Our spy photographers have spotted the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class G4x4 Squared – the most hardcore iteration of the Gelandewagen.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one very capable offroader, but what if you wanted even more? Mercedes-Benz introduced the G500 4×4 Squared as a short-wheelbase SUV complete with monster tyres and huge ground clearance back in 2015. Now it appears there's a replacement on the cards.
This is not the first time we're seeing this model, but these latest photos show the vehicle in more detail. As we've said before, the Mercedes-Benz G hardly needed improvements to its offroad capability with the 3 differential setup, but the G4X4Squared introduced portal axles as well as 450 mm of ground clearance. As you can see, this one is high off the ground too.
This one has also been properly accessorised, with a roof rack, ladder, spare wheel as well as 2 powerful integrated spotlights. Given how Land Rover is offering a complete array of accessories for its new Defender, we think Mercedes-Benz is determined to keep pace in this department.
In terms of engines, we think AMG will be called to supply one of its 4.0-litre biturbo V8 units, which will power all 4 wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission.
One BMW guy replaces another – as Audi moves into control.
VW’s software coding issues have triggered significant changes in the German automotive group’s structure.
Earlier this week, it was announced that VW’s software boss, Christiaan Senger, was leaving the company. Senger had been responsible for digital vehicle integration, a division which has been plagued with issues since last year.
Amidst a move to create a new portfolio of digital product and services within its vehicles, and established the world’s largest range of battery-powered cars, VW cannot afford more costly software glitches.
Replacing Senger at VW is Dirk Hilgenberg. Like Senger, Hilgenberg has spent most of his career at BMW, before being headhunted by VW. Not a trained engineer, but a physicist, Hilgeberg is a vastly experienced technology systems manager.
He has worked at Rolls-Royce aviation’s engine division and spent many years perfecting production systems and information technology integration, for BMW’s American production assets.
VW will expect Hilgenberg to contain the software coding issue which appears to have considerably escalated over the last year, but his position will no longer be as strong.
As part of VW’s new staffing, the company has also made a profound announcement concerning Audi. The Ingolstadt brand will henceforth be responsible for leading digital vehicle integration technology, across the VW Group.
Audi CEO, Markus Duesmann, is now the controlling VW Group board member for car software and will direct Hilgenberg. This effectively means that Audi is now being recognised as the technology R&D leaders for the VW Group, something which many had suspected, for some time.
Duesmann has promised that 5 000 new IT professionals, coders and engineers will start to work in his division over the next year.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Review – Is this really a supercar?
It's taken Mercedes-Benz South Africa a long time to get the 4-door AMG GT to local shores, but it finally has. What a way to do it too, with the brutish and most powerful derivative: the GT 63 S!
When we produced this video review, this was the second most powerful production AMG ever (it lies 3rd now that the AMG GT Black Series was launched this week), after the SL65 AMG Black Series, a car with a monster twin-turbocharged V12. As is the way of things these days, this new AMG develops all its power from a twin-turbo V8, the same engine you'll find in the 2-door GT and even cars like the Aston Martin Vantage.
But Mercedes-AMG is a brand that's famous for making sledgehammer saloons, and so they created this, a bit of a Frankenstein 4-door, with the chassis from an E-Class, a whole load of chassis strengthening and the name of a sportscar lopped on the rear.
Sure, there's plenty here to differentiate it from the E63 AMG, but after spending some time with the monster Benz, our video journalist Ciro De Siena was still unsure whether this newcomer is indeed a supercar or, as the name suggests, a grand tourer…
Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4Matic AMG Line (2020) Review
Always a favourite among those looking for a luxurious, large premium SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is moving with the times by offering more of everything, except underneath the bonnet, where the 300d is now powered by the marque's 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Is it up to the task?
We like: Willing engine, spacious cabin, build quality, cabin ambience
We don’t like: Ride comfort, occasionally lacks punch
Fast Facts:
Price: R1 417 080 before options (July 2020)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Power/Torque: 180 kW/500 Nm
Transmission: 9-speed Tiptronic
Fuel consumption: 6.4 L/100 km (claimed)
Boot capacity: 630-2 055 litres
Performance: 0-100 kph in 7.2 sec.
What is it?
The new GLE has grown in size (again), and the new body makes the 20-inch alloy wheels look small!
Gone are the days when large luxury sedans were the preferred mode of transport for the well-to-do; these days, it simply must be a Premium SUV. The 1st-generation M-Class arguably started the trend in 1997 and has remained a forerunner in the segment. Now named the GLE, and in its 4th generation, the 'Benz Premium SUV faces a staggering number of rivals and its desirable badge alone may not be enough to ensure first-choice status.
