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Tesla Model 3 The Tesla Model 3 is a game-changing electric vehicle. With its generous range at a price that's more accessible to the average consumer, the Model 3 also offers well-rounded performance, too. The minimalist interior design is a departure from what most consumers are used to, giving the Model 3 (and its Model Y sibling) a distinct cabin that you won't mistake for anything else. Driving enthusiasts won't be disappointed, either. The Model 3 Performance with its dual-motor setup and AWD is a bona fide sport sedan with the moves that rival the best of the breed. New for the 2021 model year, a wireless charging pad and USB-C ports are now standard. In October 2020, Tesla announced additional changes to the 2021 Model 3, including a power-operated trunk, a new set of available 19-inch wheels, and black exterior trim replacing chrome (to match the Model Y). Additionally, Tesla has increased the range of every 2021 Model 3, too. Whereas the base model had a 250-mile range, Tesla now says the same model will get 263 miles of range. The Performance model moves from 299 miles to a claimed 315 miles, while the long-range model goes from 315 to 353 miles.
The Tesla Model 3 remains one of the most impressive electric vehicles on the market. Generous range and reasonable prices on standard and mid-range models mean they're more accessible to the
average consumer. Pricier Performance and Long Range variants, on the other hand, turn the already sporty Model 3 into a legit performance machine that gleefully devours corners and pushes you back in your seat with instant acceleration. Not everything is perfect with the Model 3, however. The fact that nearly everything is controlled via the massive touchscreen creates a significant learning curve. Despite the simplified menu layout, there are still too many submenus to go through to do simple tasks like adjusting the steering wheel. Also, too much road and tire noise enter the cabin, especially on the highway. In our testing, we've heard buzzes and rattles when driving over poorly maintained surfaces. Perhaps the biggest knock on the Tesla is the inconsistent Autopilot driver assistance feature. Despite being dubbed one of the most advanced systems in the market, in our testing it randomly turned off without warning. The system also didn't bring the Model 3 to a stop when approaching a line of stopped cars, forcing the driver to intervene and apply the brakes. Then again, Tesla is always improving its features, so the version of Autopilot you experience might be different from the ones we've tested.
Range The Model 3's range on a single charge varies based on the variant, drivetrain configuration, and the wheel size you choose. The following figures represent the latest mid-year change Tesla has made, accurate as of October 2020. Standard Range Plus RWD: 263 miles (up from 250 miles) Long Range AWD: 353 miles (up from 315 miles) Performance AWD: 315 miles (up from 299 miles)
Safety Standard features on the Model 3 includes forward collision warning, front and rear automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear crosstraffic alert, and Autopilot, Tesla's enhanced adaptive cruise control system with steering assistance. You can upgrade the Model 3's driver assistance suite to enable the car to navigate to its destination on Autopilot, perform automatic lane changes, and detect traffic lights.
Technology The Model 3 features a massive 15-inch touchscreen that works as the vehicle's command center. Everything from your climate control adjustments and media to your speedometer and trip computer is housed in that display. Tesla's infotainment system is capable of over-the-air updates, allowing the Model 3 to receive new features and software fixes without needing to go to a dealer.
Cool Features Tesla's Smart Summon function allows the Model 3 to drive to pull out of its parking spot and come to your location autonomously. The system works via a smartphone app, which enables the car to come to you as long as you're inside a parking lot or private driveway and within 200 feet. However,
the feature doesn't allow the Model 3 to recognize curbs and sidewalks, so we'd be extra careful when using it. Also, unlike non-electric sedans, the Tesla Model 3 has a 15.0-cubic-foot trunk as well as a smaller front trunk for smaller items.
