Mercedes-Benz has done the inevitable and revealed a sloping roofline version of its GLE SUV.
The new GLE coupe features Mercedes-Benz’s bold SUV design language, with the only real difference between this coupe version and a normal GLE, being its rear third.
That sloping roofline joins a reshaped tailgate stamping, with an integrated spoiler, and GLE coupe gets its own signature taillights. – which look very similar to that of the CLA.
If you like the AMG way of styling automobiles, GLE Coupe will be available with a Panamericana grille and dynamic alloy wheel designs up to 22-inches in diameter.
Inside, the cabin architecture features Mercedes-Benz’s latest design, with full MBUX digital assistance and two huge screens angled towards the driver.
Compared to the regular GLE SUV, this coupe is 25 mm longer but features a 60 mm shorter wheelbase – which means greater handling agility, but some sacrifices to luggage capacity.
You’ll be able to get 655-litres of luggage in the back of this new sloping roofline GLE coupe, which is more than its rivals from BMW (X6) or Audi (Q8), but less than a conventional GLE, which can load up to 825-litres of luggage.
Technical highlights? Ride quality enhancing air-suspension is an option, and to mitigate against body roll, Mercedes-Benz will offer a new technology called ‘e-active body control’. This enables the GLE coupe’s spring and dampers rates to be individually adjusted at each wheel corner, dramatically reducing body roll during high-speed cornering, and resisting dive when peak deceleration is enacted.
Engines for the GLE coupe are a selection of six-cylinders. The GLE350d is powered by a 3-litre turbodiesel good for 200 kW and 600 Nm, with the GLE400d featuring a more potent version of the same engine architecture, boosting 234 kW and 700 Nm.
If you’d like an authentic AMG version of the GLE coupe, there is a 53-series variant. It uses the mild-hybrid version of AMG’s 3-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, boosting 320 kW and 520 Nm. For brief moments of peak acceleration, the hybrid system adds another 16 kW and 520 Nm to this powertrain. Performance is keen, with the GLE 53 AMG coupe running 0-100 kph in 5.3 seconds.
All GLE coupes are all-wheel drive and use Mercedes-Benz’s latest nine-speed automatic transmission. South African customers deliveries are expected to commence in the second half of next year.
Vantablack is the world's blackest paint. It's so black that light is sucked into the paint and the result is a finish that is mind-blowingly weird.
The BMW X6 with a Vantablack finish is set to be revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. If you're not aware, Vantablack is a unique paint that can absorb 99% of light and remove all reflections. It tricks the brain into thinking its staring into a void. It also has the abilities to hide shape and definition.
The BMW X6 Vantablack show car is the result of a collaboration between BMW, Surrey Nano Systems and Levitation 29. Ben Jensen, Vantablack inventor and founder of Surrey Nano Systems, said “VBx2 with its one-per-cent reflectance provides just enough of a hint of shape”. The spectacular one-off vehicle highlights the expressive and precise design language and confident, dominant and muscular appearance of the new BMW X6 to perfection. Asked whether he was pleased with the final car, Ben Jensen commented; “I think it went beyond all our expectations because of the size of the car, its distinctive shape and how imposing it is”.
We've seen some incredible paint finishes and wraps over the years, but this is on another level. It's hurting our brains just looking at it.
Compared with its predecessor, Mercedes-Benz's GLE boasts more space, better refinement, a multitude of tech improvements, as well as a revised engine range. We drove the 'E-Class of SUVs' at its media launch in Gauteng to see how it stacks up against a slew of rivals in the Premium SUV segment…
What is it?
Not a place 99% of owners will take their GLEs, but Benz's newcomer is a capable off-roader.
The GLE was formerly known as the ML, but now that most of us are familiar with Mercedes-Benz’s new naming convention for its SUV ranges, it’s easy to figure out where the GLE sits in the lineup. It fits in the gap between the GLC and GLS and can be ordered either as a 5- or 7-seater.
Compared with the previous GLE, this new model is 231 mm wider, 24 mm lower and has an 80-mm longer wheelbase. While the GLE is likely to find primary use as a luxury family vehicle, it is fitted with a full assortment of off-road equipment including an optional low-range transfer case.
The GLE launch lineup comprises 1 turbopetrol and 2 turbodiesel derivatives. In 2020, Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and 63 S versions will join the range.
Are the engines good?
