2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE has officially premiered prior to the Paris Auto Show in early October. With one quick glimpse of the new GLE, it is easy to notice the differences between it and the outgoing model. At the front, Mercedes-Benz has incorporated a set of more appealing headlights as well as a redesigned grille and faux air intakes. Elsewhere, new wheels, available in sizes between 18- and 22-inches have been designed while an evocative C-pillar helps to transform the vehicle’s rear half. Completing the design are slim taillights. Mercedes-Benz has also worked extensively on updating and improving the GLE’s interior. To do so, the vehicle’s wheelbase has been extended by 80 mm, allowing for an additional 69 mm of legroom in the second row and an additional 33 mm of headroom. Luggage capacity has increased to 825 liters (217 U.S. 2055 liters (542 U.S. Like the A-Class, the new GLE also uses the latest-generation of MBUX, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system that consists of two large 12.3-inch screens as standard.

In terms of engines, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE will initially be sold exclusively with the marque’s in-line six-cylinder engine, displacing 3.0-liters and in GLE 450 4MATIC guise. However, various diesel models and a plug-in hybrid are just around the corner, including some four-cylinder engines. As we expected, the GLE 450 4MATIC pairs its 3.0-liter six-cylinder with 48-volt technology and delivers 367 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The EQ Boost function adds an extra 22 hp and 250 Nm for short bursts of additional grunt. All 2019 GLE variants will use a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission that incorporates a transfer case with an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. This will allow for a variable transfer of torque between the axles, a feature which will be especially useful during off-roading. The German automaker has outfitted the new GLE with the latest generation of its driving assistance systems. These include Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Blind Sport Assist with exit warning. Additionally, Trailer Manoeuvring Assist will be optional for GLE models sold throughout Europe and operates by controlling the steering angle of the towing vehicle at low speeds of up to 5 km/h. One final update enjoyed by the new GLE is E-Active Body Control. This system uses the 48-volt system alongside newly-developed air suspension which means spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. This reduces body roll, pitching, and squat. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE range will reach dealers in the U.S. Europe in early 2019 and in spring 2019 in China. It will be manufactured in Alabama.

The wickedly fast Cadillac CTS-V is easily one of the best Cadillacs ever. In an effort to take advantage of its recent vogue, Cadillac decided to build high-performance versions of several of its cars. Collectively called the V-Series, they are meant to be high-powered, tight-handling, all-around track-tuned performers in the vein of the European performance marques, such as BMW's M series and Mercedes-Benz's AMG lineup. The CTS-V was the first Cadillac to get the V treatment, and it's no exaggeration to call it an enthusiast's dream. Based on the CTS entry-level luxury sedan, the CTS-V has exclusivity stamped all over it. The throaty V8 may get all the publicity, but the CTS-V looks, sounds and drives like a very special car. As you'd expect, though, the Cadillac CTS-V does share a few inherent flaws with the regular CTS, including an awkward interior design and mediocre interior materials. These attributes will likely be addressed with the second-generation CTS-V, which is expected to follow the launch of the new '08 CTS.

The Cadillac CTS-V comes in one body style and trim. It is a powerful, rear-wheel-drive midsize luxury sedan. The V6 engine from the standard CTS has been swapped out for a 400-hp 6.0-liter V8, which is the same engine found under the Corvette's hood. A six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential are standard. There is no automatic transmission option. Put the pedal down hard and you can expect to move from zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. But the performance upgrades go far beyond the bigger engine. Additional highlights include a tightened suspension, massive Brembo performance brakes and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with performance tires. Antilock brakes and a driver-adjustable stability control system (StabiliTrak) are standard. More subtle adjustments include a strengthened engine cradle and hydraulic engine mounts. There is a level of sophistication that extends from the performance construction down to the interior features. You get all of the CTS upscale features as standard, including HID headlights, climate control, sport seats and a premium Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer. Even navigation comes standard. Options are limited to paint colors and run-flat tires. Cadillac has done its best to gussy up the CTS's normally dull interior to make the V-Series sedan feel special. The original instrument cluster has been replaced by more upscale dials and computer readouts, which even spit out real-time driving dynamics, such as lateral G-forces. There are also aluminum and satin chrome accents on the dash. The more heavily bolstered front seats are comfortable and supportive during aggressive driving. As in the regular CTS, the backseat is spacious, which makes the CTS-V more useful on an everyday basis than similarly priced compact rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes. In road tests, our editors found the Cadillac CTS-V to be the automotive equivalent of a Fourth of July fireworks celebration. It just oozes enthusiasm and begs to be driven hard.

Audi is known for few things. Unique style and German luxury are two of them, and a close third is all-wheel drive, which the marque brands as quattro. Sitting at the top of the lineup, and making excellent use of quattro to help it claw its way around a track or up a steep Beverly Hills driveway is the R8. Now, Audi Sport is aiming to make the R8 an even more focused enthusiast's car with the rear-drive R8 V-10 RWS (Rear Wheel Series). Audi revealed the car today on the eve of the Frankfurt auto show. Audi says the R8 V10 RWS is the company's first production model with rear-drive as a limited edition, and it will build just 999 examples, with a mix of coupe and convertible Spyder variants. Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. The R8 V10 RWS is powered by the 5.2-liter V10 in its standard form, meaning it puts out 540 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque.