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3 Things You Should Know About The 2019 Renault Arkana
French car manufacturer Renault revealed an all-new coupe SUV called the Arkana at the Moscow Auto Show. This is the first coupe-inspired SUV to sit at a lower price point compared to its more premium competitors.
For now, it is just a concept, but one that is really close to production. Once released, it will first be marketed to Russia before going to other Western countries under a different name. The United States won’t get it, though, since we don’t have Renault here but we expect to see Nissan release a similar architecture to the Arkana.
1. Exterior
The latest technology and ideology from Renault designed the Arkana based on the Talisman and the Megane. There will be many bits and pieces of the front and rear end of the Arkana that would be taken from the two cars. If you look at it closely, it would resemble in many ways an updated Renault Megane Grand Coupe. There’s also redesigned C-shaped lights.
The one obvious thing that made this a coupe crossover is the coupe roofline. While many automakers try to hide the coupe nature of their coupe-inspired SUVs, Renault went the other way and made this with a high waistline, massive clearance, and 19-inch wheels.
Based on its dimensions, the Arkana is going to compete with the Nissan Rogue or the Honda CR-V.
2. Interior
Renault refused to give photos of its interior, but it’s safe to say that it would be close to the high-speccedMegane or Talisman. The dashboard will be dominated by a massive central portrait screen while the instrument cluster will be partially digital.
It brings a sense of comfort for the Arkana to have a Megane interior because it will at least bring a dash of elegance and sophistication.
3. Drivetrain
Remember that this is going to be a cheap crossover, so it will probably carry the engine from the Renault Kadjar. That being said, the Arkana will come equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine and an option for a 1.6-liter diesel engine. These machines should be paired with a possible 4WD.
2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance Gets Enhanced Drivetrain Options
It’s not exactly the easiest name to remember. Thankfully, Twitter stretched its character limit, so we can now tweet about the new 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance. We haven’t even managed to get our hands on the BMW X5, but we’re already dealing with a performance version of the car that would depend on a host of electric powertrains.
The new plug-in X5 is going to replace the X5 xDrive40e and would be different in every single thing that matters. This new car is going to leave behind its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 286 horsepower. This engine will be paired with a 112-horsepower electric motor for a total output of 394 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. BMW’s all-wheel-drive system should be connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It can accelerate to 60 mph from a complete stop in just 5.6 seconds. The top speed was bumped to 146 mph.
The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e iPerformance is going to answer another problem that the current X5 xDrive40e is having. Today’s X5 xDrive40e can only go 14 miles from a full charge, but this new car is going to bump that number to an estimated 50 miles. Some people could even go their entire trip in electric mode. When in this mode, top speed would be 87 mph from the previous 74 mph.
Since this is an iPerformance trim, BMW placed the lithium-ion batteries under the body of the vehicle. This resulted in better handling because the center of gravity was lower compared to other X5 models. There’s one downside, though: the X5 xDrive45e iPerformance is going to lose about five cubic feet of storage space because of the battery pack.
Europe will get this car in 2019. The United States would have to wait, though. Pricing isn’t available for now but as a reference, the base 2019 X5 begins at $61,695 while the top-of-the-line is $76,745.
3 Things To Know About The All-New Mercedes-Benz GLE
German company Mercedes-Benz came up with a sketch and short video clip showing the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLE sport utility vehicle’s redesigned front fascia and exciting new set of LED headlights. As if the GLE has not been talked about a lot lately, now the sketch and teaser video turned people’s enthusiasm to a near obsession.
Exterior and New Platform
The new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLE will be based on the MHA RWD platform. The silhouette of the car might remain the same, but the styling on the new GLE is bolder and definitely more futuristic. It is longer, too, at 3.1 inches (80 millimeters). Spy shots revealed a prominent new grille, sweptback LED headlamps, and wraparound taillights. The new model is less boxy, too, and has sharper-looking bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and the familiar twin exhausts.
Powertrains
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE will most likely use the 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine on the GLE 63 which will be available in two flavors—one that makes 563 horsepower and another one that produces a whopping 604 horsepower. We also believe that the German carmaker will introduce an entry-level GLE 53 AMG to the SUV’s lineup. This will use a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine.
For the standard versions, Mercedes will use a number of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines for the 2019 GLE. These engines will be paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox. There might also be a 48-volt plug-in hybrid version that’s going to be paired with the six-cylinder versions.
Interior
Spy shots revealed an interesting take on the interior, especially because of the new technology that Mercedes has been working on. In terms of in-car tech, Mercedes is doing a complete revamp. It will now come with twin 10.25-inch display units for the instrumental console. The center console, on the other hand, will run the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) interface. The new SUV will also arrive with a three-spoke steering wheel, grab handles integrated into the central tunnel and powered seat adjustments for the rear passengers.
Mercedes-Benz EQC Electric Crossover Unveiled in Stockholm
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is out as its maker just unveiled the electric crossover in its EQC400 4MATIC guise. The launch of the first fully-electric vehicle from the Mercedes EQ sub-brand happened on September 4, 2018, in Stockholm, Germany.