Ford Mustang Mach-E This is a Mustang like you've never seen before. Bucking the tradition of muscular two-doors, the allnew Ford Mustang Mach-E is a four-door electric crossover. But this isn't meant to be the treehugger's Mustang—the Mach-E emphasizes performance and technology. Still, the Mach-E needs to achieve good electric driving range and provide an exciting way to live a fuel-free lifestyle. It's a radical re-imagining of the classic Mustang, and a glimpse at Ford's electric future. The Mach-E competes with other affordable electric SUVs including the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Volkswagen ID4, and Tesla Model Y. The base-model standard range rear-drive Mach-E accelerates from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds and according to the EPA, it's rated for 230 miles on a charge. Opting for all-wheel drive should drop 0-60 acceleration to the mid-fives, but range falls to 211 miles. These models have 75.7 kWh battery packs that accept up to 115 kW on a DC fast charger. Power output should be around 255 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque. Ford says extended-range Premium models will accelerate similarly to their standard range counterparts, but increase driving potential to 300 miles for rear-drive and 270 miles for all-wheel drive variants. Extended range Mach-Es have a 98.8 kWh battery receiving up to 150 kW on a DC fast charger. When we tested a dual-motor AWD Mach-E 4x putting out 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, it reached 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The top-end GT models prioritize performance. The GT makes 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, good for a Ford-estimated 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds. Range is EPA-rated at 270 miles. The GT Performance Edition packs the same hp but 634 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the EV from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, according to Ford. This model is rated by the EPA to travel 260 miles on a charge.
The Mustang Mach-E has front and knee airbags for both front passengers, as well as side curtain airbags for both rows. Driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane centering, automatic evasive steering, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic reverse braking, and automatic high beams. Behind the second row, the Mustang Mach-E offers 29 cubic feet of cargo volume. With the second row folded, there's 59.6 cubic feet available up to the front row. The absence of an engine allows for a frunk under the hood, which provides an additional 4.8 cubic feet of capacity. The Mustang Mach-E has seating for five passengers. Front row occupants get 41.7 inches of legroom, while those behind have 38.1. Headroom measures 38.9 inches in front, and 38.3 inches out back, with the standard roof. Opting for the available glass roof increases headroom to 40.5 and 39.3 inches, respectively.
With a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, technology is at the forefront of the Mustang Mach-E. All models come with the latest version of Ford's Sync infotainment software, a wireless phone charging pad, and phone as a key capability. Navigation is standard across the lineup, and includes functionality to help drivers manage driving range and find convenient charging stations. Higher-end models will receive a 10-speaker premium audio system.
Volkswagen ID4 After just one model year on the market, the Volkswagen ID4 enters 2022 with hugely significant updates. To reach as many buyers as possible, the electric compact SUV is expected to introduce a new base trim made possible by a move in production to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dropping the price from around $40,000 in the 2021 ID4 (also known as the ID.4) to around $35,000 for the 2022
model, the Volkswagen could attract new buyers to the brand in a growing affordable electric SUV segment that also includes the Nissan Ariya and Chevrolet Bolt EUV, not to mention the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Either as a late-release 2021 ID4 or as a 2022 ID4 model, the electric Volkswagen will also introduce a more powerful AWD version with 302 hp. The standard RWD model makes 201 hp and has an anticipated range of 250 miles.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Not long after introducing the Kona, Hyundai shook up the small crossover market by adding an allelectric variant. The Kona Electric proves you don't need to spend Tesla money to get a quality, longrange EV in an SUV package. For the 2022 model year, the Kona Electric receives a number of upgrades that should keep it competitive against other mainstream electrics including the Nissan Leaf Plus and Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
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Fresh exterior design
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New 10.3-inch instrument cluster display
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Redesigned lower center console area with wireless charging capability
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Latest generation Hyundai Blue Link connected car system
Just like on the 2021 model, this vehicle's electric motor supplies 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. The motor pairs with a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery. In MotorTrend testing, the 2020 Kona Electric ran from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds.
Most drivers will find the Kona Electric has plenty of range for commuting and weekend adventures alike. Hyundai estimates drivers can travel 258 miles on a single charge. If you're looking for more range, consider dual-motor versions of the Tesla Model Y. With a Level 3 fast charger, a capability that is standard on the Kona Electric, drivers can recharge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just over 45 minutes using an SAE-Combo charging port. Level 2 charging is slower, taking about 9 hours and 15 minutes to go from a charge of 10 to 100 percent.
