2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class Review

Overview

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-class epitomizes sophistication with its bleeding technology, classy appearance, and extravagant cabin. Available as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe and cabriolet, the Mercedes can be made to match all manner of upper-class lifestyles. It also offers a set of distinct power-trains that range from an entry-level four-cylinder to a plug-in hybrid to a zesty turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 362 horsepower. The 2021 E-class family chauffeurs passengers in quiet comfort thanks to a serene interior and a pillowy ride. The experience is not unlike a smaller and more affordable version of the ultra-luxurious S-class.

2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class

What's New for 2021?

Mercedes-Benz introduces a mid-cycle update of the E-class lineup for 2021. The changes apply to the sedan as well as the coupe and cabriolet models. The updates include revised front and rear styling, an all-new steering-wheel design, the latest MBUX infotainment system, and enhanced driver-assistance technology. The E450 replaces its twin-turbo V-6 with a new turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine. Mercedes also brings the long-promised E350e plug-in hybrid to America for the first time.

2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Which One to Buy

The 2021 E-class goes on sale at the end of this year, but Mercedes hasn't yet said how much each model will cost. We expect to see a small increase versus their predecessors, and we recommend the sedan body style.

 

We'd also advocate for the E450, with its potent six-cylinder powertrain and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. It comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, a fully digital dashboard, heated front seats with memory settings, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and passive entry.

 

To that we'd add the optional air suspension, head-up display, heated steering wheel, multi-contour front seats with massage functions, and ventilated front-seat cushions.

 

2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every E-class features an obedient nine-speed automatic transmission that pairs with three distinct engines. The E350 has a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The plug-in-hybrid E350e is only available with rear-wheel drive, but its four-cylinder engine works with an electric motor to generate a total output of 315 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. 

The E450 is powered by a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system that doubles as an electric supercharger. The setup sends 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft to either rear- or all-wheel drive. Since the E-class is a comfort-biased car, its handling is competent but not sporty. It leans in corners, but it rarely feels overwhelmed when pushed hard. With the optional air suspension in its Comfort setting, the ride is creamy, and the E-class is perfect for gobbling up lots of road. 

It glides over pavement imperfections with only slight notification of such unpleasantries communicated to the cabin. With the drive-mode selector set to either Comfort or Eco, the steering is nicely weighted—not too light, not too heavy—and feels accurate. 

The E-class tracks straight on the freeway with a solid and predictable nature, and feedback from the road is muted.

2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Neither the EPA nor Mercedes-Benz have released fuel-economy estimates for the 2021 E-class lineup. The 2020 E350 has a carry-over power-train, so we expect its government ratings of up to 23 mpg city and 32 highway to stay the same. Once the official numbers are announced, and we have the chance to test the different power-trains on our 200-mile highway route, we can evaluate their real-world mpg.

2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The E-class's cabin is beautifully detailed with brushed aluminum, lovely wood, and some of the most comfortable seats we've ever tested. Every model comes standard with customizable ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and memory settings for the driver's and front passenger seat. Desirable options include a head-up display, massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front-seat cushions. 

Under its shapely rear end is a trunk that offers less space than some rivals, but the Benz has them beat when it comes to interior cubby storage. Lowering the rear seat-backs opens up much more space for hauling cargo, but they don't fold completely flat so loading heavy items may feel like a chore. We still managed to fit 18 of our carry-on suitcases inside the sedan with the rear seats stowed. Both the coupe and convertible models offer a 10-cubic-foot trunk; with the top down, though, the cabriolet model's available space shrinks considerably. 

We could only fit two carry-on suitcases inside the trunk with the convertible's top stowed, but the coupe managed to hold five.

2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Infotainment and Connectivity

The E-class comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which can be controlled in myriad ways that include a touch-pad on the center console as well as voice-activated commands. The MBUX system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those who want fancier features can upgrade to a powerful Burmester stereo and wireless charging.

