More Than Just A Higher-performance E-Class

More Than Just A Higher-performance E-Class

The latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the poshest and most tech-rich cars on the road, at any price. That's set to change with the next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63, a nearly here, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 sledgehammer expected to marshal over 600 horsepower in S trim (enough oomph to dispatch 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds). 52,150 E300, whose 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offers less than half the power -- 241 hp and 273 pound-feet of torque -- and the forthcoming E63. A gaping hole big enough to drive this 2017 Mercedes-AMG E43 clean through, in fact. It isn't just a larger engine under the hood that gives the E43 the right to wear Affalterbach's fabled A-M-G script on its trunk lid. It also receives a lot of other performance-minded hardware, including a self-leveling air suspension with dedicated sports tuning, standard 4Matic all-wheel drive with a more pronounced rearward torque bias, and a quicker steering ratio.

Zero-to-60 is pledged to run about 4.5 seconds, and top speed is electronically capped at 130 mph. If anything, Benz's official 0-to-60 time feels a shade conservative. Inside, the E-Class' cabin has been given an industry-standard "sports" makeover, including grippier seats (with red seat belts!), unique pedals and red contrast stitching. It's a pretty convincing transformation as far as these things go, but the E-Class' top priority is clearly still luxury, as it should be. My tester was fitted with optional extras including an exceptional 23-speaker Burmester High-End 3D surround-sound audio system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility), and Benz's rather precious Air Balance fragrance system borrowed from the S-Class. However, the cabin's most amazing feature will always be the twin 12.3-inch screens that make up the gauge cluster and center infotainment display. They're encased in a floating mount covered by a single piece of mineral glass, lending them the appearance of one long, uninterrupted screen. In fact, like other E-Class models, the E43 will shortly be available with Car-To-X capabilities, making it the first production connected car on the market. By communicating through a central information center, E-Classes will automatically be able to update other nearby E-Classes about driving conditions on the road ahead. The tech is actually already available in European models, but MBUSA still has some red tape to cut in Washington before it can offer it here. Sadly, it's not yet clear how much all of this prescience, performance and poshness will cost. 75K, leaving plenty of daylight between it and the next E63, which is likely to have a six-digit starting price. Climb in the driver's seat for the latest in reviews, advice and picks by our editors.

With this list of upgrades, Kia hopes to improve the K900鈥檚 poor sales record. Will people buy an expensive, luxurious Kia? The 2019 Lexus ES sedan receives a thorough redesign, including a first-ever F Sport variant for ES 350 models. Built on a new vehicle platform, the 2019 ES is lower, longer, wider, and more rigid than before. Resulting improvements include sleeker styling, a larger and more comfortable interior, a quieter ride, and better handling. All 2019 Lexus ES models are front-wheel drive. The ES 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 hp and 267 lb.-ft. ES 300h hybrid uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery. The ES 300h has a total output of 215 hp, and an estimated fuel economy figure of 44 miles per gallon during combined city and highway driving. Lexus also gives the 2019 ES more standard driver assistance and collision avoidance technology. Highlights include pre-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control.

Mercedes-AMG hopes the handsome 2019 GT 4-Door Coupe will be a strong competitor to BMW鈥檚 upcoming 8 Series Gran Coupe. EQ Boost is paired with the AMG GT 53鈥檚 turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. The engine delivers 429 hp and 384 lb.-ft. EQ Boost adds an additional 21 hp and 184 lb.-ft. Both of the more powerful AMG GT 63 models employ a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 engine, though each variant is tuned differently. The GT 63 models produce 577 hp and 553 lb.-ft. GT 63 S delivers 630 hp and 627 lb.-ft. Collectors may wish to take note of an Edition 1 model that will be available to commemorate the launch of the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. It will only be available for the GT 63 S model, though. The wait is over. Mercedes-Benz鈥檚 small A-Class will finally arrive in the U.S. With the long-awaited introduction of the A-Class sedan, which arrives on U.S. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 will be the first model available at launch.