While the Kona Electric hasn't been evaluated on its own, we can infer how it would perform based on the standard Kona's safety scores. That SUV earns a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2021 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. That said, the Kona Electric only qualifies for Top Safety Pick designation when equipped with LED headlights, which are only available with the Limited trim. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, lane following, and driver attention warning are all standard on the Kona Electric. Only the Limited trim gets stop-and-go adaptive cruise control.
One of the reasons some buyers may stay away from the Kona Electric is its cramped interior. Especially compared to another small electric SUV, the Volkswagen ID4, the Kona is way down on cargo volume and passenger space.
While the Kona Electric SEL carries over this year with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the top-trim Limited gets an update for 2022. Limited models now feature a 10.3-inch infotainment display, complete with integrated navigation and eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio. While the SEL works with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the larger-screen system only has wireless smartphone mirroring.
2022 Lucid Air The Lucid Air luxury sedan promises beautiful appointments in a sleek all-electric package. Additionally, the sedan boasts thrilling acceleration and an estimated top speed of 217 mph. As we'd expect of a Tesla-rivaling brand, Lucid promises that it will offer autonomous and semi-autonomous driving technologies with the Air. As we discovered in our exclusive Lucid Air Dream Edition First Drive, the electric sedan is smooth and quiet, with a hint of wind noise coming through the cabin. Although a comfortable cruiser, it appreciates a challenge. It's ridiculously quick, and surprisingly, it leaps and bounds out of corners like a Nismo GT-R. The harder you push it, the better it becomes. Steering is quick, not too light and not too heavy. The stylish sedan takes a different approach than rivals when it comes to interior design. Its three screens don't dominate the cabin like they do in the Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQS. A nice mix of leather, wood, Alcantara, and metal covers the cabin. We'd go as far as saying the Lucid Air has one of the nicest interiors of any car on the market. A spacious rear seating area sweetens the deal. Can Lucid compete with Tesla? Absolutely yes. EV makers should view this capable newcomer as serious competition. In our First Test, we wrote, "The Air is not just the most compelling American luxury car in recent memory, it's also an impressive rethink of what a luxury sedan should be." The Lucid Air utilizes a skateboard platform and up to three electric motors for varying levels of power and range. A Lucid Air Grand Touring we tested delivered 800 hp, 885 lb-ft of torque, and an impressive 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds. In terms of range, we've personally experienced the Lucid Air nearly hitting 500 miles on a drive through California. EPA numbers read 520 miles for the 933-hp Air Dream Edition R on 19-inch wheels, or 481 miles if it's riding on 21s. If you want maximum performance, go for the Air Dream Edition P, packing an astounding 1,111 horses. Range for that model is 471 miles with 19-inch wheels and 451 miles if the buyer springs for the 21-inch wheels.
Similar to the way Tesla rolled out the Model 3, Lucid will be releasing high-dollar top-spec versions of its new sedan first. To be one of the first Lucid Air owners, you'll have to shell out for the loaded Dream Edition—a $169,000 super sedan with over 500 miles of range and more than 1,000 horsepower. An 800-hp Grand Touring model is said to follow at $139,000 along with a 406-mile Touring variant at $95,000 next fall and an $77,400 base model to round out the lineup in 2022. Lucid is already accepting reservations and expects to begin deliveries before the end of 2021.
• In addition to the conventional five-seat layout, the 2022 Lucid Air will be available with an executive rear seat package featuring two separate bucket seats that recline 55 inches. • The dash features a three-screen layout, including a digital gauge cluster instead of a conventional analog one. • Lucid's multimedia interface has an artificial intelligence system that recognizes natural speech and can detect someone talking even in the rear seats. •
Over-the-air updates will be made to keep the autonomous driving technologies current.
