Maand: februari 2017

A Most Ridiculous Cabrio

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In a world where every single Facebook user gets spammed by commercials of Supercells ‘award-winning’ mobile game, Clash Royale, there also seems to be enough quirkyness in entirely different areas of the market, like the automotive industry.

And therefore.. Meet the *leaked* Mercedes Benz G650 Cabriolet LWB. Packing extravagant looks and a gas-guzzling V12 with at least 500hp, 800Nm, and nature-defying acceleration. You say; Mercedes had convertible variants of the G-wagon before? True, but those were all based on the short wheel based version (SWB). An example is the G500 Cabriolet Final Edition from 2013, which we conveniently left below.

And in a world where Mercedes seems to have fun launching all kinds of ridiculous variants of the G-Class like the 4×4^2 and the 6×6 (also as G63 AMG), a really monstrous cabrio was dearly missed. Or so it seems.

Video: http://www.autojunk.nl/2017/02/mercedes-maybach-g-650-cabriolet

There still seems to be some discussion about the final name of the product, since Maybach badges are apparently present on the car. Therefore, it could be called something like Mercedes-Maybach G650 Cabriolet, which is in line with Stuttgart’s naming conventions. We also noted that the behemoth borrowed some parts of the 4×4^2, which causes it to have even more ground clearance than a standard G. Speaking about that particular car, which looks like a standard G500 tried to have babies with a Unimog, we found this really nic pic of it:

Unfortunately no official information from Mercedes as of yet.

 

BMW 5-series Touring (G31)

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Last week, Bavarian carmaker BMW announced the estate version of its new E-segment car, the 5 series. Along with the new variant came additional engines to the line-up, including some more powerful options.

In general; BMW likes to receive a €2500 premium for the estate over the regular sedan version. In exchange, you get up to 1700 liters of boot space, which is more than competitors like the Audi A6 and Volvo V90 offer. It is also possible to get the rear window to open separately from the rest of the trunk door for added practicality.

Design-wise, we are very happy with the job BMW’s designers did on the new rear end. It looks very strong and muscular (especially with the optional M package shown above) without becoming too arrogant and lumpish.

Engine-wise, BMW is kicking things off with the 520d 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel plant, sporting 190 hp and theoretically very nice mpg at 3.9l per 100km. MSRP will be around 55-60 grand, depending on the country you live in. If you demand a cheaper petrol powered variant, there is the 520i (4-cyl, 190hp) for roughly the same price.

One step higher comes BMWs hybrid option, the 530e iPerformance. It has the same powertrain as the 330e (4-cyl petrol + electric) and a combined power output of 252hp. It will start at 60-65k. It is also possible to get that same power figure from a non-hybrid engine in the form of the 530i (4-cyl turbocharged petrol) for a comparable price.

Opting for a good ol’ six-cylinder (BMW still has them, fortunately) is possible with the 540i and 530d. First one has 340hp and sets you back at least 67k, the diesel option manages 265hp and will need around 75k. It’s more expensive because of the standard xDrive AWD system (which can also be had with most other engine options for a premium of around 5 grand).

Top of the line until the arrival of the M5 is the M550i xDrive, boasting a real turbocharged V8 with 462hp and 650Nm of torque. It is faster than the M5 of the F10 generation with acceleration from 0-100 kph just below 4 seconds. Because of carbon taxes, prices will differ a lot per country, but are expected to be in the range of 85-120 thousand Euro.

A little extra for interested buyers; BMW decided to bring in automatic transmissions (Steptronic) standard on all models apart from the 520i. The former optional Executive package is also stock on the new G30/31 generation.