2023 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
2023 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class
Starting at $194.550
Overview
Ultimate luxury cars such as the 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S-class offer the world's wealthiest a place to rest their weary heads on the commute between their rooftop helipad and their Hamptons estate. These ultra-high-net-worth individuals can choose between twin-turbo V-8 or V-12 powertrains and indulge in a supremely spacious and superbly posh cabin. Believe it or not, the Maybach's styling is rather subtle compared to flashier entrants in the ultra-luxury category, including the blinged-out Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost. This more subdued look allows the S-class to navigate through traffic without drawing unwanted attention, which is something you want if you're a particularly camera-shy billionaire. The rear seat is the place to be, especially if the S-class is equipped with optional reclining and massaging VIP seats. But Maybach takes care of the chauffeur, too, with fine leather upholstery, a comfortable driving position, and a host of high-tech infotainment features.
What's New for 2023?
Two fashion-forward special editions will be offered on the Maybach S-class for 2023, starting with a limited-edition S680 by Virgil Abloh, which is a tribute to the late fashion designer. He had collaborated with Mercedes-Maybach on concept vehicles in the past, but this production model—which will be limited to just 150 examples—is street ready. The black-and-tan color scheme pays homage to the Project Maybach concept car with cool monoblock wheels rendered in the same tan color. The two-tone theme continues throughout the car's luxurious interior. The second special edition, also limited to just 150 examples, is the Haute Voiture. The Haute Voiture is offered only in S680 form and features a two-tone blue and rose-gold exterior paint with matching monoblock wheels. The cabin is decked out with bouclé upholstery, rose gold accents, linen and mohair floor mats, a patterned headliner, and matching luggage.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
S580 4Matic: $194,550
S680 4Matic: $230,150
S680 by Virgil Abloh: $250,000 (est)
S680 Haute Voiture: $350,000 (est)
If you're gonna go with a Maybach version of the S-class, you might as well go big and get the S680 and its powerful V-12 engine. Standard features are of course plentiful and include luxury items such as soft-close doors, an air suspension, a 30-speaker Burmester stereo system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 11.6-inch touchscreens and much, much more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood of every S580 sedan is a 496-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system. Going with the S680 swaps in a 621-hp 6.0-liter V-12. All models will come with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The V-8 makes 33 more horsepower than the old S560 from 2020, and it packs quite a punch. During our testing, the S580 rocketed to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. But that's not really the most impressive thing about the Maybach S-class. During our time with the car, we were impressed with the ride quality and the nearly silent cabin—we recorded an extremely low 64 decibels inside the car while cruising at 70 mph. The V-12's power rating is the same as the 2020 S650 model and does not benefit from a 48-volt hybrid system, but we haven't had a chance to test the new one yet. An air suspension and an active sound cancellation system are both standard in the new model, which helps the car deliver a silky, ultra-quiet ride; the S-class also offers rear-wheel steering which should help with navigating this big sedan through tight city streets.
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Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Maybach S-class has a seven-inch-longer wheelbase than the already-large Benz-branded S-class sedan, which provides even more stretch-out space inside its leather-lined cabin. So many luxury features are standard in the Maybach we couldn't possibly list them all here, but all models will come with exquisite leather on virtually every interior surface; a 64-color interior ambient lighting system; heated and ventilated front seats with massage and four-position memory settings; heated rear seats with power adjustments and massage; an air ionizing system with a signature fragrance; and a panoramic sunroof.
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2024 Avatr 11
Avatr 11 is officially the first car with Huawei Inside
Avatr 11 is finally official, with pre-orders opening on Monday. The pricing starts at $51,800 and there are three versions of the car, all with dual-motor AWD setup. The first deliveries are expected in December with the most expensive version to reach its customers early in 2023.
Avatr was initially a joint venture between Changan Automobile and Nio and it was simply called Changan Nio. Since 2018 when the company was founded, Nio’s stake has gone down from 50% down to just under 1% through many rounds of financing. Huawei and CATL are the biggest shareholders currently and the company decided to change its name to Avatr to mark the move away from Nio.
