All New 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE350 4MATIC Review

This week, we’re taking a look at the all-new from the ground up, 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350. This is the fourth generation SUV that started out as the M-Class.

My review vehicle is the 4Matic, which means it is all-wheel drive, and you can also get a GLE 450 with a larger engine. This 2020 model is 3-inches longer than the previous version, and for the first time, you can get a 3rd row seat.

Exterior
I like the exterior looks of the GLE, it has a bold new grille, large tires, and wheels that sit out to the corners of the vehicle, broad rear shoulders, and a sleek rear end with dual exhaust and a spoiler.

Performance
Under the hood is a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo that is putting out 255-horses. It is hooked to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Interior
As you would expect, like all Benz models, the real story is the luxurious interior and a wide range of amenities.

A rich interior welcomes you immediately when you open the door. Then you see the center console that features cool grab handles in a triangular form that are super comfortable to leave your arm on when driving.

Hit the pushbutton start button and two 12” color displays light up across the dash. Behind the wheel is the configurable driver info center and to the right is the MBUX infotainment system that operates everything.
You can operate the infotainment system from a touchpad on the center console, or use it as a touch screen. The touchpad takes a LOT of getting used to, and I’m still not comfortable with it, even after a week. I found using the touchscreen to be easier and less distracting.

Four big air vents are a center dash, and below that are air conditioning controls, a wireless cell phone charger, and a switch to change the drive modes. My favorite, of course, is the Sport mode, it gives this SUV a lot of low-end torque.

All interior surfaces are soft, with nice stitching everywhere you look, and at night, ambient lighting runs across the dash into the doors, and you can choose from 64 colors.

Utility
I found the back seat room to be larger than I expected and I love that both backseat occupants can control their own temperature. There are power shades on both back windows, and there is a huge amount of cargo area.

Technology
This SUV comes extremely loaded with everything you can imagine including a moonroof, power liftgate, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It has a huge head-up display with speed sign recognition.

The GLE has a great voice recognition system. Much like you ask Siri or Alexa a question on your phone, all you say is: Mercedes and give your command or ask a question. If you are talking to someone or on your phone and say the word Mercedes in conversation, she WILL interrupt you.

Features
The GLE 350 has incredible massaging heated and air-conditioned seats and it has Energizing Comfort that combines the climate control, air fragrance, ambient lighting, audio, and massaging driver and passenger seats. You can select from 10-minute programs with cabin lighting and pre-selected music.

Verdict
The GLE drives like a dream are full of safety features and overall is just a joy all around.

Pricing and Availability
The GLE 350 is now available from ImportRates, the base price is $57,200 and the fuel economy seems really good.

China slashes tariffs on US auto imports!

Hong Kong (CNN Business)

China said Friday it will temporarily reduce tariffs on imports of American-made cars as it tries to negotiate a trade deal with the United States.

Citing the meeting earlier this month between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the Chinese Finance Ministry said in a statement that it will remove the additional 25% tariffs on car imports from the United States for three months starting January 1. That will bring China’s tariffs on American-made cars to 15%, in line with those for cars made in other countries.
China also said it would suspend its 5% tariff on 67 other auto parts.
China imposed the additional tariffs on US cars in July and on some auto parts in September as part of its retaliation in the trade war between the two countries.
At their meeting in Argentina, Trump and Xi agreed to a temporary truce while they try to negotiate a broad trade deal over the next 90 days.

In its statement Friday, the Finance Ministry described the decision to remove the tariffs as a “concrete action” aimed at helping to bring about a “mutually beneficial new Sino-US trade order.”

Xi pledged in April that China would cut tariffs on imported cars this year. His government delivered on that promise in July, reducing import taxes from 25% to 15%.
But just days later, China imposed new additional tariffs of 25% on American-made passenger vehicles as the trade war with the United States escalated.
The tariffs hurt profits of major automakers that ship cars to China from the United States. Germany’s BMW and Daimler, the owner of Mercedes-Benz, have been hit particularly hard. Shares of BMW (BMWYY) and Daimler (DDAIF) both trimmed early Friday losses on the news.
The stocks had spiked last week after Trump tweeted that China was going to cut auto tariffs.

General Motors (GM) and some other automakers already have a large presence in China through partnerships with local manufacturers. It has become the largest and most important market for the American auto industry. Because their plants are in the country, they weren’t subject to big import taxes.
Yet China’s tariffs have hurt exports from US auto plants. The value of US passenger car exports to China has fallen by $2.4 billion, or 30%, over the course of the first nine months of the year.
Part of that could be because of slowing Chinese auto sales. Yet overall sales of American cars in China -— including those made in China — are down only about 1% so far this year.

