Automotive
Friday, July 3, 2020
2021 Volvo VNL 860 Truck Review
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe Review
Overview
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2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe |
What's New for 2021?
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2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe |
Which One to Buy
- Despite our power-hungry desires, we acknowledge that the AMG GLE53 is a much better value. It's also still really quick and fun to drive. We'd save our money and stick with the more conventional SUV version. Mercedes hasn't announced starting prices or what individual options and packages will be available, but once that information is official, we'll be sure to build our ideal version and share our recommendation.
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2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe |
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
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2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe |
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
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2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe |
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
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2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe |
Infotainment and Connectivity
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2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe |
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance.
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe
Steppenwolf Tundra : The Perfect Bike to Ride
20 years of Steppenwolf
20 years in which the Steppenwolf family has gone from strength to strength.
Each Steppenwolf is a faithful companion: reliable and individual. Just the way you want it! Here are our Steppenwolf-Hardtails, the bosses on every trail – for adventure without limits.
Race dominant genes, combined with a sense of distance, make our hardtail Tundra preserve smoothness in all forward motion. It's the short rear section & steep steering angle that helps support its agility. Both uphill & downhill, they are smooth, dynamic & sensitive.
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Steppenwolf Tundra |
- Frame/Fork: High-performance carbon composite frame on RockShox SID XXWC 100 mm remote fork
- Wheels/Tires: Schwalbe Rocket Ron 29x2.25 Evo tires on DT Swiss X 1450 Spline wheels
- Drivetrain: SRAM XX shifters; SRAM XX 175 mm crankset with 39/26t; SRAM XX front and rear derailleurs; Shimano XT/XT chain; SRAM PC1091/PG1070 10 speed cassette with 11-36t
- Brakes/Cockpit: Avid XX 180/180 mm brakes; Easton EC70 Carbon Flat 660 mm handlebars; FA SX Pro No. 55 tapered headest; Easton EA 90 mm stem; SDG Circuit MTN saddle; Easton EC90 carbon seatpost
- Ultralightweight; short rear section and steep steering angle make for great agility
Weighed 24lbs with pedals. (Size Large). I took my “Sweet” time putting it together to ensure I did everything right. Took me an hour. Right out of the box the shifting was smooth as silk. Breaks are firm and responsive and both levers are perfectly adjusted. Shock eats bumps up like candy.
I remember when I went from a 26 inch to a 29er how much better the ride was. I spent weeks wondering how the ride could be so much smoother. Same experience with this bike. The difference between my 29er aluminum frame, (32lbs) and this one is like night and day. So much more responsive and so much easier to move around on the trails.
All in all, this is a fantastic bike for the money. Great components, carbon and a great price.
Thursday, July 2, 2020
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
2021 Mercedes Benz E-Class
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV