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New Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 Priced From £155k In The UK, Nearly £16k More Than 751HP Taycan Turbo S

Two months ago, Mercedes unveiled the AMG EQS 53 at the Munich Motor Show as the first electric vehicle to wear the AMG badge. Now, the German automaker has released pricing for it, and it’s about what you’d expect for a range-topping high-performance EV sedan.

The EQS 53 will start at £154,995 (equal to around $208,000 at current exchange rates) in the UK, or 55% more than the base EQS 450’s starting price of £99,995. It’s also more expensive than the current flagship Porsche Taycan Turbo S that’s rated for 761PS / 751HP and kicks off from £139,280 (about $186,900).

For that money, you get a dual-motor AWD drivetrain producing 649 hp (658 PS / 484 kW) and 701 lb-ft (950 Nm) of instant electric torque. Upgrade to the AMG Performance Package with the Night Edition that pushes the starting price to £163,900 (around $220,000) though, and that same drivetrain produces 751 hp (761 PS / 560 kW) and 752 lb-ft (1020 Nm) of torque.

The former enables a 3.8-second sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) with a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h), while the latter allows for 3.4 seconds to 62 mph with a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). The range is the same for both, with a WLTP-estimated 358 miles (576 km) on tap from the car’s 107.8 kWh battery.

Standard features on all variants include the 56-inch Hyperscreen, an AR heads-up display, Nappa leather upholstery, a Burmester® surround sound system, a Parking package with Active Parking Assist, and 360° camera, Driving Assistance Package Plus, AMG sound programs, AMG-specific bodywork, and an AMG steering wheel.

Included with the Night Edition are 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, and sport pedals. Upgrading to the £8,995 AMG Performance Package (which is only available with the Night Edition) gets you carbon-ceramic brakes, AMG Dynamic Plus boost for Race Start, the AMG Sound Experience, the AMG Driver’s Package with increased top speed, AMG TRACK PACE, and AMG carbon-fiber interior trim.

Finally, serving as a counterpart to the bold Night Edition is the more subtle Touring specification, which comes with 22-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels and elegant ambient lighting in the cabin. On top of that, you can opt for the £2,995 Rear Luxury Lounge package (only available with the Touring), which outfits the multi-contour rear seats with black Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, power reclining, luxury headrests, neck and shoulder heating, comfort armrests, separate climate controls, an MBUX tablet, wireless charging, and additional USB ports.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is currently on sale now, with the first UK deliveries expected to arrive in April 2022.

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2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Breaks Cover With 2+2 Seats, Fabric Top, AWD And Up To 577 HP

The millionaires’ Miata is back! Mercedes has overhauled the iconic SL roadster for only the seventh time in the model’s almost 70-year career, and this one takes on some seismic changes including standard all-wheel drive and the return of 2+2 seating after a three-decade absence.

Sometimes when automakers say a car is new, the fresh content that justifies that tag is limited to the bumpers at either end. But the SL really is new from the ground up, built on a new multi-material platform made from aluminum, steel, magnesium, and composites that it will eventually share with the next AMG GT coupe.

Measuring 185.2-inches (4705 mm) long and 106.3-inches (2700 mm) between the axles the new SL is 2.9-inches (74 mm) longer and rides on a wheelbase stretched 4.5-inches (115 mm) over the previous SL’s. It’s also 6-inches (154 mm) longer than the old AMG GT Roadster, which the SL sends to an early grave, remedying the previously bizarre situation where Mercedes had two different two-seat V8 convertible sports cars covering similar market turf.

Two Cars In One

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The new SL does the job of both and gets a subtle but significant name change to mark the promotion. Every version is now called Mercedes-AMG SL and comes with the AMG-specific Panamericana toothy grille to reflect that that legendary two-seater is now part of the AMG family.

And, for now, at least, every version has an engine worthy of that badge. Additional powertrain options will be added in time, including a PHEV and probably a mild-hybrid V6, but from launch, the choice is limited to a pair of M177 4.0-liter V8s you’ll recognize from other AMGs, with their two turbos once again nestled in the vee.

