The Fiat 500X compact SUV has been updated and has now touched down in SA. Here’s pricing and specification details.
The Fiat 500X is a cute-looking compact SUV based on the 500 city car. Sharing a platform and mechanicals with the Jeep Renegade, somehow the Fiat 500X just seems a bit more charming.
Now for 2021, there have been some updates in the trim and specification departments. There’ll be 4 models on offer: Cult, Connect, Sport, and Cross, with one engine to choose from.
Fiat 500X Trim
Cult
16-inch alloy wheels Halogen daytime running lights LED taillights 3.5-inch black and white TFT cluster Cloth seats Air conditioning Uconnect radio with 4 speakers Lane assist + cruise control
Connect
16-inch alloy wheels LED daytime running lights Fog lights Privacy glass Leather multifunction steering wheel Uconnect radio with 6 speakers, CarPlay/Android Auto 3.5-inch colour TFT cluster Auto wipers and auto lights Rear parking sensors
Sport
19-inch alloy wheels Full LED headlamps and fog lights Sport seats Leather steering wheel Titanium dashboard Privacy glass
Cross
17-inch alloy wheels Front and rear skid plates Camo seats Climate control 7-inch Uconnect infotainment with 6 speakers and CarPlay/Android Auto Auto lights and auto wipers
Fiat 500X Engine Range
The updated 500X comes to market with one engine. The 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol motor pushes out 103 kW and 230 Nm, and customers can choose from either a 6-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission – depending on the model.
Safety?
The 500X comes with 6 airbags as standard, anti-lock brakes as well as electronic stability control as well as hill-hold assist.
How much does the updated Fiat 500X cost in South Africa?
The updated Fiat 500X is sold with a 5-year/100 000km warranty and a 3-year/60 000km service plan.
Following a previous GR patent filing for its Corolla, the most recent rumours suggest that Toyota will unleash a GR Corolla hatchback in 2022.
Best Car Web reckons this is what the Corolla GRMN will look like.
The latest rumour regarding the forthcoming GR Corolla suggests that we could see the potent hot hatch come to market toward the end of 2022. The Forbes report also makes mention that Toyota plans to introduce a hydrogen-powered Corolla and Prius in 2023.
Previously, Best Car Web Japan reported that the all-new Toyota Corolla GRMN will be featuring the 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor as well as the all-wheel drivetrain. The source notes it will be revealed in September 2021 along with a Corolla GRMN Touring version.*
The patent was filed in Australia as GR Corolla and it’s likely that the rival for the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai i30N and Renault Megane RS280 will be produced next year.
The big question which everyone is asking, is what engine will it have? Given Toyota’s efficiency and thriftiness, we’re expecting to see a shared engine. Toyota’s new TNGA platform is already shared by many products like the Corolla, RAV4 and Yaris, and we’ve praised it for its refinement and handling characteristics. Even in base-spec, the manual gearbox and 1.2-litre turbo Corolla hatch is generally good to pilot, so there’s certainly potential.
The Toyota GR Yaris is basically a road-legal rally car with its all-wheel drive, manual gearbox and 200 kW 1.6-litre turbo engine
The most likely engine to power the hot GR Corolla is none other than the turbocharged 1.6-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine found in the GR Yaris. It packs 200 kW and 370 Nm, with power going to all 4 wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. Whether the GR Corolla adopts the same all-wheel-drive strategy or switch to a front-wheel-drive strategy is yet to be seen, but it’s going to take some cleverness to channel all that shove through the front wheels. Torque steer, anyone?
Toyota has committed to launching a GR performance version of nearly all of its products and we’re expecting to see the GR Corolla joined by a GR Hilux, which we think will be powered by a new diesel V6 motor. We already have had some experience of what Toyota can do when it comes to the performance stuff when we drove the 1.8 supercharged Yaris GRMN a while back and were blown away. More recently though, we experienced the potent GR Yaris at its local launch. There’s already a Toyota Corolla GR Sport on sale in European markets, but with a CVT and hybrid powertrain, it’s hardly what you call a hot hatch. It does look the part, however.
