Seeing as there's no Mercedes-AMG G65 any more, what can rich people do to get their hands on a V12-powered G-Class? Head to Brabus, obviously.
Meet the G V12 900 by Brabus. With a twin-turbocharged V12 engine delivering 662 kW and 1 200 Nm, this has to be one of the fastest Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles around.
Brabus took the existing 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12 and did extensive work on it. Displacement increased to 6.3 litres and there are bigger turbochargers as well as custom exhaust manifolds, a new intake manifold, custom air filter box and a stainless steel active exhaust. All that shove goes to all 4 wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Brabus claims its G V12 900 can accelerate to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds and maxes out at a limited top speed of 280 kph. Brabus has also thrown in a widebody kit and there are 24-inch alloy wheels available. Inside, there's an all leather cabin as well as a carbon fibre engine cover.
Price? Well, if you have to ask, you can't afford it. Don't worry, we can't afford it either. Before taxes, the bill comes to €605 055 which is just under R10 million. There will be just 10 units made.
Brabus G V12 900 Video
Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line (2019) Review
While we await the arrival of the Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 4Matic, the A250 AMG Line is the most performance-oriented A-Class derivative you can buy. Does it offer enough punch and status to justify its near-R600k price tag?
We like: Impressive ride/handling balance, classy cabin, strong performance
We don't like: Needs a significant number of option boxes ticked
Fast Facts
Price: R596 969 (August 2019, approx. R644k as tested)
Some Mercedes-Benz dealers regularly offer specials: Have look here.
Where does it fit in?
AMG Line specification does a convincing job of making the A-Class look like an AMG model. Nicely done Mercedes…
We've already published pricing details of the upcoming Mercedes-AMG A35 and an international driving impression of the fearsome A45 S. Until those hot- and super hatchbacks land on our shores, however, this is the sportiest A-Class you can buy. Natural rivals to the A250 AMG Line include the outgoing BMW 120i (in Edition M Sport Shadow trim), as well as the popular Volkswagen Golf GTI, which is also nearing the end of its product lifecycle. There isn't really a direct competitor in the Audi A3 stable – the S3 is too pricey and the 40 TFSI is comparatively underpowered.
So, let's just say the Benz is not exactly facing strong competition at this very moment, but even so, does it cut it as a well-rounded hot hatch?
? To think the A-Class was once a dowdy MPV… That said, the current A-Class still manages to offer a decent level of practicality.
With its long nose, big wheels and wide-shouldered stance, the A250 AMG Line certainly looks the part. You get 18-inch wheels as standard, but our car came additionally equipped with 19-inch AMG rims that add R14 000 to the asking price. Compared with its lesser siblings, the A250 AMG Line also gets a sportier suspension setup that's been lowered by 15 mm, which contributes to the Benz's hunkered stance.
As its name suggests, the AMG Line trim pack makes the A250 resemble a much pricier Mercedes-AMG derivative (at first glance) by virtue of aesthetic adornments such as the aggressive air inlets/outlets in the front/rear bumpers and the neatly integrated exhaust outlets. LED high-performance headlamps are standard, but you'll pay R6 000 extra for a multi-beam system.
Inside, the A-Class makes a striking first impression with its minimalist fascia design, digital instrumentation and quality surfaces. The standard seats are racy-looking items and the driver's seating position is low-slung, banishing all lingering memories of the 1st- and 2nd-generation "MPV" A-Classes. There a generous range of adjustment on offer from the seat, too, but it happens manually (electric seat adjustment with memory is an R11 600 option). An extendable cushion is included (driver only). The Nappa leather-trimmed sports steering wheel is grippy and looks the part as well.
The new A-Class is admittedly not as spacious all-round as, say, the current Audi A3 Sportback, but that's not to say that it's impractical for the daily commute. Rear legroom is acceptable but it does feel a bit more claustrophobic in the back than in some of its rivals. The load bay is claimed to hold 370 litres, which expands to 1 210 litres with the rear seats folded forward. These figures compare very well with those of the A3 Sportback.
Comfort & Features
The seats are covered with what Mercedes calls Artico/Dinamica microfibre upholstery. Looks the part, and the seats are grippy.
