Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Adds 429 Horsepower Stablemate To The New GLE Lineup

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February 27, 2019

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53. [Photo: Mercedes-Benz]

Just in case you needed some more oomph in your family hauler.

Mercedes-Benz revealed the all-new GLE a few months ago, with two engines options. The entry-level, 2.0-liter GLE 350 puts out 255 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter GLE 450 manages 367 horsepower. Now, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 has arrived as the new performance variant of the brand’s best-selling SUV.

Thanks to the new model’s 48-volt mild hybrid system, the “EQ Boost” starter generator also provides the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 more grunt for a brief period of time. The car uses the same 3.0-liter turbocharged engine as the GLE 450, but this time it packs 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. EQ Boost takes it one step further, providing 21 more horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claims the GLE 53 can hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. As with the standard model, that power is routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission. To bring it to a halt, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 has 15.7-inch front rotors and 13.6-inch rear rotors.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 features an Active Ride Control air suspension. Overall, there are seven available drive modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual come as expected with all-wheel drive Mercedes models. However, this new AMG variant adds the off-road modes Trail and Sand to the mix. Adding to that range of customization is the AMG Dynamics program as part of the drive modes. That along has three levels: “Basic”, “Advanced” and “Pro”. In a pinch, the car can raise itself 55 millimeters (2.2 inches) on command.

Styling

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 has a 15-bar grille, similar to the AMG GT, to separate itself from the standard models. Thanks to the 20-inch alloy wheels, AMG badging and quad exhaust pipes, there’s no mistaking its identity.

While the interior is similar to the standard GLE, there are some distinctive features to set it apart as well. Red seatbelts, black seats and red contrast stitching round out the AMG-themed changes. Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system comes standard, but this time there are AMG-exclusive menus.

Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing yet, but it will reveal itself at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. We expect pricing to land somewhere between the $68,150 AMG GLE 43 and the $103,050 AMG GLE 63.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 will go on sale in late 2020. In the meantime, check out the standard model below:

Polestar 2 Takes Direct Aim At The Tesla Model 3 – Here’s How They Compare On Paper

By

Zach Butler

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February 27, 2019

The Polestar 2 is a much more practical (and affordable) proposition than the Polestar 1.

When the Polestar 1 first debuted back in 2017, we were impressed with just how well Volvo’s spin-off company tied in the brand’s styling to an electrified performance application. After all, that model claimed a substantial 600 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Then we saw the absolutely eye-watering $155,000 price tag, and our hearts dropped a bit. Now, the Polestar 2 has arrived, as a much more practical — and affordable — proposition.

The Polestar 2 starts off at 39,900 euros, or around $45,410. The company will also build a more expensive Launch Edition during the first 12 months of production that starts off at $63,000. That’s the price before any available federal and state rebates, which should bump the effective price down into the $50,000 range.

All-electric powertrain

Unlike the Polestar 1, the Polestar 2 will pack an all-electric powertrain. This time around, the company fitted a drivetrain making 408 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. Polestar claims a 0-60 time of “less than 5 seconds”. There’s also a “Performance Pack” available for the car, that features Öhlins dampers, Brembo brakes and bespoke 20-inch forged wheels. The standard output of the Polestar 2 competes favorably against the Dual Motor Tesla Model 3. That model manages 346 combined horsepower. While it does fall short on the Dual Motor Performance’s 450 horsepower, the Polestar 2 does beat the Tesla’s 471 lb-ft of torque.

Polestar’s first all-electric model does share some cues with the Tesla Model 3 on the inside. It uses a large, centrally-mounted infotainment display. It’s one of the first cars out there to base its infotainment on Google’s Android system, rather than integrating Android Auto into a bespoke system. That means the Polestar 2 will have access to Google Maps and the Google Assistant. Tesla’s infotainment system does use Google Maps, but does not integrate Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay.

Polestar 2 designed what they’re calling “Pixel LED” headlights — a series of small LED lights which can intelligently cut the beam on one side, say if a car is approaching from the opposite direction. However, those lights will not immediately be available in U.S. or Canadian models. Similar to Audi’s Matrix LED headlights, the technology is prohibited by current regulations. To that end, the car will just get standard LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Battery capacity and range

The Polestar 2 will launch with a 78 kWh battery pack, to the Tesla Model 3’s 62 kWh pack in the rear-wheel drive, mid-range battery model or 75 kWh pack in the long-range battery model.

Polestar 2 is aiming for a 500 kilometer range on the WLTP cycle. By EPA standards, the company is shooting for a 275 mile range. That lands right in the middle of the Tesla Model 3’s 264 (mid-range) to 310 (long-range) mile figures.