Choose From Two V8s, Or Wait For The PHEV

The entry-level SL 55 makes 470 hp and 516 lb-ft, while the punchier SL 63 ups those numbers to 577 hp and 590 lb-ft thanks to more turbo boost, improved airflow, and a software tweak. Even the base car can hit 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, but the SL 63 cuts that down to 3.6 seconds, and we’d expect the PHEV to go even harder if it borrows its hardware from the 831-hp AMG GT 63 E 4dr unveiled this September’s Munich show. Find a suitably empty stretch of derestricted autobahn and the SL 55 will top out at 183 mph, leaving the SL 63 to romp ahead to 196 mph.

Whichever of the two V8s you go for, power is channeled through Mercedes-AMG’s nine-speed automatic transmission which swaps a torque converter for a wet clutch pack that should make the SL rev faster and feel more responsive to a stab on the gas. And from there, for the first time ever in an SL, the power is sent to all four wheels, both models getting a 4Matic+ tag.

Modern five-link front suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes, and rear-wheel steering also come standard on both 55 and 63, the back wheels doing the usual trick of turning the opposite way to the fronts at slow speed (though in this case up to 62mph, so not that slow) and the same way at higher speeds. But the SL 63 asserts its superiority with air suspension and active roll control; the SL 55, which you can spot by its red, rather than yellow brake calipers, makes do with conventional steel coils.

More Space, Lighter Fabric Roof

Other significant changes include the addition of two small rear seats that will accommodate bodies up to 4 ft 11-inches (1.5 m), effectively limiting them to children and Snow White’s crew, and a switch from a retractable hardtop back to a triple-layer fabric convertible top.

Ditching the retractable roof concept lowers the center of gravity and is worth a 46 lbs (21 kg) saving, and it saves on trunk space when folded, too. Mercedes claims you can fit two golf bags in the trunk even with the tops down. You struggled to get much more than a golf club in older SLs when the sun was shining.

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And when the sun does break out from behind the clouds, you’ll be feeling those rays faster than before. The new roof cycles from open to closed in 15 seconds, a 5-second reduction, and can be operated at speeds of up to 37 mph. Benz’s Airscarf system that pumps warm air out of the front seat headrests comes standard ‘on eight-cylinder models’, says Mercedes, hinting that the range will be extended to include less powerful, less luxurious six-cylinder models later.

Whether those entry-level cars will drop in wheel size from the 19-inchers that feature on the SL 55 remains to be seen, but there will be plenty of options to upsize, either to the same 20-inch diameter rolling stock fitted to the SL 63, or bigger again, to 21 inches.

An SL With Attitude

Predictably, it’s the twenty-ones you can see in the pictures, and they do a great job of filling the SL’s swollen fenders. Visually, the 2022 SL has more in common with the outgoing AMG GT Roadster than it does with the dated, bland SL it replaces. The plus-two seating gives it a less cab-backward look than the Roadster, and the triangular LED headlights add some extra aggression to the face, but anyone looking to trade in a Roadster will feel right at home here.

AMG GT 4 Door owners, meanwhile, might recognize echoes of their car in the styling of the rear end, which comes standard with an automatically adjusting five-position spoiler to keep the tail glued to the ground. And if you want to make the nose equally sticky, you can option an Aerodynamics Package that includes visible bumper winglets, just like a race car’s, and an electronically adjustable carbon spoiler below the nose that extends by 1.6-inches (40 mm) at higher speeds, providing a venturi effect and cutting front axle lift by 110 lbs (50 kg) at 155 mph.

Hit The Track In Comfort

Contrast that almost invisible technology with the very visible tech inside the cabin. Mercedes opted not to deploy its full triple-display Hyperscreen dashboard as seen in the EQS sedan, choosing a more classically sporty design for the SL’s interior. And it decided against giving the SL the full suite of its latest autonomous technology we saw on the 2021 S-class, though it does have the usual steering assistance and automatic braking systems you’d expect from an expensive Mercedes.