We will certainly keep you updated as we hear more about the forthcoming Toyota GR Corolla.
Toyota Corolla GR Sport with a hybrid and CVT powertrain looks the part, but it’s not hot enough.
VW is beginning to flex its muscles in the performance sector of its electric car lineup. The ID.X concept is going into production according to VW CEO, Ralph Brandstätter.
VW has shown what is possible in terms of hot hatch development, with its ID electric vehicle platform.
Earlier this year, the German company’s passenger car boss, Ralf Brandstätter, revealed a new version of the ID.4 with strong Golf R overtures. For loyal followers of VW’s hot hatch business, the question of a performance-orientated ID.4 has been tantalizing.
A team under Brandstätter was given some budget and design freedom, to create a lightweight version of the ID.4 GTX which was dubbed the ID.X. Although the dual-motor electric powertrain remains unchanged, VW’s technical experts have managed to take a lot of weight out of the car, despite the battery capacity increasing to 82 kWh.
The ID.4 GTX produces 220 kW while the lightweight, dual-motor all-wheel-drive ID.X has 245 kW but is also 200 kg lighter. That improves its 0-100 kph sprint time, which is nearly a second faster than the standard ID.4 GTX. VW’s lightweight concept runs the benchmark sprint time in 5.3 seconds, compared to the ID.4 GTX’s 6.2 seconds.
Beyond its weight reduction, the ID.X lightweight concept also has unique software, enabling a drift mode, with torque vectoring. It also rolls larger wheels and has some trick neon design details.
VW fans who are particularly perceptive will notice that the ID.X also has a slightly lower stance, thanks to revised suspension components.
Production VW ID.3 GTX hot hatch for production
Ralph Brandstätter has reportedly confirmed that the ID.X Concept will be produced as the ID.3 GTX and it’s expected to arrive in showrooms in 2022. The ID.3 GTX will be the third electric model from Volkswagen to wear a GTX badge alongside the ID.4 GTX and the ID.5 GTX. GTX is the electric vehicle equivalent of the legendary GTI badge which South Africans love so much. It’s worth noting that more powerful versions are likely too. Watch this space!
The Porsche Mission R gives us a taste of what’s to come with this electric race car.
The design is unmistakably Porsche, with elements of Cayman all around. It’s called the Mission R and Porsche says its gives us a taste of what’s to come with its motor racing as well as future road car offerings.
Under the skin, there’s a twin-motor setup and all-wheel drive, giving it unbelievable pace. There’s 320 kW from the front motor and 466 kW from the rear. A total output of 800 kW in what’s called qualifying mode is possible. Standard race output is just 466 kW.
Porsche Mission R Performance
How do those numbers translate into performance? Zero to 100 kph takes just 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 300 kph. With such high power, the battery will need to be kept cool and Porsche has resorted to oil cooling. It has 900-volt technology and can be fast-charged from 5% to 80% in just 15 minutes.
This radical concept may be just that, but Porsche’s design boss that some of the design elements would make their way into a production model. Our customer [motor]sports vehicles are always based on production sports cars,” said Michael Mauer, Porsche’s design boss. “What this means in the case of the Mission R is that the car is packed to the gills with signs that hint of a future production model,” he added.
Underneath all those spoilers and diffusers required for a race car, there could be the next generation of Cayman and Boxster. In the same way, all of the Mission concepts by Porsche have gone on to spawn production cars like the Taycan.
It’s a fascinating time for traditional carmakers as they transition from ICE power to electrification. We’ll be watching this car closely and see what comes up in a few year’s time.
Volkswagen has revealed its ID.Life Concept, which previews a new ID model that will sit below the ID.3.
The Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 have proven popular as far as sales go, but if VW Group wants to recoup the massive costs involved in the development of its MEB platform, it’s going to need to expand on the range.
Volkswagen has always said the ID. range would be comprehensive, with something for everyone and we know there’s an ID.6 in the works as well as sporty GTX derivatives, and lets not forget about the ID.Buzz – an electrified Kombi.