The Polestar 2 will go into production in China in early 2020. From there, customers will see the new car in global markets. Pre-orders are open now.

Polestar 2 vs. Tesla Model 3: How do they stack up on paper?

	Polestar 2 (claimed)	Tesla Model 3 (AWD)
Horsepower:	408 hp	346 hp (Dual Motor comb.)
Torque:	487 lb-ft	471 lb-ft
0-60:	< 5.0 sec.	4.5 sec. (Dual Motor)
Battery size:	78 kWh	75 kWh
Range:	~275 miles	310 miles (EPA)
*Price:**	~$45,000+	$49,900+

*Pricing before incentives

2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Starts At $26,890 – $1,600 Less Than A GTI Hot Hatch

By

Zach Butler

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February 27, 2019

The new Jetta is available in two trim levels, plus a special edition.

The Volkswagen Jetta has always served as the jelly to the Golf hatchback’s peanut butter, but the new model has been missing a hot GLI version. Until now, that is, as Volkswagen brought out the new Jetta GLI at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. We know the technical details, but Volkswagen was mum on pricing. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $26,890 (including ($895 destination) according to the company’s recent announcement — undercutting the Golf GTI by $1,600.

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI — The Jetta GLI comes in $1,600 less than the equivalent GTI hatchback. [Photo: Volkswagen]

That’s good news for those who want GTI-like performance for a bit less investment. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a GTI underneath, packing the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and transmission options. For that price, you get 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, as well as a standard six-speed manual transmission. Upgrading to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox will set you back $800. Unlike the normal Jetta, the GLI also sports a multi-link rear suspension setup and a 0.6-inch drop thanks to its sports suspension.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is rated at 25 City / 32 Highway / 28 Combined mpg, regardless of which transmission you choose.

Trim levels and options

Volkswagen equipped the new Jetta GLI fairly well from the outset, but you do have a choice of trim levels. The base 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI S comes with all-LED headlights, heated front seats, 10-color customizable ambient lighting, a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and 18-inch wheels. Other comfort features include dual-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers and keyless entry with push-button start.

Standard safety features include Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Traffic Alert.

Starting at $27,890, the GLI 35th Anniversary Edition is a special trim which builds off the standard S model. In addition to all those features, you get some unique touches like bespoke 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels. You also get a black roof, mirror caps and spoiler, as well as Volkswagen’s DCC adaptive damping system. 35th Anniversary badging on the fenders, scuff plates, seat tags and floor mats rounds out the trim.

At the top end, there’s the $30,190 Jetta GLI Autobahn. The Autobahn trim ups the infotainment system to an 8.0-inch system, for a start. On top of that, you also get a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit display, as well as a 400-watt, eight-speaker BeatsAudio system. The Autobahn also features a power adjustable leather driver’s seat, remote start and an alarm system.

2019 Honda Passport vs. Ford Edge vs. Nissan Murano – Which AWD System Tops The Rest? TFL Slip Test Ep. 3

By

Zach Butler

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February 26, 2019

Three crossovers go in – only two complete the challenge.

All-wheel drive is a staple feature in modern crossovers, and many buyers choose one over an ordinary car for their capability, as well as their practicality. Cars like the 2019 Honda Passport, Ford Edge and Nissan Murano all come with available all-wheel drive. However, they’re not all equal when it comes to capability. Which one is the best? Tommy finds out in another TFL slip test.

This three-way shootout sees each crossover work for grip using assembly line rollers. The car parks on top of the rollers which are placed under random wheels, and it’s up to the all-wheel drive system to work out how best to route power for optimal grip.

TFL slip test - 2019 Ford Edge — 2019 Ford Edge.

The cars

The 2019 Honda Passport is the newcomer to the group. This all-new model is based on the larger Honda Pilot, with the same powertrain and all-wheel drive system. While the Passport shares its wheelbase with the Pilot, it’s significantly shorter in its overall length. While that helps the car’s departure angle, we’re more interested here in the i-VTM4 system. Short for “Intelligent Variable Torque Management”, the system comprises a cast-alloy housing at the rear axle. While the system can send power front-to-rear at any given moment, the electro-hydraulic clutch packs in that housing also help manage power to each of the rear wheels. Apart from simply braking a spinning wheel, the system can also direct power to the wheel with more grip.

Unlike some traditional all-wheel drive systems, the 2019 Ford Edge comes with what’s called “All-Wheel Drive Disconnect”. In 10 milliseconds, the car can detect whether it needs to engage or disengage all-wheel drive. Under normal driving conditions, it’s a 100 percent front-wheel drive vehicle. Some all-wheel drive systems send at least some power to the rear wheels under most conditions. However, should you need it, it can also allocate all its power to the rear wheels.