But with an adjustable S-Class-style tablet on the console running Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment package, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display, the 2022 SL is a car that tries to carefully tread the line between sports car and luxury car, hoping it can keep both camps happy. Do you think Mercedes managed it?

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A Special Car Like A Brand New Brabus Rocket 900 Needs A Special Paint Protection

Brabus is building just 10 examples of its insane Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4Matic+ based Rocket 900 and the owner of the first unit to be delivered recently headed to a UK specialist to have the paint finish protected.

This particular Brabus Rocket 900 started out life painted in a typical gloss black finish but the owner brought it over to Topaz Detailing to be fitted with a satin paint protection film (PPF).

While it would be easy to opt for a satin black wrap on a super sedan like this, typical vinyl wraps do not provide the same kind of protection as a dedicated PPF. Typical films like this are gloss but Topaz also offers matte and satin finishes.

A number of the original glossy exterior parts have been retained. For example, the carbon fiber wheel covers retain a gloss finish, as do the wing mirrors, front splitter, grille, rear diffuser, and rear wing. The roof also remains in gloss black. Topaz also went to the effort of adding some paint protection film to certain interior parts that would otherwise be vulnerable to normal wear and tear.

To transform the GT 63 4Matic+ into the Rocket 900, Brabus has increased the displacement of the twin-turbo V8 from 4.0 to 4.5 liters, while also fitting a bespoke billet crankshaft, new piston rods, larger forged pistons, unique turbochargers, a new forced induction system, and a carbon fiber ram-air intake. When combined with a recalibrated ECU and a stainless steel exhaust, the car now pumps out 888 hp at 6,200 rpm and 922 lb-ft (1,250 Nm) of torque from just 2,900 rpm.

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Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV Concept Previews The Upcoming Electric Crossover

Mercedes has officially unveiled the Maybach EQS SUV concept.

Designed to preview the upcoming electric crossover, which is expected to arrive in 2023, the model is described as a “near-production” concept that will take luxury into the 21st century.

Dressed in Zircon Red and Obsidian Black Metallic, the ultra-luxury model features a bold front fascia with a massive fully enclosed grille. It’s flanked by slender LED headlights with “individual diamond blocks framed with a fine-knit mesh of the Maybach emblem.”

Also Read: Every New Mercedes Model Will Get An All-Electric Version, Starting In 2025

Continuing further back, there’s a star hood ornament, black body cladding and massive 24-inch wheels with a bowl-like design. The model also has aerodynamically optimized running boards, full-width taillights and flush-mounted door handles.

Speaking of the doors, they’re fully automatic and the handles will extend as the driver approaches. As they get closer, the driver’s door will automatically open and they’ll also have the option of opening the rear doors remotely as well.

Moving into the cabin, drivers are greeted by a futuristic steering wheel and a full-width Hyperscreen display which includes a 12.3-inch screen for the front passenger. Elsewhere, there’s a floating center console, rose gold accents, white piano lacquer trim and a “faux fur” floor covering.

The rear passenger compartment is the star of the show as it features two executive seats, which are separated by an elegant console. The latter houses a flower vase and drink holders as well as a high-tech armrest with an integrated infotainment system.

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Mercedes didn’t say much else about the concept, but the four-seater has a rear seat entertainment system and is envisioned to be offered with “individual equipment options such as folding tables, a box of champagne goblets or a refrigerated compartment.” The latter should show up in the upcoming production model.

The company was also coy about specifications, but confirmed the concept rides on their new electric vehicle platform and previews the EQS SUV which will be introduced next year. It will be followed by a Maybach variant and the company said the crossovers will have a WLTP range of around 373 miles (600 km).

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A Brief Look Back At The History Of The Mercedes-Benz SL

Good news: there’s a new SL around the corner. Although we’re yet to see just how the new roadster will look, we’ve been treated to an official reveal of the SL’s cabin, resplendent (or sullied, dependent on how you look at it) with a massive, adjustable, touchscreen. We’ve also had a look at the innards of the SL, as well as some spy shots which reveal a return to the less-complex fabric roof.

