read moreWith the addition of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE lineup, the German manufacturer approaching its centenary now offers more than 30 vehicles. They’re all named with numbers and letters and acronyms requiring code-breaking expertise. The EQE series arriving this year, one year after the debut of the EQS, the carmaker’s first all-electric sedan available in the United States. The EQE 500 4Matic is the mid-level of three available trims. It has two motors, a 90.6-kWh lithium-ion battery, 402 horsepower and all-wheel-drive. Like its siblings, it’s a smaller version of the EQS. Smaller by definition doesn’t mean small. The EQE 500 is a spacious luxury sedan, handsomely styled inside and outside. It’s marketed with seating for five, but like many mid-size sedans,
Read moreMercedes-Benz S Class fans wouldn’t typically associate the historically plush ride with supercar-rivaling performance figures. But that’s what the newly debuted S63 E Performance delivers. Mercedes’ next-generation S63 is equipped with nearly 800 horsepower, four-digit torque figures and sophisticated hybrid technology. All are firsts for the S Class AMG. The S63 also retains the turbo V8 synonymous with top-tier AMG models unlike the recently launched, four-cylinder C63 E Performance. The Mercedes-AMG achieved a 3.2-second 0-60 launch and 180-mph limited top speed. The S63 and its renowned 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 pump 603 horsepower and 664 pounds/feet of torque. These numbers are boosted to 791 and 1,055 respectively when factoring in the rear-mounted electric permanently synchronous motor (PSM) and 13.1-kWh, 400-volt battery.
Read moreA Mercedes-Benz first needs servicing after 10,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Regular maintenance is then recommended every 20,000 miles or two years. The engine check-ups ensure a vehicle runs properly and provides the driver with a sense of road confidence. Two primary types of service are required: Service A includes oil replacement, fluid level check, component inspection, resetting maintenance counter, and tire inflation. Service B includes brake fluid exchange, cabin dust filter replacement, brake component inspection and inflation correction. The top reasons for automotive maintenance are increasing lifespan and overall performance of a vehicle. A proper check-up routine also helps to ensure optimum luxury and a hassle-free, on-road experience. It’s no surprise the global automotive repair and
Read moreSeven years ago, Mercedes-Benz changed the name of its mid-size sport utility vehicles from M-Class to GLE. It aligned the vehicles with the badges of the manufacturer’s most closely related sedans. The SUVs are offered in five trims, including the AMG GLE 53, and they remain among the carmaker’s most versatile luxury wheels. With the AMG GLE 63, the two siblings feature the subsidiary’s suite of high-performance engines and superior interior accouterments that can elevate the offerings to six-figure vehicles. All trim levels come standard with all-wheel drive, which Mercedes-Benz calls (4MATIC) except for the GLE 350. It’s also available in rear-wheel drive. The GLE lineup also has five-passenger seating standard, with three rows for seven passengers optional. The AMG
Read moreMercedes-Benz and its uber-luxury sidekicks AMG and Maybach offer 31 vehicles in 2022 models. Coupes, convertibles, electric vehicles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, roadsters and wagons are all in the mix. Add multiple trims in each segment, and whether via abacus or app, keeping track of the German manufacturer’s extended family of vehicles is a task. Mercedes-Benz Offers Lots Of Choices Even connoisseurs of the carmakers’ stoic vehicles might need a chart to differentiate the GLA 250, GLB 250 and GLC SUVs. The former is a luxury subcompact; the latter is a luxury compact. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is among the competitors of the GLB, which seats as many as seven. Now in its third model year, the 2022 GLB 250 continues
Read moreNot too many years ago, the term “four-door sports car” rattled automotive purists. It’s now part of the accepted lexicon only to be replaced with the latest oddity, “supercar luxury family sports sedan.” A few abound including the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S. The addition to the German stalwart manufacturer began as a 2016 model as a two-seat coupe. But a convertible and four-door sedan are now offered. The niche of niche segments also includes the Audi S7 and RS 7, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe and the Porsche Panamera. For 2021 (2022 models are pending via supply chain shortages), the AMG GT 63 S is the top-line of four trim levels. All-wheel drive is standard
Read moreMercedes-Benz doesn’t make it easy for luxury crossover and sport utility vehicle buyers. It’s not because the German automaker doesn’t offer quality vehicles. It does. But where does a shopper start with three levels of offerings, including the brand’s AMG and Maybach relationships. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, is a small entry-level luxury sport utility vehicle, and it’s a worthy choice. For drivers with a penchant for sportiness in their SUVs, the AMG GLB 35 is optimal. It expands on its GLB 250 siblings’ 2-liter, 221-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine. It’s matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or 4Matic, the all-wheel-drive option. 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLB 35: Sensitive sensors Seating for five is standard in two rows. An optional third
Read moreHow far will manufacturers extend their obsessions with sport utility vehicles to possibly find an untapped market niche? Mercedes seems to know its plans. With its various higher luxury brand relationships, the German-American stalwart is all in. Who knew the combination of upscale, utility and performance was a thing? And who knew any manufacturer offering more than one $100,000-plus SUV was necessary? Mercedes-Benz offers eight 2021 models SUVs. The high-performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, AMG, has a fleet of SUVs, including the GLE 63. And now Maybach, the ultra-luxurious subsidiary of Mercedes, is back. Its ostentatious new beast is the 2021 GLS 600. Except for the new Maybach, the AMG GLE 63 is about as far removed from the SUV stereotype
Read moreThe 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT R roadster and coupe are among the rarest mainstream cars on the road. The former was limited to 750 units, the latter 2,000. Combine scarcity, exterior design and the matted paint choice of Selenite Gray Magno and the supercar attracts constant attention. The GT R, which debuted in 2018, defines a sports car. With craftsmanship channeling of Porsche, Ferrari and the Dodge Viper, there’s nothing quite like the performance-oriented Mercedes-Benz relative. It’s a glistening work of art on wheels. Yet the exterior is a contradiction with much of the rest of the car. How can you go wrong with a four-liter, 577-horsepower V8 biturbo with a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission and 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.5 seconds?
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