2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 E-class hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Although it comes standard with several driver assists, such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, most other equipment costs extra. Key safety features include:

• Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available automatic high-beam headlights
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  2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Benz covers the E-class lineup with a competitive limited and power-train warranty. However, unlike rivals such as BMW and Jaguar, the company doesn't provide any amount of complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
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  2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class
  
  
  

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2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV Review

Overview

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-class marries a luxurious cabin and a potent power-train in a ruggedly handsome package. It's the latest in a long line of luxurious off-roaders from Mercedes-Benz that started back in the late 1990s with the introduction of the M-class. 

This new GLE is also a huge improvement compared with the version it replaces. That's not to say it's perfect. In its quest to out-tech key rivals such as the BMW X5, Lincoln Aviator, and Volvo XC90, Mercedes has overlooked a few important details, namely interior ergonomics and ride comfort. While a slope-roofed "coupe" model will surely join the lineup soon, the GLE-class is offered only with a square-back SUV body at the moment.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

What's New for 2020?

Benz's popular mid-size SUV has been completely redesigned for 2020 and features a more modern lineup of engines, additional luxury options, and more contemporary technology features.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

Which One to Buy

• After driving two of the three available power-trains, we'd suggest sticking with the entry-level turbocharged four-cylinder GLE350 model. Despite the fact that it's the lowest-powered option, it moves the GLE-class along with enough authority to satisfy most drivers, and it gets better fuel economy to boot. Since we're saving our hard-earned dollars by going with the base model, we'd allow ourselves to splurge on the Premium package (Burmester audio system, ambient interior lighting, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and SiriusXM satellite radio), the Energizing Package Plus (massaging front seats with heat and ventilation, cabin-air purification system, in-cabin fragrance diffuser), and the Warmth and Comfort package (heated front armrests and upper door panels). We'd also add heated seats in the second row, four-zone automatic climate control, and soft-close doors, all of which are standalone options.

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  2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

  
  

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Models wearing the GLE350 badge are powered by a 255-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine with either rear- or all-wheel drive (4Matic in Mercedes parlance) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Stepping up to the GLE450 brings standard all-wheel drive and a 362-hp hybrid power-train that consists of a turbocharged inline-six and a novel 48-volt electrical system. 

The 2020 GLE350 required 6.6 seconds to reach 60 mph at our test track, and the six-cylinder GLE450 managed a 5.3-second time. While the souped-up Mercedes-AMG GLE53 (reviewed separately) brings even more heat, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE580 represents the most powerful and expensive non-AMG model. The 48-volt system combines with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 to make up to 504 horsepower. 

Every GLE-class can be outfitted with a cutting-edge air-suspension system that can lean into corners and even wiggle itself loose if the driver gets it stuck in sand or mud. The standard setup is traditional steel springs and anti-roll bars.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Unsurprisingly, the four-cylinder GLE350 earns the highest fuel-economy estimates from the EPA at 20/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined for the rear-wheel-drive model. Adding all-wheel drive reduces both the highway and city figures by 1 mpg. The GLE450 earns ratings of 19/24/21 mpg city/highway/combined. The GLE580 burns gas at a faster rate and earned 17/21/19 mpg. 

On our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route, an all-wheel-drive GLE350 4Matic returned 25 mpg, and the GLE450 4Matic delivered 23 mpg. The GLE450 goes head to head with the six-cylinder X5 xDrive40i, but the BMW wins in our fuel-economy testing with its 28-mpg result.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Fine materials such as genuine leather, woods, and metals impart a sense of true luxury, but they also add a pretty penny to the bottom line. Not only can the front seats be heated, but the armrests and center-console lid can, too, which quickly take the chill out of a frigid winter morning. 

The spacious interior can now be outfitted with an optional third row of seats and features modern Mercedes technology found in the company's latest luxury sedans. With the optional third row of seats stowed, we fit 11 carry-on suitcases in the cargo hold. 