The subject of this review is (what is likely to be) the top-seller in the current line-up, the GLE 300d 4Matic, replete with the desirable AMG Line styling package. Inside and out, this GLE looks like a segment champion, but with a "small" turbodiesel engine under its bonnet, does the derivativate offer enough go to match the show?
How it performs in terms of…
Performance, fuel economy and ride/handling
The "small" 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel is a willing and refined engine, and in most instances, provides enough gusto.
It will take Mercedes-Benz traditionalists some time to get their head around the fact that this big SUV, with the 300d lettering on the tailgate, is motivated by a "little" 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel. Having said that, it's an engine that has impressed in other applications and, comparatively speaking, its peak power (180 kW) and torque (500 Nm) outputs compare reasonably well with those of its competitors. Still… with a weight of well over 2 tonnes to lug around, it will have to work smartly with that smooth 9-speed automatic transmission to impress potential buyers.
The good news is that during general driving, particularly around town, you'll hardly ever feel the need for more power. The GLE 300d responds swiftly to throttle inputs and the well-calibrated transmission makes the most of the peak-torque band (from 1 600 to 2 400 rpm) to facilitate swift, smooth progress.
It's only when travelling at higher speeds and when the vehicle's fully loaded when you'll wish for a bit more grunt. By comparison, the Benz's archrival – the BMW X5 xDrive30d – has an extra 120 Nm to play with… and, as a consequence, is a fair deal fleeter of foot when you're in a hurry.
The engine is, however, very refined and also relatively frugal (if there is an eco-conscious driver behind the wheel). Mercedes-Benz claims a combined fuel-consumption figure of 6.4 L/100 km but, as is to be expected, that's highly optimistic. You'll do well to average around 8 L/100km, which is very acceptable given the size/nature of this machine.
Our test unit featured Airmatic air suspension but still struggled to maintain a composed ride on poor surfaces.
We've already mentioned the refinement of the engine, and it's a trait reinforced by the cabin insulation. In most conditions, the ambience is calm, with occupants enjoying a serene cabin that brings back that "vault-like" feeling of Mercedes-Benzes of old. Unfortunately, there is a fly in the refinement ointment, and it's the ride quality. Our GLE test unit was equipped with the optional Airmatic air suspension system, but even so, it struggled to maintain ride composure over poorer surfaces – it never felt entirely "settled". Thankfully, matters improve at higher speeds and though there is plenty of lean in the corners, the GLE feels more composed and, again, more refined at higher velocities.
Exterior design & Packaging
With its AMG Line exterior package, the new GLE looks sporty as well as imposing – as is preferred by most customers.
The latest GLE looks notably more "macho" than its predecessor. Wider (by a whopping 231 mm) and with an 80-mm longer wheelbase, but 24 mm lower than before, the GLE gains a more muscular look that is further enhanced by the AMG Line package, as specified for this vehicle. Even though our test unit sported 20-inch alloy wheels shod with relatively plump tyres, the overall consensus was that the look (but not the ride) would be further improved by opting for even larger wheels.
The increased dimensions have resulted in a notably more spacious cabin, particularly for rear passengers, who now can enjoy arguably class-leading knee-room (the rear seats slide/recline as well). The luggage compartment capacity is quoted at 630 litres, which is slightly less than what is offered by the X5, but the GLE hits back with greater utility space with the seats folded down (2 055 litres vs 1 870 litres). It is worth noting that 3rd-row seating is available at an extra R16 000, which is very reasonable in our view. Less reasonable is the fact that you have to pay extra for the luggage-compartment cover (R3 800)!
Interior execution and features
Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the new GLE is its striking facia design and advanced MBUX infotainment system.
One of the GLE's major strengths is the impression it makes once you slide in behind the attractive leather-wrapped steering wheel. Fire it up and the wide digital screen lights up with impressively crisp graphics and a plethora of information. The GLE features the advanced MBUX system – one of the most advanced in-car infotainment systems around – as standard. Also fitted is an ambient light package, which allows you to set the mood lighting to your preference. Fit and finish is excellent too and, overall, this is a cabin that excels not only in wow-factor but also leaves a lasting impression of quality. Also immediately apparent is the extra shoulder space provided by the extra cabin width.
