Mercedes-Benz has extended its Maybach line-up with the unveiling of a plush new 550bhp flagship version of the third-generation GLS at the 2019 Guangzhou motor show in China. Lining up alongside the S-Class-based Maybach saloon, the top-flight SUV is planned for UK delivery in 2020 as a rival to the likes of the Bentley Bentayga and Range Rover, featuring a series of unique styling cues, a mild-hybrid drivetrain and an upgraded interior. The new model invokes many of the styling elements seen on the S-Class Maybach to help distinguish it from the standard third-generation GLS. Included is a distinctive chrome grille featuring vertical louvres, chrome highlights within the side window surrounds and along the sills, standard 22in (and optional 23in) wheels, an optional two-tone exterior paint scheme in eight different colour combinations, electrically extending running boards and chromed tail-pipes with a signature cross-rib. Speaking about the new model, Mercedes-Benz’s head of product management, Martin Hülder, said: “SUV vehicles have a major advantage for the luxury segment: the high seating position. In combination with the running boards, this makes access and egress easy and convenient.” Inside, the 5202mm-long Mercedes-Maybach GLS sports an upgraded interior with nappa leather upholstery and unique trim elements. Among the long list of options for UK customers are reclining rear seats with a massage function and a fixed centre console with folding tables and a refrigerator in a four-seat layout that can be further enhanced with a panoramic sunroof. Boot capacity below the cargo blind at the rear is 520 litres. Reflecting its upper luxury positioning, the latest Maybach model also receives a long list of standard driving aids. Mercedes-Benz’s most luxurious SUV will be offered from the outset of sales with just one drivetrain in the GLS 600 4Matic. The mild-hybrid unit combines a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with a 48V integrated starter motor to provide an overall output of 550bhp at 6000rpm and 538lb ft of torque from 2500-5000rpm. The electrically boosted reserves are channelled through a nine-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-62mph time for the 2710kg Maybach GLS 600 4Matic of 4.9sec. Top speed is limited to 155mph. Combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are put at 24.1mpg and 266g/km respectively on the WLTP cycle. Underpinning the new top-of-the-line GLS model is a specially tuned version of Mercedes-Benz’s E-Active Body control suspension. Also included is a curve inclination function that allows the big new SUV to lean into corners to reduce the lateral forces acting on the
Origin: Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 arrives to rival Bentley Bentayga
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Audi A6 55 TFSIe quattro plug-in hybrid arrives with 362bhp
The new Audi A6 plug-in hybrid has gone on sale in Germany as Audi progresses with the electrification of its line-up. The A6 55 TFSIe quattro, first revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, takes its power from a 249bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with a 141bhp electric motor integrated into the gearbox for a combined output of 362bhp. This powertrain also features in plug-in hybrid versions of the Q5 and A7 Sportback. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, with maximum torque output rated at 369lb ft. The saloon will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6sec and on to a top speed of 155mph. A less powerful variant, the 50 TFSIe, is set to arrive later, offering 295bhp and 332lb ft. The 55 TFSIe can run on electricity alone at speeds of up to 84mph for 33 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, with Audi claiming “customers can do most of their daily driving electrically”. Three driving modes feature, allowing drivers to easily switch between electric, hybrid and petrol power as desired. Audi claims a charging time from empty of around 2.5 hours from a 7.4kW charger, while the firm’s MyAudi smartphone app offers drivers sat-nav instructions based around public charger locations. The app can also be used to control air conditioning and heater settings before entering the car. The 55 TFSIe is equipped with Audi’s sporty S line exterior package, black trim elements and privacy glass as standard. Inside, it gets sport seats, four-zone climate control and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit screen. UK pricing and specification details are yet to be confirmed, but prices start from €68,850 (£59,128) in
Origin: Audi A6 55 TFSIe quattro plug-in hybrid arrives with 362bhp
News Roundup: Land Rover Defender arrives, Ford Ranger V6 turbo rumours swirl and more