The architecture that underpins the Avatr 11 is called CHN and it was developed jointly by Changan, Huawei and CATL specifically for the brand. The power comes from a dual-motor setup designed by Huawei and called DriveONE. This four-wheel-drive system is made up of 195 kW front motor and 230 kW motor sitting at the rear with a combined torque of 650 Nm. That allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 3.98 seconds.
The motors get their energy from CATL supplied CTP (cell-to-pack) ternary lithium-ion battery packs. They are available in 90 kWh with 555 km range and 116 kWh capacity with 680 km of range. Those numbers are from the CLTC cycle making them highly optimistic, or rather unachievable. Still, the car should be able to deliver 500 km of range with the biggest battery pack.
The battery is built on the 750V technology and offers fast charging with up to 200 km range added in 10 minutes in perfect conditions. We talk about charging speeds in detail here and we explain why the numbers given by manufacturers are quite often misleading.
The Avatr 11 is 4,880mm long and 1,970mm wide with 1,601mm of height putting it at the top end of the medium SUV segment. It is slightly shorter than Audi e-tron S and just 3 cm longer than NIO ES6 which is its direct competitor in China.
The car is the first one on the market to come with the Huawei Inside - the Huawei’s full stack smart car solution. The company says it had 2,000 engineers working with Huawei to develop the AVATRANS - the assisted driving system. It allows for self-driving in all scenarios including highway, urban and parking situations.
The system consists of 34 sensors with 3 LiDAR and a central computer apparently capable of 400 TOPS which make Tesla’s 36 TOPS look rather pedestrian.
The infotainment is taken care of by a floating 15.6 inch central screen, the system is obviously HarmonyOS supplied by Huawei. Front passenger and driver have additional screens right in front of them and the only physical buttons are on the doors for operating windows and electric seats.
Three models are priced at RMB 349,900 ($51,800) then RMB 369,900 ($54,800) and finally RMB 409,900 ($60,700). There is the 500 units limited version called Avatr 011 that comes at RMB 600,000 ($88,850) and the only color option for that version is black.
Avatr signed a long-term strategic cooperation contract with BP to develop a high-speed charging infrastructure for its vehicles. The plan is to build 100 fast-charging stations across 19 cities in China by the end of 2023. The stations will be capable of 480 kW charging split between two cars, offering stable 240 kW per vehicle.
Avatr plans to open its experience centers in 110 cities all over China with the first 10 locations already up and running.
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2024 TOYOTA Sequoia Platinum
The Sequoia comes standard with the iForce MAX hybridpowertrain that is optional on the Tundra pickup. The powertrain consists of a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine and an electric motor that produces a total of 437 hp and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Tundra's 10-speed automatic transmission is also used on the Sequoia SUV. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive optional on most versions—and standard on the off-road-oriented TRD Pro model
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2024 BMW 5 Series
2024 BMW i5
Starting at $67.795
Overview
BMW's executive express is going electric with the mid-size 2024 i5 sedan, which will fill the gap between the 10Best award-winning i4 and the extra-premium i7 flagship. Like those two EV four-doors, the i5 is expected to blend driving pleasure with upscale creature comforts. Two powertrains are coming, starting with a rear-drive eDrive40 model with 335 horsepower. The dual-motor M60 xDrive boosts horsepower to a stout 590 ponies and provides all-wheel-drive traction. We had a chance to drive a prototype of the latter in France and came away impressed with its athleticism and satisfied with its onboard technology features. The i5 faces a growing number of medium-size luxury electric cars made to court moneyed buyers looking for eco-friendly choices. Among them are the Genesis Electrified G80 and the Mercedes-Benz EQE, as well as segment stalwarts such as the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S.
What's New for 2024?