Eric Cheung and David Goldman contributed to this report.

CNN Hongkong Business

https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/14/business/china-us-auto-tariffs/index.html

China’s yuan edges up as the US Dollar Weakens

The time to capitalize is now!

Finally, with a more favorable exchange rate we are granted a paramount opportunity. The US Dollar has broadly weakened against the Chinese Yuan and this is the lowest the US Dollar has been in a very long time. The Chinese currency is maintaining upward momentum within the market, leading us to opportunities which we must not miss.

https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/USDCNY:CUR

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor SVT

When Ford released the original F-150 Raptor in 2010, it was insanely popular. It was the first true high-performance off-road pickup truck with a manufacturer’s warranty. Developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, it survived the Baja 1000 desert race. More of the same are predicted now that the F-150 has a new and lighter platform.

Many details of the new 2017 F-150 Raptor are still shielded, but the second generation pickup will launch in fall of 2016 as a 2017 model under the new Ford Performance banner. It is also a more thoroughly engineered special vehicle itself… it has a dedicated chassis and powertrain to go with the special bodywork. The Raptor’s new boxed steel frame is reinforced from the normal F-150’s and will come in two sizes: the sportier 133-inch-wheelbase SuperCab and the roomier 145-inch SuperCrew. Despite the beefier frame, Ford claims that the new truck’s aluminum body cut 500 pounds from its predecessors curb weight.

No longer is there a big V-8 under the hood, so that should save some weight right there. Yes, folks… the 2017 Raptor is EcoBoost only and the first beneficiary of a second-generation 3.5-liter V-6 with twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection. Ford says the high-powered EcoBoost engines it develops for sports-car racing influenced some of the production V-6’s improvements, including a new aluminum block and updates to the fuel system, cylinder heads, and internals. Paired to the Raptor’s engine will be the first application of Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission and a new four-wheel-drive transfer case, which will work with a terrain-mode system to configure the truck for varying conditions (mud, snow, rocks, etc.). Controlled via steering-wheel buttons and a menu in the cluster, the system will tailor the characteristics of the engine, drivetrain, stability control, and more to help weekend warriors get the most from their Raptors without rolling them down hillsides.

There’s also no uncertainty that the new Raptor certainly looks the part all toned in its alloy. Of course, the raptor has its proud “FORD” grille and an array of marker lights. However, they are now framed in a design more in tune with the new look of the vehicle.

Like the first-generation model, the new Raptor features Fox Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology. This time around the front and rear shock canisters’ diameter has increased from 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches. Ford says the new shocks have more suspension travel than the previous model’s 11.2 inches front and 12 inches rear travel.

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor will be built at the automaker’s Dearborn Truck Plant and will go on sale in fall of 2016 in the U.S. and Canada.

2017 BMW X5 SUV

The new 2017 BMW X5 handles like the company’s amazing sports sedans, which is the main reason to consider this a crossover. Currently, the 2017 BMW X5 is included in the list of the most desirable cars around the world. This machine combines all the things one can think or imagine. With excellent technical characteristics, significant exterior, a comfortable cabin, and a huge list of equipment and options to choose from. Pricing for the 2017 BMW X5 will most likely stay around the same price as previous models at around $56,000.

The front end of the SUV looks identical to most other BMWs. Headlamps are enclosed in a ring of LEDs, with adaptive Xenon bulbs as the main source of light. Most of the visual cues on this model are similar to the BMW 3 series such as the false radiator grille with interesting vertical jumpers as well as abundant chrome trim. The bumper also has a lot of aerodynamic elements which fit incredibly well in the overall design. As a result, the car can be described as bold and aggressive. Inside, the X5 shines and we’ll give you the highlights: good dash, great materials, beautiful infotainment, and better outward visibility.

Under the hood, a turbocharged 3.0 liter awaits for base model buyers. The 300 horses it comes with is plenty in rear and all wheel drive configurations. A 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 sits atop the range and packs a punch. At 445 hp, the big V-8 charges forward with assurance: 60 mph comes up in 4.7 seconds.

The X5 can seat up to seven, but the third row isn’t very accessible or comfortable for adults.