The Lucid Air won our 2022 Car of the Year award, beating other impressive players such as the Porsche Taycan, Honda Civic, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class and EQS. But frankly, Lucid's electric sedan didn't immediately win us over. We encountered some pre-production glitches on our Lucid Air tester, from the sound system to the power frunk and even the Highway Assist feature. But by the end of our testing, we were blown away by this sedan's excellent driving dynamics, sumptuous ride, striking and well-packaged interior, and spirit of innovation. Not only is it the fastest charging EV, it's the first EV to receive a range estimate of more than 500 miles. This is indeed the Next Big Thing. That's right; even before Lucid's first car rolls off the production line, the new electric automaker has already had a brush with Elon Musk and Tesla. The CEO and CTO of Lucid, Peter Rawlinson, was a colleague of Musk's earlier in his career, and he wasn't just an intern. Rawlinson was the original chief engineer of the Tesla Model S. He also worked as a lead engineer at Jaguar and Lotus, so it's safe to say he knows his cars.
We've experienced the Air's real-world 490-mile electric range, but all that battery wouldn't do you much good if it took days to charge. That shouldn't be an issue for Lucid. If you can find yourself a 350-kW Electrify America charger, the Air's 900-volt electrical architecture enables you to add 300 miles worth of electrons in just 20 minutes. Tesla's EVs max out at a charging rate of 250 kW. We established the pedigree of Lucid CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson, but the Air's electric powertrain is not the only aspect of development with a veteran at the wheel. This new electric world-beater was designed by Derek Jenkins. Jenkins studied transportation design right here in Southern California and we're huge fans of his past work. Jenkins won 2016 World Car Design of the Year for his work as the lead designer on the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata. He was also a lead or contributing designer on the CX-5, CX-9, Mazda 3, and Mazda 6, all of which we applauded for their sharp styling.
One of Rawlinson's insights from working on the Model S was that the engineering and design teams needed to work together to avoid his experience of struggling to retrofit an electric powertrain into an existing bodyshell. Rawlinson decided to miniaturize the Air's powertrain components with a 900volt architecture that enables more efficient interior packaging. The result is a car with 6 percent more passenger space than a Model S despite a smaller exterior footprint. In terms of design, the Lucid Air could be described as the anti-Tesla. In the face of that car's minimalist, touchscreen-dominated cabin, the Air's interior features a wealth of materials and textures coherently woven together to form an elegant space.
2022 Tesla Model S Almost a decade after its launch in 2012, the Tesla Model S is getting a much-needed refresh for the 2021.5 or 2022 model year (Tesla doesn't follow model years as closely as other automakers). Two new tri-motor variants are joining the lineup and both the exterior and interior designs have been meaningfully tweaked for the better. This may be exactly what Tesla needs to stay relevant alongside hot newcomers including the 1,080-hp Lucid Air Dream Edition and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S. •
Updated exterior and interior styling
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New Plaid tri-motor variant
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Futuristic Star Wars-esque steering yoke
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Two new wheel designs
No matter which Model S you choose, serious speed is a standard feature. The Long Range model— the dual-motor variant not even focused on performance—can reach 60 mph in a claimed 3.1
seconds and top out at 155 mph. That's properly quick, but the new Plaid versions, which employ three high-performance electric motors split across the front and rear axles, blows it out of the water. The Model S Plaid develops a colossal 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. That makes it unsurprisingly insanely quick, but exactly how quick is a point of contention. In our first test procedures of the Model S Plaid, Tesla insisted that we measure its acceleration on a specially prepared drag strip, inconsistent with our standard testing methods. As part of our negotiations we agreed, and measured a 0-60 mph time of 1.98 seconds. The next day we took the car to our regular testing facility, where it laid down a 2.1-second 0-60 sprint. Either way it's the quickest vehicle we've ever tested, but Tesla's demands for preferential treatment somewhat mar the accolade.
