Land Rover LR4 SUV

For 2013, the Land Rover LR4 has a new blackout exterior-trim package, new interior colors and trim finishes and an optional Extended Leather package. It's a formidable challenge to design and build a vehicle robust enough for serious off-road use, yet still luxurious enough to mix it up with the Mercedes-Benzes and Lexuses of the world. But the 2013 Land Rover LR4 maintains this British company's standing as one of the foremost specialists in this narrow market segment. The 2013 LR4 manages its impressive on- and off-road performance by blending muscle and magic. There's power in abundance from the 5.0-liter V8 and traction galore from an extensively developed four-wheel-drive system. Then high-tech electronic features like Land Rover's Terrain Response System and Hill Descent Control manage it all so effectively that the LR4's owner needs to do little more than twirl a console knob to conquer ridiculously difficult conditions. That's all before you get to the impeccably turned-out cabin, which can accommodate five or seven in the kind of comfort that's usually the province of luxury cars, not SUVs. But do you really, really need all that off-road prowess? If not, there are genuine trade-offs: The big engine and rugged underpinnings ravage efficiency and curtail responsiveness on pavement. And as much as this brand is steeped in off-road lore, it's similarly hip-deep in a longstanding reputation for subpar reliability.

Particularly dynamic Audi Q7 drivers may wish to consider one of two other quality option packages. The S line exterior package enhances the styling with details such as distinctive bumpers and a solid paint finish. In the infotainment field, Audi provides a carefully differentiated selection of modules. The three optional systems are part of the new generation of Audi devices. The top-of-the-line version integrates a hard drive for navigation, music and telephone data, a high-resolution color monitor and 3D map graphics, a DVD player as well as voice control. It can be expanded into a luxury media center with features such as a Bluetooth telephone, a TV tuner, a digital radio tuner, plus rear seat entertainment. A very special highlight is the advanced sound system from Bang & Olufsen with its ten channels, 505 watts of power and 14 loudspeakers. The range of optional equipment is rounded off by technologies from the luxury class. The radar-supported adaptive cruise control regulates the speed and the distance to the preceding vehicle in a range from 30 to 200 km/h (18.64 to 124.27 mph) by acceleration and deceleration.

If a threat is detected, the integrated Audi braking guard warns the driver at two levels. From a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph), Audi lane assist helps the driver stay in lane by means of a camera that recognizes the lane lines. Audi side assist ensures safe lane changes above 30 km/h (18.64 mph) with the aid of a radar system that monitors the traffic pattern within 70 meters (229.66 feet) behind the vehicle. Finally, the Audi parking system advanced assists parking by means of a rearview camera and reference lines on the onboard monitor. Even when it was first rolled out, the Audi Q7 V12 TDI, the world's strongest diesel SUV, had a uniquely distinctive look resulting from its large air intakes. The new version features modifications to the interior and the rear end. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.5 seconds and a capped top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) equal the driving performance of a powerful sports car. Despite these impressive performance data, the V12 diesel gets by on an average of 11.3 liters of fuel per 100 km (20.82 US mpg). Its luxurious standard equipment includes 20-inch wheels, a Bose sound system, and many additional features.

It can also firmly apply the stationary vehicle's brakes in the event of a rearend collision to prevent secondary accidents. The Active Lane Keeping Assist now can detect when the adjacent lane is not clear, including when it is occupied by oncoming traffic. If a collision threatens, even if the lane marking is not a solid line the system can prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side. It thus optimally supplements the Active Blind Spot Assist. The 360-degree camera covers all four sides of the vehicle and enables a seamless all-around view including a virtual bird's-eye perspective - with a top view of the vehicle and its direct surroundings. Dynamic guide lines are a help when entering and leaving parking spaces and maneuvering. All the available engines for the 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet now feature an ECO start/stop system and are highly efficient. The E350 features a directinjection V6 gasoline engine with 302 hp and 273 lb ft of torque. The E550 is powered by a twin-turbo direct-injection V8 producing 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

The E350 Coupe is also available in the U.S. 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive. The electronically-controlled system displays an impressive level of traction on all manner of terrain, raises active safety and offers an outstanding degree of driveline refinement. Mercedes-Benz offers a 7-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever and shift paddles. This latest version of this transmission provides significant advantages in terms of efficiency and ease of maintenance. A new feature is the short-term 'M' mode. If the driver has shifted up or down manually, after a set period of time the transmission independently switches back to the fuel-efficient automatic shift mode. The 2014 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet feature the AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system. Its shock absorbers adapt to the condition of the road surface and ensure sporty handling and long-distance comfort typical of Mercedes-Benz. Like the Sedan and Wagon, the Coupe and Cabriolet are equipped with an electromechanical Direct-Steer system as standard.