The X5 has some pretty good options for the picking as well. The base X5 comes equipped with 19-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, 14-way power adjustable and heated front seats, wood trim, a power adjustable steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, adaptive cruise control, navigation with traffic info, panoramic moonroof, power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, BMW telematics and remote services (such as unlocking the car via an app), and a nine-speaker stereo with HD radio.

An impressive Bang & Olufsen sound system replaced the standard nine-speaker setup (or the 16-speaker Harman Kardon system on xDrive50i models). Rear entertainment screens can be added for parents sanity on long car rides, however those two screens will set you back about six grand. Another option is a safety pack that allows the car to stop, go and help steer itself, but the operative word here is “optional”. A rearview camera is also an extra $400.

The vehicle can be order with one of three trim packages: Luxury, xLine and M Sport. Luxury Line and xLine packages bring more personalization, with coordinated interior trims that are a step more attention-getting. The xLine features satin aluminum and high-gloss finishes, while the Luxury Pacakge gets blacked-out grille chrome strips and some sporty cues. The M Sport adds a body kit, Shadowline trim, high-gloss roof rails, sport seats, an anthracite headliner, and various other high-performance cues as well as an option for an M Adaptive suspension.

As standard, the X5 is luxurious and well-equipped—not many luxury cars offer a standard power adjustable steering wheel or 14-way adjustable seats. A light touch with options can keep an X5 close to reality and we think that’s the best route.

Then come the quick packages: third-row seating, a cold weather package with heating options, driver assistance packages including a head-up display, a full LED lighting option, blind spot monitors, surround view cameras, speed limit monitors, and a Premium package with keyless entry, soft-close doors, satellite radio, and leather upholstery.

All in all, the 2017 BMW X5 is going to be a great vehicle. It includes a lot of great base options and a LOT of power, but you can also upgrade those features to customize the car more to your style. This should be a great SUV to look for in mid-2017.

2017 Bentley Bentayga SUV

Overview

The 2017 Bentley Bentayga is an amazing thing; a 12-cylinder, ultra-lux SUV with a claimed top speed in the realm of 170 mph, and the off-road chops to take it places few, if any, buyers will ever decide to take it. The product of the fastest vehicle development program in Bentley’s history — just 42 months, from concept approval to production — it is an extremely well put together SUV from an automaker that has never built an SUV before.

Walkaround

Why even build an SUV in the first place?? Because luxury SUVs are shaping up to be the Next Big Thing. Being a part of VW gave the Bentley team plenty to work with when concepting the Bentayga. It’s built on the PL73 version of VW’s MLB platform architecture that also underpins the new Audi Q7. However, the Bentley gets its own suspension and brakes and debuts VW’s new 6.0-liter W-12 engine.

The interiod is beautifully crafted and is rich in signature Bentley-ness such as quilted leather and knurled metal. The dash fascia combines design themes from both Continental and Mulsanne, and the latest iterations of familiar Bentley instruments and switchgear. The attention to detail is impeccable, from the ultra-thin chrome surrounds for the switchgear, to the etched covers for the sound system speakers that look like woven metal.

The all-new W-12 under the Bentayga’s hood shares basic architectural elements such as bore spacings with the outgoing engine, but is 66 pounds lighter and features direct and port injection to help it meet emissions, performance, drivability, and cold start targets. A cylinder deactivation system shuts down one bank of cylinders. The twin-scroll turbochargers are integrated into the exhaust manifolds, and a new oil system has been developed, with pickups that ensure good oil supply throughout the engine, plus suction pumps to scavenge oil from the turbochargers, even when the Bentayga is tilted at extreme angles.

Bentley offers four on-road dynamic modes: Comfort, Bentley, Sport, and Custom. (Bentley mode represents what Guest and his team believe is the ideal setup for the car.) The steering feel can be changed in Custom mode if you want, though there’s really no need, as the nicely weighted and impressively linear helm helps you accurately place the big Bentley through turns.

The Bentayga’s killer app, however, is a trick anti-roll system called EWAS that uses fast-acting 48-volt motors to twist the anti-roll bars in the opposite direction to the cornering forces, keeping the car flat through turns. The EWAS system, which will be standard on 12-cylinder Bentaygas and optional on the V-8 versions that will arrive in the 2018 model year, works beautifully when you get the big Bentley among the switchbacks, keeping it uncannily calm and composed, yet feeling remarkably agile and light on its feet. Even better, there’s no negative impact on the ride, which is probably the best yet from a VW Group-era Bentley.