Debuting alongside a brand-new generation of the gasoline-powered 5-series, the i5 provides an EV option for those shopping BMW's mid-size sedan lineup. We expect to see it in BMW showrooms before the end of 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
eDrive40: $67,795
M60 xDrive: $85,095
If you're looking to maximize range, the eDrive40 will be able to sail on for a bit longer than the performance-oriented M60 trim. We're driving enthusiasts, though, and we'd gladly trade a bit of range for extra horsepower and cornering grip.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Two i5 models are offered, starting with the 335-hp eDrive40, which drives the rear wheels via a single electric motor. A hotter M60 xDrive model adds a second electric motor on the front axle for a combined 590 hp. During our initial drive in an i5 M60 prototype, we were impressed by the sedan's agile handling, confidence-inspiring levels of cornering grip, and muscular dual-motor powertrain. BMW says the more powerful of the two powertrains can rocket the i5 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, which from our seat-of-the-pants evaluation seems entirely believable. M60 models also come with active anti-roll bars, a sporty suspension tune, wider tires, and rear-wheel steering, which are all intended to give the car a more athletic feel.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
An 84.3-kWh battery pack lies beneath the i5's floorboards, which BMW says holds enough charge to power the eDrive40 model for 295 miles between charges. The dual-motor M60 model is less efficient and carries an estimated range of 256 miles per charge. The car's battery pack can be hooked up to DC fast-charging stations and is said to be capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes on such a connection. Speaking of charging, BMW will include three years of free 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America charging stations with every new i5.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA hasn't released fuel economy estimates for the 2024 i5 yet. When we get a chance, we'll take the 5-series on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with test results. For more information about the 5-series' fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The i5's cabin is just as spacious and posh as that of the gasoline-powered 5-series. The battery doesn't intrude on cabin space, but trunk space is slightly less generous here than in the 5-series. Leather upholstery is still available, but BMW is launching a new faux-leather upholstery called Veganza in the i5; a set of glass interior controls is also available and adds a classy touch to the sedan's cabin. Heated and ventilated front seats with massage are optional on the eDrive40 and standard on the M60 xDrive.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The i5's dashboard is dominated by a large, curved panel that incorporates a 12.3-inch digital gauge display as well as a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. BMW's latest iDrive 8.5 interface is easy to use and can be updated via over-the-air updates should the need arise for that. A head-up display is optional, but all models come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a Harman/Kardon stereo system, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
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2024 BMW X6M Competition
New Wild SUV from Larte Design
Engine: V8, 4.4 L, 625 Ps, 750 Nm
0-100 (km/h): 3.9 s
Top Speed: 290 km/h
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2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT- E-Hybrid
The Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT cuts through the atmosphere thanks to a 650 hp twin-turbo V-8 engine with 626 pound-feet of torque, big brakes, a uniquely tuned suspension and a variety of lightweight components. The 2024 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is the most powerful Cayenne ever. Power comes from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 gas engine with the help of an electric motor for a total output of 729 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard equipment. But what's more impressive is the top speed of 189 mph and its ability to reach 60 mph in less than 3.0 seconds.Porsche's fast-acting eight-speed automatic transmission handles gear changes and the Turbo GT can reach speeds of up to 189 mph. The Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT features the lowest ride height of any Cayenne, and standard 22-inch wheels wrapped in the stickiest tires. Driving enthusiasts will appreciate its spirited and athletic nature. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), torque vectoring, and rear-axle steering all give the Cayenne Turbo Coupe greater capability on the road.
Everything from interior trim to seat belt color to surface materials can be selected individually for the Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT and E-Hybrid. The driver faces a beautiful 12.6-inch high-definition curved digital gauge cluster. Offered only as a two-row Coupe, the Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT and E-Hybrid both provide a little more headroom and cargo space than the traditional square Cayenne SUV. That said, the rear seats are adjustable and provide plenty of room to stretch out. The Cayenne appeals to Porsche fans with its ample passenger capacity and cargo volume, which is noticeably larger than the racy 911 sports car. The Cayenne provides 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 52 cubes with the seats folded flat. That's less space than the Cayenne S SUV. Small interior storage is mediocre, with most small items finding refuge in door pockets or the shallow center console bin. Every Cayenne is equipped with an electrically operated liftgate; an optional passive entry system (called Comfort Access) allows it to be opened or closed with the movement of the foot.