Tesla had originally planned to make a variant of the Model S Plaid called the Plaid+. It was stated to have even quicker acceleration and longer range than the Plaid model. However, it appears that Tesla found the non-plus Plaid's capabilities to be sufficient, so cancelled it. Elon Musk declared via Tweet that there is "no need" for the Plaid+, "as Plaid is just so good." Could the Plaid+ eventually make its debut? A theoretical quad-motor setup could make the Model S' performance even more astounding, and earn that elusive "+" designation.
The Model S has come a long way since its debut; the car that at launch maxed out at 265 miles of range might now be able to travel around double that. Newcomer Lucid estimates 517 miles of range (we saw 490 miles in a ride-along) for its Air sedan, but Tesla's estimates for the refreshed Model S conveniently beats it. Like with any EV, the Model S' range depends on a variety of specific factors.
2022 Tesla Model S Range •
Model S Long Range: 412 miles (mfr est)
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Model S Plaid: 390 miles (mfr est)
Perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of the Model S refresh is the updated interior, specifically the new steering wheel. In place of the old conventional steering wheel sits what looks like a yoke designed for piloting a spacecraft. The center touchscreen has been reconfigured in a landscape orientation like those in the Model 3 and Model Y, and the digital instrument cluster appears mostly unchanged. We're big fans of the new infotainment system. There's a secret hidden shifter in case the car doesn't correctly guess the direction you want to travel. Additional wood and carbon-fiber trim lend an upscale feel, and there's a new display for rear seat passengers. A new seat design takes a tiny bit of space away from front passengers, and gives it to those in the rear.
Don't call it a wheel. The steering yoke applied to the updated Model S is more like what's seen in aircraft and race cars than everyday automobiles. It's now mandatory in the Model S, meaning you can't have a round wheel like you're probably used to at this point. If you get a Model S you'll probably learn to live with the yoke, but we're still unconvinced that it's actually an improvement over those old-fashioned steering wheels Tesla seems to think it's too cool for.
Every Model S is standard equipped with a slew of advanced driver-assist features, which Tesla refers to as Autopilot. Included in the Autopilot suite are technologies like adaptive cruise control, lanekeep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Customers can opt for an enhanced system, called Full Self-Driving, which adds automatic lane-changing, automatic parking, and expanded hands-off driving capabilities. We're of the opinion that Full Self-Driving (FSD for those in the know) is impressive, but doesn't live up to its name—we think it's still best to stay hands-on and eyes-up at all times. Still, those curious can now subscribe to the service on a monthly basis if they're curious to try it out.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class Pulling up in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class a guaranteed way to make an impact. Now Mercedes seeks to apply that gravitas to its new all-electric sedan: the EQS. First previewed by a concept car at the 2019 Frankfurt auto show, this full-size luxury sedan is the range-topping model of EQ, the zero-emissions subbrand that Mercedes is working to establish. With the EQS, it has a flagship full of incredible features that should capture the world's attention. Watch out Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Lucid Air—the EQS is here to charge things up.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class is all-new for 2022. Key features include: •
A new all-electric vehicle platform
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Available colossal Hyperscreen dashboard
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An updated MBUX infotainment user interface
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Several digital powertrain sound profiles
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Updated ambient lighting color schemes
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Wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches
Is this a true Tesla Model S-fighter? Well, that's not exactly the point. It's not super-sedan quick; instead, it feels much like an S-Class that happens to be electric. The cabin is extremely quiet, and an excellent air suspension protects occupants from road imperfections. The 580 variant feels heavier but noticeably quicker than the 450+ variant, which as we said in our First Drive, seems about as quick as an average midsize luxury sedan. We're impressed with the huge Hyperscreen that extends across the dashboard. Despite the three screen layout, it's quite easy to use. We also had a positive experience with the onboard voice assistant that responds to "Hey, Mercedes." This feature seems to have improved from a few years ago, as it can better understand natural-language requests.
Every 2022 EQS model draws power from a 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery of a bespoke composition developed and manufactured in-house by Mercedes. In the EQS450+, the battery powers an electric motor driving the rear wheels through a single-speed transmission. Output is rated at 329 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and Mercedes estimates a 5.5-second 0-60 mph time.