This is the ID.Life concept and it will be taking on the small car segment in 2025. It could potentially be called the ID.1 or ID.2 and Volkswagen reckons it’ll cost around €20 000. In comparison, the ID.3 starts at €32 000 – hardly the affordable electric car we’re all hoping for.
Volkswagen ID.Life Engine Details
The Volkswagen ID.Life is the first front-wheel-drive MEB-based electric car and thanks to a 172 kW electric motor, 0-100 kph comes up in just 6.9 seconds and the vehicle has an estimated range of 400 km.
The concept looks cute, with many retro design cues. We love the LED headlights, logo and lightbar integrated into the bodywork. Volkswagen says this concept features wood chips as a natural colouring agent and the removable textile roof is made from recycled plastic bottles.
Inside, there are some fun touches like a projection screen to watch movies, a video game console, flexible seat layouts and fun play/pause logos on the pedals. You’ll also notice there’s no infotainment display, with Volkswagen saying customers will be able to use their phones or tablets to connect to the car. An app would then be used to control the vehicle’s features.
“The ID. LIFE is our vision of next-generation fully electric urban mobility. The concept car provides a preview of an ID. model in the small car segment that we will be launching in 2025, priced at around 20,000 euros. This means we are making electric mobility accessible to even more people,” VW chief executive Ralf Brandstätter said in a statement.
The Magnite has proved popular since Nissan recently launched it in South Africa – it clearly fits perfectly into the rapidly expanding compact family-car segment. It’s eye-catching and seems to offer a good value for money, but does that make the Magnite a frontrunner in an increasingly crowded budget-crossover pack?
We like: Surprisingly spacious, good standard spec, fuel economy, excellent warranty, attractive design
We don’t like: Iffy cabin materials (although its rivals’ interiors aren’t much better). Lack of low-down grunt.
Fast Facts:
Model tested: Nissan Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus
The Magnite is a good looking budget crossover; its looks alone will generate showroom traffic.
Compact crossovers are all the rage at the moment – and they’re expected to remain mainstays of the new-vehicle market for years to come. The new Nissan Magnite slots into the more affordable end of the small crossover market (priced under R300 000) and competes against vehicles such as the Kia Sonet, Honda WR-V, the upcoming Renault Kiger and the Suzuki Vitara Brezza/Toyota Urban Cruiser twins. However, the smash-hit Haval Jolion, which is well-specced and significantly bigger than the aforementioned models, costs just under R300k too; it represents unbelievably good value for money.
The Magnite has the same 2.5-metre wheelbase as its rivals (excluding the Jolion, obviously), but its body is more compact in terms of height, width and length – in fact, it is 1 mm shorter than the Suzuki and its Toyota equivalent. Although it was originally conceived to be sold as a Datsun, the Magnite now proudly wears the new Nissan badge (because the Japanese mother company decided to scale back its ambitions for the budget brand and wanted a small crossover for the developing markets). Has Nissan done enough to “upgrade” the Magnite to be truly worthy of its badge, however? Let’s find out…
How the Nissan Magnite fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
The Magnite has a more than useful ground clearance of 205 mm.
The Magnite makes a strong first impression by virtue of its handsome, chiselled looks, which are enhanced on this top-spec Acenta Plus derivative by the application of a dual-tone paint scheme. There are more vibrant colours to choose from, but even when clad in this relatively conservative silver the new Nissan is an attractive-looking little thing. Incidentally, it is one of the highest-riding cars in its segment, with a ride height of 205 mm, and the standard 16-inch alloy wheels don’t look lost in the black-plastic clad wheel arches whatsoever.
Inside, there is a surprising amount of space – front and rear – as well as a decently sized load bay (Nissan claims a luggage capacity of 336 litres) – without sacrificing the fitment of a full-size spare wheel, which is a plus. So far, so good, then and, if you need utility space, the Magnite’s rear seatbacks can be folded down in 60/40 configuration.
By virtue of impressive interior packaging, the Magnite is more spacious inside than it looks.
