Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

Eclipse is a superyacht built by Blohm+Voss of Hamburg, Germany, the fourth longest afloat. Her exterior and interior were designed by Terence Disdale. 

Eclipse was launched on 12 June 2009. She arrived in Frederikshavn, Denmark, on 18 September 2009, for sea trials, and was delivered to Abramovich on 9 December 2010. First pictures of the completed yacht were taken at Kristiansand, Norway, during her refuelling.

In February 2011 Eclipse was made available for charter through SuperYachtsMonaco, a Monaco-based yacht brokerage company.

Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

Eclipse travels to St. Martin in the Caribbean each winter to pick up guests who fly in to St. Martin's airport. The yacht then travels to Abramovich's home on nearby St. Barts.

The yacht was delivered to Russian businessman Roman Abramovich on 9 December 2010. At 162.5 metres (533 ft 2 in) long Eclipse was the world's longest private yacht until the Azzam was launched in April 2013, which was 17.3 metres (56 ft 9 in) longer. The yacht's cost has been estimated at €340 million.

Roman Abramovich is a popular figure as he owns the leading English club, Chelsea. The Russian businessman helped the Blues to become a big spender in the transfer market, bringing brilliant players like Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres etc. to offer the beautiful game for the club supporters across the world.

Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

As well as the Chelsea football team, which is a beauty in soccer fields, Abramovich owns another marvel: a private yacht named ‘Eclipse.’

Eclipse has two helicopter pads, 24 guest cabins, two swimming pools, several hot tubs, and a disco hall. It is also equipped with three launch boats and a mini-submarine that is capable of submerging to 50 metres (160 ft). Approximately 70 crew members are needed to operate the yacht and serve the guests.

Eclipse was also the largest vessel employing a rotor-based stabilization system against roll motion at anchor and at low cruise speeds, based on the Magnus effect.

A synonym for luxury, this superyacht is best suitable for all adventure and water sports activities in addition to providing splendid trips to cultural and historical destinations.

Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

The Bermuda-flagged, Lloyds Register class yacht has a Gross Tonnage of 13000 tonnes. Offering the latest propulsion technology for maximum speed performance, Eclipse is powered by a diesel-electric, dual propulsion system with four MTU 20V 1163 TB93 marine diesel engines. These engines power the rotating Azipod drives, providing the yacht with a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruise speed of 22 knots. 

Featuring 1,000,000 litres fuel tanks, Eclipse can travel up to 6,000 nautical miles at 21 knots before refuelling. The boat also has the capacity to store about 150,000 litres of fresh water abroad.

While the naval architecture was provided by Blohm + Voss, the superstructure design of the Eclipse was carried out by Terence Disdale Design. The UK-based award-winning firm was also responsible for interior design, deck layouts as well as construction supervision.

Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

Incidentally, the construction of the vessel was performed with great secrecy and, due to this reason, the project was named as Project Luxury Yacht M 147 throughout the construction period. However, the details of technical design and construction of the yacht have not been revealed to the public, the design and layout are available for people to marvel at.

The entire yacht has been bejewelled with features to make it more luxurious. Spread across a number of decks, the facilities abroad Eclipse includes a gym, dance floor, underwater lights, beach club, wifi connection, beauty salon, tender garage and deck jacuzzi etc. Further, the Eclipse holds two helipads and a 16 m swimming pool that can be converted into a dance floor. 

Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

This motor yacht is capable accommodating three helicopters, two on both helipads and the third one in a storage hangar located below the foredeck. Moreover, Eclipse also flaunts internal lifts, six tenders and an exterior fireplace on-board. The boat also features a place for a three-person private submarine that can go up to a depth of 160ft.

Eclipse is also one of the most technologically advanced yachts around the world.  The boat boasts latest technology safety features which include motion sensors, bulletproof glass and an antiballistic missile defence.  In fact, each cabin in the yacht comes with a private 6ft home cinema screen, a Jacuzzi, spa and specialized security systems. 

Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

According to reports, Eclipse has an anti-paparazzi system which detects the use of digital cameras to click photographs of the boat. Using lasers, the system detects digital cameras and disrupts a potential photograph of the yacht as those infrared lights can make it unstable.

For security, Eclipse is fitted with a missile detection system.