Let's make one thing clear – you're not getting a sparsely equipped car for your nearly R600k, but at the same time, Mercedes-Benz hasn't exactly been generous with standard features either. We have no problem with the lack of full-leather upholstery (we like the look and feel of the standard trim) and we also appreciate the fitment of items such as blind-spot-, lane keep-, active brake- and adaptive high-beam assist, but we do think that at this price level, dual-zone climate control (a R9 000 option) and a reverse-view camera (R5 500) should be fitted as stock.
Of course, the A-Class cabin's party trick is its MBUX touchscreen infotainment system with integrated voice-command recognition technology. Our test unit had the smaller of the screens offered, in addition to the fully digital instrumentation, and the combination really lifts the "techy" ambience of the cabin and adds a healthy dose of functionality as well. Our car wasn't equipped with embedded navigation (an R8 200 option). We'd be very tempted to tick the box for the larger infotainment display (a R10 000 option) and a Burmester surround-sound audio system (an extra R10 200).
Performance & Efficiency
If you don't want to use the voice- or touchscreen functionality, this cluster of buttons and touchpad still offers "old-school" interfacing.
The A250 AMG Line is powered by the marque's 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that delivers strong peak outputs of 165 kW and 350 Nm of torque, the latter available from 1 800 all the way to 4 000 rpm. These figures are very much in line with what is offered by South Africa's favourite, the aforementioned Golf (7.5) GTI, and consequently, the performance figures are similar, too. On paper, however, the Mercedes-Benz holds a slight edge, with a claimed 0-100 kph time of 6.2 seconds (compared with 6.4 for the GTI) and an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph. Indeed, this is not a slow car and, compared with its more traditional rivals from Audi and BMW, it's significantly more performance-oriented.
And yet, it is a refined package too. The engine is mated with the brand's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, a 'box that does a good job of slickly and swiftly selecting the optimum ratio during normal driving, and which also responds fast enough to manual inputs. But while it certainly delivers the shove and possesses arguably class-leading refinement, it does lack a little in the "show-off" department. Volkswagen's vrrr-pha exhaust burbs are by now a desirable characteristic of the GTI, and by comparison, the A250 AMG Line sounds a bit… normal. Then again, the A250 AMG Line is not chasing the hot hatch market as overtly as the GTI; it attempts to offer a combination of swiftness and refinement, which it does very well.
The drivetrain is also pleasingly efficient (given its performance credentials and the manner in which it was driven during our test period). Mercedes-Benz claims a combined cycle fuel-consumption rating of 6.4 L/100 km, which you'll probably struggle to match, but 8.5 L/100 km is a realistic figure.
Ride & Handling
18-inch wheels are standard, but our test unit was equipped with optional 19-inch alloys. An adjustable damping system is also optional.
The current A-Class is offered with 2 rear suspension setups: more affordable derivatives make do with a less sophisticated torsion-beam configuration, but the A250 AMG Line comes with an advanced multi-link setup. While the test's unit's ride was a little noisier than expected – likely due to the firmer damping and lower ride height, combined with wider tyres – the Benz's ride/handling balance proved highly impressive, especially for a performance-oriented compact hatchback. When driven enthusiastically in the twisties, the A250 offers neutral handling characteristics and impresses with its grip and body control, but it never quite becomes playful, which is mostly due to the relatively lifeless, overly assisted steering.
Our car was not equipped with the optional AMG Ride Control (adaptive damping system), which is a R22 400 option. To be honest, we don't think the system is a must-have as the standard setup is pretty good already.
Price and warranty
The A250 AMG Line sells for R596 969 (August 2019), but most buyers are likely to spec-up their cars with a few extras. We've listed some of them earlier in the article, but you might also be interested in keyless entry and start (R9 000), heated front seats (R5 000), dual-zone climate control (R9 000) and a panoramic sliding roof (R15 200). A 2-year/unlimited km warranty and 6-year/100 000km maintenance plan are included.
Verdict
A more accomplished offering than its predecessor, the A250 becomes a tad pricey when you add items that would turn it into a sure-fire winner.
It's quite tricky to judge the A250 AMG Line accurately. Firstly, as the new vehicle market stands, the Benz lacks up-to-date rivals from Audi and BMW, plus some of the optional extras have a significant impact on the overall appeal of the car – as well as its asking price. That said, as tested, the A250 AMG Line drew plenty of praise from the test team for its combination of refinement and performance, the classy cabin (yes, even with the smaller digital screen) and overall design appeal. If you can afford it (and to tick a few option boxes), this is a car that's very unlikely to disappoint.