The 2019 Nissan Murano engages all-wheel drive as you’re pulling away from a stop or doing some cornering. However, under light load in normal conditions, it will run in a front-wheel drive configuration. Unlike the other two, the Murano also mates up to a Continuously Variable Transmission.

The results

All three cars fared decently well on the two-wheel slip test. That test simulated a loss of traction one the left front wheel and the right rear wheel. On the three-wheel slip test, the Passport and Edge also managed without much difficulty. The Ford Edge relied on its traction control system to pull the car off the rollers, but it completed the test once the system figured out how to work with the available grip.

The 2019 Nissan Murano, on the other hand, struggled on the three-wheel slip test. Despite multiple attempts, the all-wheel drive system just kept spinning the wheels on the rollers. Of all the cars, the Passport’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system managed the tests with the least difficulty.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more slip tests coming soon!

Fiat Chrysler Invests $4.5 Billion in Detroit to Grow Jeep and Ram Brands, Create 6,500 Jobs

By

Zach Butler

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February 26, 2019

FCA investing $4.5 billion in plant renovation

Fiat Chrysler is investing heavily in five of its existing plants.

FCA announced its plans today to invest $4.5 billion in renovations to existing plants, as well as construction of a new assembly plant in Detroit. CEO Mike Manley made the announcement as the next step in the company’s strategy to grow its Jeep and ram brands. “It allows Jeep to enter two white space segments that offer significant margin opportunities and will enable new Jeep products, including at least four plug-in hybrid vehicles and the flexibility to product fully battery-electric vehicles.”

Jeep and Ram have both experienced upswing in demand, and FCA says this plan will create 6,500 new jobs. Models in the pipeline produced through the retooled plants will be the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, a new, as-yet unnamed three-row SUV and several plug-in hybrid models.

A new Jeep Grand Cherokee will enter production by 2021. [Photo: FCA]

Renovations

Under the current plan, FCA will set aside $1.6 billion to renovate the Mack Avenue Engine Complex for those Jeep vehicles. The company says that renovation will create 3,850 new jobs to support production. If everything keeps to schedule, construction may start later in 2019, with the first three-row Jeeps expected to roll off the line in 2020. A new Jeep Grand Cherokee will follow in the first half of 2021.

The Jefferson North Assembly Plant will see $900 million to modernize the facility. The plant will add 1,100 jobs according to FCA. It will continue to serve as the production site for the Dodge Durango as well as the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The all-new Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be built at the Warren Truck Plant. To that end, FCA reaffirmed its commitment to add 1,400 new jobs to the plant, which currently builds the new Ram 1500 alongside the Ram 1500 Classic. Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer production is slated to start in early 2021. As a result of the announcement, Ram Heavy Duty truck production will remain in Saltillo, Mexico, instead of moving to the Warren plant.

FCA also plans to use $119 million to move production of its Pentastar V6 engines from Mack I to the Dundee Engine Plant. Under the plan, Mack I would stop producing Pentastar engines by late 2019. The company also plans to invest $400 million to increase capacity at the Warren Stamping and Sterling Stamping plants, adding 80 new jobs in the process.

A time of restructuring

FCA can add a feather in its cap with this announcement, as it’s vowing to add jobs with continued investment in plants around Detroit. At the same time, General Motors is undergoing its own restructuring, ceasing production of underperforming models and cutting jobs in the U.S. and Canada. Ford, too, is undergoing its own massive restructuring in the coming months and years.

In the meantime, we’ll likely see the first signs of all-electric models from Jeep emerge. So, too, will we see Ram continue to gain ground on Ford and General Motors in the truck market.

Next Porsche Macan Will Be All Electric, New Model Coming After 2020

By

Zach Butler

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February 26, 2019

The gasoline-powered Macan is not long for this world.

Porsche Is Going Electric With The Next Macan, New Model Coming After 2020 — Porsche Macan under assembly at the company’s Leipzig plant. [Photo: Porsche]

If you were hoping the next-generation Porsche Macan would carry on with a twin-turbo V6 engine, you may be disappointed here. Porsche AG has decided to make the Macan it’s first all-electric SUV, ditching internal combustion sometime after 2020. The company hasn’t announced exactly when it will build the next Macan, other than to say it is “due to roll off the assembly line at the start of the next decade”.