The SL has almost been a byword for the luxury roadster lifestyle. And now, ahead of an imminent unveiling, Mercedes has decided to look back at over 65 years of the nameplate.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe (W198) — 1954 to 1957

Inspired by the racing 300 SL that was championed in 1952, Mercedes recognized the demand for a production version. Two years later, the W198 was launched at the International Motor Sport Show in New York. It features those iconic gullwing doors, which became a trademark of this SL Class. The M198 engine it sported was designed for the 1953 racing prototype and was capable of producing an impressive 215 hp (219 PS / 163 kW) allowing the 300 SL to reach a peak speed of 161 mph (258 km/h).

Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W121) —1955 to 1963

The smaller 190 SL offered a more affordable alternative to the exclusive 300 SL, with similar styling, engineering, and fully independent suspension. This two-seater roadster was assigned to the W121 model series and was closely related to the W121/W120 “Ponton” model. Under the hood was a revised 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine that squeezed out 105 hp (107 PS / 77 kW), which translate into a 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) time of 14.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 106 mph (170 km/h).

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W198) —1957 to 1963

Replacing the gullwing generation was the W198 300 SL roadster. Launched in 1957, it had conventional doors thanks to a modified frame, which reduced the sill height. It also saw an improved rear suspension and, for the first time, a compensating spring. During its production period, it was also kitted with Dunlop disk brakes and an alloy engine block.

See: Take A Look At The 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Roadster’s Cabin

Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) — 1963 to 1971

Replacing both the 190 SL (W121) and 300 SL Roadster (W198), the new 230 SL (W113) was unveiled at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. The distinctive concave roofline of the car quickly earned the 230 SL the nickname “Pagoda”. The chassis of the 230 SL was improved and its 2.3-liter inline-six pushed out 150 hp (150 PS/110 kW). The 250 SL, which replaced the 230 SL, was introduced in 1967 and had a 2.5-liter engine with 10 percent greater torque. After a year the 280 SL was offered with an engine that was further enlarged to 2.8 liters with an output of 170 hp (172 PS / 125 kW).

Mercedes-Benz SL R107 — 1971 to 1989

The R107 model series made history by being the first to introduce an eight-cylinder engine to the SL Class, with the SL 350 debuting in 1971, followed by the SL 450 in 1973 and the SL 280 in 1974. These models received a wide range of six and eight-cylinder engines. The crash performance features in these cars were not only carefully designed but were well ahead of their time.

Mercedes-Benz SL R129 — 1989 to 2001

In 1989 Mercedes unveiled the R129 model series, which gained stylish improvements and new safety standards. The more powerful 600 SL (later SL 600) debuted in 1992 and topped the series with a 12-cylinder engine which put out 394 hp (388 PS / 290 kW). It saw several facelifts over the years and a modified engine range with V6s instead of in-line sixes. In 1999, the SL 73 AMG with a 7.3-liter V12 engine that pushed the limits of the time with 525 hp (517 PS / 386 kW) replaced the SL 600.

Mercedes-Benz SL R230 — 2001 to 2012

The R230 model series landed in 2001 with innovative technology, improved safety equipment and a new design with callbacks to classic models. Range-topping models of the series include the SL 55 AMG, SL 600, and SL 65 AMG, which had 476, 500 and 612 hp respectively. The 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission was made standard from 2006. The SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG Black Series were the 2008 facelift’s standout models.

See: Mercedes Says New SL Will Be An AMG GT Roadster Replacement

Mercedes-Benz SL R231 — 2012 to 2020

The most recent Mercedes SL, for the 60th anniversary of the SL Class, the R231 series was introduced in 2012 at the Northern American International Auto Show. The SL 500, SL 63 AMG and SL 65 AMG were some of the first models to be launched and were more powerful than their predecessors.

What Do We Know About The New One?

The next SL will not only continue the SL line but effectively replace the AMG GT Roadster, being developed on the same platform as the next-generation AMG GT Coupe. We’ve already seen the first few images of the new SL’s interior, with plenty of design influences present from the new S-Class and AMG GT. Mercedes claims its designers created a “mix of analog geometry and a digital world – called hyperanalog” with inspiration coming from the original 300 SL Roadster of the 1950s.