So, in conclusion… the A250 AMG Line may look like a quasi hot hatch, and it has the performance and perhaps even the agility of a hot hatch, but it's not really a hot hatch. This is a high-performance compact luxury car for those who place design, quality and technology high on the priority list.
Hyundai has shown off the new i10 compact city car with an N Line kit at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
This isn't a performance variant though as the designation is 'N Line' as opposed to 'N'. So while it looks the part, it certainly won't boast any breathtaking performance figures.
Hyundai released just a handful of images, showing the exterior of the vehicle as well as the cabin. It's visually punchy, with a decent body kit with red detailing, as well as attractive 16-inch alloy wheels. If you look closely, there are also some really nice LED daytime running lights.
Inside, there's a sporty steering wheel with red stitching and the N logo is quite prominent. You'll also notice a 5-speed manual transmission. The Devil's in the detail though and Hyundai has paid close attention to making its little city slicker quite bold. There are metal pedal, red detailing around the air conditioning vents and sportier seats.
The only letdown is the engine, which is a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine pushing out 62 kW and 118 Nm. Hyundai says it will fit its 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor if customers want it.
At this stage, SA availability is yet to be determined.
Audi’s future SUV is a combination of AI ability and completely repackaged passenger comfort.
The brand’s AI:Trail is a vision of what Audis might look like a decade or more into the future when mobility behaviour starts tipping more toward autonomous pods than driven vehicles.
Audi sees this future as a design possibility where occupant comfort, instead of driver ergonomics, are the priority. As such, the AI:Trail features a large glass cockpit area and has proportions more akin to that of a transport pod than a conventional SUV.
In terms of dimensions this new concept is about Audi’s Q3-sized in length, but has a proportionally huge wheelbase, to ensure optimal cabin space.
To construct the AI:Trail concept Audi’s used different elements from the VW Group parts-bin. Its skateboard battery floorplan is sourced from VW’s new MEB platform, whilst the powertrain is a joint-venture PPE architecture, developed by Audi and Porsche.
The electric drive system peaks at 320 kW and 1 000 Nm, which is good for a top speed of 160 kph and on-road range of 400 km. In off-road conditions, Audi is claiming a driving endurance of 250 km.
Audi’s AI:Trail concept also envisions level 4 driving autonomy and rolls experimental tyres which have a self-inflation function, capable of adding 60 mm of additional ground clearance or an elongated contact patch for superior off-road traction.
This AI:Trail’s off-roading potential is potentially remarkable with quattro electric all-wheel drive, 340 mm of ground clearance and a relatively low mass of 1 740 kg for the surplus of available power.
With its enormous greenhouse, Audi is illustrating that the SUVs of our future will enable you to see a lot more of the terrain and environment you are travelling over (and through) than before.
Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Showcases Electric Luxury
The Vision EQS shows what the S-Class of the future might look like and we like it…
Mercedes-Benz is lighting it up at the Frankfurt Motor Show with its latest concept car, the Vision EQS, which points to a luxury electric sedan of the future.
From the outside, the lighting looks mightily impressive. Note the “lightbelt” that runs the length of the bodywork as well as Digital Light headlights with 2 holographic lens modules which connect to the above-mentioned lightbelt. The grille incorporates 188 circuit boards with a total of 940 individual LEDs creating a 3D effect while 229 individual stars at the rear create a unique light band. The multispoke wheels measure 24-inches in size…
That's probably the biggest touchscreen we've seen in a car…
The interior draws inspiration from the world of yachts with a sculpted dashboard and centre console that houses an advanced version of Merc’s MBUX system on a large digital screen. It all looks very far-fetched… Nonetheless, it’s good to see the inclusion of sustainable materials such as Dinamica microfibre in crystal white and maple trim made from recycled PET bottles. Artificial leather is also used while the headliner is made from a textile derived from ocean plastic waste.
Electric power
The Vision EQS is an all-electric, all-wheel-drive concept with an electric motor over each of the 2 axles and with the battery integrated into the vehicle floor. Output is pegged at 350 kW with 760 Nm of torque available instantaneously. The sprint from zero to 100 kph is claimed at 4.5 seconds. The Vision EQS is also said to have a range of 700 km according to WLTP and can be 80% charged in only 20 minutes. More so, the vehicle supports the driver with Level 3 autonomy but can be extended to be fully autonomous in the future.
Are you impressed by this Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS? Let us know in the comments below.
