2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 63 S
Mercedes has been producing some crazy fast SUVs over the past 20 years and this one here is the OG. Originally known as the ML 55, this all-new 2021 GLE 63 S carries the brand’s AMG torch into a new decade of decadent speed. Is 603hp enough? How about a 0-to-60mph time of 3.7 seconds? The handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 receives an electric boost from its 48 volt system that can provide an additional 21 horses and a quick shot of 184 pound-feet of torque for even more responsive acceleration. The 9-speed twin-clutch transmission adapts to the drive program that goes all the way to a RACE setting for driving on closed circuits. But it is an SUV after all, so the fully variable 4MATIC + all-wheel drive system works in concert with Trail and Sand drive modes and the air suspension to provide safe driving at max performance on soft, muddy or slippery ground. A performance exhaust system contributes the requisite soundtrack. The interior is characterized by a sporty ambiance with exclusive Nappa leather AMG seats, customizable 64-color ambient lighting and the latest infotainment system with a Supersport mode replete with an AMG menu that includes a Race Timer, Engine Data and more. Pricing will be released closer to this summer’s launch but expect it to be north of $110,000.
2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum
2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum Review By TestDriveNow Auto Critic Steve Hammes.
Over the past 2 decades, the Highlander has been America’s go-to family mover by offering a car-like ride with SUV versatility. But this one here is all about raising expectations by taking everything farther. The all-new 2020 Highlander Platinum gives Toyota owners a healthy dose of Lexus.
The driving experience feels far more substantial than before, taking on a greater SUV-like persona. Bigger, bolder, smoother and nearly silent inside, the Highlander is a great long trip cruiser with a more sophisticated ride quality. Now, the mileage isn’t great but the Highlander is a winner and it also sports a new level of off-road capability.
2020 Nissan Versa Quick Takes
The all-new, third generation 2020 Nissan Versa takes the popular subcompact sedan to a new level of refinement with a fresh, exciting design and technology and safety features not usually found in the segment.
The third of four popular Nissan cars to be recently redesigned, the all-new Versa – with a clear design expression of the Nissan brand – serves the more than five million customers who buy sedans each year in the U.S. Sedans remain a popular choice for Gen X, Millennials and multicultural customers.
Technology is a top priority in the all-new Nissan Versa, featuring available Nissan Safety Shield 360, a prime example of Nissan Intelligent Mobility that helps provide front, side and rear safety monitoring and intervention technologies. Safety Shield 360 features include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Other available technology includes Intelligent Driver Alertness and Intelligent Cruise Control.
Design is also a key strategic advantage for the 2020 Versa, combining an all-new dramatic and expressive exterior with a fresh new interior with class-above features and quality.
2020 Mazda Mazda3 Quick Takes
The 2020 Mazda Mazda3 sedan is an elegant, front-wheel drive compact with bold styling, exhilarating driving dynamics and premium features.
The thoughtful touches and attention to detail continue to the interior of the Mazda3. Lush materials with a simplistic design are surrounded by intuitive technology features such as an 8.8-inch large center display with the latest Mazda Connect system that can be operated thru the commander control or voice command. A seven-inch digital gauge display maintains a timeless analog theme but is benefited by a reconfigurable display to provide the driver with more information. Dual USB ports, push button start, an electronic parking brake and ample storage are among its many high-quality standard features.
The 2020 Mazda3 hatchback and sedan returns its sophisticated styling and exhilarating driving experience with the goal of further separating itself from its class with enough premium features to rival luxury automakers’ offerings. Mazda engineers never settle, they are constantly finding ways to improve the vehicle. From making calculated adjustments to the suspension to being able to provide more safety features, there is a motivation to exceed expectations and create a premium experience that will help continue to elevate the brand.
2020 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA QUICK TAKES
2020 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA QUICK TAKES TESTDRIVENOW OVERVIEW
The 2020 MX-5 Miata offers more amenities while maintaining the necessary characteristics of a driver’s car: lightweight, nimble and most importantly, fun-to-drive.
Advancing from the MX-5 Sport, fans have the option of the harder-edged MX-5 Club or the luxurious MX-5 Grand Touring depending on what suits their lifestyle and interests. Both the MX-5 Club and MX-5 Grand Touring are offered in a soft top as well as in a RF – retractable fastback – configuration. The MX-5 RF can open or close its roof in a remarkable 13 seconds; providing the look and feel of both a sporty coupe and an iconic convertible. MX-5 Club and MX-5 Grand Touring are now available in Mazda’s new Polymetal Gray exterior color. Exclusive to MX-5 Club models with manual transmission, Mazda offers a Brembo/BBS Recaro Package that helps add a little more thrill to the nimble roadster. This package features Brembo front brakes, BBS 17-inch Dark Gunmetal forged wheels, heated Recaro Sports Seats and black aero kit that includes side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt. For the MX-5 Club RF, this package includes a hand-painted black roof.
Mazda maintains its commitment to captivating driving dynamics while providing the next generation of premium amenities and striking design.
The MX-5 Club enters 2020 with Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM as a new feature. When equipped with the Skyactiv-MT manual transmission, this trim level includes a limited-slip differential, Bilstein dampers, front shock tower brace and sport-tuned suspension. This trim level includes all the i-Activsense safety features from the MX-5 Sport and enhances the driving experience with a Bose® nine-speaker audio system that includes passenger headrest speakers, SiriusXM® radio with three-month trial subscription and LED daytime running lights. The MX-5 Club is equipped with heated black cloth-trimmed seats with silver stitching, 17-inch Metallic Black aluminum alloy wheels, front black air dam, black rear lip spoiler and black interior accents and vinyl leather to help instill a sporty environment.
Exclusive to MX-5 Club models with manual transmission, Mazda offers a Brembo/BBS Recaro Package that helps add a little more thrill to the nimble roadster. This package features Brembo front brakes, BBS 17-inch Dark Gunmetal forged wheels, heated Recaro Sports Seats and black aero kit that includes side sill extensions and rear bumper skirt. For the MX-5 Club RF, this package includes a hand-painted black roof.