According to Daimler, the Mercedes-Benz EQC400 4MATIC will go on sale in the US in 2020. So what makes it very special? Here’s a rundown of the key features of the EQC EV:
Powertrain
The Mercedes-Benz EQC400 4MATIC is powered by two asynchronous electric motors. The units have a combined output of 402 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque going to all four wheels. The top speed of the EV is electronically limited to 112 mph, and it can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.
The EQC400 4MATIC has an electric range of 200 miles at full charge. That’s 100 miles less than the promised range of its concept.
The lithium-ion battery of the EV can store up to 80 kWh. Using a DC fast charger, Mercedes claimed that it only takes 40 minutes to juice up the power of the battery pack from 10 to 80 percent.
Styling
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is classified as a crossover SUV. Shades of the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLC Coupe can be seen in its design. However, the new EV adopts the new “Progressive Luxury” design language of its maker, which has cleaner and smoother surfaces with well-sculpted panels that are free of the sharp body lines present in the current Mercedes SUVs.
The electric crossover gets rid of the typical roof rails found in modern SUVs in order to maintain its clean look. Meanwhile, going around the vehicle reveals a coupe-like ridge on its roofing that certainly adds to its appeal.
Moreover, the EQC introduces an LED band on top of its radiator grille that also bridges the DRLs and the LED headlamps. A red LED strip running across the liftgate and connecting the taillights can be found on its rear too.
Further adding to its beauty is the set of wheels with blue spokes and rims. The wheels are available in sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.
Interior and Tech
The interior of the Mercedes-Benz EQC mirrors the same level of luxury and tech found in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan. Rose gold accents adorn the cabin of the auto while its comfort elements are boosted by its heated leather seats.
The main attraction in the EQC is its twin digital displays. Each screen measures 10.25 inches and joined by a single glass cover. The infotainment system of the EV uses the Mercedes-Benz User Experience or MBUX interface.
In a nutshell, MBUX functions like Siri or Alexa. It carries an artificial intelligence that can recognize and process voice commands. It takes note of the preferences of its user too.
Mercedes-Benz EQC Photos
Feast your eyes on the official photos of the Mercedes-Benz EQC in the gallery below:
Mercedes-Benz EQC Electric Car To Be Revealed on September 4 at 6PM UK Time
Mercedes-Benz is set to unveil its highly-anticipated Mercedes-Benz EQC all-electric car in a grand event in Stockholm at 6PM UK time on Tuesday. Though it won’t go on sale until next year, the German automaker is hoping to wow the industry with its foray into the all-electric realm.
The EQC is a battery electric operated vehicle that signals the first model from EQ, Daimler-owned Mercedes’ new product and technology brand. The company has not released full images of the production version of the vehicle ahead of the launch. There are a number of concepts released in the past and several teaser images that led us to believe this is a medium-sized SUV with coupe-like styling.
Mercedes first unveiled the EQC all-electric car as a concept in a technology forum at the Paris motor show almost two years ago. Back then, the German brand said that the EQC will feature a 70kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides a range in excess of 300 miles.
As with electric cars, the competition begins from the range capacity. The EQC with its 300-mile-plus range would put it in the competition of Elon Musk’s Tesla.
In a teaser trailer, the EQC was shown to have a rear light signature that looks like a folded staple with the front one looking like a slightly open staple. The EQC seems to have borrowed elements from the GLC at the rear.
The side profile, on the other hand, looks like a large bulky SUV with a conventional shape that could make it a rival for cars like the Tesla Model X.
The car’s large proportions and the fact that the battery will be mounted on the floor will give it plenty of room in the cabin for at least five passengers. Based on the trailer, the interior will include the new MBUX display and infotainment system.
Take A Long Look At These 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe Spy Shots
Ten years ago, BMW single-handedly introduced this weird coupe-SUV segment by launching the original X6 and following that up with the model’s third generation due next year. On the other side of the coin, Mercedes is doing a similar thing with its Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Whatever this niche is called, we’re sure about one thing: it’s a premium segment and one that has attracted family-car-loving people. The higher seats plus the better legroom and headroom in the cabin make this car such an enticing prospect for families to have.
Mercedes, particularly, is going all the way with the production-bodied prototype of the GLE Coupe spotted at the Nurburgring just this week. The spy shots show the second-generation model dressed in full camo attire but we can make out its aggressive styling.
Though it’s completely wrapped in camouflage, we can see that there’s a large rear spoiler attached to the tester, which is likely part of an AMG Line styling package. Both LED headlights and taillights appear to have a sleeker shape.
The GLE Coupe is riding high based on the photos, but that’s likely because the air suspension is in the highest possible setting.
The vehicle will use Mercedes’ MHA modular platform that was designed for crossover SUVs, so we should expect similar proportions with its predecessor. This platform, which debuted in the 2016 GLC, is closely related to the German company’s MRA platform which is being used by the automaker’s sedans and coupes.
There are no details about the drivetrains yet, but we expect to see Mercedes’ latest inline-6 with mild-hybrid tech and a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 reserved for the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 Coupe. There should also be a plug-in hybrid version in the future.
These engines should be paired with a nine-speed automatic and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system for all trim models.