The 2020 Land Rover DefenderLand Rover Welcome to our weekly round-up of the biggest breaking stories on Driving.ca from this past week. Get caught up and ready to get on with the weekend, because it’s hard keeping pace in a digital traffic jam.Here’s what you missed while you were away.The first look at the 2020 Defender suggests the hype was justified There’s been much ado about the 2020 Land Rover Defender, but it’s not been about nothing. According to the first look granted to our own David Booth, the iconic 4X4 should live up to the hype. Its square figure and terrain chewing capabilities keep it rooted to its off-roading history, but there’s plenty to justify the “all new” tag it’s been given, including the 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium engine from Jaguar Land Rover. Read our full first impressions to learn more, including how much the 2020 Defender will cost in Canada. Ford Ranger could get V6 twin-turbo engine Australian outlet Which Car claims to have learned of the Blue Oval’s plans to gift certain Rangers with a V6 twin-turbo powerplant. According to the report, the Ranger is being tested with versions of the F-150’s 2.7-litre EcoBoost and 3.0-litre diesel V6s in Australia even as you read this. Excited? Temper it, because Ford doesn’t always send their Australian products up our way. 2020 Audi RS 7 gets new engine and new look The 2020 Audi RS 7 Audi Audi brought the second-gen RS 7 to Frankfurt this week, revealing a grand tourer with more power and more personality. Larger front fenders, a fresh grille and air intakes give the 2020 Audi RS 7 a spicy look to go with the lively, 600-horsepower 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Inside, it borrows much from the A7, including the MMI infotainment system. Expect it in Canada middle of next year. Another viral video of a Tesla napper begs the question, where is this headed? The novelty of a video capturing a driver asleep behind the wheel of a moving vehicle hasn’t worn off, nor has the danger. Another Tesla autopilot sleeper video, this one showing a pair of young men snoozing in the front seat of a Tesla has surfaced and gone viral. Who’s worse, the snoozer behind the wheel, or the video shooter who also appears to be driving a vehicle? BMW to release Canada-specific BMW M8 editions Canadian BMW fans will have a chance to get a piece of M8 history with the release of BMW’s Canadian-exclusive M8 Individual Manufaktur Edition. It won’t be a good chance, as the brand is only making 20 of the exclusive models – ten in red and ten in black, each with a twin-turbo V8 good for 617 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque – but it’s there. Try your luck for $198,000.
Origin: News Roundup: Land Rover Defender arrives, Ford Ranger V6 turbo rumours swirl and more
New Audi A1 Citycarver arrives as rugged supermini
Audi has unveiled the A1 Citycarver as a more rugged, off-road-inspired version of its compact supermini to rival the Ford Fiesta Active. Based on the standard A1 Sportback, the Citycarver receives roughly 2in of additional ground clearance with the addition of larger wheels and an upgraded suspension set-up. However, it is positioned as a more city-focused ‘urban crossover’ than the brand’s fully-fledged Allroad models. Adding to its robust image is a protective bodykit similar to that fitted to Audi’s range of larger Allroad models, comprising contrasting wheel arches and side sills, with a stainless steel skidplate enhancing the supermini’s off-road credibility and durability. At the front, the Citycarver is differentiated from the standard A1 with two distinctive slots below the bonnet shut line and a matt black honeycomb grille, while the rear bumper has been redesigned to more closely resemble Audi’s Q2 and Q3 compact SUVs. The Citycarver can be equipped with two petrol engines taken from the A1 line-up: the 114bhp 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged 30 TFSI engine, or the larger 148bhp 1.5-litre 35 TFSI. Nine colours are available, with buyers able to select a grey or black contrasting roof. The stainless steel and grey exterior trim elements can be finished in black with the addition of an optional styling package. Inside, trim accents finished in copper, mint, orange or grey mark the Citycarver out from the standard A1. A 10.1in touchscreen, voice control, Bang and Olufsen sound system and digital instrument cluster feature as standard, too. Three trim levels will be available at launch. Design Selection adds interior mood lighting over entry-level Advanced, with range-topping S Line offering a leather interior, roof spoiler and larger alloy wheels. To celebrate the new model’s arrival, a special edition will be available for a limited time. The A1 Citycarver Edition One is finished in grey or orange, sits atop range-topping 18in alloy wheels, has tinted light clusters and features black exterior trim all round. The A1 Citycarver will be available to order in the UK from September, with deliveries to follow later in Autumn. Prices are yet to be announced, but given the level of standard equipment equipped it can be expected to exceed £30,000 in higher
Origin: New Audi A1 Citycarver arrives as rugged supermini