Porsche is throwing its hat in the pure EV ring later this year with the all-electric Taycan. Not only that, but the Cross Turismo shooting brake will emerge not long after. Then, it seems Porsche will turn its eye to the Macan. Apart from pure-electric models, the company aims to hybridize most of its lineup in the next decade. According to a company statement, “…by 2025 50% of all new Porsche vehicles could have an electric drive system.”

Like the current Macan, Porsche will build the new model at its Leipzig plant in Saxony, Germany. Porsche says the supervisory board made the decision to build the next generation Macan there last year. Since 2000, Porsche has invested more than 1.3 billion euros ($1.48 billion in 2019 Dollars) toward development at the plant. The company started producing the Cayenne SUV there in 2002. Now, the plant builds 90,000 units annually for global markets, including the U.S.

Next-generation Porsche Macan will be all-electric — Porsche’s Leipzig plant. [Photo: Porsche]

Moving forward

Porsche bills the next-generation Macan as an ideal candidate for electrification. Eventually, it will expand that approach across its entire brand, which has us wondering when we might see an all-electric Cayenne. Beyond that, when will we see an all-electric 911? The company will stick to internal combustion in its sports cars for now. However, with the move to shift the Macan to an all-electric platform, it’s only a matter of time before Porsche’s other vehicles head in a similar direction.

Like the Taycan launching later this year, the new Macan will have 800-volt technology on board. That means you could actually use super-fast charging in the future, when the infrastructure to support 800-volt charging expands. The new Macan will ride on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric), which Porsche co-developed with Audi.

While we’re waiting for the new Macan to arrive, check out the current generation model against the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio:

2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan Review: How Does It Drive & What Does It Cost?

By

Michael Curtis

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February 26, 2019

Toyota invited us out to Savannah, Georgia to drive the all-new 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan. Last week, we posted an article that contained all the information you need, save for pricing and driving impressions. That all was under embargo until this article published. So here, you can learn about the two missing pieces: How the new Corolla drives and what it will cost to buy one.

Pricing

Pricing feels like the more important bit of information. So let’s start off with that. There are three trim ‘families’ to mention here, the ‘modern’ “L” trims (L, LE, XLE), the ‘sport’ “S” trims (SE, XSE) and the hybrid (LE). Here is how base pricing breaks down:

Model	L	LE	XLE	LE Hybrid	SE (CVT)	SE (6MT)	XSE
Price	$19,500	$19,950	$23,950	$22,950	$21,950	$22,650	$25,450

So, pricing ranges anywhere from $19,500 up to a hair over $25,000. Let’s dissect this a little, though. Some interesting points include the manual transmission version actually costing more than the CVT. Albeit, only $700 more. But still, this is a bit strange, considering that manuals have historically been the cheaper option. Another important figure is the price of the Hybrid. That $22,950 is now the least expensive hybrid in Toyota’s lineup. Toyota announced to us at this event that the Prius C will be phasing out, making the Corolla Hybrid an important vehicle for new Hybrid shoppers.

Here is how some of the competition stacks up:

Model	Honda Civic	Nissan Sentra	VW Jetta	Hyundai Elantra	Kia Forte	Chevy Cruze
Base MSRP	$19,450	$17,790	$18,745	$17,100	$17,790	$17,995

The Corolla Sedan is the most expensive of the bunch. But, you have to remember that it comes with a lot of standard tech features. Most notably, all 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedans will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0). This is a suite of driver safety and enhancement features that includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, road sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and adaptive high-beams.

Driving Impressions

Alright so how does it drive? Well, underneath, the Corolla Sedan shares a lot (almost all) of its componentry with the Corolla Hatchback. They are both built on the latest Toyota New Global Architecture – C platform (TNGA-C). The only major difference being that the sedan has a slightly longer wheelbase. The Sedan has a wheelbase of 106.3-inches vs the Hatchback’s 103.9-inches. They both have MacPherson-strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension as well. The result of all this being that the sedan drives a lot like the hatch.

Our tester for the day was an XSE trim, which features the larger 2.0-liter engine. This powerplant makes 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque and sends that power to the front wheels through either a CVT or a 6-speed manual. The CVT is rather unique in that it has a physical first gear that Toyota calls a ‘launch gear’. This engages from zero to around 20 miles per hour and makes launches a bit less rubber-band like. In fact, this is one of the most pleasant CVTs on the market for that reason. The manual is a nice option as well. The throws are on the longer side, and the clutch is rather light. But, the fact that a 6-speed is available is pretty amazing in the first place.