As is the case with the newcomer’s exterior execution, the cabin design is modern and quite “sharp-edged”, while the use of leather on the steering wheel and gear-lever boot elevates the ambience. The upholstery is a nice mix of cloth and artificial leather, while soft inserts (such as on the centre armrest), illustrate where and how Nissan tried to bring the Magnite’s perceived quality on par with that of the competition.
The reality, however, is that the cheaper, less impressive parts of the Magnite’s cabin are way too easy to find, and compared with a car such as the impressively polished (and similarly priced) Kia Sonet, the Nissan simply lacks the consistent depth of quality and fit-and-finish required at this level.
Performance and efficiency
The 1.0-litre motor’s peak torque is only available in an 800-rpm band, so you need to work the ‘box constantly.
The Magnite is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine that is claimed to develop 74 kW at 5 000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque between 2 800 and 3 600 rpm. Those figures are comparable with the peak outputs produced by the Japanese newcomer’s competitors, but it’s worth noting that the Kia and the Suzuki/Toyota duo’s motors are naturally aspirated, whereas the Nissan’s smaller engine is turbocharged. It makes the Magnite quite different to drive; you have to become familiarised with its power delivery characteristics to get the best out of the engine (in terms of performance and efficiency).
It’s got very little grunt below 2 800 rpm, and so you have to constantly keep the engine “on the boil”… and how? By using the 5-speed manual transmission – often. In fact, you may want to consider the Magnite with the CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission), as it proved to be more pleasant and refined to drive during our original launch test (although it is markedly slower than the manual version). It is also worth noting that in the CVT-equipped derivative, the maximum torque (a smidge less at 152 Nm) is available across a significantly broader range of engine speed (2 200 to 4 400 rpm).
That having been said, if you wring the 5-speed Magnite’s neck, proverbially speaking, you should get to 100 kph from standstill in 11.7 sec (significantly faster than in the Magnite CVT, which takes 13.4 sec). Plus, in terms of efficiency, you should be able to achieve a real-world fuel consumption figure of around 6.5 L/100 km (Nissan claims 5.3 L/100 km).
Comfort and safety features
Premium touches abound, including auto aircon, a wireless charging pad and a surround-view camera system.
In terms of showroom and spec-sheet/sales brochure appeal, the Magnite makes a very compelling case for itself thanks to its extended list of standard features. Besides the expected items, such as electric windows all-round and power steering, it adds some “premium” touches, such as digital instrumentation, a large central touchscreen infotainment screen (which doubles as the display for the standard 360-degree camera system), cruise control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, automatic aircon (climate control), a wireless charging pad and even rear ventilation outlets. So, in general, we’d rate the Magnite as the best-equipped model at its price point (compared with the listed rivals), which, at least to some degree, offsets some of the perceived build quality concerns.
In terms of safety specification, it equals (or betters) the competition, but the bar is relatively low. It only has 2 airbags (dual front), but at least electronic stability control is part of the package (in addition to ABS). The Magnite also features ISOfix rear child-seat mounts. A EuroNCAP crash rating is not available for the Magnite, but in 2020 it achieved a respectable 4 stars in an ASEAN NCAP crash test.
Ride and handling
The funky instrumentation is in keeping with the Magnite’s cheekiness and youthful appeal.
With its compact dimensions, good visibility out of the vehicle, a 360-degree camera view and light steering, the Magnite is a cinch to drive (and park) around town. It’s pretty good on the open road as well, although you will notice more wind noise and tyre roar than in, for example, the Kia Sonet.
The suspension is tuned for ride comfort rather than sporty handling (as it should be, for such a vehicle), but that means that the budget crossover exhibits pronounced body roll when you make it corner quickly. So, although there is nothing alarmingly poor regarding the Magnite’s road manners, it just lacks the Sonet’s refinement and falls short of offering the suspension suppleness of the Suzuki/Toyota.
Nissan Magnite pricing & after-sales support
The Magnite 1.0 Turbo Acenta Plus costs R282 600 (September 2021), which includes a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and 3-year/30 000 km service plan. Service intervals are relatively short at 10 000 km.