All engines in the initial GLE range were showcased at the media launch, but, among them, the powerplant in the GLE 400d definitely stood out the most. We recently experienced this engine in the CLS 400d and it seems to hit virtually every mark that a premium manufacturer such as Mercedes-Benz could set. It’s an in-line 6-cylinder turbodiesel with 243 kW and 700 Nm of torque on tap from 1 200 rpm. It can certainly get a move on and doesn’t suffer from noticeable turbo lag, plus it pulls smoothly through the entire rev range and remains hushed – even at idle. The claimed fuel consumption is 7.5 L/100 km, but real-world figures suggest it will settle in the 8s per 100 km – which is still excellent for a large, premium SUV.
Looks are a bit understated but the engines under the bonnet are excellent.
The 300d unit uses a 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine with outputs of 180 kW and 500 Nm. Those are some impressive figures for a 4-cylinder, but it does seem to labour more than its 400d sibling, with more noticeable surges when it enters peak torque. It still pulls the GLE along easily and doesn’t struggle when loaded with passengers. With a claimed fuel economy of 6.4 L/100 km, it could certainly go long distances without fill-ups.
The turbopetrol derivative is badged GLE 450 and it makes use of an in-line turbocharged 6-cylinder with peak outputs of 270 kW and 500 Nm of torque. I think you would "have to have" a petrol engine badly to choose this derivative over the other 2. It’s only a touch cheaper than the 400d and a smidgen faster by comparison (5.7 vs 5.8 seconds from 0 to 100 kph), but it has to work harder – and, therefore, consume more fuel – to get the same job done. If you really want a petrol-engined GLE, it’s probably worth waiting for the Mercedes-AMG 53 or even 63 S to make their arrival.
As for the transmission, there is only a 9-speed automatic. Having said that, it does the job perfectly, so much so that it was hard to tell whether the GLE "had a gearbox at all" and, as far as compliments go, that’s about as big as they get for slushboxes.
Is it comfortable inside?
Rear passengers are afforded 69 mm more legroom.
Mercedes-Benz’s current interiors are beautifully designed and laden with modern tech. In terms of passenger comfort, the rear passengers are afforded more space with 69 mm more legroom and 35 mm more headroom. The rear seats also recline and slide forwards and backwards by 100 mm. There is also the option of adding a 3rd row of seats, which can all be adjusted (and folded electrically) via buttons in the load bay.
A full-width infotainment screen is fitted with the latest MBUX software (you can talk to it and issue it commands by saying “Hey Mercedes”), plus there’s an optional wireless charging bay underneath the central air vents and at least 2 USB ports up front to connect to the infotainment system.
Comfort-wise, the front half of the GLE's cabin is ergonomically sound, replete with easy-to-access controls and a central touchpad. One uses the latter much like a computer mouse to toggle the infotainment system's settings – and options can be accessed impressively quickly. The central grab handles would come in handy if you intend on going properly off-road (as we did) and the seats are sumptuously comfortable over long distances.
The centre screen (which combines the instrument cluster and infotainment display) dominates the GLE's fascia.
Unfortunately, iffy finishes, which have let Benz down in its most recent models, have crept into the GLE too. It has a great-looking interior, but when you look at it closely and start wiggling and prodding bits, some of the material choices, as well as the overall build quality, could be better.
Those who want generous luggage space will be pleased by the 825-litre load bay (5-seater), which expands to a whopping 2 055 litres with all the rear seats folded down. Benz has also increased its premium SUV's load-bay width by 72 mm so that wider items can be loaded with relative ease.
What's it like to drive?
There is a fair number of suspension options to choose from in the GLE range… The cars we drove off-road were equipped with Airmatic adaptive damping (R29 000) – it’s an air suspension system that adjusts dynamically and seemed to cope well with the 4×4 track we traversed. It damped the major bumps and thuds well and, combined with the off-road package (R32 300), made mincemeat of a reasonably tricky course. These 2 systems really make off-roading easy and no longer something reserved for trained drivers and their lift-kit vehicles with shovels strapped to their roofs.
There are several suspension choices on the options list; this kind of off-roading requires a special off-road pack.
The cars I drove on-road were standard (with steel springs). They rode well, suppressed road noise and remained comfortable over mixed tarmac surfacing. The competitors we have tested in this segment (Discovery, X5 and XC90) were equipped with air suspensions, so we’ll reserve ultimate ride-comfort judgement until we’ve road-tested a similarly-specced GLE. You can optionally fit the E-Active Body Control system (R110 600), which uses cameras to set up the suspension for the road ahead and actively adjusts the vehicle’s body to remain as level as possible over all surfaces.
Which extra-cool features are available?
Rear seats recline and slide forward electrically via switches in the boot.