The infotainment system uses a standard 12.3 inch touch screen mounted in the center of the dashboard. Its slick interface includes a configurable home menu and lots of personalized settings. The rotary controller will help reduce distractions while driving. Every Cayenne has Porsche Connect Plus, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An upgraded set of audio systems includes a 14-speaker Bose unit or a much more expensive Burmester setup that pumps out 1,455 watts through 21 speakers. The available rear-seat entertainment system connects two 10.0-inch screens to the back of the front seat headrests.
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2024 Rolls Royce Phantom
Excellent power is provided by a 563-hp twin-turbo V-12 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. Acceleration is quick, the Phantom is more suited to relaxing with lazy subtle inputs to the throttle and the steering is what it likes best. To say the ride is smooth is an understatement—imagine being carried aloft on fluffy clouds. The Phantom practically hovers over the road and is equipped with a pothole tracking camera that helps the suspension adapt to road imperfections in real time. It is a quiet cocoon in the library and has no sensory input.
Acres of wood, metal accents, and vast expanses of supple leather cover the cabin, this is no surprise for a car of this class. Rolls-Royce offers both standard and long-wheelbase versions of the Phantom, the latter stretched by 8.6 inches, largely resulting in additional legroom in the rear seat. Rear-hinged carriage doors open to allow graceful and dramatic arrivals and departures. Rear seat passengers can be treated to a ton of luxuries such as thick carpeting, power-adjustable seats with massage, a cooled console compartment for libations, remote control for the infotainment system. Speaking of infotainment, the Phantom comes standard with a large infotainment display artfully hidden behind a glass panel that stretches the length of the dashboard. It is controlled via a rotary knob on the center console. Lest rear-seat passengers think they're missing out on technology, the Phantom also features a touchscreen that lowers from each front seatback to provide access to the car's audio and navigation systems, as well as a live TV tuner. passengers won't miss their favorite event or sport on their way to their next engagement.
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2024 Cadillac Escalade V Long
Cadillac has done what it should have done to the Escalade nearly two decades ago: given its full-size SUV the V treatment. Admittedly, the American luxury brand's performance arm ethos has gone a bit awry in recent years, what with the V lineup now split between V-badged models that more docile and high-performance variants of the full V Blackwing, such as the Best 10 winner CT4 -V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing. Put the stopwatch aside and the Escalade-V feels insanely fast from the driver's seat. A tap of the V-model's mode button in front of the shifting lever engages this rugged high dynamic setting and engages its launch control feature, which holds the engine revs to about 1500 rpm while both driver pedals are smoothed to the floor. Lift the left pedal and the immediate acceleration afforded by the torque-rich V-8—Cadillac claims 80 percent of the Escalade-V's 653 pound-feet of torque available from 2000 rpm—is akin to an electric vehicle's moderately strong initial spike. Unlike an EV, the whine is subtle. from the Escalade-V supercharger and the guttural roar of its active exhaust system bring a symphonic quality to its straight-line acceleration. Even at idle, the quad V's pipes make a threatening noise (Stealth mode allows quieting things down for the school pickup line). At high speed, the system exhales with a loud crackling sound and bursts when it suddenly releases the gas pedal. Landing flat this 6290 pound SUV produces 85 decibels as most of the exhaust noise enters the cabin. That's 10 decibels more than the Escalade Sport Platinum, which sounds roughly twice as loud. However, like the aforementioned Sport Platinum, only 66 dB of sound enters the V at 70 mph. Cadillac also tweaked the Escalade's suspension and braking systems for V duty. Adjustments to its air springs and adaptive dampers reduce the body movement of this SUV's elephant by a bit. sacrifices on ride quality. And six-piston Brembo front brake calipers give the V brake pedal a firmer, more responsive feel.
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2024 Range Rover by Mansory
Engine: V8, 4.4 L, 620 Ps, 850 Nm
0-100 (km/h): 4.3 s
Top Speed: 270 km/h
Price: $ 406.000
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