Hyundai has shown off a limited edition and more extreme version of its i30 N hot hatch. Meet the i30 N Project C which has just been revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
As for the name, the Project C is named after "Area C" a testing area at Hyundai's Namyang Research and Development centre. The key changes are liberal uses of carbon fibre, 50 kg lighter than the standard model and it sits 6 mm closer to the road. There are also some visual changes, both inside and out.
There is a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) front splitter, rear diffuser, bonnet and side sills which contribute to the weight reduction as well as add to the visual appeal. The striking 19-inch OZ Racing alloys also shave some weight off the overall mass of the car. The engine's outputs remains unchanged. Hyundai has given its new i30 N Project C an aggressive dark matte grey finish too.
Inside, the Hyundai i30 N Project C gains alcantara detailing around the steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift lever. There are also new Sabelt bucket seats with Deep Orange stitching as well as Deep Orange finish on the drive mode and N mode buttons on the steering wheel.
"The i30 N Project C is the next emotional step in following the success of the i30 N, demonstrating that Hyundai is pushing the envelope even more to excite motorsport enthusiasts," says Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group's Product Division. "With this limited edition, we have strategically reduced the weight of the car where it can help most, made its overall handling more immediate and optimised its design for even greater performance."
There'll be just 600 of these weapons and despite Hyundai SA confirming our market will be getting the i30 N, it's highly unlikely we'll get this iteration.
The off-roading icon returns with 21st-century tech and style. It comes in a 110 long wheelbase and a 90 short, but does it stay true to the Defender name?
The design is unmistakably Defender, but not like some of those weird spy shots and renderings that blasted the internet a few months back. Pleasing (to some) is the inclusion of more of the original DC100 concept from 2011 than expected. The quintessential box shape remains with the wheels fitted at the far corners of the body making for excellent approach and departure angles. The rear tailgate remains side-hinged with a spare wheel mounted on the rear door.
New chassis
Defender still uses a monocogue chassis that claims to be 3-times stiffer than a ladder frame.
The new Defender runs on a D7x platform which is 95% all-new. The monocoque platform is made from lightweight Aluminium but Land Rover claims that this is the stiffest body structure it has ever created and 3 times stiffer than a ladder frame chassis. Aluminium may be lightweight but the Defender 110 as a whole weighs 2.3 tons!
In testing the new chassis, Land Rover covered 1.2-million kilometres around the Rocky Mountains, Arctic circle and the Sahara desert.
Land Rover has made off-roading a little easier for Defender owners with the inclusion of Terrain Response 2 allowing drivers to configure the vehicle to the exact terrain ahead at the touch of a button, while an Auto mode allows the car to adapt without user input.
Terrain response buttons next to the gear lever adapt the 4×4 settings to the driver's needs.
As for off-roading credibility, the Defender has 291 mm of ground clearance. The long-wheelbase 110 has an approach angle of 38-degrees, a 28-degree break-over angle and a 40-degree departure angle (in off-road mode). It will also wade through water 900 mm deep.
Land Rover has also installed the new Defender with Clear Sight tech that uses cameras to display the ground directly in front of the wheels on the central screen, negating the need for the passenger to get out and guide you over/through tricky obstacles.
Engine range
South Africa will initially get 2 engines at launch in the 110 version. The 90 will come later as will other engine choices. Starting with diesel, the D240 makes use of a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder to develop 177 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The other choice is a 3.0-litre straight-six turbopetrol good for 294 kW and 550 Nm of torque. Of no relevance whatsoever, this Defender will hit 100 kph in 6.1 seconds.
These engines far outpower previous Defenders but with a towing capacity of 3.5 tons coupled with a 900 kg payload in the car including 168 kg on the roof, the torque outputs will be tested (especially on the diesel).
Practicality and tech
A much more digitised view than any previous Defender owner would have experienced.
The Defender 110 can be ordered in 5, 6 or 7 seats and appears to make good use of its box shape in creating space. When specced with 5 seats, there’s an incredible 1 075 litres of packing space while with the rear seats folded flat it expands to load 2 380 litres.
The interior has been updated substantially but differs from the latest Evoque and Velar with just a single centre screen as opposed to the 2 in the Range Rover models. The Defender also uses a new software system that responds faster and is more intuitive. It can also be updated over the air, meaning bugs, glitches and updates can be sent directly to the car without going to a dealer.
Accessory packs galore are available so the Defender can be specced to your specific need/hobby. Tents, awnings, winches and roof racks can all be optionally added if needed.