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Engine options for the 2022 SL Roadster remain under wraps at this stage, but reports suggest that it will be offered with a range of four and eight-cylinder engines. One possibility being touted is for the SL range to be topped out by a plug-in hybrid model with the same powertrain as the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 73e PHEV. If that’s the case, it could have as much as 804 hp and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque, no doubt resulting in some incredible performance figures.

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Audi RS6 And Mercedes-AMG E63 S Brawl For Family Car Supremacy

The Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes-AMG E63 S are two of the fastest family cars on the market.

Both are powered by 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8s. In the RS6 Avant this engine is paired to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, for a total output of 591 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. This power is sent through all four wheels courtesy of an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF. By comparison, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 of the E63 S is slightly more powerful with 603 hp and 626 lb-ft (850 Nm). It too is all wheel drive.

Watch Also: Is A Brand New Mercedes-AMG E63 Worth The $95,000 Premium Over An 11-Year-Old One?

Admittedly, this isn’t a perfect apples-to-apples comparison as the E63 S tested was a sedan, which weighs roughly 240 lbs (110 kg) less than the Estate variant. Still, both cars are incredibly quick and to see just which of the two has the advantage, Car Buyers Guide in South Africa lined them up for a drag race.

Off the line, the duo both launch with exceptional poise but it is the Audi that carves out a slight lead as the Mercedes struggles to put all of its power to the ground. It initially seems as though the RS6 will walk away victorious but as the speeds start to build, the extra horsepower and torque of the E63 S allows it to claw its way back and ultimately claim the victory.

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There’s A Mercedes-Benz W124 Hiding Under These Weird Modifications

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The Mercedes-Benz W124 remains one of the German carmaker’s most identifiable vehicles. As it turns out, not everyone respects its iconic design.

The following photos were recently shared on Reddit and show a W124 Coupe (aka C124) that was spotted in Ukraine. Unfortunately, it is has undergone so many questionable modifications that, if you weren’t told, you’d have a hard time guessing what it really is.

Found at the front of the bizarre creation are headlights that (vaguely) remind us of those from the Chrysler Crossfire, while the car is also rocking a bespoke grille with three horizontal slats finished in white. Speaking of white, much of the front bumper and front quarter panels are also white to contrast the dark blue paint of the rest of the car.

This two-tone white and dark blue theme continues across the rear of the Merc’s body that has also undergone some rather odd changes. As bizarre as the front looks, the rear is perhaps even more weird and features a bespoke bumper with unique tailpipes, a trunklid lip spoiler, and a white diffuser. The car also sports unique taillights that appear incredibly cheap and were probably purchased for just a few dollars.

Not satisfied with completely butchering the exterior of the Mercedes, the owner has also customized the vehicle’s interior. Most notably, white leather bathes the dashboard, transmission tunnel, door panels, and steering wheel. The car also features large ‘R’ badges on the dashboard and steering wheel, seemingly in the same font as the badge of the Nissan GT-R.

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Mercedes A-Class Range Gets Exclusive Edition In The UK From £31,305

Mercedes A-Class buyers in the UK can now order their cars in the stylish Exclusive Edition spec, with first deliveries scheduled to commence next month.

Prices start from £31,305 ($40,716) for the A 200 with the six-speed manual, and £34,005 ($44,228) for the A 200d with the 7G-DCT automatic. Meanwhile, the A 250 and A 220 d Exclusive Edition Plus variants are more expensive, at £37,320 ($48,540) and £38,095 ($49,550), respectively. The former comes with the 7G-DCT gearbox, while the latter gets the 8G-DCT automatic.

Exclusive Edition Plus interior shown

The Exclusive Edition is based on the AMG Line Executive trim level, which already boasts the latest MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch media display. New additions include the Night Package as standard, adding privacy glass, ‘edition’ badging and floor mats, a black radiator grille, new black upholstery in ARTICO leather, plus light grey contrast stitching.
Also new are the titanium grey 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, panoramic sunroof and 64-color ambient lighting.