As is the way with premium vehicles, the really interesting kit is banished to the options list. If you can afford to splurge, consider speccing adaptive cruise control with route assist. This notes congestion on your route and automatically reduces the GLE's speed before you arrive at a traffic jam and need to slam on the brakes. Semi-autonomous driving functions are also available, they take care of steering for short periods of time. The GLE can also assist you when reversing your trailer (it utilises cameras and steering prompts), which takes most of the stress out of those manoeuvres.
If big wheels are what you’re after, you can spec between 18- and 22-inch wheels on a GLE (with or without run-flat tyres).
Summary
The GLE is capable in so many ways, but does it stand out enough?
Mercedes-Benz's new GLE joins the fray at a time when most of its competitors have new products on the market. The BMW’s X5 is less than a year old, the Land Rover Discovery is only in its second year and Volvo’s XC90 has just been facelifted. Audi will also be launching an updated Q7 soon. And that’s before I even mention other competitors from Jaguar, Jeep, Porsche and Volkswagen… It’s a crowded market, to say the least, and it’s not certain that the GLE really sets the standard in the Premium SUV segment in any particular facet of its overall package. It’s a good all-round luxury offering endowed with lots of great tech, good off-road credentials and more than enough load space to pack things for the family holiday. But, its competitors do much the same and I’m not sure the Benz does enough visually to lure buyers – well, at least until the AMG versions arrive.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Price in South Africa (August 2019)
New Toyota Supra vs BMW M2 Competition – Hot Lap Shootout
The new Toyota Supra meets the BMW M2 Competition on a fresh winter's morning in Cape Town, South Africa. Which one is fastest around a circuit? Watch the video.
It is very tempting to make BMW vs BMW jokes here but we're going to behave ourselves because the reality is that this is an epic match-up. Both of these cars cost roughly a million Rand and of course, both are powered by turbocharged BMW straight-6 engines – not the same engines, however.
But that's about where the similarities end. While the Supra is outgunned here in terms of sheer power, offering 50kW and 50Nm less power and torque, it is lighter and lower-slung than the BMW. And according to our in-house race-ace Ashley, the addition of the outgoing M3 motor has made the M2 Competition pretty damn wild.
So, how will these cars fair on the Killarney Racetrack in Cape Town in a one-lap hot lap shootout? Well, you've come this far, probably time to watch the video now.
Pricing for the all-new Audi Q3 has been loaded into the Audi South Africa website. Here's how much the new SUV costs.
The all-new Audi Q3 will be launched to the South African market in August 2019 and we can confirm the engine lineup and some trim details. From what we can see, there'll be just 1 petrol engine on offer, with 3 levels of trim (Q3, advanced, S Line.) The 2nd-generation Audi Q3 has grown up considerably. It's longer, wider and boasts a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, which means that it's more spacious overall. It is built on the VW Group's MQB platform, which is renowned for its ride quality and space utilisation.
The petrol engine offered is badged 35, which means it's a 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It offers up 110 kW and 250 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via an S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox. With a claimed 0-100 kph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 204 kph, performance should be adequate. It should be fairly frugal too, with claimed returns of 5.9 L/100 km. The fuel tank has a capacity of 60 litres.
Naturally, there are more than a few options available. Customers have a variety of paints to choose from, bigger alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, uprated audio system, some safety cameras as well as the acclaimed Audi Virtual Cockpit. Granted some of the features loaded into Audi SA's configurator were incomplete, so we'll have to update this piece closer to the official launch, which we're told is in the last week of August.
No, BMW has not chosen to revive a legendary VW narrow-angle V6 engine.
Important people with enemies who like driving BMW SUVs will be heartened that the latest armoured X5 has been revealed.
There is absolutely no ambiguity from BMW about this X5’s customer profile with the company stating that it "offers private individuals and persons at risk customised protection against violent attacks, kidnapping or organised crime. This is often a decisive criterion, especially in regions like South America, Africa or Russia.” Indeed.
So what differentiates this X5 VR6 from other large BMW five-door SUVs? Well, it has 33mm thick safety glass and an armoured passenger compartment which BMW claims will keep occupants unharmed in the event of an AK-47 or hand grenade attack.
The luggage compartment is sealed and there is an additional aluminium underbody shield (in case somebody rolls a grenade underneath).
Improvised explosive devices have become a tactic of vehicle ambushes and to this end, BMW says that its X5 VR6 can resist a 15kg TNT blast from a distance of 4 meters. An optional armoured roof can also be fitted to resist attacks from above (such as drones).
BMW’s engineers have also ensured that there is sufficient composite armour overlap in all this X5’s panels and joints, to eliminate any vulnerable areas.
Despite its VR6 naming convention, this armoured X5 is powered by BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, boosting 390kW and 750Nm. Although kerb weight remains classified, the use of composite anti-ballistic panelling must make this X5 VR6 a lot lighter than previous armoured vehicles of its size, as the 0-100kph time of 5.9 seconds does not indicate a huge increase in mass.
BMW offers an extensive list of additional options for its X5 VR6 customers, including a comprehensive blue-light kit – which will be very popular with you know who…
Porsche Taycan Claims 4-Door EV Record at Nurburgring
Just days ahead of its official reveal on 4 September 2019, Porsche’s new all-electric Taycan has set a new record for 4-door electric vehicles at the famous German proving ground, the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
We were recently treated to interior images of the forthcoming Porsche Taycan and needless to say it certainly looks to be an exciting addition to the Porsche family.
Now, however, a Taycan prototype has set a new record for 4-door electric vehicles at the Nurburgring, completing the challenging course in a time of 7 minutes and 42 seconds. The Taycan was driven by Porsche test driver, Lars Kern.
For perspective, the Taycan was only 4 seconds slower than Panamera Turbo’s run in 2016 at 7 minutes and 38 seconds. The Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, driven by Timo Bernhard, still holds the overall Nurburgring record with a blistering time of 5 minutes and 19.55 seconds set in 2018.
The Taycan makes use of 2 electric motors fed by a battery pack comprising 4-volt cells, which equates to a range of 500 km. The battery pack can be fast-charged to 400km (80%) in just 15 minutes.
The combined power output of the synchronous electric motors – each of which powers an axle – is confirmed at 440 kW making the Taycan a rather lively machine. It can sprint from zero to 100 kph in under 3.5 seconds!
Watch the video below to see the Porsche Taycan smash the record at the Nurburgring.
SA’s Top Classics get ready for Concours SA
Some of the rarest and most valuable cars in South Africa will battle it out for the silverware during this coming weekend's Concours South Africa, and we'll be there.
The glamorous event will again take place in the beautiful parklands of Johannesburg's upmarket Steyn City lifestyle resort, and you can expect to see anything from pre-war vintage cars (such as an Oldsmobile Curved Dash) to modern supercars (like the Pagani Huayra and McLaren Senna) at this high-profile event. You'll also see our very own Opel Kadett Superboss vying for the title.
It's important to note that tickets are not for sale on the days of the event – if you are interested in attending, then visit www.concourssouthafrica.com
"Pre-book your attendance as tickets will not be available for sale at Steyn City on the day," says organiser Paul Kennard. "This is an exclusive event for those who appreciate the finer things in life".
Our very own Opel Kadett 2.0 GSi Superboss will be competing at this year's Concours South Africa.
The fun starts on Friday at midday when 120 classic and supercars will be moving into their "arena", a dedicated 8-hectare site where the coveted "Best of Show" will be judged. Friday evening sees motorsport legends Graham Duxbury and Basil Green's induction into the South African Hall of Fame. This gala event follows last year's Concours South Africa-hosted induction ceremony where Rory Byrne, Michael Schumacher's seven-time championship-winning Formula 1 designer, was inducted at Steyn City.
On Satuary the iToo Classics-sponsored judging panel, which comprises 8 of the continent's foremost classic car afficionados, starts judging the various cars present. It's all about originality and provenance, says the organisers.
The final showdown happens on Sunday when the top 10 cars will be assessed by all eight discerning judges. Last year Zia Wort drove away with the top prize in her Ferrari 328 GTS. Who will it be this year?
Interested in buying some petrolheaded limited edition art or apparel, then head to theSentiMETAL store, here.
We certainly have high hopes for our own entrant, the first car to be included in the SentiMETAL South African specials collection, a 1992 Opel Kadett 2.0 GSi "S", or better known as a Superboss. The result of a nuts-and-bolts restoration by none other than local Superboss master Werner Meyer, our car is in the final stages of preparation by the experts at Black Pearl Master Detailing.
Full details from Sabrina Morris on 082 902 6244 or via [email protected] . Here's another tip… dress to impress! There is also a prize for the best-dressed lady.
The forthcoming Mercedes-Benz GLE is due in SA imminently and we have pricing for this luxury SUV.
From launch, there'll be just 3 engine options available and all feature the 9G-Tronic gearbox and all-wheel drive. First up we have the GLE 300d which boasts 180 kW and 500 Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel economy figure of 6.1-6.2 L /100 km for this model.