Eclipse – The World’s Most Expensive Private Yacht

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2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Review

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

• If you love the Mercedes-Benz S-class but find it isn't big enough or exclusive enough for your tastes, take a look at the 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S650. These large ultra-luxury sedans ride on longer wheelbases than the Benz S-class, and they come with the finest appointments money can buy. 
• The S560 and S650 are made for limousine living. Their palatial rear seats are available with all the comforts needed to make chauffeured journeys an unmitigated delight. 
• Although they cost thousands more than their Mercedes sibling, they're less expensive—and less ostentatious—than land barges such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Buyers who want ultra-luxury transportation that leans toward understatement may find S560 and S650 to be a perfect match.

What's New for 2020?

The Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S650 carry over into 2020 with no major changes.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Pricing and Which One to Buy

•  S560: $173,995
•  S650: $203,545

The S560 and S650's key difference lies with the engine that lives under their imperious hoods. Of the two, the S560 has fewer horses, but there's more than enough power available, so this is the model we'd recommend for most buyers. 

Twenty-inch multi-spoke wheels with silver accents connect the S560 to the pavement, and a huge panoramic sunroof extends over the front and rear seats. Adaptive projector-beam LED headlights brighten the path ahead. 

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

The list of standard exterior features also includes rear fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated power-folding side mirrors, and LED taillights. Within the cabin, you'll find heated and ventilated front seats with a massaging feature, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot, keyless entry and ignition, and a heated steering wheel.

If you're using the S560 as chauffeured transportation, the well-equipped rear seat will be a big draw. This car's second row is heated and ventilated, and it reclines for optimum comfort. It also comes standard with massaging lumbar support, power side-bolster support, and leg rests. 

Additionally, all 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 sedans are equipped with a full complement of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2020 S560 is motivated by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. 

A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. With the S650, a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 does the honors, and it provides 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. This power-plant comes with rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

 An S560 tested at the track made it from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is an impressive performance for a car with such sizable dimensions. With both sedans, you get handling that's poised and gracious. 

The steering is light at low speeds and gets weightier as the car's pace increases. 

The suspension is magnificently calibrated, keeping road harshness at bay while avoiding excessive body roll through turns.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

With the 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560, EPA-rated fuel economy comes in at 16/25 mpg city/highway. The S650 is rated at 13/21 mpg. These cars are a lot less fuel efficient that the Benz S-class; that model achieves mileage of up to 19/28 mpg. 

Still, the S560 and S650 get better fuel economy than the Rolls-Royce Phantom which comes in at 12/20 mpg. During our time with an S560, we observed overall mileage of 18 mpg.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With both the S560 and S650, you get a cabin that drips with opulence. Luscious leathers and gleaming woods are used throughout, and the interior design is sleek and stylish. 

These cars have a longer wheelbase than the Benz S-class, and this translates to more legroom for rear-seat passengers. While the S-class provides 34.1 inches of legroom in the back, the S560 and S650 bump this up to a generous 40 inches. 

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

The rear compartment comes standard with seats that can heat, ventilate, and massage. Adding the Executive Rear Seat Plus package brings in two folding tables for the rear seats, along with heated and cooled cupholders. This roomier, enhanced rear seat is the main feature justifying the S560 and S650's price premium versus the S-class. 

Unless you're planning on letting a chauffeur take the wheel, we'd recommend sticking with the Mercedes S-class sedan. Somewhat surprisingly, the S560 and S650 are light on cargo space. 

There's just 12.3 cubic feet of room in the trunk. With the Rolls-Royce Phantom, you get a trunk with 19 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Mercedes-Maybach's pair of sedans come with a comprehensive array of tech features. The standard Burmester audio system provides 26 speakers for an immersive listening experience. 

All models come with SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth phone and music streaming. You also get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, along with standard rear-seat DVD entertainment system with two wireless headphones.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Mercedes-Maybach S560 and S650 haven't received an overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

However, both these models come with a wide range of driver-assistance features that can help you (or your chauffeur) prevent accidents. Key safety features include:

•  Standard blind-spot monitoring
•  Standard automated emergency braking
•  Standard lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning
•  Standard night-vision camera

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  2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

  
  

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Mercedes-Maybach provides solid warranty coverage. It surpasses the protection offered by Bentley.

•  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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  2020 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

  
  

2021 Year

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2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Review

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Overview

Entry-level models provide shoppers with an affordably priced way into a luxury carmaker's lineup, and the A-class fills this role in the Mercedes-Benz product range. 

This subcompact sedan is the smallest car in automaker's selection of vehicles; it's also the least expensive. With a long list of standard features, a premium-looking cabin, and relatively accessible pricing, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-class offers good value. 