Summary

With a claimed top speed of 187 mph, Bentley boasts that the Bentayga is the fastest SUV in the world. The claim is made possible by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 that makes a mighty 600 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque; an eight-speed automatic drives all four wheels. The interior can be configured to seat four or five; only the finest leather will cosset those lucky posteriors. Diesel and hybrid powertrains will be offered in the future; the Bentayga goes on sale in early 2016.

2017 Maserati Levante SUV

The Levante offers zesty Italian performance backed with an expressively designed exterior—kind of like an automotive Monica Bellucci. Two twin-turbo V-6s are offered: one with 345 hp, the other with 424 hp. Both have an eight-speed automatic with all-wheel drive. The ride is compliant on-road; off-road, the Levante is quite

competent. The interior boasts lots of wood and leather; an 8.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Siri and Android Auto are standard. The Levante goes on sale this fall.

Engine and Driving

It’s best to think of the Levante, named for a wind in the western Mediterranean, as a Ghibli wagon in the mold of the Audi Allroad line. That means it’s a primarily on-pavement, all-weather fast hauler with just enough all-wheel-drive capability and driver-selectable ride-height range to provide some decent trail abilities. Like the current crop of Maseratis, the Levante is fast, it’s ferociously loud when it needs to be, and it wrings the bejeezus out of a corner, but it’s even better than the Ghibli that underpins it. Call it Ghibli 2.0.

The Levante runs the Ghibli’s relatively small but fiery 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 with two horsepower ratings to choose from: 345 in the $72,000 base Levante and 424 in the $83,000 S (not including final destination charges, which haven’t been announced). The latter is a 20-hp increase from the Ghibli S’s output due to changes to the Levante’s intake and exhaust as well as software tweaks, and the factory puts the 60-mph sprint at 5.0 seconds (5.8 seconds for the 345-hp model). The last Ghibli S we tested did the deed in 4.7. We’re told that prototype Levantes have been built using the Quattroporte’s 523-hp 3.8-liter V-8, but there are no announced plans to produce it. There’s also a 3.0-liter diesel version not intended for the U.S., but we’re not weeping over that. Our short turn in the Levante diesel showed it to be a Maserati with its heart cut out.

The Levante’s suspension, an advancement of the Ghibli’s, employs aluminum control arms up front and five links per corner in back, with standard air springs collaborating with electronically controlled dampers; Maserati brands the system as Skyhook. A longer suspension stroke than the Ghibli’s and five ride-height settings that include two off-road positions that raise the ground clearance by a maximum of 1.6 inches—as much as 9.7 inches above the ground—are among the changes.

The biggest challenge, say the engineers, was giving the Levante’s suspension both a sporting stiffness and, when necessary, a taffylike squishiness for trail work, something achievable only with computer-managed springs and dampers. Even though only about one percent of owners are expected to ever go off-road, says Maserati, and most in Dubai where rich yahoos like to take their luxe SUVs out to the Empty Quarter to play in the dunes, all SUV owners like knowing that their cars can do it.

Hence, the Levante also comes standard with Q4, Maserati’s permanent all-wheel drive. A computer-controlled multiplate clutch attached to the transmission engages drive to the front axle when desired; the rear axle is always engaged. At Fiat-Chrysler’s old Balocco test track, we were pointed down a trail through the woods that included some fairly serious grades, a water trough, and a few suspension-twisting obstacles. Between the extra ground-clearance modes, the seamless forward torque transfer, a limited-slip rear diff, and some surprisingly generous ramp angles, the Levante acquitted itself as a decent mud puppy.

This Is Not an Acura

On the road, the suspension is more compliant than we expected, especially on the standard 19-inch or optional 20-inch wheels on the S, which wears giant 295/40 Pirelli PZero tires in back. Even so, the chassis sucks up bad pavement better than the choppier Ghibli we tested a couple of years ago. You can firm it up with a Sport setting, but the thinking at Maserati is that SUV buyers want a bit more daily comfort. Still, the Levante is a pretty tense machine, especially on the 20s, which impart some nervousness to the ride, and doubly especially with an engine that is just waiting to leap to 4000 rpm at the slightest provocation. This ain’t no Lexus, and a hearty salute to that! Although Maserati hints at a 22-mpg combined rating when the numbers are released later this year, we expect owners to find the fuel vanishing from the 21.1-gallon tank with greater alacrity. The EPA ratings cannot possibly be better than the lighter and lower-powered Ghibli S Q4, which rates 16/19 mpg city/highway.