With all seats folded to their flat positions, the GLE-class offers room for up to 26 carry-ons. The GLE-class's rival, the X5, matches the Mercedes in both metrics, but other competitors such as the more coupe-like Audi Q8 held far fewer.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

Infotainment and Connectivity

Dual 12.3-inch infotainment displays stretch nearly the length of the dashboard and offer several ways to interact with the system, including the MBUX voice-recognition system. Like Apple's Siri or Google's virtual assistant, MBUX can respond to many commands, thus enabling the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel but still turn up the heat, switch on the ventilated-seat function, or tune to a specific radio station. 

A touch-pad on the center console allows for tactile interaction with the infotainment system, and the screen is also touch-sensitive, but the menus aren't all logically structured. Navigating them is better done when the GLE-class is parked. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard, which makes keeping up with calls, texts, and other communications while on the go a little easier.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn't released crash-test results for the new GLE-class, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ due to its good performance in that agency's testing. 

A standard suite of driver-assistance features also makes the GLE-class a good pick for families. Key safety features include:

•  Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
•  Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
•  Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
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  2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Whereas BMW includes three years of maintenance included in the price of any new X5, Mercedes offers zero complimentary maintenance. As far as warranty policies go, the GLE-class's standard offerings are among the most basic in the luxury-car marketplace.

•  Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
•  Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
•  No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
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  2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

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2020 BMW X7 Review

Overview

Families who want a big three-row SUV with a luxurious interior and Bavarian roots will appreciate the X7. Its prominent grilles and large proportions conceal an extremely quiet and comfortable cabin. Filled with upscale materials and countless features, the BMW is an enjoyable place to spend time—unless you're an adult who has to sit in the third row. Still, the X7 is positively palatial and motivated by a set of powerful and refined power-trains. Every model comes with all-wheel drive and myriad driver assists. While the 2020 BMW X7 isn't perfect, it's among the fanciest ways to shuttle the whole family.

2020 BMW X7

What's New for 2020?

The most significant update to the 2020 X7 lineup is the new M50i model, which brings a more powerful version of BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 and other unique content. Otherwise the model-year changes are pretty minor. The top two trims feature more standard features such as soft-close doors, gesture controls, remote engine start, and more. In addition to some revised option packages, the X7 can now be equipped with five-zone climate control. With the introduction of the M50i, the regular 50i no longer offers the M Sport package. The modified Alpina XB7 version will make the X7 one of the most powerful SUVs in the world when it eventually goes on sale as a 2021 model.

The most significant update to the 2020 X7 lineup is the new M50i model, which brings a more powerful version of BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 and other unique content. Otherwise the model-year changes are pretty minor. The top two trims feature more standard features such as soft-close doors, gesture controls, remote engine start, and more. In addition to some revised option packages, the X7 can now be equipped with five-zone climate control. With the introduction of the M50i, the regular 50i no longer offers the M Sport package. The modified Alpina XB7 version will make the X7 one of the most powerful SUVs in the world when it eventually goes on sale as a 2021 model.

2020 BMW X7

Despite our fondness for horsepower and the twin-turbo V-8's blistering acceleration, we'd recommend the entry-level X7 xDrive40i. It includes standard all-wheel drive and its turbocharged six-cylinder engine is plenty quick. It already has a host of desirable standard features that include a four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated front seats, a power tailgate, and more. The only options we'd add are one of the leather upholstery choices and the Premium package. The latter includes a head-up display, gesture controls, remote engine start, soft-close doors, rear electric side-window shades, and a Harman/Kardon audio system. 

Despite our fondness for horsepower and the twin-turbo V-8's blistering acceleration, we'd recommend the entry-level X7 xDrive40i. It includes standard all-wheel drive and its turbocharged six-cylinder engine is plenty quick. It already has a host of desirable standard features that include a four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings, heated front seats, a power tailgate, and more. The only options we'd add are one of the leather upholstery choices and the Premium package. The latter includes a head-up display, gesture controls, remote engine start, soft-close doors, rear electric side-window shades, and a Harman/Kardon audio system.