In the EQS580, a second electric motor is added to the front axle for all-wheel drive. With this setup output rises to 516 hp and 611 lb-ft of torque, which in our testing enabled a 3.7-second 0-60 mph acceleration time. Torque split between the motors is variable depending on driving conditions.
EQS Driving Range and Charging Times With a 107.8 kWh battery and either the RWD or AWD powertrain, the EQS is rated at up to 770 km of driving range on the European WLTP cycle. That equates to some 478 miles, but it's not such a simple conversion. The WLTP test is typically optimistic compared to the EPA test cycle used in North America. For example, the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S is rated at 253 miles of range on the WLTP cycle, but only 199 miles by the EPA. We estimate that the EPA will find that the EQS can cover over 300 miles on a charge when its testing is complete. The EQS can be equipped with an optional 9.6 kW onboard charger, and can handle up to 200 kW on a DC fast charger. When using a 240V wall outlet, charging the EQS' battery from 10 to 100 percent takes a bit over 11 hours. However, going from 10 to 80 percent using DC fast charging takes just 35 minutes.
Although the EQS won't initially be offered with hands-free autonomous driving capabilities, that may be added at a later date via over-the-air update. For now, it's equipped with numerous driverassist and active-safety systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, front automatic emergency braking, side obstacle detection that warns you if you're about to open your door into passing traffic, and oncoming cross-traffic alert that mitigates risks when turning across an intersection. Other safety features include Mercedes' unusual "pink noise" aural protection, as well as a precollision detection system that can rapidly adjust the seat to move occupants slightly further away from an impact. The glass cover over the available Hyperscreen infotainment setup was engineered with specific breakage points to reduce the risk of shattering hazards in a crash.
Mercedes' technology lexicon is showcased in the EQS. As standard it's equipped with a 12.3-inch gauge display, and a 12.8-inch touchscreen in portrait orientation which runs a new version of the MBUX user interface with enhanced "Hey Mercedes" voice activation. A built-in fingerprint scanner lets different drivers load personalized profiles and settings with a single touch. The navigation system has an augmented reality function that overlays directions on a live video feed of the road ahead. Two head-up display systems are offered, one of which can project a 77-inch field of vision in front of the driver. Individual touchscreens for each rear passenger are available as well. Six USB type-C ports are positioned around the cabin. While some Mercedes models offer a Burmester audio system as an upgrade, the EQS features one with 15 speakers as standard. Given that the car has no engine, several aural atmospheres are provided to give the car some personality. With names like Silver Waves, Vivid Flux, or Roaring Pulse, these soundscapes use parameters like speed, drive mode, and acceleration or braking forces to create a futuristic impression of performance.
Among all the EQS' dazzling details, the available Hyperscreen is noteworthy. This 56-inch wide curved glass panel spans the width of the dashboard and contains three displays: A 12.3-inch digital gauge display, 17.7 inch central infotainment touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen ahead of the passenger. The Hyperscreen runs a new user interface that puts the most-used features front and center so they're only a single touch away. By putting a display in front of the passenger seat, occupants can assist the driver with navigation directions, climate controls, and other vehicle functions. This display shows a decorative wallpaper if the car detects that the front passenger seat is unoccupied. Artificial intelligence learns and adapts to the behaviors of the EQS' user. For example, if you frequently turn on the seat massager as you leave a location, or call a particular person around a particular time, the car will learn and suggest those to you. If you're approaching a charging station, it'll prompt you to start the pre-charging process so the car is primed and ready to be plugged in when you arrive.
The standard 2022 Mercedes EQS won't have 56 inches of screen space. Instead, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster screen will be joined by a tablet-like 12.8-inch screen at the top of the dash. And instead of a screen for the front passenger, that space is filled by wood trim or a choice between a pattern of laser-cut and backlit three-pointed Mercedes stars and a 3D relief of a geometric pattern.