The biggest downside to the driving experience has to be the lack of power. 169 horsepower is the highest amount available. Many of its competitors at least have an option that comes close to, or surpasses 200 horsepower. Toyota has made it seem like a hot version may be coming, but nothing is confirmed. While the lack of power is slightly disappointing, the chassis and suspension tuning is really well-done. The ride is comfortable, forgiving and fun. Even though it is not fast, the 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan remains quite fun to drive.

What About the Hybrid?

The hybrid actually takes its powertrain directly from the Prius. It uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder in combination with an electric motor and an e-CVT that sends power to the front wheels. The combo is good for 121 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimated fuel economy sits at 53 city, 52 highway and 52 combined. So, very efficient.

The driving experience is rather familiar all around. You get the pleasant handling characteristics from the new Corolla’s platform and fancy suspension. Plus, the instant torque of a hybrid powerplant. It is no rocketship either, but around town it feels plenty punchy.

Watch the Video For More!

This article covers all the information that was under embargo at the time we filmed our full review. However, that video contains a lot of good information on features and specs. Be sure to watch the full video below to learn everything else you need to know:

Tesla Model S Driver Dies In Florida Crash After Car Burns, Doors Wouldn’t Open (Updated)

By

Zach Butler

-

February 25, 2019

Tesla Model S Driver Dies In Crash After Car Burns, Doors Wouldn't Open — [Photo: Daniel Dobb, via screengrab]

Editor’s Note: The specifics of this particular crash don’t necessarily suggest the Model S is more at-risk than any other car to catch fire. It seems the investigation is still ongoing, so it is wise not to draw conclusions about Tesla or the Model S’ safety without further conclusive evidence from similar incidents.

Update 2/26/19: The driver was identified as Omar Awan. The accident took place at approximately 4:30 PM Sunday afternoon on South Flamingo Road near Fort Lauderdale. Police say Awan was traveling between 75 and 90 mph at the time of the crash.

A Florida driver died Sunday after a Tesla Model S hit a tree and caught fire.

A driver of a 2016 Tesla Model S was killed when their Tesla Model S lost control, struck a tree, and burst into flames Sunday. Davie, Florida police spokesperson Vivian Gallinal said a nearby officer and attempted to break the car’s window, but couldn’t get the driver out, according to the Miami Herald. According to witnesses and the Herald report, the door handles were inoperable after the crash and the airbags didn’t deflate.

Witnesses said the car was traveling over 75 mph at the time of the crash. According to an Electrek report, one witness said: “We were there. My husband tried to break the window out. The airbags didn’t deflate after the crash and trapped the person inside. We couldn’t even see inside the car because all of the bags filled the car. The doors couldn’t be opened.” Several people kept trying to find ways to extract the driver, but ultimately failed to do so as flames overtook the car.

WATCH: A @Tesla crashes into a tree and bursts into flames in Davie on Flamingo Rd. Unfortunately the driver died on scene according to Davie Fire Rescue. We have @SanelaWPLG on scene working the story. (???? via Daniel Dobb) pic.twitter.com/uJCKjWOPJx
— Marcine Joseph (@MJ_Reports) February 24, 2019

Tesla’s response

Tesla says in its first responder guide that the door handles should open in the event of an accident. That makes it easier to stage any rescue. If that fails, responders should break the window to get inside. The company also issued a statement on this accident:

“We are deeply saddened by this accident and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. We have reached out to the local authorities to offer our cooperation. We understand that speed is being investigated as a factor in this crash, and know that high speed collisions can result in a fire in any type of car, not just electric vehicles.”

This certainly was a tragic story, and the fire seems to have come about as a direct result of a high-speed collision. While other Tesla models have reportedly caught fire, there’s no conclusive data suggesting the Model S is at higher risk than any other vehicle.

Davie police has not yet released the name of the driver. However, a similar crash happened in Fort Lauderdale back in May. In that crash, authorities say the Tesla Model S was traveling at 116 mph.

At any rate, this serves as a grim PSA to drive safely at all times. Obey the speed limit and don’t drive erratically, especially with other vehicles and people around.

Just in case you needed some more oomph in your family hauler.

Styling

All-electric powertrain

Battery capacity and range

Polestar 2 vs. Tesla Model 3: How do they stack up on paper?

The new Jetta is available in two trim levels, plus a special edition.

Trim levels and options

Three crossovers go in – only two complete the challenge.

The cars

The results

Fiat Chrysler is investing heavily in five of its existing plants.

Renovations

A time of restructuring

The gasoline-powered Macan is not long for this world.

Moving forward

Pricing

Driving Impressions

What About the Hybrid?

Watch the Video For More!

A Florida driver died Sunday after a Tesla Model S hit a tree and caught fire.

Tesla’s response

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