Interior

Maserati has answered some Ghibli critics inside the Levante, as well. The redesigned seats are more comfortable both front and back, for example. The aforementioned Sport setting now has two modes, the first to wake up the throttle and transmission and to beef up the exhaust snarl, and a second that firms up the suspension. Before, the single Sport mode gave both the rigid ride and the engine changes. Also, Maserati finally gets a center control knob for the center touchscreen. It’s not quite as polished as Audi’s MMI, as the Maserati’s control knob is simply grafted onto the old system, which was intended to be touchscreen only. Thus, if you want to zoom the map with the knob, you use the knob to move the cursor over to the plus or minus boxes on the screen, then push the button on top of the knob to change the zoom (in an Audi, it’s a breezier one-step process of just turning the knob). Yes, you get used to the Maserati’s fussier system, which we expect will soon filter down to Jeeps and Chryslers, and we give FCA full credit for finally (!) recognizing the appeal of this feature.

Leather and French stitching swaddle the interior. As in the Ghibli, the center-console flip-doors hiding the cupholders and a clutter bin could benefit from a less-cheap-feeling plastic. Maserati says this detail will be improved by the time cars reach the U.S. by the end of this summer. We only experienced two fairly loaded versions, the optional Sport package trim (sport seats, a gloss-black grille, 20-inch wheels, shifter paddles, a sunroof, and other extras) and the optional Zegna Edition luxury package that incorporates interior appointments from the famous Italian clothier. These include silk seat inserts and “silk jersey” on the doors and headliner that your fingers will love running over. The option pricing, when announced, will easily loft the Levante’s sticker over $100,000.

Summary

With the Levante, Fiat-Chrysler is taking a risk, giving the SUV a dedicated production facility at its Mirafiori plant near Turin and counting on it for 30,000 sales per year. But the company has greatly helped its cause by doing the product right, and the Levante should help keep both Maserati and Italian car-making relevant, at least for now.

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class SUV

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class - ImportRates

When SUV meets Luxury Limo the GL meets S-Class! With the brand new GLS which is the latest Mercedes-Benz SUV will complete the SUV lineup for Mercedes-Benz. Currently you have the entry models GLA and GLC and the classic GLE, which used to be the M-Class in the past, the GLS is the flagship of its class. The 2017 GLS-Class combines the benefits of a GL-Class with the luxurious driving experience of an S-Class.

There are four different engines to choose from, the entry model being the GLS 350d 4MATIC, a 3.0l V6 diesel with 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque and three twin-turbo petrol engines with direct fuel injection: GLS 400 4MATIC, a 3.0l V6 with 333 hp and 480 tq. GLS 500 4MATIC, a 4.7l V8 with 455 hp and 700 tq. GLS 63 4MATIC, a 5.5l V8 with 585 hp and 760 tq.

Interior

The interior is as luxurious as you would expect it to be from a car on par with the S-class. With seven full-fledged seats that provide ample space, even in the very back or a massive load capacity of 81 cubic feet and maximum load compartment length of over 6.5ft when you fold the back seats, the car provides enough space for a big family week away. The 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel in Nappa leather with heating has been revised and modernized as well as the instrument panel. A new ionisation system further enhances the air quality inside the cabin.

Exterior

Outside, the GLS is slightly revised compared to the GL-Class. The bumpers and slimmed-down headlights more closely resemble the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS’s smaller SUV’s such as the GLE &GLC, also the LED taillights are now standard for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS. Other than that the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS retains a lot of the GL-Classes features on the outside. For the 2017 GLS550 owners you can opt for a Sport package that gives the car a bit more aggressive look, but of course not as much as the top of the line AMG GLS63 which will feature a massive engine.

Overview

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS combines excellent off-road capabilities – some might argue it is even better off road than its bigger brother the G-wagon but with more comfort and luxury on the road. Its size alone makes it the ideal choice for large families and despite its size and weight of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS it is surprisingly easy to handle.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

2016-Mercedes-Benz-GLE400-4MATIC-IMPORTRATES

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is an all-new model!

Introduction

You’ll more likely know the new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class by its former name, the M-Class. Mercedes is renaming its current SUV lineup (GLK, GL and ML models) to better align it with its sedans and coupes. All SUVs will use the “GL” prefix, partially in tribute to the iconic G-Class, with the last letter connecting to the road car lineup. The midsize GLE-Class, for example, will share performance and luxury standards with the E-Class sedan. Clear enough?