Despite its small footprint, this sedan provides spacious accommodations for passengers, with a respectable amount of legroom for adults in the back seat. 

Keep in mind, however, that rival models offer more cargo space. Overall, this baby Mercedes shines as a top choice among entry-level luxury sedans.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

What's New for 2020?

The Mercedes-Benz A-class made its United States debut in the 2019 model year. It carries over into 2020 with no major changes.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Pricing and Which One to Buy

•  A220: $33,795
•  A220 4Matic: $35,795

The A220 comes with a full selection of standard equipment, and we think this version of the A-class will be a great match for most buyers who are interested in this sedan. 

Seventeen-inch wheels connect the car to the pavement, and the list of exterior features includes automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals. 

All models come with a panoramic sunroof that lets natural light into the cabin. Passengers enjoy standard features such as eight-way power-adjustable front seats, simulated leather upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control. 

You'll probably want to add the Premium package ($1650), which brings in upscale amenities such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and power-folding side mirrors. 

We'd also recommend including blind-spot monitoring ($550) for help with making safer lane changes. With these options added, the Mercedes-Benz A220 has a total price of $35,995.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With the 2020 A-class, the sole engine choice is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 188 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard with the A220, while the A220 4Matic adds all-wheel drive. 

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handles the gear shifts. The A220 4Matic tested from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. That's a bit slower than an A3 we tested, which made the sprint in 5.5 seconds when equipped with the top engine in the model's lineup. 

We noticed that front-drive A-class sedans travel with less impact harshness than the heavier all-wheel-drive model.

Still, both models deliver a ride quality that's reasonably comfortable and poised. Steering is precise, throttle response is superb, and there's almost no turbo lag.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that the 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 will achieve fuel economy of 24/35 mpg city/highway. 

That's less fuel efficient than the Audi A3 (27/36 mpg), but it gets better mileage than the Acura ILX (24/34 mpg). With the A220 4Matic, mileage dips to 24/34 mpg.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With entry-level luxury models, the cabin design can sometimes be heavy on the entry-leveland light on the luxury. That isn't the case with the A-class. 

This sedan has an interior with a premium look that lives up to Mercedes-Benz standards. A trio of circular air vents add decorative flair to the center stack, and the cabin can be upgraded with upscale options such as leather upholstery, heated front seats and LED interior lighting. 

The front seats deliver memorable comfort, and that helps make the A-class a great car for those who face long commutes. A standard folding back seat with a 40/20/40 split allows you to accommodate items too large to fit in the trunk. 

Speaking of the trunk, the A-class has one significant weakness: It's light on cargo capacity. The car's trunk provides just 9.0 cubic feet of room for your belongings.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2020 A-class comes with standard tech features such as Bluetooth phone and music streaming, HD radio and a 7-inch touchscreen. Base models also come with an eight-speaker sound system, five USB-C ports, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. 

A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen is offered as part of the available Premium package. The range of optional equipment also includes SiriusXM satellite radio and a Burmester stereo.

2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-class hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 

Though it's light on standard driver-assistance features, a broad range of these amenities are offered as optional equipment. Key safety features include:

•  Available blind-spot monitoring
•  Available lane-keeping assist
•  Available adaptive cruise control
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  2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz A-class is merely adequate when it comes to the scope of its warranty coverage. You'll get a longer power-train warranty with rivals such as the Acura ILX.

•  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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  2020 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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2021 Lincoln Navigator Review

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Overview

Lincoln's refreshed lineup has set a new bar for American-style luxury, and a big part of that is due to the mid-size Aviator SUV. Its styling, comfort, and features remind us of the brand's full-size Navigator, but its smaller package makes it more agile and easier to park. 

Unfortunately, it doesn't quite reach as high as established European rivals such as the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. Buyers can choose a twin-turbo V-6 engine or a plug-in-hybrid power-train using the same V-6. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available as an option. The cabin is upscale, comfortable, and spacious—at least for the first two rows of seats. 

Plus, Lincoln offers plenty of luxury options such as 30-way adjustable front seats with massage, soft-close doors, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D stereo system, not to mention a bundle of standard driver-assistance features it calls Co-Pilot360.

2021 Lincoln Navigator

What's New for 2021?

The Aviator sees only minor changes for 2021, including optional 21- and 22-inch wheel designs, three new colors (Asher Gray, Ocean Drive Blue, and Flight Blue), and an available Monochromatic Reserve appearance package. 