Notable optional items fitted to our test unit included the smart Nappa leather upholstery (pricey at just over R30 500), a panoramic sliding sunroof (R23k+), a Burmester surround sound system (R13k+), which are all fair enough (just about), but having to fork out extra for heated seats, keyless access and a wireless charging pad is a bit cheeky.
Grippy, supportive seats of our test unit featured black Nappa leather (a more than R30k option).
Pricing and warranty
The GLE 300d AMG Line is priced at R1 417 080 (July 2020) before extra-cost options… of which there are many. Our test unit carried an extra R180 000-worth of optional extras, in fact. We might be nitpicking, but at this price level, we really think keyless go, heated front seats, metallic paint and the wireless charging pad should be standard.
The price includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
A major improvement in rear passenger legroom, courtesy of the stretched wheelbase.
This is a tough segment populated by excellent vehicles. The latest GLE ranks right up there with the best of them (the X5 is our current Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – Powered by WesBank Premium SUV category champion) and the Bimmer will have its work cut out to defend the title from this excellent all-rounder.
The GLE's major strengths are its design, cabin space and on-board technology. When ensconced in the properly up-to-date and luxuriously finished cabin (admittedly with many option-boxes ticked), owners will be pleased with their purchase. But there are a few niggles. The fact that the GLE 300d 4Matic's small engine can, at times, be caught napping was to be expected, but the jiggly, unsettled ride quality was a surprise… and a disappointment.
Back in 2018, Nissan revealed its new 7-seat Navara-based SUV called the Terra. Will it come to South Africa? We hope so… But Nissan is also looking at launching at least 2 new crossover/SUVs on the local market.
As part of Nissan's transformation strategy, called Nissan Next, the brand revealed its new Ariya electric crossover this week which marks a new journey for the Japanese brand. As part of this new transformation strategy, Nissan will be focusing its energy on growing its presence in the realm of crossovers and SUVs.
In a virtual roundtable conference this week, Nissan South Africa's marketing director, Kabelo Rabotho, confirmed that the brand is looking at introducing 2 new compact crossover/SUV products as well as potentially introducing the Navara-based Terra SUV on local soil. As for the former 2 new products, we would guess that Nissan will finally be introducing the long-awaited Kicks crossover which was due to arrive locally last year as well as the recently-teased Magnite compact family SUV, but Nissan South Africa wouldn't divulge further or confirm these products.
As for Nissan’s Terra SUV, it's appears to be under serious consideration for South Africa in the not-too-distant future and it would be a welcome addition to the brands local SUV lineup where the 7-seater would compete with other adventure SUVs such as the popular Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Isuzu MU-X. We feel that some new, competitive competition in this segment would be most welcome.
The Nissan Terra's interior is similar to the Navara bakkie upon which it is based
The Terra formed part of the 2018 Nissan M.O.V.E to 2022 midterm strategy to increase frame and LCV sales by more than 40% by 2022 with the ultimate goal to become a global leader in bakkies and frame-based SUVs. The new Nissan Terra was the first step for Nissan to achieve this goal. The Terra’s exterior and interior styling shares its design with the Navara double-cab bakkie.
If the Nissan Terra was to be offered in South Africa, it would likely be fitted with the Navara's tried-and-tested 2.3-litre twin-turbodiesel engine offering 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque. The Terra will also likely feature a 7-speed automatic transmission. In other markets, the Terra can be had in both petrol or diesel guise with a capacity of 2.5-litres.
The Terra could shake up the adventure SUV segment if it comes to South Africa…
Maserati has taken the covers off of the Ghibli Hybrid, the Italian brand's first electrified vehicle.
The Maserati Ghibli is a stylish and compact sports sedan and while it's been some time since we last sampled a product from the Italian Trident brand, Maserati is about to start a huge product offensive. There's a new supercar in the works which will grab the most attention, but we're particularly interested in what has just been revealed. This is the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid, which is Maserati's first foray into electrification.
Maserati says its goal is to enhance performance while saving fuel and it will be 'faster than diesel, greener than gasoline.' It will be assembled in Italy at the Torino Production Hub, with the first units scheduled to reach showrooms in October 2020.