2020 BMW X7

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2020 X7 has a trio of turbocharged engines that include a 335-hp six-cylinder on xDrive40i models, a 456-hp twin-turbo V-8 on the xDrive50i, and a specially tuned version of that V-8 makes 523 horses on the top-tier M50i. All three engines pair with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 

We found the six-cylinder to be torquey and quiet, but the V-8 was more charming and its acceleration was more urgent. Its standard air suspension with adaptive damping provides a smooth ride, especially in Comfort mode. The selectable Sport mode tightens things up slightly, with sharp impacts intruding on the interior's otherwise placid calm due to the 21-inch wheels. A special off-road package is available and adds an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, off-road driving modes, and a front skid plate to protect the bottom of the engine.

2020 BMW X7

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the thriftiest X7 will earn up to 25 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city. However, those who want a little more grunt from the V-8–powered version will have to sacrifice some fuel efficiency. Both the 456-hp xDrive50i and 523-hp M50i are rated at 21 mpg city and 15 mpg highway. We tested the six-cylinder X7 on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route and recorded 28 mpg. The V-8 50i also exceeded its government rating, achieving 24 mpg on our real-world highway test.

2020 BMW X7

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Borrowing partially from the smaller BMW X5 SUV and partially from the upscale BMW 7-series sedan, the X7's rich interior is well-appointed, tech-packed, and spacious. Plenty of luxury features can be found inside as well, including heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and ambient interior lighting. However, we were irritated by how slowly the power-operated, second-row captain's chair moved when trying to let people in and out of the third row. Likewise, the way-back seats aren't especially roomy for adults during prolonged drives. Still, no one will complain about the X7's ample interior cubby storage. While we only managed to fit three carry-on suitcases behind the third row, we fit 33 total with all the back seats stowed.

2020 BMW X7

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every X7 is loaded with high-tech features, including a fully digital gauge cluster and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. Its infotainment system can also be operated by a large rotary knob on the center console as well as through gesture controls that are more gimmicky than useful. Every model has a 10-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay capability, built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless charging.

2020 BMW X7

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 BMW X7 hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Every model is also equipped with driver-assistance technology in addition to several more advanced options. Key safety features include:

•  Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
•  Standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
•  Standard lane-departure warning
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  2020 BMW X7

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW offers a competitive limited and power-train warranty that is bolstered by above-average complimentary scheduled maintenance.

•  Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
•  Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
•  Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
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  2020 BMW X7

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2021 Audi A6 Review

Overview

Comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped, the 2021 Audi A6 checks the critical boxes for a mid-size luxury car. Its cabin is lined with quality materials and fit and finish ranks among the best the premium automobile marketplace has to offer. 

The A6 also woos tech-savvy buyers with a plethora of displays, cameras, driver-assistance features, and convenience items sprinkled throughout the interior. What's missing here is the crisp and tossable handling dynamics that shine so brightly in the smaller A4 sedan and its two-door A5 siblings. 

Buyers will choose from either a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (those models are denoted with a "45" badge) and a turbocharged V-6 (called "55"); both power-trains receive a boost from a hybrid system and come standard with all-wheel drive. 

The A6 is a handsomely styled—if somewhat bland—mid-size four-door that easily hangs with rivals such as the BMW 5-series and the Mercedes-Benz E-class, but is better suited for commuting duty than tackling twisty back roads.

2021 Audi A6

What's New for 2021?

Audi has given the A6 updates that are similar to other 2021 Audis. The base Premium trim now comes with 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, and an integrated toll-road payment module; this model's available Convenience package now includes a 360-degree camera system and in-dash navigation with a 10.1-inch infotainment display. 

