William Maley

It seems Volkswagen has entered the megalomaniac stage. According to German publication Autobild, Volkswagen is planning a new premium midsize model to take on the likes of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This new model is expected to come in the form hatchback sedan (think Audi A7) and a station wagon. The U.S. and China will get the sedan only, while everywhere else will have both options. As for what will underpin the new model, Volkswagen is debating whether to use its own MQB architecture or use Audi's MLB platform. Power will come from a range of four and six-cylinder diesel and gas engines. This new model is expected to go on sale towards the end of this decade. Source: Autobild View full article

We don't know why BMW created the X6, let alone introduced a redesigned model since they really don't sell that many. In November, the company only moved 421 units. But that isn't stopping the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Audi from joining the fun. Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2016 GLE Coupe. GLE is the first Mercedes-Benz model to follow the company's new nomenclature for SUVs and will be the sister model to the upcoming GLE (known currently as the ML-Class). The overall design is very much Mercedes' take on X6's design with similar roofline profile, high beltline, and taillights. There are elements of the CLA in the front-end with a tall, upright grille and large headlights with LEDs on the inner edge. Inside is a mix of the current centerstack layout found on Mercedes' SUVs with the floating screen on newer Mercedes' sedans. There's also a flat-bottom steering wheel and gauges that change their look dependent on the driving mode. Only one powertrain has been announced for North America for the time being. That happens to be GLE 450 AMG (first of the AMG Sport models) which packs a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 with 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up to a new nine-speed automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive system. No official word of whether or not we'll see the GLE at the Detroit Auto Show next month, but its likely possibility. Source: Mercedes-Benz Press Release is on Page 2 Premiere: Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe A sportier choice December 09, 2014 - Stuttgart Mercedes-Benz is combining two classes of vehicle – each with its own distinct style – to make a new model, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. The sporty nature of a coupe dominates, imbued with the striking characteristics of a robust SUV. In addition to convincing on-road vehicle dynamics, the GLE Coupe looks impressive as well. With its flowing side contour, elongated and low greenhouse, striking radiator grille with central chrome louvre and rear end design, the GLE Coupe cites styling features typical of particularly sporty Mercedes-Benz models. In the U.S. market, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe features a biturbo V6 engine that produces 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the generous amount of standard equipment, the DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system, the Sports Direct-Steer system and the driver assistance systems typical of the brand, the GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe comes standard with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. The GLE Coupe is the new addition to the successful portfolio of Mercedes-Benz coupes. Alongside the classic, two-door C, E and S-Class models and the four-door CLS- and CLA-Class coupes, the new coupe displays a highly individual interpretation of the physiognomy and light-footed approach typical of this family of vehicles. For example, the GLE Coupe displays attributes typical of coupes such as sportiness, dynamism and agility, while also exuding the self-assured presence, versatility and ruggedness of an SUV. DYNAMIC SELECT dynamic handling control system: highly variable – from racy and sporty to poised and comfortable The GLE Coupe feels like a true sports coupe. Despite the similarity to an SUV with its raised seating position and expansive all-round view, the occupants are led to believe that they are in sports rather than off-road mode. The sound is reminiscent of powerful sports cars, while the spontaneous and direct response to all commands is guaranteed to get your pulse racing. On the other hand, it can also create a superior feeling of calm, coupled with unshakeably serene driving dynamics. These two different worlds can normally only be experienced in two separate vehicles – an agile, thoroughbred sports coupe and an easy-going, comfortable SUV. But the new GLE Coupe is different: DYNAMIC SELECT enables a wide spread in the driving dynamics and combines these diametrical worlds of experience in a single vehicle – an automobile premiere. GLE 450 AMG – the first AMG sports model The balancing act between extremely sporty yet still comfortable has been mastered especially well in the GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe. As the first AMG sports model, the V6 top-of-the-range GLE Coupe enables an attractive entry to the world of the sports car and performance brand. "The GLE 450 AMG Coupe is our first sports model, and further highly emotional and performance-oriented models will follow in the near future. The new product line from Mercedes-AMG has allowed us to make true sports car technology and the fascination of motorsports more