Being Maserati's first electrified vehicle, we're interested in that powertrain. Assembled on a tweaked version of the Ghibli V6, the Ghibli Hybrid version features a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 48-volt hybrid system. Total outputs are rated at 246 kW and 450 Nm. Maserati claims the new Ghibli Hybrid is good for 0-100 kph in 5.7 seconds and it will run to a top speed of 255 kph. What's more, the car is said to even sound like a sporty Maserati without resorting to amplifiers as the exhaust has been tuned to deliver that distinctive sound. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The 48-volt hybrid system features 4 components: the Belt Starter Generator (BSG), battery, eBooster and DC/DC converter. The BSG captures energy during braking and deceleration, which then charges the battery located in the boot. This then powers the eBooster works with the turbo to 'sustain the engine's power at low rpm." In its sportiest of drive modes, the eBooster gives the car an extra boost.
In terms of emissions, Maserati is claiming a fuel saving of 20% in comparison to the V6 petrol model. As far as economy claims go, 8.5-9.6 L/100 km on the WLTP cycle is what Maserati says.
You can tell the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid apart as it will have blue detailing such on the Brembo brakes and the air ducts. The Maserati logo located on the rear pillar gains a thunderbolt.
Inside, the Ghibli Hybrid gains the MY21 update which includes the new-gen Maserati Intelligent Assistant infotainment system, which is built on Android Automotive architecture and in terms of safety, the vehicle features Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as Highway Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist.
On the back of the full reveal of BMW’s new 4 Series last month, spy shots of the 4 Series Cabriolet have now surfaced.
Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.?
The new BMW 4 Serieshas caused quite a stink on social media with most of the love and hate directed at the new oversize kidney grille.
It’s no surprise then that the convertible 4 Series wears the same face and the prototype in these latest spy shots is quite revealing as it’s wearing minimal camouflage which is an indication that BMW is inching closer to finalising testing and will likely reveal the final product relatively soon.
The 4 Series Cabriolet will inevitably share much of its design with its coupe sibling and as you can see, it will feature a fabric soft-top roof.
More so, in terms of engines, the forthcoming 4 Series Cabriolet is likely to feature the same engines as the 4 Series Coupe which includes a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque as well as a range-topping 3.0-litre turbocharged, 6-cylinder engine packing 275 kW and 500 Nm of torque.
You can expect the full reveal of the BMW 4 Series Cabriolet before the end of 2020 and as always, we will keep you in the loop as soon as it happens.
As Volkswagen expands its electric car lineup over the next decade, we will see performance versions coming to the fore.
VW ID3 R render courtesy Duwyne Aspeling – Cars.co.za
While electric cars have been around for a long time, no manufacturer has been able to produce them for widescale production (bar maybe Tesla) until now. As stricter emissions laws are enforced this year we will see more electric cars being pushed to market in order for manufacturers to avoid costly fines. Volkswagen plans to have 300 electrified vehicle derivatives, across 12 model ranges, 10 years from now. This seems to include R models as well. Volkswagen Board Member, Jürgen Stackmann, was quoted in an interview that “The future of R needs to be, and will be, electric. We’re still working on what we started two and a half years ago – which was obviously not electric, though exciting – but the work going forward is and will be electrified.”
While your Golf 8 R will likely remain combustion engine powered, the 9 R (quite possibly last Golf) will likely have some form of electrification. But what about the ID range of electric cars? How does VW go about transforming a ‘green’ car into something that conjures up the same thrill as a Golf R? This is where the ID3 R comes in.
Tech from the ID.R will trickle down into VW's future electric R models.
The names of VW’s electric range can be a little confusing but cast your mind back to the VW ID.R. It’s not a hatch, but a full-blown race car and a demonstration of just what can be done with batteries, a few electric motors and a lot of wiring loom. The car broke the Nurburgring lap record immediately, and then unofficially (the lap time was done in practice) broke the Goodwood Hillclimb record that was held by a 1998 McLaren MP4/13 F1 car.
Some of the tech from this marketing machine will trickle down into the ID3 R. The batteries, in particular, is where much of the performance is found in electric cars. Electric motors are easy to tune to get power out of but batteries need to be managed, cooled and drained very specifically to get the best out of them. What you don’t want is something which has high power outputs but short range. These are just some of the technical difficulties VW engineers will have to figure out in the next 4 to 5 years if the 2024 deadline is to be met for the ID3 R.
In terms of drivetrain, the ID3 R will almost certainly use all-wheel-drive with a motor at each end of the car. Trying to offset the inherent weight of an electric car will also prove tricky when it comes to making it handle like a hot hatchback. A vehicle like the Jaguar i-Pace is dynamically excellent but it’s more of an outlier in a segment where 2 tons is a featherweight contender. That’s certainly not feisty hot-hatchback territory.
The Cupra el Born is VW testing the public's appetite for an electric hot hatch.
