Monthly Archives: June 2014
Mercedes Benz M Class: Sedan Inspired SUV
Ever since The Mercedes Benz M Class entered the world luxury car scenario, it has never been used for what it actually can do, but as the experts say, that how a luxury car lives its life. Contrary to the general opinion, the M Class has excellent off-road abilities with ruggedness, which is still unexplored by most of its owners. Instead, they have always used it as a minivan that offers luxurious comfort. But to make it worth its features and utility, the German car maker has come up with an all impressive 2014 Mercedes Benz M Class that comes with same infotainment, comfort, connectivity and luxury features that you will find in all the luxury sedans like S Class from this brand.
The current M Class from Mercedes looks more aggressive than its predecessors but also manages to stay on line without straying too much here and there from its outward image. From inside, it feels more like sedan with its soft interiors, swooping curves and sculpted lines that comprise of an elegant instrument panel, seven inch display screen to access M-B’s latest COMMAND interface and handsome instrument panel.
2014 Mercedes Benz M Class will come with its base V-6, 60 degree engine with 3.5 liter capacity, this is the same which they used for their last year’s M Class and there is no denial it was completely new and by far one of the best V6 luxury engines we have come across. It has the ability to generate 302 horsepower with 275 pound feet torque which makes this engine even and feels energetic while starting or pulling off q quick pass.
The ML 550 models will be fitted with direct-injection 4.6-liter V-8 which is undoubtedly stronger and makes 402 hp and 443 pound feet torque. But for some reasons, the ML 350 BlueTEC remains our favorite model because it effortlessly speeds up on the highway nearing triple digits without making you frown about its gas mileage. With the rework company has done on its engine that makes it generate 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque this will surely be your best fit model as well.
For this years’ Mercedes Benz M Class the gasoline powered ML 350 is at par with an EPA of 17mpg in city and 22mpg on highway. But from here it state going down and plummets to 15/20 mpg for the exclusive ML 550. Mileage for ML 63 AMG drops further to 14/18 mpg as specified on its window sticker. If you are looking for a no nonsense towing capable luxury SUV that too without being harsh on environment than 2014 Mercedes Benz ML 350 BlueTEC is your best bet. It is capable of showing remarkable EPA fuel economy figures of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway with the exception driving range of 650 miles. Anyways we consider it our best pick among the two V6 engine and addition of green credentials makes it even more desirable.
Royal ride quality and imposing on road presence have always Mercedes Benz M Class on the positive side and unlike its American and Japanese counterparts; crossovers from Mercedes come with deep roster engines that can be anything from your regular V6 gasoline to fuel efficient turbocharged V6 diesel or turbocharged V8 for enhanced performance. The quality of its cabin is second to none, thus justifying its high price tag. The availability of plenty of personalization options can actually inflate its price to another five figures if you become a little choosier with your M Class.
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek: Taking Subaru legacy Further
In the automotive industry, the term crossover refers to a vehicle wherein the architectural design is inspired by the car instead of truck, but overall it offers SUV like functionality. Also, the crossover SUV segment is so vast that sometimes you will find SUVs which resemble the traditional crossover dynamics, while some might be burly SUVs, whereas there is this third kind of crossover SUVs like 2014 Subaru Crosstrek, which is essentially a wagon based vehicle with more toughened up suspension and styling.
To say the least, Subaru has been doing commendable job in crossover segment successfully for quite some time and has also created a Legacy for itself with its Outback series. Going by the same tradition, Subaru has come with a relatively new Crosstrek, which looks more like an Impreza hatchback with refined suspension and Subaru’s obligatory rugged styling accents. The all wheel drive of Crosstrek is as adept as you may want it because it has the potential to make your weekend fun filled with trailhead and can also take you the crumbling pavements during the weekdays.
As you would have expected, 2014 Subaru Crosstrek is offering all wheel driving feature as a standard in all trim levels, but you can have five speed manual CVT in XV Crosstrek as a n option. Its wheelbase is also 3 inches higher than the Impreza and comes with beefed up underpinnings. The 8.7 inches ground clearance and the availability of black plastic wheelwell flares is excellent for fending off and hiding scratches while driving on tough trails. The company has kept the interiors simple and the controls are also very straightforward, use of good quality material and comfortable seats is like icing on the cake.