Mid-range Premium Plus models get adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist as standard and the top-spec Prestige adds standard rear-window sunshades. A new Black Optics Sport appearance package joins the roster of options and adds black exterior trim, unique 20-inch wheels, and a sport suspension.

We'd recommend the mid-range Premium Plus 55 trim level with its standard turbocharged V-6 engine. Besides the smooth strong engine, this model includes a lot of features that luxury buyers will find tempting, such as the digital gauge display, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, a larger 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 360-degree exterior-camera system. On top of that, we'd suggest the Executive package, which includes a power trunk lid, multi-color ambient interior lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats.

2021 Audi A6

 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The A6's two powertrains—a 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 335-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6—are both more than enough to haul this mid-size sedan around town. 

Both powertrains employ hybrid technology with a 12- or 48-volt starter/alternator that runs the engine's stop-start system and other ancillary equipment. 

A seven-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive are both standard. The V-6 delivers plenty of thrust for merging and passing on the highway. At our test track, it charged from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Despite this quick result, it's not quite enough to outrun its key rivals, the BMW 540i xDrive and the Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic. 

The 540i managed a 4.5-second run, while the Benz did it in 4.6. Despite its impressive cornering ability and steady ride, the A6 performs better as a luxury sedan than a sports sedan. We enjoyed its balanced handling and precise steering but never felt totally engaged when attacking twisty sections of road.

2021 Audi A6

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The A6 earned decent fuel-economy estimates from the EPA, and opting for the V-6 versus the turbo four-cylinder isn't much of a compromise in the efficiency department. 

The four-cylinder A6 received a 32-mpg highway rating, which is only three more than the V-6. However, our V-6–powered test vehicle managed an impressive 32 mpg during the course of our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test. 

That result puts it ahead of the Benz (30 mpg) and the BMW (31 mpg) but behind the über-efficient Lexus ES350, which managed an incredible 39 mpg in the same test.

2021 Audi A6

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The A6's interior design is sleek, modern, and nicely put together from excellent-quality materials. Soft leather adorns the seats and armrests, rich-looking wood and nickel-finished metal trim is tastefully applied to the dash and doors, and the majority of the A6's secondary controls—climate, drive mode, etc.—are handled by a large touch-sensitive panel underneath the main infotainment display. 

A similar system is used in the A8 luxury sedan and the Q8 crossover, and despite our usual griping about the takeover of touchscreen controls, it works well and provides satisfying haptic feedback. 

A large trunk and easy-to-fold rear seatbacks make the A6 great for hauling cargo. We fit six of our carry-on suitcases in the trunk, which ties both the E450 and the 540i. The Audi offered far more space than either of those two with the rear seats folded, managing to hold 20 cases; the Benz held 18 and the BMW 16.

2021 Audi A6

Infotainment and Connectivity

Audi's familiar MMI infotainment interface gets a big revamp in this iteration of the A6. It no longer uses a click-wheel controller on the center console but offers reconfigurable menus so users can customize the layout of the home screen to suit their tastes. 

An 8.8-inch display, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and onboard Wi-Fi are all standard, but Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display and the larger 10.1-inch infotainment display are optional. 

A 10-speaker audio system is standard, but we'd recommend the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen setup that comes standard on the Premium Plus and Prestige models.

2021 Audi A6

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The A6 has earned five stars for crash-test safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also reported strong results for the new A6 in 2019 and named it a Top Safety Pick+ for the 2019 and 2020 model years. 

Audi also offers quite a few standard and optional driver-assistance features, including a system that watches out for traffic to save you from stepping out of the car and into the path of a moving vehicle. Key safety features include:

 Standard automated emergency braking

 Standard lane departure warning

 Available adaptive cruise control

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  2021 Audi A6

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi offers an average standard warranty that, when compared with other premium brands, looks pretty basic. Jaguar offers more value here, with longer warranties and five years of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

•  Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
•  Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
•  Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles
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  2021 Audi A6

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