The Reserve trim receives a panoramic sunroof, and the top-flight Black Label gains soft-close doors. The Elements package—found on the Reserve and Grand Touring models—now comes with heated and ventilated front seats.

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Pricing and Which One to Buy

•  Aviator: $52,000 (est)
•  Reserve: $57,000 (est)
•  Grand Touring: $70,000 (est)
•  Black Label: $79,000 (est)
•  Grand Touring Black Label: $89,000 (est)

The mid-level Reserve trim is the sweet spot in the lineup, providing all the luxury most buyers need and want without breaking the bank. Standard equipment on the Reserve trim includes four-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera system, a panoramic sunroof, and a 14-speaker sound system. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available but costs extra.

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Lincoln Aviator's 400-hp twin-turbo V-6 is among the most powerful standard engines in the mid-size luxury SUV segment. The refined 3.0-liter V-6 works with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver both serene cruising and authoritative acceleration. 

In place of a more powerful V-8 engine as an option, Lincoln offers a plug-in-hybrid model that's known as the Aviator Grand Touring. Using the same V-6 and 10-speed transmission as the standard Aviator, the Grand Touring adds a 100-hp electric motor and a 13.6-kWh battery. 

The two propulsion sources combine for 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque, but the refinement isn't quite up to snuff, with occasional thunks when the drive-line reengages the gas engine. 

The battery allows the plug-in Aviator to cover about 18 miles in the Pure EV driving mode without using the gas engine, but the 100-hp motor is slow to accelerate the Aviator's heft without help from the engine. Most buyers will use one of the alternative drive modes, which rely heavily on the V-6.

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA rates the rear-wheel-drive Lincoln Aviator at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway; the all-wheel-drive model delivers 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Those numbers place the Aviator's fuel economy just slightly behind that of all-wheel-drive competitors such as the X5, the XC90, and the Audi Q7. 

A rear-wheel-drive non-hybrid Aviator managed a paltry 22 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route; the plug-in-hybrid all-wheel-drive Grand Touring model managed 25 mpg in the same test but managed to deliver only 15 of its estimated 21 miles of electric range before firing up its gasoline engine.

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2020 Aviator is available in six- or seven-seat configurations. Buyers who opt for second-row captain's chairs will have a choice of two different center consoles between those seats, one of which allows for easier pass-through to the third row. 

On trips longer than a few minutes, the back row is suitable only for small children, but that compromise means there's more room for cargo with all seats in their upright position. 

2021 Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln offers 18 cubic feet of storage space, more than the BMW X5 and Cadillac XT6 provide. Up front, the optional Perfect Position seats offer 30-way adjustability and massaging capability. 

If you're willing to spend extra for it, a camera behind the windshield scans the road for potholes and other imperfections and sends instructions to the adaptive dampers in order to improve ride quality.

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are all standard on the Lincoln Aviator. Compared with other manufacturers that use rotary controllers or multiple touchscreens, Lincoln's single-screen configuration and traditional climate controls are easy to learn and use. 

On higher trims, a smartphone's Bluetooth signal can be used to unlock and start the Aviator in place of the key. The top-end Revel Ultima 3D audio system has 28 speakers (including some in the headliner).

2021 Lincoln Navigator

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Aviator a five-star safety rating, but the folks at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) weren't as impressed. The mid-size Lincoln aced most of the agency's testing, but it missed out on the Top Safety Pick award because it scored only Acceptable in the small-overlap front crash test. 

The Aviator's standard Co-Pilot360 system of driver-assistance technologies includes forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beams, and a rear-view camera. 

2021 Lincoln Navigator

The optional Co-Pilot360 Plus adds adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and a self-parking system that will steer the vehicle into both parallel and perpendicular spots. Key safety features include:

•  Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
•  Standard blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance
•  Available lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated parking assistance.
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  2021 Lincoln Navigator

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

With power-train coverage that extends beyond its four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, the Aviator offers a better warranty than most of its competitors. 

The Grand Touring plug-in hybrid's unique electric components, such as the motor and battery pack, are covered with an eight-year/100,000-mile guarantee. Buyers who spring for the full-zoot Black Label trim also receive complimentary scheduled maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles.

•  Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
•  Power-train warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
•  Complimentary maintenance is covered for four years or 50,000 miles on Black Label models.
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  2021 Lincoln Navigator

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