accessible," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "Every vehicle from Affalterbach honors the brand promise of Driving Performance." The new AMG sports models display impressive product substance and honor the promise of sports performance with a higher output class, standard all-wheel drive and also sophisticated chassis solutions. The variable dynamic control system assigns fundamentally different characteristics to the five transmission modes of INDIVIDUAL, COMFORT, SLIPPERY, SPORT and SPORT+, which the driver is able to select using a rotary control on the center console. The system networks all the control systems, generating different sets of parameters. The names speak for themselves: SPORT and SPORT+ turn the GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe into a sporty, dynamic vehicle with pronounced longitudinal and lateral dynamics. COMFORT is the opposite end of the spectrum. Here the emphasis is on the refined parameters so typical of classic Mercedes-Benz sedans, for relaxed, effortless cruising with the greatest possible energy efficiency. SLIPPERY optimizes the handling on surfaces with low friction coefficients such as snow or ice. In addition, INDIVIDUAL mode enables the driver to program and store personal preferences in the individual control strategies, regardless of the engine variant. In the GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, DYNAMIC SELECT not only modulates the "hard skills" such as the chassis and suspension, steering or powertrain. It is also possible to experience the selected mode more intensively on an emotional level because various "soft skills" such as the engine sound, instruments or dynamic control of the driving lights also vary. To this end, the nature of the various displays on the COMAND screen and in the cockpit changes according to the selected transmission mode. At the same time, the active light function of the all-LED headlamps respond more spontaneously and the engine produces the whole range of sounds from sporty and dominant to poised and restrained: If the driver selects COMFORT mode, the displays take on lesser importance and, like the engine, the dial instruments such as the rev counter show a relaxed response to the driver's commands. In combination with the comfort-oriented control of the powertrain and suspension, the result is a feel-good ambience at the level of a sedan. The engine sound is reduced to a pleasant timbre, and the feedback from the road surface and surroundings is considerably quieter in the interior. Things are very different when SPORT+ mode is selected. The character changes immediately, the gear changes performed by the 9G-TRONIC are acoustically accentuated, especially when downshifting with the double-declutch function, and the cockpit instruments respond faster and more "sharply". The large central display visualizes the longitudinal and lateral acceleration plus the steering angle with a photo-realistic motorsports graphic. The engine sound is powerful and acoustically underscores the sports mode. This setting removes any doubt: the GLE Coupe is a lively sports model of the highest order, and treats its occupants to a compelling world of experience. View full article

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been the shining star in Jeep’s lineup since its introduction back in 1993. It was the company’s vehicle to take on the world’s best. During its 20-or-so year life, it's had a mixed record on trying to accomplish this mission. But at the Detroit Auto Show this year, the off-road brand showed it meant business. Thanks to a reinvigorated Chrysler and a bit of help from Fiat, Jeep showed off a refreshed Grand Cherokee and made its intent very clear; we’re going to take on the world’s best. To see if the Grand Cherokee can handle this mission, I went back to back with two Grand Cherokees; an Altitude equipped with the 3.6L V6 and a Overland equipped with the new 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. The Grand Cherokee’s shape hasn’t strayed far from the first-generation model shape. Sure the fourth-generation model has a few more angles and a new rear tailgate design, but park the current Grand Cherokee alongside the first-generation model and it's plain to see a family resemblance. From the iconic seven slot grille up front to the square-shaped rear-end, Jeep designers were able to make new Grand Cherokee stand out, but retain a bit of the DNA from the first-generation model. Dependent on which trim level you go for, Jeep has made sure each one is different. The Grand Cherokee Altitude I got first follows the same treatment as the Cherokee Altitude a reviewed a few weeks back. There is a blacked-out grille and a set of twenty-inch wheels wearing a coat of black paint. Contrasting the red paint on my tester, I found myself really liking the looks of the Altitude. Then there is the Overland which adds a chrome grille, HID headlights, twenty-inch chrome wheels, and LED taillights. All of the changes make the Grand Cherokee Overland comparable to a Range Rover in looks.Inside the Grand Cherokee, Jeep has made some big changes. The interior now follows the ideals set by the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger with better materials used throughout the cabin, a screen placed in the middle of the instrument cluster to provide speed and trip computer information, an eight-inch touchscreen with UConnect, and the love it/hate it lever control for the automatic transmission. People sitting the rear seat will find a decent amount of leg and headroom. Again, each