You thought the Maybach S650 was nice? Wait till you see some of the EQS' luxury features. Standard air suspension should keep the ride smooth and serene. A dazzling 64-color ambient lighting arrangement creates a scene inside the cabin (and gradients between those colors are possible, too). All models enjoy a large panoramic sunroof. Numerous trim and upholstery options are available, like quilted leather, backlit laser-cut Mercedes logos, or three-dimensional metallic panels. Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats are available in both rows. Full acoustically laminated glass is offered to further enhance quietude. In-car fragrancing systems are nothing new for high-end Mercedes models, but the EQS is offered with a bespoke scent called No.6 MOOD which is said to combine elements of fig and linen. Regardless of how your EQS is configured, we think it'll be a very luxurious place from which to cover miles.
Yes! As we expected, the performance-oriented version of the EQS receives the AMG treatment. The AWD EV is equipped with two AMG-specific electric motors that combined produce a claimed 649 hp and 700 lb-ft of torque, which is approaching double the horsepower of the EQS450+. There's also a Race Start mode with boost function that comes with the available AMG Dynamic Plus package that briefly increases powertrain output to an impressive 751 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes pegs the EQS AMG's 0-to-60 mph time at 3.4 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the EQS580's claimed time. The German automaker also says the car's 108-kWh battery pack can add 186 miles of range in just 15 minutes when hooked up to a fast charger. The Mercedes-AMG EQS is additionally outfitted with performance brakes, an air suspension system, rear wheel steering, and 21-inch wheels. Its cabin features AMG seats, pedals, floor mats, and
steering wheel. A panoramic sunroof, powertrain sound generator, and cabin trimmed in space gray MB-Tex with Neotex grain and red topstitching are also included.
2022 Audi Q4 E-Tron Audi's electric offerings are really starting to gain momentum. The E-Tron SUV debuted for 2019, followed by the sloped-roof 2020 E-Tron Sportback and more recently, the low-slung E-Tron GT. Next in line is the Q4 E-Tron, a smaller electric SUV aiming to compete with other more affordable highriding EVs like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the new Volkswagen ID4. EPA-rated driving range comes in at 241 miles for the 2022 Audi Q4 E-Tron. Meanwhile, the EPA rates the Tesla Model Y Long Range at 326 miles, the Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD Extended at 300 miles, and the Volkswagen ID4 Pro S at 250 miles. As for Audi's other electric SUVs, the larger E-Tron SUV delivers 222 miles on the EPA cycle, and the Q4 Sportback E-Tron also gets rated for 241 miles of range. Audi is presenting the Q4 E-Tron as something of an all-rounder, with the dimensions of a compact SUV, the wheelbase of a midsize, and the interior volume of a larger vehicle. At 180.7 inches long, 73.4 inches wide, and 63.9 inches high, it's shorter and narrower than a Tesla Model Y (187.0 inches long and 75.6 inches wide) and measures the same height. The Mustang Mach-E is also longer, but lower at 63.0 inches. The Q4 E-Tron is around the same size as a Honda CR-V, albeit lower and with a longer wheelbase (108.7 inches to the Honda's 104.8).
Although the Q4 E-Tron concept was presented as a four-seater, we're willing to bet the production version will include seating for five. Cargo space measures 18.4 cubic feet in the luggage compartment and 52.6 cubes if you fold down the rear bench. Tech-forward interiors are Audi's bread and butter so it's no surprise they're pulling out all the stops on new EVs. The automaker's 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard; base models will
include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display while higher trims will include an 11.6-inch variant. Audi will also offer an augmented reality heads-up display that features navigation information and driver-assist info appearing to float in front of the car.