The next model in the range is the GLE 400d, which has 243 kW and 700 Nm from its 3.0 turbodiesel mill. In terms of economy, Mercedes-Benz claims returns of 7.0-7.5 L/100 km.
For those wanting some petrol-powered goodness in their life, Mercedes-Benz is offering the GLE 450. It features a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 petrol engine with the new EQ Boost function, comprising of a 48-volt integrated starter generator. Mounted within the forward section of the gearbox, it uses energy from a lithium-ion battery to provide an added 16 kW and generous 250 Nm of torque under acceleration in a mild hybrid process that is not only claimed to enhance performance but overall economy, too. Total power is rated at 270 kW and 500 Nm.
With the arrival of the new fourth-generation model, the GLE has taken on a clearly more up-market role in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, offering greater space, markedly higher levels of refinement and a range of standard features not even available in the German car maker's upper luxury models. With revisions to the Audi Q7 due soon and an all-new BMW X5 having just landed in SA, it looks like 2019 will be the year where the battle of best big luxury SUV will take place. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption figure of 8.3-9.4 L/100 km.
We'll have final specification at the vehicle's launch later this year.
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE Price in South Africa (February 2019)
2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR vs GTI – What’s the difference?
So, Volkswagen has confirmed that it will offer 300 Golf GTI TCRs in South Africa. The news has lit up our social media channels with various opinions, but there appears to be some confusion regarding what the differences are between the standard Golf GTI and the GTI TCR. Let’s set the record straight then, shall we?
The Golf GTI TCR is the last swansong of the Golf 7 generation before the new Golf 8 is expected to be revealed in October 2019. In August 2019, Volkswagen SA sneakily used the 2019 Festival of Motoring to announce its intentions to bring the GTI TCR to market in SA and the good news is it's arriving in July 2020.
Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the Golf GTI TCR and the standard Golf GTI
1. It has more power and it’s faster
Like the standard GTI, the Golf GTI TCR has a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine but it has been uprated to produce 213 kW and 380 Nm. Note that the GTI TCR makes use of a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. In comparison, the Golf GTI employs the same turbocharged 2.0-litre engine but with 169 kW and 350 Nm of torque using the same 'box.
In terms of performance, the GTI TCR is significantly faster than the standard GTI and Volkswagen claims 5.6 seconds in the sprint from zero to 100 kph while the GTI claims 6.4 seconds. The GTI TCR’s top speed can also be optionally increased to 260 kph by removing the electronic Vmax limiter.
2. It handles better
The GTI TCR offers superior handling performance over the GTI by offering a number of upgrades. The GTI TCR not only sits lower than the GTI and it also features a front-locking differential to enhance traction and handling. Damper and spring rates have been altered and the brakes are uprated with perforated brake discs and special brake pads to improve stopping power. More so, the electronic power steering has also been tweaked to offer a more direct feel, making it a more agile handler than the standard GTI.
3. It looks and sounds better
The Golf GTI TCR has more racy appeal over the standard GTI. Key features include LED headlights, black exterior mirror housings, sill extensions, front splitter, a TCR roof spoiler and a rear diffuser. Additional styling options include a carbon mirror housings, black painted roof, honeycomb decor side panel foils and 19-inch wheel options.
Vrrphaa pleasure comes courtesy of a standard stainless steel exhaust system that’s been tuned for increased performance and it features large-bore dual exhaust tips that sit on either side of the rear diffuser.
The interior features sports seats with a new microfibre fabric design, a perforated sports steering wheel and seat belts with red edging.
4. It has some cool track options
The Golf GTI TCR rides on 18-inch ‘Belvedere’ forged alloy wheels as standard but bespoke 19-inch ‘Reifnitz’ and ‘Pretoria’ wheels will be offered as an option.
It’s also worth noting that the GTI TCR will be offered with semi-slick tyres if you opt for the ‘Pretoria’ wheel option which also includes sportier rear shock absorbers and adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). Both 19-inch wheel options also include the removal of the Vmax limiter which increases the top speed to 260 kph.
5. It’s pricier than a GTI
Current pricing for the Volkswagen GTI is pegged at R565 800, which is a fair sum for a car (a very good one at that) on its last legs before retirement. The GTI TCR, according to VWSA, will be priced under R700k.
Some people feel that it’s a rip-off and merely another opportunity to make a quick buck from GTI-crazed consumers, and while there may be a sprinkle of truth in that sentiment, it can be countered by all the information above. There’s a lot that sets the GTI TCR apart from the regular GTI and on paper at least, it’s the better car. We can’t wait to drive it…