The GLE-Class will offer two V6 engine options, two high-performance V8 models, a diesel and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid version. And if you were thinking about buying a BMW X6, you might want to hold off until you see the GLE63 S Coupe. Like the X6, the GLE63 S Coupe will share its mechanical bits with the conventional SUV it’s based on, but will feature unique dimensions and a sleek, fastback coupe look.

What Is It?
The 2016 GLE-Class is essentially a renamed version of the current five-passenger M-Class SUV (ML350, ML550, ML63) but it offers updates befitting a new name. The look and profile are similar, but new headlights, taillights, front and rear bumpers, alloy wheels and interior color and trim combinations give the GLE-Class a fresh new start.

The GLE450 and GLE63 S Coupe have a different body. It’s a five-passenger SUV with four doors like other GLE models, but it comes wrapped around a tall, sloped-backed body with a “coupelike” profile. It will have the same length wheelbase as the current M-Class, but will be 4 inches longer overall, 5 inches narrower and nearly 3 inches shorter in height.

Given its tapering fastback roof, the GLE63 S coupe won’t offer the kind of rear headroom or cargo capacity as the standard GLE lineup. But it should compensate for its limited utility with an emphasis on performance, suspension tuning and handling prowess over the more sedate base model.

What Will Make It Go?
The base GLE350 model will offer a V6 engine rated at 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up to the GLE400 brings a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine (329 hp and 354 lb-ft). Both engines pair with a seven-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is standard on the GLE400 and optional on the GLE350.

More engine wallop is available in the GLE63 and GLE63 S models. Both are branded as “Mercedes AMG” models and use twin-turbocharged V8 engines built by AMG. The GLE63’s V8 is rated at 550 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The GLE63 S makes even more: 577 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with an AMG Speedshift MCT, a seven-speed “multiclutch” transmission that promises the crisp response of a manual transmission with the ease of an automatic.

A diesel is also available. The GLE300d uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (201 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque) connected to a seven-speed transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system.

The new GLE550e, meanwhile, is Mercedes’ first plug-in hybrid SUV, using a V6 engine joined to an electric motor. Mercedes says a combined 436 hp is sent through a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Finally, the GLE “coupe” model will be available in two alphanumeric-intensive versions: the GLE450 AMG 4Matic and the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S 4Matic.

The GLE 450 Coupe will offer a turbocharged V6 (362 hp, 384 lb-ft) and nine-speed automatic transmission, while the GLE63 S 4Matic Coupe, like its more conventionally styled SUV counterpart, will use a 577-hp turbocharged V8 and seven-speed transmission. Both come with standard all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy estimates have not been released yet.

What Kind of Unique Features Will It Offer?
A range of packages and options transform the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class from regal family transport to high-performance sport SUV to something in between. All models feature dynamic drive modes that optimize power, steering and suspension settings for enhanced comfort and performance.

All-wheel-drive models offer an off-road package that features lower gearing and a locking differential. Adding an available air suspension package — also offered independent of the off-road combination — delivers up to 11 inches of ground clearance.

There’s also the Active Curve System, which constantly adjusts the SUV’s side-to-side stability during cornering, making for higher levels of handling performance. Coupe models also offer a variable-ratio steering system that enhances steering feel and response at high speeds.

The new GLE550e represents a game-changer for Mercedes, however, as it’s the automaker’s first plug-in hybrid SUV. It’s rated to drive 18.6 miles on a full charge and up to 81 mph on electricity alone.

It offers four driving modes. “Hybrid” lets the SUV’s computer decide the most efficient blend of gasoline and electric power, while “E-Mode” switches the system to run only on battery electric power. “E-Save” conserves whatever the battery’s current state of charge is for when it’s most useful — in dense urban traffic, for example, rather than highway cruising. “Charge” meanwhile redirects energy to replenish the battery while driving or stationary.

Properly equipped, non-diesel GLE-Class models are rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds.

What’s New for the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover

The Land Rover Range Rover continues to mix over 45 years of off-roading heritage with the latest and greatest technology and refinement to create a remarkable balance of luxury and capability on any terrain.

While the original Range Rover that hit the market in 1970 was decidedly primitive, the latest version is one of the most advanced vehicles ever built. Even with the base standard wheelbase model will leave few wanting more. The lineup grows from there with an array of trim levels: HSE, Supercharged, Autobiography, and SV Autobiography Dynamic. There are various engine combinations that start with a robust supercharged V-6 and climb to a fierce 550-horsepower V-8.

With that being said, it is possible to more than double the price of entry, but few vehicles short of a Bentley Bentayga to pamper the occupants the same way.