In terms of actual numbers, VW has been tight-lipped, probably because it hasn’t developed the tech enough to know what is capable yet. Electric cars are quick off the mark, but it’s the acceleration after 60 kph that VW wants to develop. The ID3 is as quick as a current GTI to 60 kph but from then on the petrol car streaks away. If we were to speculate though, it’s likely the ID3 R will hit the 200 kW number.
VW is already testing out public opinion of an electric hot hatch with its Cupra brand (the fancy version of Seat). The Cupra el Born was shown in early July 2020 and looks superb, but without any power figures or performance to go on, it's just a nice piece of fantasy for now.
Don't want a diesel SQ8? Audi has now introduced a petrol-powered version.
Audi has expanded the engine options for its RHD high-performance SUVs.
The German brand’s SQ7 and SQ8 models now feature Audi’s 4-litre turbocharged V8 engine, which makes them more direct rivals to BMW’s new X5/6 M and various similarly sized SUV offerings from AMG.
In terms of styling and overall design, there is little difference between the petrol and diesel-powered SQ7/8 vehicles. Around the rear you will find large diameter quad exhausts and rolling in the wheelarches, are a choice of enormous alloy wheel options, up to 23-inches in size.
What really matters is under the bonnet. Audi’s 4-litre bi-turbo V8 is in a 373 kW and 770 Nm state of tune with these new SQ SUVs, driving all four wheels, via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Despite the size of both SQ7 and SQ8, performance is very impressive. Audi claims 0-100 kph in 4.1 seconds and a limited top speed of 250 kph. To ensure it has the required acoustic drama, Audi has fitted an active exhaust, with flaps that open under during heavy acceleration.
To increase efficiency in traffic, the V8 engine features cylinder deactivation at modest throttle loads, and it sits on active engine mounts, which mitigate vibration.
Balancing the performance of these new V8 turbopetrol Audi SUVs are huge 400 mm front brakes and S-specific adaptive air suspension. Customers who upgrade to the ‘Vorsprung’ package, only available the SQ8, will gain active roll stabilisation and sport diff, which attempts to mimic a rear-wheel-drive bias to the drivetrain’s torque distribution.
The SQ7 and SQ8 V8 petrol models are being produced in RHD, which bodes well for the potential availability in the South African market. Audi SA is looking into the possibility of introducing these petrol engines in the future but has not confirmed them. For 2020, only the diesel-powered SQ7 and SQ8 will be sold locally, arriving in the last quarter of the year.
The Corolla sedan is not typically associated with sportiness or dynamic driving ability but Toyota is producing a Corolla Apex Edition that will have you thinking otherwise.
The 12th-generation arrived in South Africa earlier this year and while such sedans are no longer as popular as they used to be due to the rise in popularity of SUVs and crossovers, the Corolla, however, has managed to corner much of the market.
While the new Corolla, which is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform offers enhanced driving dynamics and improved ride comfort over its predecessor, to describe it as overtly sporty might be a push too far.
However, that doesn’t mean that the Corolla can’t be sporty or more performance-orientated.
The latest Corolla Apex Edition you see here is proof of that.
It’s due for the U.S. market and only 6 000 units will be produced. The Corolla Apex Edition makes use of the Corolla’s 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine with 125 kW and 200 Nm of torque and will mostly be offered with a CVT while only 120 units will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The treatment is only offered on SE and XSE trim grades with 3 colour choices to choose from.
The Corolla Apex Edition gains a black body kit with bronze elements while a front spoiler, rear diffuser and flared side skirts give it some striking visual presence. There’s also an optional spoiler for boot lid which elevates the look even further. The Corolla Apex Edition rides on 18-inch cast aluminium wheels which reduce overall weight by 4 kg. A sport-tuned exhaust system with a 3.5-inch stainless steel tip is also fitted.
Other upgrades include a sports suspension with coil springs that lower the car by 15 mm and improve cornering ability by reducing roll angle. Along with tuned shock absorbers rebound springs, solid stabiliser bars, jounce bumpers, roll stiffness has increased by as much as 47% at the front and 33% at the rear. Furthermore, Toyota has recalibrated the electronic power steering system to offer a sportier driving feel to match.
While this might be enticing for fans of the Corolla, we can’t help but wonder if this special edition Corolla is a way for Toyota to test the appetite for a sportier Corolla. Perhaps it’s a preamble to something more exciting, like a fully-fledged Toyota Corolla GRMN model? Time will tell…