The biggest news for this years’ XV Crosstrek is the introduction of its hybrid version, which is also Subaru’s first ever full hybrid vehicle. The new hybrid version has the ability to propel in low speed using electric power, which makes it highly fuel efficient even when driving through drive and go city traffic. However if you look at its overall fuel economy you will find 2014 Subaru Crosstrek only modest enough. The Subaru is pegging its hybrids combined fuel economy with the average of 31mpg, which is just 3 mpg above its non hybrid version. Going by its high price, you sure can have double thoughts about going for Crosstrek’s hybrid version, as it might not suit your pocket well.
If we take an overall look at Subaru XV Crosstrek for 2014 you will find it has some enhanced features like all wheel drive, improved off road ability and wagon like characteristics, which actually make it a rather distinctive kind of SUV for this class. If you look for options you will find that Nissan Juke is more fun driving experience but lacks cargo space as well as versatility. Other competitors for Subaru XV Crosstrek are 2014 Mini Cooper Countryman and 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, but still you will find Subaru to be a better all round package for those who love small crossovers.
2015 Audi Q5: Worth Your Wait
2015 seems to be the year for Audi because the car maker is leaving no stone unturned to strengthen its foothold in the strong SUV domain. To make things even more difficult for their competitors, Audi is ready to hit the market with its refined and redesigned Audi Q5, which is expected to hit the road by mid 2015. No second thoughts in saying that for 2015, the redesigned Audi is worth to wait, especially for the German car maker lovers. Upgrades have been made in its construction and architecture to make it look more luxurious, also revised grille and improved chrome details have made 2015 Audi Q5 lighter than before. Use of sophisticated headlights makes Audi Q5 look chic and modern and to top it all the company is offering new version of Audi Q5 with three wheel dimension options which are 18, 19 and 20 inches respectively. Apart from that there is the inclusion of plenty of technological features that can actually make you ride in Audi Q5 a comfortable experience.
Apart from being high on luxury and comfort, the new Audi Q5 also offers excellent performance with its four power unit engine line up. 2015 Audi Q5 will be available with 2.0 liter V6, 3.2liter V6, 3.0 liter turbo charged V6 and 2.0 liter 4 cylinder hybrid engine options to encash the popularity of go green futuristic cars. The 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine has power enough to deliver 220hp, whereas the 3.0L engine can deliver up to 272 hp. Customers can avail 2015 Audi Q5 with 8 speed automatic manual shift with your choice of engine. Use of high quality material has made its seats highly comfortable, thus making long drives in Audi Q5 enjoyable.
The new generation futuristic SUV from Audi will also be available in hybrid version and the company has given assurance that it’s going to be highly fuel efficient and will also be capable of providing 24 mpg in city and 30mpg on highway. The practical innovations from 2015 Audi Q5 are sure to delight users as they are at par from its competitors. To construct the body of Audi Q5, the company has used high quality light weight material that has given the vehicle modular and advanced look. There is no denying that SUV lovers are excited about the launch of redesigned Audi Q5, which might also lead to considerable increase in its final price.
For 2105 the German car maker has worked on all the possible parameters to make its Audi Q5 a comfortable blended with luxury hauler, especially when it comes to its excellent seat quality and build. The premium car brand has made all possible efforts to bring improvements in its vehicles by adding the touch luxury to them, so that they can face competition from top notch luxury SUV brands. The 2015 Audi Q5 will surely be larger than Audi Q3 with its enhanced power sources and capability to make 5 passengers sit comfortably. The only thing that can give you second thoughts about it is its expensive price tag.
2015 Acura RDX: Repackaging with Interesting Changes
It seems that this season of SUV’s is more inspired by the repackaging and redesigning rather than creating something new; and Acura seems to be following the same suite. For 2015 they will hit the market with their 2015 Acura RDX, which is actually an upgraded version of their previous models but is speculated to come up with lots of interesting changes. There have been lots of discussions about the improvements made to the latest offering from Acura when compared with its predecessor. The Japanese car manufacturer has made their 2015 Acura RDX look larger and bigger because since 2006 they have been playing along with their compact model, thus this years’ upgrade has made it a must consider SUV for 2015. The all new Acura RDX has enhanced exteriors as well as interiors, some minor changes in the interior has also make it look and feel more luxurious.