A plethora of accessories can be bolted on to the new Defender.
Price
Indicative pricing for the Defender 110 at launch, in the first half of 2020 will start at R910 400.
While the expected pricing of the 90 to follow in the second half of 2020 will start at R830 300.
BMW has unveiled the Concept 4 at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show which previews the all-new 4 Series coupe.
This striking concept is the latest to come from BMW. "The BMW Concept 4 embodies the aesthetic essence of the BMW brand. It combines perfect proportions with a clear and precise design," says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.
The controversial kidney grille is now bigger than ever and undoubtedly a talking point amongst pundits. Is it too much or a bold statement of intent? We'll leave that up to you to decide. The low-slung 2-door coupe rides on striking 21-inch alloy wheels.
While some may argue that the imposing grille is too much, we think it kinda works. Having seen the vehicle in the flesh at the show, it's proportionally excellent and muscular. Will people get used to the grille? Only time will tell.
See more of the BMW Concept 4
Hot Audi RS7 Sportback Shown
You are looking at the most powerful RS7 Sportback ever…
The new Audi RS7 Sportback made an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week and it undoubtedly exudes performance intent.
The aggressive lines on the bodywork, the large grille, gaping air intakes, large 21-inch wheels and oversize exhaust pipes all contribute to the new RS7 Sportback’s appeal.
To match that angry look is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine featuring a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system that produces total outputs of 441 kW and 800 Nm of torque. These hefty numbers are directed to all four wheels using an 8-speed automatic transmission and the RS7 Sportback will sprint from zero to 100 kph in 3.6 seconds with top speed capped at 250 kph. Dynamic and Dynamic Plus packages, however, will push the top speed up to 280 kph and 305 kph respectively.
The RS& Sportback rides some 20 mm lower than a standard A7 thanks to its standard adaptive air suspension. The ride height drops even further at speed (10 mm at 120 kph) while the vehicle can also be raised by as much as 20 mm to prevent unwanted scrapes. An RS Sports suspension and Dynamic Ride Control can be had as an option which enhances the dynamic ability of the car by reducing body roll and pitch while also offering sportier drive modes such as RS1 and RS2.
The interior is equally impressive with RS sport seats wrapped in Nappa leather, which is found throughout the cabin, and a model-specific flat-bottomed steering wheel is fitted. As you would expect, Audi has thrown all the tech into the new RS7 Sportback and the MMI dual touchscreen system along with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit goes a long way in ensuring that the interior is bang up to date.
The official arrival of the new RS7 Sportback in South Africa has been confirmed for Q4 2020. We will keep you updated as soon as more information is revealed.
Expedition ready Land Cruiser straight from the factory.
Toyota has launched its most expensive bakkie yet in the local market, with a new special edition Land Cruiser 79.
Regarded as the most robust of all double-cabs, this ‘Cruiser 79 Namib features some styling and suspension upgrades.
The most obvious exterior upgrade is a new mesh grille, whilst the front bumper has been replaced with an off-road specification steel bumper and nudge bar. Illumination is improved too, with the addition of LED spotlights
Inside this new Cruiser 79, there are factory fitted grey canvas seat covers and an expedition-grade roof console – the latter controlling an array of LED cabin lights. For those drivers who know that the places a Land Cruiser goes don’t really have conventional phone signal, Toyota has added a two-way radio compartment and microphone hook to the cabin architecture.
Mechanically the most significant change is a suspension upgrade. Toyota does not divulge who the supplier is but says that a credible local consultancy has engineered the upgrade.
The Namib edition also rolls a high-volume tyre option, Cooper’s Discoverer S/T Maxx, sized 265/75/R16. This tyre should give the ‘Cruiser 79 Namib ample deflation volume, to ensure excellent sand traction in steep dune terrain.
All the other ‘Cruiser 79 attributes remain the same: three lockable differentials and a huge 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 engine, producing 151 kW and 430 Nm.
In a world where most automotive marketing is empty perception management, this Land Cruiser Namib edition is a credibly authentic product evolution. In the testing conditions of Namibia, the Land Cruiser has achieved legendary status and Toyota has obviously decided to finally leverage its fabled reputation.
Toyota will be marketing the Land Cruiser 79 Namib in only two colours: white and beige. Toyota’s most expensive bakkie prices at R893 600 and will probably outlast its owner.