Land Rover has extended its Range Rover into an entire array of vehicles: The Range Rover serves as its flagship, with the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque serving as family-oriented and style-oriented models, respectively. The Range Rover itself is the largest and most traditional of all the models.

Range Rover Performance and Style

The full-size Range Rover’s classic look combines the lines of the original with a decidedly aerodynamic influence, resulting in a modern take on the boxy, upright theme. Two wheelbases are now on offer, a move that echoes the first generation Range Rover toward the end of its model run. Even the base model is decadent and imposing, but the Autobiography adds subtly classy hints. The SV Autobiography Dynamic, however, is basically a sports car with a big body—and it has the chops to back up those looks. For 2017, the SV Autobiography Dynamic builds on last year’s SV Autobiography but is built as a standard wheelbase rather than the extended model.

Today’s Range Rover lineup consists of two V-6 engines—gas and diesel—and a V-8 available in two states of tune. The standard gas-fueled supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 in the short wheelbase model boasts a solid 340 horsepower and can sprint to 60 mph in a hair over 7 seconds. Perhaps even more impressive is the optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 that delivers a hefty 443 pound-feet of torque and is rated at 29 mpg on the highway, all while accelerating nearly as quickly as the gas engine.

The supercharged 5.0-liter V-8, meanwhile, begins with 510 hp but is upgraded to 550 hp with the revised-for-2017 SV Autobiography Dynamic.

All four options are mated to an 8-speed automatic and, as you might expect, permanent four-wheel drive with a multi-mode traction control system accessed at the turn of a knob. An optional Terrain Response 2 system bundled with a host of convenience items in the Vision Assist package includes an automatic mode for the traction control system that, as its name implies, requires the driver to make few decisions when a mogul or dirt road is encountered.

Range Rovers provide remarkably good fuel economy, all things considered. The fuel sipper of the lineup is the V-6 diesel engine, which checks in at an impressive 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the supercharged V-8s at 14/19/16 mpg.

Its off-road ability remains exceptional, but the Range Rover’s on road prowess is perhaps even more impressive. Independent suspension, adaptive air dampers, and an advanced variable-ratio electric power steering system deliver finely tuned response resulting in a languid experience behind the wheel. Turn things up and the Range Rover remains thoroughly composed. The SV Autobiography Dynamic’s track-tuned suspension delivers handling response and stability on par with thoroughbred sports cars.

Safety, Comfort and Features

On the safety side, automatic emergency braking is standard on all models, while an optional Drive Pack adds a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The Drive Pro Pack adds adaptive cruise control, among other features.

The Range Rover delivers exceptional comfort for all five passengers, even in the base model. Option your way up to the HSE or Supercharged and you’ll net a few more features and a wider choice of trims, but it is the Autobiography that truly steps into decadence. All models are comfortable from every seat, with the long-wheelbase model delivering more stretch-out room for those who prefer to be shuttled around. Even the Range Rover’s cargo area is beautifully trimmed—it’s almost too nice to put luggage back there.

It’s hard to imagine how Land Rover could pile more features onto its flagship range, but the 2017 adds an upsized, 10-inch dual view touchscreen display for its infotainment system and, using one of the safety suite’s cameras, a new system reads speed limit signs and automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to match if the driver is using cruise control.

The sky is nearly the limit from there, with five option packages grouping most commonly-ordered items together for base, HSE and Supercharged models. Autobiography and SV Autobiography Dynamic, meanwhile, merely require buyers to pick from more than 40 paint colors, half a dozen wheel styles, and 12 interior trim and color combinations.

For 2017, Land Rover repackaged last year’s SV Autobiography as the SV Autobiography Dynamic, and it is now available only in the standard wheelbase.

Base, HSE, and Supercharged models are essentially indistinguishable from the outside, and even the Autobiography and ferocious SV Autobiography Dynamic really only stand apart because of their gorgeous 21-inch alloy wheels (which, natch, don’t provide much of a sidewall for off roading).

The differences are more noticeable inside. Sure, the base and HSE certainly pamper, with nice leather trim, but the Autobiography’s full semi-aniline leather pushes it into an entirely different league. All models essentially work the same way, however, with a minimum of buttons and a pair of big LCD screens controlling the infotainment and serving as a user-configurable replacement for conventional instruments.

An Executive Class option on certain long wheelbase models takes the Range Rover from a five-seater to just four outboard seats, but it includes a beautifully detailed center console with individual seat and climate controls for rear seat passengers. If you thought Etihad’s Boeing Dreamliner first-class seats were comfortable, you’ll feel right at home here.