Verdict
It might be a bit rough around the edges, but the Magnite’s generous spec sheet is compelling.
Our testers’ experiences of the Magnite during its tenure in our test fleet clearly highlighted why the diminutive Nissan has achieved immediate sales success. It offers plenty of appeal to its target market, particularly in the areas of standard features, spaciousness and warranty/backup. Unfortunately, the evaluation also highlighted areas in which the Magnite is perhaps still a little too Datsun-like and “not Nissan enough” – these are interior build quality and materials, as well as drivetrain refinement. In other words, it’s just a little rough around the edges, and while its extensive specification certainly claws back some points for the Magnite in terms of value for money, it is simply priced too close to the superior Kia Sonet, which is arguably the best new small crossover your R300k can buy you right now.
BMW i Vision Circular is a Recyclable Car
The Munich Motor Show has turned up some interesting concepts, including this one from BMW that imagines a recyclable car. Meet the BMW i Vision Circular.
The BMW i Vision Circular is a compact 4-seater electric city car that not only looks incredibly futuristic, but also the entire car is made from a sustainable process.
BMW is pushing its 4 eco-friendly strategies of RE:THINK, RE:DUCE, RE:USE and RE:CYCLE, and the entire BMW i Vision Circular is not only made from recycled materials but the entire car can be re-used once it’s reached the end of its lifespan.
BMW is well aware that carbon reduction is not going to come from just exhaust emission reduction, but also the way cars are manufacturered. BMW is hoping to achieve a life-cycle vehicle emissions reduction of 40 per cent by 2030.
The BMW i Vision Circular’s assembly is impressive, with recycled steel and aluminium forming the basis, with sustainable natural rubber tyres and recycled fabrics in the cabin. BMW also says future customers will be able to plug their cars into the grid to provide additional power.
Don’t expect to see this wacky thing in showrooms any time soon, but the techniques involved in its creation could be coming soon to a BMW near you. As for revolutionary and striking BMW products due to hit SA in the coming months, we can expect the quirky BMW iX as well as the sporty BMW i4 to be touching down on our shores in early 2022.
The BMW i4 M50 will be the brand’s first M performance electric car. The new i4 four-door enters the market with an eDrive40 derivatives. True to BMW’s engineering heritage, this i4 is rear-wheel drive and produces 250 kW, supported by 430 Nm. Those numbers aren’t too dissimilar to what you’d get in a standard BMW M340i.
Performance is brisk, with the benchmark 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds and with an 83.9kWh battery pack, BMW claims 483 km of driving range. The next variant is an i4 M50, which is all-wheel drive and has 400kW of available power. This is a veritable electric M-car, capable of 0-100kph in only 3.9 seconds.
Nissan South Africa recently introduced the facelifted Navara, which is produced at the Japanese brand’s upgraded assembly plant in Rosslyn. Herewith a summary of the myriad mechanical and technological improvements that have been incorporated into the bakkie…
PARTNERED CONTENT
The updated Nissan Navara is built in Africa, by Africans, for Africa! Although the pre-facelifted version of the Navara had been imported, Nissan had always planned to be put the bakkie range into production right here in Mzansi. Now, thanks to a R3-billion investment in Nissan South Africa’s local assembly plant in 2019, that plan has come to fruition… The freshly-facelifted Navara is rolling out of the Rosslyn factory and is available countrywide.
Nissan has an enviable track record in the local bakkie market and the brand’s products – including NP300 Hardbody and the Navara – have earned a reputation for reliability and durability. This refreshed version of the Navara, with its significant technical and cosmetic upgrades, not to mention safety and performance enhancements, hopes to build on that.
First of all, the Navara’s tough and rugged looks have been reinforced with a more distinctive interpretation of the Japanese brand’s V-Motion design language (emphasised by an over-fender on PRO-4X grade), new LED headlamps and -foglamps, as well as redesigned wheels.
The height of the load bed has also been increased, which has boosted the Navara’s carrying capacity. The LE and PRO double-cab 4×4 auto derivatives can now hold an addional 100 kg (for a total of 1 003 kg), while the 4×2 auto versions can haul 1 086 kg. To optimise the load bay’s practicality, Nissan equips the Navara with Utili-track, the brand’s innovative 2-channel tie-down system comprised of 4 infinitely adjustable heavy-duty aluminium cleats.
Nissan Intelligent Mobility
Suffice to say this generation Navara is the most advanced Nissan bakkie to date in Mzansi – courtesy of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, which includes safety systems such as Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, which monitors the movements of up to two vehicles ahead of the bakkie and alerts the driver to any potential collision risks. The Intelligent Emergency Braking feature will activate the brakes in case the driver doesn’t respond to the alert/s.
Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning, meanwhile, will ensure that the Navara driver stays safely in their lane and will warn them if there is a vehicle in their blind spot.
The Intelligent Around View Monitor is also offered on the Navara for the first time. It comprises 4 cameras that help the driver spot obstacles that are in proximity to the vehicle when they are executing parking manoeuvres, plus it makes hitching a trailer much easier. And, just in case you didn’t notice an oncoming car while reversing out of a parking spot, the Navara’s Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system will warn you of a potential collision. The safety suite further includes additional side and curtain ‘bags, bringing the total to 7 airbags.
The cabin has been upgraded with acoustic glass and additional insulation, while a fifth cross member has been added to minimise lateral vibration, all of which has improved the overall NVH (noise vibration harshness) in the Navara’s cabin. The bakkie’s carpets, meanwhile, are locally-made, while rear passengers are afforded separate vents in the double-cab derivatives.
Improved refinement
Compared with the pre-facelift Navara, the newcomer features tweaked suspension tuning and a modified steering setup, both of which serve to endow Nissan’s new offering with a better balance between handling and comfort. The revised dual-rate 5-link coil-sprung rear suspension facilitates improved comfort and stability in both laden – and unladen – driving conditions. Structural changes have also been made to reduce the effects of pothole impacts.
The steering system, in turn, is now more direct (responsive to inputs); the ‘wheel requires less effort to turn from lock to lock. Lastly, retuned shock absorbers and new-spec (locally manufactured tyres) facilitate a smoother ride quality, better handling and occupant comfort.
Additional onboard tech
From an infotainment point of view, the updated Navara is much improved; its 8-inch touchscreen features voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity and built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which you can activate by connecting your ‘phone via a charging cable.
And, if you are on the hunt for the nearest off-road trail or the best spots in town, Nissan Intelligent Mobility will guide you. It now also offers even more connectivity options and works in conjunction with a 7-inch TFT driver info display in the instrument cluster – which Nissan claims is the biggest of its type in the bakkie market. Auto folding mirrors, as seen on the X-Trail, as well as a remote fuel-flap opening function (via the key fob) are also offered.
Diverse line-up of derivatives
Whether you are looking for a workhorse or a leisure double-cab bakkie, the Navara range offers a variety of derivatives (from single-cab 4×2s to double-cab 4×4s) to choose from. There is one engine available, in two states of tune: a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor that produces either 120 kW and 403 Nm or 140 kW and 450 Nm. You can choose between a manual and an automatic transmission. There is even an entry-level petrol engine on offer.
Pricing for the updated Navara range starts at R311 00 for the 2.5 XE entry-level single-cab derivative and goes up to R740 000 for the top-spec 2.5DDTi double cab PRO-4X 4×4 (September 2021). Prices include a 6-year/150 000 km warranty and 6-year/90 00 km service plan as standard.
The 2021 Munich Motor Show has begun and Mercedes-Benz has revealed an arsenal of EQ electric vehicles.
It’s good to have motor shows back and while us as South Africans can’t get to them, we can’t help but feel we’re a step closer to going back to normality. The Frankfurt Motor Show has been shifted to Munich, in the heart of Bavaria and also BMW home ground.
German products aside, it appears that every manufacturer is preaching sustainability and electrification – a strong indication of where mobility is headed. Determined to steal the limelight, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer has revealed more of its Mercedes-Benz EQ range. EQ essentially is it’s electrified portfolio.
Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan
Mercedes-Benz EQE
This sleek and smart-looking sedan takes the fight to the forthcoming Audi A6 e-tron and Tesla Model S. Visually, it’s not too far from the bigger EQS, with dimensions showing overall length quite shorter than the flagship model. Interestingly, the wheelbase of the EQE is very close to that of its bigger brother.
The EQE Sedan can be optioned with adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering, but as standard, the models feature steel springs and a conventional steering setup. Inside, there’s a giant central infotainment screen as well as digital dashboard.
As far as range and performance goes, the Mercedes-Benz EQE features a 90.6 kWh battery, rear-wheel drive and outputs of 215 kW and 530 Nm. All-wheel drive will come later. A quoted range of 660 km is on offer based on the WLTP cycle and Merc reckons you can get from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes on a DC fast charger.
Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV Concept
Mercedes-Maybach EQS Concept
This ostentatious concept is said to preview an ultra-luxurious all-electric SUV that will be revealed in 2023. Being a Maybach, there’s a huge focus on luxury and apparently the doors are fully automatic and will open as passengers approach, plus there’s also the option of opening the rear doors remotely as well.
Inside, things get high end as there’s a rear seat entertainment system as well as a vase, champagne flute holders and a fridge. Customers will be able to choose from a rear bench or two individual seats.
Mercedes-Maybach didn’t have much to say about specs, other than confirming the newcomer will be riding on the new electric vehicle platform that will underpin the EQS SUV due in 2022. As far as range goes, 600 km is being touted.
Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53
Mercedes-AMG also got in on the act with its hot version of the EQS. AMG has given it 484 kW and 950 Nm, but with the optional Dynamic Plus package ticked, 560 kW and 1020 Nm is on tap. A 0-100 kph of 3.4 seconds is claimed with a limited top speed of 250 kph. A range of between 526 and 580 km is claimed based on the WLTP cycle, thanks to a 107.8 kWh battery.
AMG products are known for their engine soundtracks and the engineers added something called the AMG Sound Experience, which plays noises through speakers in the cabin and outside the car. Customers can switch between Balanced, Sport, Powerful, and the optional Performance included in the AMG Dynamic Plus package.
The Mercedes-Benz EQ range already has the EQA, EQB and EQC as well as the flagship EQS.
The EQG concept takes the same steel ladder-frame platform that Gelandewagen is built upon and futureproofs it. That is the theory, at least.
In appearance, this EQG has kept the proportions and two-box design of Gelandenwagen, although the detailing has changed. The conventional front grille is replaced by a closed panel and LED lighting has been added nearly everywhere else.
Some of the stranger details are those round LEDs that sit on the wing mirror caps and the rectangular tailgate cover. Gelandewagen is known for its traditional tailgate spare wheel mount, but it appears that EQG will repurpose this legacy design feature as a plug-in charge port of some type, or a storage box.
Rolling the EQG along are polished 22-inch wheels that aren’t too dissimilar to the Monoblocks seen on Mercedes-Benz’s latest GLS update.
The Gelandewagen has been available with huge wheels for many years, but the tyres make this EQG configuration notable. If you look closely, they have a very low-resistance tread pattern, incompatible with gravel road touring or any off-road driving.
Aside from the images and naming convention, Mercedes-Benz has not revealed much about the EQG’s technical specifications. We don’t know the battery pack size or electric motor power output.
The EQG will be all-wheel-drive with a motor in at each wheel. Our best guess for its power density is the 107.8 kWh battery in Mercedes-Benz’s EQS luxury sedan.
This EQS power source is a healthy size battery, but how Mercedes-Benz’s engineers will mount it on the Gelandewagen ladder-frame platform without compromising cabin space, is a mystery.
Although nearly every new electric vehicle champions aerodynamic efficiency as crucial, the EQG will suffer from a poor overall drag coefficient. Limiting its range.
But Mercedes-Benz knows the value of Gelandewagen’s design and its appeal to wealthy buyers. This is why the EQG project exists.