One of the most notable changes in 2015 Acura RDX is in its engine structure, because this year Acura has included 3.5L 24 valve SOHC V-6 engine, which is made using I-VTEC aluminum alloy, the new finding of Acura has proven to be more efficient than the one used in its previous versions. The six speed automatic transmission engine has the potential to generate 273 hp and 251 lb feet of torque and also offers FWD standard, whereas the optional AWD standard is also available. The new Acura RDX is almost same as its predecessor in terms of dimensions and characteristics but its body structure is designed in a very distinctive manner to make it look sleek and also absorb energy after any collision.
From top side the look for Acura RDX is quite muscular and the designer has placed breaking grill beautifully. Sleek shape of 2015 Acura RDX along with its effective bumpers gives it tough and distinctive look for an SUV of its class. Being a luxury crossover, the Acura RDX has come up with plethora of modifications that have added enough space inside that have actually doubled up the comfort factor for the passengers. Being a small sized crossover, it offers sufficient power to its 3.5 liter V6 engine which is excellent in its performance. The 2015 Acura RDX has the potential to speed up to 60 miles per hour in just about 6.5 seconds. As per the EPA for its front drive version, the new Acura RDX is highly fuel efficient and has the4 potential to provide mpg of 20/28/23 in city as well as highway.
The 2015 Acura RDX is a perfect match for premium lass luxury segment SUVs and comes fully equipped with advanced premium system, thus making it stand in the category of luxury class SUVs. The standard model for 2015 Acura RDX features HID headlights, voice recognition, navigation system, climate control through GPS, ELS surround system and power tailgate making it highly competitive for the market. Because of the addition of the several high-tech features the price for this years’ RDX will surely be high if compared to the previous version.
2015 Chevrolet Equinox
If you are looking for an SUV with many enhancements in 2015 then Chevrolet Equinox should be your foremost choice, because in the futuristic SUV segment this is one car that has completely outshined its forerunners in terms of enhancements. The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox will be available in many color options, also the top lamps have been made quite attractive to make a special offering for the Chevy lovers. The car maker has also worked specifically to make its bumpers really good that help in balancing vehicle while driving on bumpy terrains. Use of chrome lines adds modular touch to the vehicle, whereas you will find considerable improvements in the interior of Equinox for 2015 and it is sure to satisfy the luxury needs of SUV lovers.
Even though the car is small in size if compared to its predecessors, but there is inclusion of several features in 2015 Chevrolet Equinox that provide cover up to its reduced size. You will find the overall look of the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox extremely dynamic wherein the headlights are fitted with amazing LED technology. The car is capable enough to provide comfy sitting for five adult passengers and you will find absolutely nothing to crib out because of its reduced size. There has also been reduction in body weight because of the use of less weighing components. Reviewers are expecting Equinox to reach the best efficiency level with the improved gas mileage. Even though the side has been reduced there is no kind of congestion in its structure. There is enough space for drivers and passengers to relax and enjoy the drive also no compromise has been to the cargo space which is also amply available.
The interiors for 2015 Chevrolet Equinox are stunning with the 7 inch touch screen display on its dash panel, the collection in the middle section is very much navigable and also eye catching. Technically speaking, the Equinox has several high tech features that can actually take you by surprise like its improved infotainment system which is wireless and the sound loading is done planet Pandora stereo which is great to enjoy some music while driving and it also dominates the comfortable interior cabin of Equinox.
The cargo area is also wide enough with 31.4 cubic leg space and when flipped it can be increased up to 63.7 cubic legs. Interiors are not only simple but very enjoyable as well with the distinctive lines on dash board which makes it look highly luxurious and first class. For navigation, you will have BringGo application which helps you reach your destination with ease. The engine capacity of 2015 Chevrolet Equinox is 2.5 liter with four cylinders and has the potential to give an output of 182 hp and 272 lb feet of torque.
To improve fuel economy for 2015 Chevrolet Equinox the delta platform offered by Chevy can also be used, which also makes significant improvements in its speed and performance. With the complete redesign and inclusion of several prominent features, the Equinox is expected to stand among the top class SUVs. Its small size doesn’t makes it useless, instead it makes it the most worthwhile SUV to hit the 2015 SUV market.