As for the Executive Edition Plus variant, it is based on the Premium Plus trim and adds designo mountain grey magno paint, 10.25-inch instrument display, illuminated door sills, Keyless-Go, rear armrest, Multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Augmented Navigation, Advanced Sound System, front memory seats and black 19-inch AMG cross-spoke alloy wheels.

If you like these new editions but live in the United States, you can still get an A-Class Sedan from $33,650 and add the AMG Line with Night Package combo for $3,000, black 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels for $800, illuminated door sills for $500, Keyless-Go for $550 and the Premium Package (dual 10.25-inch displays) for $1,750.

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2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Makes Spy Debut With Two Wheel Designs

This marks the first time we’ve ever seen the all-new 2022 Mercedes SL in flagship AMG guise undergoing tests, and as expected, it was the hexagonal quad-pipes that gave it away.

Otherwise, this prototype looks pretty much the same as other previously-seen camouflaged all-new SL models. The only things that are different, aside from the pipes, is the camouflage pattern on the roof and the wheels.

In fact, this prototype is testing with two different wheel designs. The ones at the rear feature a 5-single spoke aesthetic, while the front wheels boast a 5-dual spoke look.

Read: All-New 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Rendered Based On Spy Images

This next iteration of the SL will feature the same platform as the Mercedes-AMG GT, something AMG boss Tobias Moers already confirmed.

“We’re bringing back the historic DNA of the SL,” he said last year. “It’s far sportier [this time around]. It will have a perfect compromise between driving dynamics and comfort, because it’s still kind of a cruiser too.”

Aside from the common architecture, the SL and GT are also expected to share axle assemblies, suspensions, steering systems, the 48V electric architecture and hybrid powertrains. Both will be built alongside each other at the German carmaker’s plant in Sindelfingen, Germany.

Meanwhile, a source told Autocar that the new SL was designed to feature a longer hood and a more rearward-positioned cabin.

“The new platform has given us more freedom,” said the source. “There’s more distance between the front axle and the front firewall. This gives it more traditional proportions.”

The range could kick off with an SL 450 EQ Boost variant, followed by an SL 53, SL 500 and SL 63 / 63 S (two stages of tune). The latter is rumored to have a 604 HP twin-turbo V8, although no specs have been made official as of yet.

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Photo Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

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Audi Q7/Q8, Mercedes GLE, BMW X5/X6, Volvo XC90, Lexus RX And Range Rover Sport Compete In Off-Road Trial

Finding an absolute winner when it comes to all-wheel drive systems can be extremely difficult, as various other factors such as engines, tires, weight and even the driver can prove just as important as the actual tech sending power to both axles.

However, the guys over at the SUV Battle YouTube channel did a good job getting all these direct rivals together and having them compete over a steep dirt incline.

The following SUVs were called upon to showcase what their all-wheel drive systems are capable of: the 2020 Audi Q8, 2019 Mercedes GLE, 2019 BMW X5, 2019 BMW X6, 2019 Volvo XC90, 2019 Lexus RX 350, 2019 Range Rover Sport and 2018 Audi Q7, plus a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Multiple runs were carried with most of these SUVs – except for the Grand Cherokee, but that’s alright seen as how it’s not quite a direct rival for all of the other models here.

In the end, they realized that having just one driver perform all the runs was a better way to benchmark the AWD systems, and the results were reasonably conclusive. It’s too bad they couldn’t get similarly-powered engines for all the vehicles. The Range Rover Sport had the most powerful engine, so there’s no surprise that it performed really well.

What was a bit surprising was seeing the BMW X5 struggling to climb up the hill, while the X6 performed much better, although different drivers were involved, so we’ve got to factor that in.

Other models that stood out, although not necessarily in a good way, were the Volvo XC90 and Lexus RX, both of which underperformed, especially the Lexus. Meanwhile, the Audi Q8 climbed the hill as if it was in the middle of filming a commercial for Audi’s quattro AWD system.

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