New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

The all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan is almost ready, and we expect to see it at an auto show in the coming months. Following its public debut, the brand鈥檚 rival to the BMW 1-Series Sedan and Audi A3 Sedan will arrive at dealers in select markets in August and it will be followed in 2019 by the sleeker CLA. The 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan will be available with a multitude engines, just like its hatchback sibling, and other derivatives. The list is said to include several 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter petrol units, along with the Renault-Daimler-developed 1.3-liter mill. As for the oil burners, while the five-door A-Class will likely use the 1.5-liter dCi diesel made by Renault, the Sedan is said to get only 2.0-liter four-cylinder units. The powertrain family might include a 48V PHEV model as well, pairing a 1.4-liter engine with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and offering a zero-emission range of 50 km. Mercedes-AMG will, at at some point, launch an AMG A45 Sedan variant that will challenge the likes of the four-door Audi RS3, using the same 2.0-liter turbo four of the next-gen A45 hot hatch.

As such, it's a rival for the Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner as well as some Euro utes like the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The Grand Cherokee is one of the vehicles that spawned the SUV gold rush in the 1990s. It and the Ford Explorer drew a generation of drivers out of sedans and into big, tall wagons, for better and for worse. It's still one of the best sellers today, and though a handful of other SUVs combine toughness and luxury ambiance, almost none of them do it at the Grand Cherokee's price point. Back then, and still today, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very off-road-capable luxury sport-utility vehicle, offering rather chunky, rugged styling, along with enough family-friendly practicality inside. The first-generation Grand Cherokee (called ZJ by the company and off-road enthusiasts) wasn't an exceptional on-road performer by any measure, but they moved just fine with the long-running and torquey 4.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine (of AMC origins).

The 5.2-liter or 5.9-liter V-8 engines were definitely the choice for those who towed, and the larger 5.9 Limited felt like an all-out muscle truck. During some of this time, the most luxurious versions of the Grand Cherokee were badged Grand Wagoneer, and included a specially trimmed, leather-lined cabin and a wood-paneled-look exterior. The second-generation (WJ) Grand Cherokee arrived with a rounded version of the original's styling that was still distinctive and recognizable. The interior trimmings were more luxurious, and mechanical updates included a new five-speed automatic transmission and a hydraulically actuated Quadra-Drive four-wheel-drive system; rear-wheel drive and a more basic four-wheel-drive system remained on offer as well. The engine menu stayed put, although eight-cylinder models saw increased output. The Grand Cherokee was again substantially redesigned for 2005. This time, Jeep threw out the old in-line six, replacing it with an also-dated 3.7-liter V-6, but all-new 5.7-liter and 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engines joined the range.

For a short time, Jeep also offered a 3.0 CRD turbo-diesel version of the third-gen Grand Cherokee; it performed well and was quite fuel-efficient, but emissions regulations and slow sales forced an early demise. In all of its existence through the '90s and '00s, the Grand Cherokee was lacking several things that were increasingly required by suburban families: More precise, carlike handling; a better on-road ride; and top-notch safety. Thanks to the earlier DaimlerChrysler tie-up, the new Grand Cherokee shares a basic architecture with the Mercedes M- and GL-Class SUVs. It's more sophisticated as a result, with smoother on-road dynamics, an available air suspension, and great steering, while still retaining the off-road chops that made the Grand Cherokee what it is up until then. Although Daimler and Chrysler are no longer an item, this prime example of their shared expertise will continue on anyway. This car was as extreme as you wanted it to be鈥攚ith the top Quadra Drive system sophisticated enough for either negotiating slippery rocks and mud or mindfully gripping with the right wheel in your snow-drift-buried driveway.

And even better, Jeep has also introduced a Range Rover-like Selec-Terrain system that simplifies getting through the tough stuff, with an Auto mode plus separate ones for sand/mud, snow, and rock. With its modern and more refined 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, in addition to returning HEMI V-8s, the new Grand Cherokee is also a bit more fuel efficient in its base form. Jeep showed that it could appeal to go-fast on-road enthusiasts, too. The performance model packed a 420-hp, 6.1-liter HEMI, a sport-tuned suspension, and a host of upgrades, and this model could not only do modest off-roading but also get to Autobahn speeds and reach 60 mph in well under five seconds. The SRT8 returned for 2012, with a 465-hp, 6.4-liter HEMI fitted to the much-improved, new-generation Grand Cherokee. It's now simply known as the Grand Cherokee SRT. The Grand Cherokee has always been ahead of its time with respect to features. Back in its first-gen version the Grand Cherokee offered features like steering-wheel audio controls, plush leather upholstery, heated seats, and keyless entry.