The GLE Coupe will likely be revealed next year as a 2020 model. But before that, we can expect the debut of the GLE late this year or early next year.
Revised Mazda CX-3 Gets Mechanical Upgrades
The facelift for the Mazda CX-3 focuses less on styling and cosmetics and more on the mechanical side of the upgrade. It gained minimum changes to its styling and interior, but more was done on the suspension and engine lineup.
As a rival to the Nissan Kicks, the Mazda CX-3 styling enhancements are very minimal: a touched-up grille and darker pillar trims are the most obvious change. Aside from that, nothing else seems to have been touched by the Japanese automaker. Inside, Mazda ditched the manual handbrake with an electrical item. It freed up space enough for the repositioned infotainment controls, a central armrest, and a cubby space beneath.
Making the front seats more supportive is more padding while the rear seats have a folding center armrest with cupholders. According to Mazda, there are other features such as a thicker roof lining, sound insulation in the doors, and revisions to the door sill trims and rear glazing.
The biggest change can be seen in the mechanical upgrades. Mazda overhauled the springs, dampers, and front anti-roll bar on the new CX-3. Together with a revised steering system, the 2018 CX-3, which was already a fun mini SUV to drive, will ride and handle better than its predecessor.
The engine lineup has gotten a bit of a shake. Though the petrol engines remain the same: a 2.0-liter unit that can produce 119 or 148 horsepower. But the recent adjustments to the pistons and injectors will improve the torque and fuel economy. The previous 1.5-liter diesel was replaced by a 1.8-liter unit, which now makes 113 horsepower, 10 horses more than the current model.
The diesel and the 119-horsepower petrol are paired with a front-wheel drive while the 148-horsepower is an all-wheel drive only.
The revised CX-3 is available starting August 31. The price for the base model is $24,484.46.
2020 Mercedes-Benz EQ C Electric Crossover Is Nearly Production-Ready
Mercedes-Benz has been very open about its plans to produce an electric vehicle and we might be seeing that in the upcoming EQ C electric crossover SUV. Spy photos showed that the electric crossover SUV has a glitzy concept, thanks in part to the interesting front fascia.
Until now, we haven’t seen a clear picture of the vehicle, but the latest spy shots showed the crossover SUV with less camouflage and body-hugging vinyl wrap.
The most interesting part about the vehicle is the front fascia, which is very different from the current styling that Mercedes-Benz does on its SUVs. The grille is upswept, unlike the frown-like shape of other recent Mercedes cars. The grille also extends all the way to the headlights, eliminating the need for a body-color section between them.
Speaking of the headlights, they are now reshaped and starts thin at the edges and sweeps downward toward the inside. It looks like the body panel will wrap around the bottom of the grille and will match the unique shape of the headlights. They will come with a contrasting color, possibly black, to put a rather unique spin to the car.
Interestingly, these are the same details shown during the unveiling of the car’s concept in 2016.
The rest of the EQ C electric crossover looks conventional and traditional. It has a profile that speaks of an internal-combustion, rear-drive car with a long nose and plenty of space between the front axle and the A-pillar. The lines on the car are smooth and curvy while the windows and the taillights would not be out of place on any other Mercedes vehicles.
The back end is quite rounded, though, almost looking like a bulbous Land Rover Velar tail. Capping the exterior design is the wheels, the design of which is based on the 2016 concept (but this one is simpler).
Inside, you’ll find the cabin wrapped in premium materials with elegance written all over it. The interior has giant dual screens for instruments and infotainment.
The Mercedes-Benz EQ C is scheduled to be on sale in 2020. Details about the powertrains remain vague for now, but it looks like it would have dual motors that produce 402 horsepower from all four wheels.
Does The 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Deserve The $3,340 Price Bump?
Since Japanese automaker, Toyota, just upgraded its 2019 TRD Pro family, we’re all expecting for quite a bump in the price tag. Still, we are shocked to see that the increase was a whopping $3,340 over the $44,120 being collected from the 2018 model year Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.
The price jumped to $47,460 for the 2019 edition (both the 2018 and 2019 prices include the destination charge), but the increase is a good indication of what new features we will find in the 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. They are great, by the way. All the other trims in the lineup will get their prices bumper by $100, Toyota itself confirmed.
What we are getting for all that extra moolah are these: a completely reworked suspension in the TRD Pro lineup, a set of matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded skid plate, and beefy Nitto tires that will help complete the overall look and performance of the new TRD Pro.
Let’s back up and take a closer look at the reworked suspension Toyota is proud of. Gone are the Bilstein units and in its place is a Fox suspension that comes with 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks paired with TRD front springs up front. At the back, the setup is similar with 2.0-inch reservoirs and loads of damping.
The 2019 model year TRD Pro can be had in three colors: the Super White, the Midnight Black Metallic, and the Voodoo Blue. The last one is only available for the TRD Pro version.
The price increase should not put buyers of the 4Runner TRD Pro off. They know that in order to make this truck as gorgeous and powerful as they need it to be, they would have to spend a few more thousand bucks. The price bump should not hurt Toyota’s sales in any way.