trim level has their own take on interior treatment. The Altitude came with black-suede seats which I found to very comfortable and brushed faux-aluminum trim around the dashboard. Like the Cherokee Altitude, the Grand Cherokee Altitude comes with the UConnect system minus the navigation. The system is very easy to move around and navigate, plus you can get navigation from your local Chrysler dealer for a few hundred dollars extra. The Overland fills the Grand Cherokee with a number of luxury appointments such as leather seats with the Overland logo embroidered in the front, heated and ventilated front seats; wood trim, and a premium sound system. Stepping out of the Altitude and into the Overland, I was surprised how much the Grand Cherokee changed. From the sporty feeling I got from the Altitude to luxury in the Overland, I have to say Jeep really nailed making each trim level look and feel different from one another. The Grand Cherokee Altitude came equipped with the 3.6L V6 producing 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. I have written a lot about 3.6L in previous Chrysler vehicles, praising it for being one of the smoothest V6 engines on sale today and being able to move any vehicle with authority after reaching a certain point in the rev range. The story is very much the same in the Grand Cherokee as the V6 is able to move 4,545 pound vehicle with no problem at all. The eight-speed is smooth and provides smart shifts to keep the vehicle in motion. Fuel economy is rated at 17 City/24 Highway/19 Combined for the V6 equipped with four-wheel drive. My average landed around 22.1 MPG. But the big story lies under the Overland. It came with the optional 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 with 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. All of the torque is available at 2,000 rpm which means the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel moves very swift. Whether leaving a stop-light, or making the run onto the expressway, the 3.0L EcoDiesel is able to provide the power when needed. The eight-speed automatic helps keep the diesel engine right in the sweet spot of torquey-goodness. The most surprising part of the EcoDiesel is NVH levels. Step outside the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel when its idling and you can barely tell its running. The clatter usually associated with diesel engines is not apparent. On the fuel economy front, the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel is rated at 21 City/28 Highway/24 Combined. I got an average of 24.2 MPG.As for suspension, the Altitude goes with a coil spring setup, while the Overland comes with an air suspension setup. The air suspension setup allows the Grand Cherokee to raise and lower its ride height to provide better aerodynamics out on the expressway and get through some of the roughest off-road trails. Both suspension setups provided excellent ride qualities on even some the roughest surfaces Metro Detroit had to offer. On the curvy bits, both suspensions kept the Grand Cherokee in check by minimizing body roll and lean. That doesn’t mean the Grand Cherokee is sporty as the weight of the vehicle puts that idea out to pasture. If you want sport, then you want the Grand Cherokee SRT. It should be noted that I didn’t get the chance to take either Grand Cherokee off the beaten path. That is something I hope to change whenever I get another Grand Cherokee. After spending two weeks and putting a number of miles on the Grand Cherokees, I came away very impressed. Jeep has built possibly one of the best all-rounders in the midsize class. Taking the 2011 Grand Cherokee redesign, Jeep made a number of changes that fix a number of problems of past Grand Cherokees. But those changes allowed Jeep to pull off a big feat with Grand Cherokee; the wide range of trims that make each one feel like they can take on a different part of the midsize SUV class. There’s the Altitude which provides a stylish alternative to those looking at crossovers, while the Overland gives a formidable challenge to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz ML, BMW X5, and Land Rover LR4. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets a new bar for excellence in the SUV class. Disclaimer: Jeep Provided the Grand Cherokees, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas and Diesel Year: 2014 Make: Jeep Model: Grand Cherokee Trim: Altitude 4X4 Engine: 3.6L 24-Valve VVT V6 Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 290 @ 6,400 Torque @ RPM: 260 @ 4,800 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 17/24/19 Curb Weight: 4,677 lbs Location of Manufacture: Detroit, Michigan Base Price: $31,195 As Tested Price: $38,485 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: Customer Preferred Package 23Z - $5,100 Power Sunroof - $995.00 Year: 2014 Make: Jeep Model: Grand Cherokee Trim: Overland 4X4 Engine: 3.0L DOHC Diesel V6 Driveline: Eight-Speed Automatic, Four-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 240 @ 3,600 Torque @ RPM: 420 @ 2,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 21/28/24 Curb Weight: 5,393 lbs Location of Manufacture: Detroit, Michigan Base Price: $46,195 As Tested Price: $55,680 (Includes $995.00 Destination Charge) Options: 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 - $4,500 Advance Technology Group - $1,995 Rear Blu-Ray Entertainment System - $1,995 View full article

Scarcely, I driven about seven of those vehicles on that list. I only agree with three (Armada, Titan, and Patriot).