Revised BMW 5 Series to get bold design updates, arrives 2020
Prototypes of the facelifted BMW 5 Series have begun testing on public roads ahead of a planned introduction in mid-2020. Although it’s still heavily disguised, the updated executive model will clearly receive a bolder look in keeping with styling developments brought to both the latest 3 Series and facelifted 7 Series. The move is part of a broader strategy at BMW that aims to give each model its own individual appearance. Among the new design elements expected to be brought to the 5 Series are a more prominent kidney grille, redesigned headlights and a more heavily structured front bumper that incorporates newly designed air vents, including vertical air curtain ducts at the outer edges. Changes at the rear are likely to be less significant, although the plastic wrap adorning the spied prototypes hints at styling revisions to the tail-lights, rear bumper, tailpipes and area around the numberplate. Inside, the 5 Series is expected to receive new digital instrument graphics as well as a revised central display housing the infotainment functions. Today’s 5 Series will get BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 operating system as part of a running change from this month onwards, suggesting the 2020 model will carry this on until the introduction of an iDrive 7.5 system in the eighth-generation 5 Series model due in 2023. The prototype shown here is propelled by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, shown by the mandatory identification on its front doors as well as the flap for the charging port integrated into the front-left wing. The current G30 5 Series is already sold with a plug-in hybrid setup in the 530e. This has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor developing a combined 248bhp and providing an electric-only driving range of up to 40 miles. As part of a push to take its plug-in hybrid drivelines into the performance car class, BMW is said to be planning a new 545e model running the same set-up as the 745e. This would use a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and electric motor making a combined 388bhp and yielding an electric-only range of up to 36 miles. In further developments, BMW plans to equip all petrol engines with a particulate filter, while the diesels will receive new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, according to Munich
Origin: Revised BMW 5 Series to get bold design updates, arrives 2020
Revised 5 Series to get bold design updates, arrives 2020
Prototypes of the facelifted BMW 5 Series have begun testing on public roads ahead of a planned introduction in mid-2020. Although it’s still heavily disguised, the updated executive model will clearly receive a bolder look in keeping with styling developments brought to both the latest 3 Series and facelifted 7 Series. The move is part of a broader strategy at BMW that aims to give each model its own individual appearance. Among the new design elements expected to be brought to the 5 Series are a more prominent kidney grille, redesigned headlights and a more heavily structured front bumper that incorporates newly designed air vents, including vertical air curtain ducts at the outer edges. Changes at the rear are likely to be less significant, although the plastic wrap adorning the spied prototypes hints at styling revisions to the tail-lights, rear bumper, tailpipes and area around the numberplate. Inside, the 5 Series is expected to receive new digital instrument graphics as well as a revised central display housing the infotainment functions. Today’s 5 Series will get BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 operating system as part of a running change from this month onwards, suggesting the 2020 model will carry this on until the introduction of an iDrive 7.5 system in the eighth-generation 5 Series model due in 2023. The prototype shown here is propelled by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, shown by the mandatory identification on its front doors as well as the flap for the charging port integrated into the front-left wing. The current G30 5 Series is already sold with a plug-in hybrid setup in the 530e. This has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor developing a combined 248bhp and providing an electric-only driving range of up to 40 miles. As part of a push to take its plug-in hybrid drivelines into the performance car class, BMW is said to be planning a new 545e model running the same set-up as the 745e. This would use a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and electric motor making a combined 388bhp and yielding an electric-only range of up to 36 miles. In further developments, BMW plans to equip all petrol engines with a particulate filter, while the diesels will receive new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, according to Munich
Origin: Revised 5 Series to get bold design updates, arrives 2020
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