The new 2017 line of Land Rover Range Rovers is certain to impress. With a variety of new options and features both inside and out, the lineup will certainly serve as a main vehicle for both families and car junkies alike.

Order the new 2016 GL450 by Mercedes-Benz today!

The new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class had been spotted via its test drive within the Death Valley and from what we’ve heard the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450 will come with an incredible deal of adjustments and refreshed looks. The truth is, this could be the correct time for the corporation to apply some modifications, update and to refresh inside their auto, because the current model was introduced 3 years ago.

Aside from altering its interior and exterior style, the new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will also be adding a new trim level to the current lineup of GL350, GL450 and GL550 that will be known as 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL400.

The entry level 2016 GL-Class GL400 will have the 3.0 Liter V6 engine and see up to 333 horsepower and 480 pounds feet of torque! The engine could be mated to a 7 speed transmission have some Eco friendly features like the Eco Start/Stop.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class entry level is rated at 25 miles per gallon (mpg) for fuel usage and sprint from 0 – 60mph in 6.7 seconds. The GL550 will remain with a 5.5 liter V8 engine that may offer upwards of 382 horsepower. The GL 450 may have hold running the 4.7 liter V8 engine with some improvement toward the horsepower outcome evaluate to earlier model. The GL350 BlueTEC is going to become the only alternative for the diesel powered automobile with its 3.0 liter turbo diesel that should make 240 horsepower and 400 pounds feet or torque.

Features:

Some tweaks and a facelift will give a new exterior appearance in the front. There may be a brand new bolder front bumper, grill, and a well-designed headlight will also be adding some refinement possibilities as an illustration the fiber optic technologies and LED indicator, longer and wider sliding sunroof. Some extra visual modifications inside the back, but we unable to determine the facts.

The new 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a luxury class SUV that will be loaded with a bunch of equipment, entertainment and safety features. In addition this luxury SUV may have a brand new and bigger screen on the dashboard.

Nationwide Delivery on Brand New 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 ready for Import / Export!

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The Brand New and ready for export 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is a luxury large SUV. This year, GL450 models get a more efficient engine. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450 has a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 362 horsepower, which is the same power output as the 2014 GL450’s 4.7-liter V8 engine. However, the new engine gets three more miles per gallon in the city and seven more on the highway than the old engine. the GL350 BlueTEC, GL450, GL550, and GL63 all have a seven-speed automatic transmission as well as AWD and The entire 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class including the GL350 BTC, GL450, and their powerful big brothers GL550, and GL63 are all available from ImportRates.com where you can find your full service purchasing solution from our professional and certified sales consultants. The base 2015 GL450 earns an EPA-estimated 17/21 mpg city/highway.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 seats seven and comes standard with leatherette upholstery, front seats that are heated and eight-way power-adjustable, a leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, a power liftgate, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, HD Radio, smartphone app integration, a USB port and a 7-inch display screen. Options include leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 13-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, satellite radio, navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system. Blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic braking, parallel parking assist, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system and automatic collision notification are also available. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL450 starts at $65,200.

Brand New 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350 ready for Import / Export with Nationwide Delivery!

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2015 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BTC 4MATIC Review:

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC is powered by a 240-horsepower turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V6 engine. All models have a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The base 2015 GL350 BlueTEC earns an EPA-estimated 19/26 mpg city/highway.

There is so much to feed the senses in this truck, that prospective buyers might miss some of the advanced engineering underneath, like the magnesium reinforced dashboard or the aluminum hood and fenders. Mercedes-Benz claims the new GL-Class which includes not only the GL350 BTC but the GL450, GL550, and GL63 is about 200 pounds lighter than the previous-generation models, while still growing an inch here and there in length and width.

Overall, it’s advanced technology that gives the GL-Class a trump card. The GL-Class is stuffed with all bits of digital magic, and many of the systems are standard equipment, including the air-ride suspension that smoothes out all but the most rugged travel. The optional Active Curve System acts on the suspension to reduce lean in turns, meaning that your passengers can leave the Dramamine at home. Lean isn’t totally eliminated, but it is tamed.

Those who venture off-road should consider the off road package, which includes a pair of locking differentials and front underside protection.

The entire 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class including the GL350 BTC, GL450, and the powerful big brothers the 2015 GL550 and GL63 are all available from ImportRates.com where you can find your full service purchasing solution from our professional and certified sales consultants.