2022 BMW iX BMW takes a huge next step into electric luxury vehicles with the iX. Although the i3 and i8 showed BMW's clear interest in alternative-powertrain cars, the new iX is a fully electric look into the brand's future. With a projected driving range of about 300 miles, the 500-hp 2022 BMW iX is an electric SUV that can seat five in comfort and still manage a run to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, the automaker says. BMW's next generation electric SUV comes only as an AWD, with one electric motor driving the front axle and one driving the rear. They combine for a total of 516 hp. The iX xDrive50's estimated 300mile range puts it firmly in Tesla Model X and Model Y territory. Unlike the upcoming electric X3, there's nothing subtle about the iX's interior or exterior design. BMW's controversial and enormous new front grille design makes an impression up front, while up top is a panoramic roof that's the largest glass roof ever fitted to a BMW. Inside, the 2022 iX could be just the vehicle for BMW fans tired of the same basic interior design in every new BMW. From the hexagonal steering wheel to the front seats' integrated headrests and interesting choice of stitching and materials, the 2022 BMW iX is clearly no ordinary luxury vehicle.
With such a high sticker price, the 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 will come with many premium features. An 18-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system is standard, but you can spring for the upsized 30-speaker Bowers and Wilkins system, which integrates some speakers into the SUV's seats. A four-zone climate control system and head-up display are also included, as is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The iX boasts a curved display that integrates together the 12.3-inch driver dash display and the massive 14.9-inch central control display to form what appears to be a single unit angled toward the driver. There's even an interior camera in case anyone makes off with your iX and you need to grab a photo of the thief. BMW's advancements extend to the iX's exterior, too. Flush door handles require just a touch to become usable, and access is afforded via digital key. The strips of LED headlights at the front corners are the slimmest BMW has ever made for a production vehicle.
The NHTSA and IIHS have yet to test the iX xDrive50 but BMW has given the SUV a handful of active safety features that include emergency braking, cross-traffic and rear cross-traffic alert, and blindspot monitors. Parking sensors are also included, and adaptive cruise control and lane centering are both available. BMW calls the iX the most sustainably produced vehicle the company has ever made. That's quite a statement, and the automaker says that it's tried to make responsible choices to account for every stage of the product's lifecycle. For example, it worked to reduce its carbon footprint with all its suppliers. Then there are electric motors, which don't use rare-earth materials at all. Inside, the 2022 iX electric SUV has recycled materials all over. The panels on the doors and liftgate are made from up to 30 percent recycled material, and overall, there's about 132 pounds of recycled plastic used in the SUV. Using a Level 2 charger at up to 11 kW of power, the iX can be fully charged in 11 hours. At a DC fastcharging station, the iX in xDrive50 form can accept a charge up to 200 kW. Ten minutes of charging, BMW says, will result in a 75-mile gain in range. Or if you've got more time, you can go from 10 percent to 80 percent of the full range in about 40 minutes.
2021 Bollinger B2 The Bollinger B2 is the truck sibling of the B1 SUV. Featuring a body-on-frame architecture, the B2's 120-kWh lithium-ion battery is sandwiched in the middle of the chassis and mounted low under the passenger compartment. Like the B1 SUV, the 2021 Bollinger B2 has a front trunk and the same generous 15.0 inches of ground clearance for improved off-road capability. The B2 also has a removable windshield as well as removable doors and roof panels. You can opt also opt for an allglass roof. The 2021 Bollinger B2 uses two electric motors for an estimated combined output of 614 hp and 668 lb-ft of torque. A motor is mounted at each axle just like in the B1 SUV. Power is routed through a two-speed transmission with a high and low range. A full charge allows the Bollinger B2 to travel up to 200 miles, as with the B1. You can charge the battery from empty in 10 hours using a level 2 (220volt) charger or 75 minutes via a level 3 DC fast charger. When properly equipped, the 2021 Bollinger B2 has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. The B2 can also haul 5,000 pounds of payload just like its SUV sibling. A key feature of the B2 is its 72inch long bed that you can expand by removing the rear seats and rear panel and window. The front trunk has a capacity of 8.6 cubic feet, and you can link it to the passenger cabin and the bed via a pass-through, enabling you to haul long items with ease. However, the downside of the added passthrough is the lack of a center rear seat, limiting passenger capacity to four. If you really have a ton of stuff to haul, those rear seats are removable.