Mercedes-Benz PH Launches P 8.990M Flagship GLS SUV (w/ Full Specs)

Mercedes-Benz Philippines is now making available the flagship three-row GLS luxury SUV with a suggested retail price of 8.990 million. Exuding presence and power, the German automaker calls it, “the S-Class of SUVs.”

Exuding presence and power, the 2020 GLS features impressive dimensions measuring 5.207 meters in length and 1.956 meters in width. With a longer wheelbase than its predecessor (up to 3.135 meters), it has more harmonious proportions than ever before. The GLS now follows the Sensual Purity design and dispenses with individual edges in favor of sculpted surfaces.

The GLS achieves a co-efficient of drag as low as 0.32—an impressively low figure in the large luxury SUV segment. The excellent aerodynamics help it cut fuel consumption, but more importantly limit wind noise.

The Philippine-spec GLS features the AMG Line design package and with that brings a unique front apron, wing flares at the front and back, 21-inch AMG twin-spoke light alloy wheels, and a sports brake system with perforated brake discs.

Inside, the 2020 GLS combines the comfort of a traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan with rugged detailing of an SUV. The central element inside is the impressively-sized screen unit embedded on the dashboard. Typical of off-roaders, the GLS features two prominent grab handles on the center console, juxtaposed by the free-floating appearance of the dashboard. A new multi-function sports steering wheel further accentuates the appearance of the interior.

Thanks to the extended wheelbase, the GLS pays close attention to maximize occupant space. All seats are electrically adjustable as standard even down to the Easy-Entry function—where the second-row seats move a long way forwards and fold forwards allowing entry to the generous third row. In the second row, leg room can be increased by 87 mm when the seats are in their rearmost position, which also makes it easier to get into the vehicle. At the third row, people up to 1.94 meters tall can be seated comfortably.

The GLS’s high aspirations are also found under the hood. For the Philippine market, the GLS comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 diesel engine making 286 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. This impressive engine is mated to Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive and a 9-speed G-Tronic automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The GLS comes with the enhanced Airmatic air suspension system with Adaptive Damping System Plus. This setup uses highly complex sensor systems and algorithms to adapt the damping characteristics to the road condition and driving situation in real time. All components have been enhanced compared with the previous generation, and the wheel suspension mountings have been optimized to maximize ride comfort. In addition to this, the air suspension keeps the car at the same level, regardless of the load on board.

Should Kia PH Bring in the Land Cruiser Prado Rivaling 2021 Mohave?

Kia may have the World Car of the Year winning Telluride to service the U.S. market, but for the rest of the world, the Korean automaker also has a mid-sized SUV that slots above the Sorento in terms of size and positioning: the Mohave.

If the name’s familiar, it should be because; it was brought in some years back as part of Kia’s then distributor to position the brand more upmarket. Suffice to say, the market didn’t respond that well and it was subsequently killed off. Now, if Kia’s new distributor, Ayala-owned AC Motors is gusty enough, the good news is that the second-generation Mohave is available for export outside Korea, including the Philippines.

Previewed as the Masterpiece Concept in 2019, the “HM2” is officially the second-generation Mohave. The larger-than-life, boxy design is penned by Peter Schreyer, when he was still directly in charge of Kia’s design. The full-width “tiger nose” grille incorporates the LED headlights which are echoed at the back with the vertically-arranged cube taillights connected by a full-width reflector (aka heckblende) that incorporates the “Mohave” badge. At each corner are 20-inch wheels.

Now, while Kia calls this the second-generation Mohave, its guts are actually carried over right from the decade-old first-generation model. With that, it retains its traditional body-on-frame architecture though its all-terrain prowess has been beefed up thanks to Kia’s own version of a dial-based driving mode control with six driving modes. It also has an electronic low-range 4WD system. There’s only one engine available, and you’d be glad that it’s a diesel. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel generates 260 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. The only transmission is an 8-speed automatic.

The guts maybe carried over, but you don’t realize it when you’re sitting inside. The Mohave’s interior has been completely retrofitted with cutting-edge tech like all-digital gauges, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, three-dimensional mood lighting, built-in air ionizer, wireless phone charging, and more. A newly launched “Gravity” trim adds even more goodies such as Alcantara and ambient lighting. As for seating configuration, it’s available in three versions: a two-row 5-seater, a three-row 6-seater, and a three-row 7-seater.

Safety features have also been beefed up for 2021. Aside from the full range of airbags, ABS with EBD, and traction control, the Mohave adds Highway Driving Assist that gives it semi-autonomous driving ability on single-lane roads, rear cross traffic alert, and forward collision prevention assist.

Now, as for the price, the Mohave’s not exactly cheap. Prices for the base version starts at 47.90 million won (P 1.962 million~) and it goes up all the way to 57.55 million won (P 2.357 million~). By comparison, the Sorento in Korea starts at just 27.85 million won (P 1.140 million~) and tops out at 34.36 million won (P 1.40 million~). In short, the Mohave’s more of a competitor to the Land Cruiser Prado rather than the Sorento. Regardless, would you want AC Motors to bring some in?

2020 Hyundai Palisade Shines in Latest Safety Tests

The 2020 Hyundai Palisade has now received the highest possible overall safety rating from the U.S.-based National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Under the New Car Assessment Program or NCAP, both the front- and all-wheel drive versions of the Palisade earned the maximum five-star scores for safety in frontal and side crash evaluations.

This is on top of the Palisade receiving a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with the LED headlights.

The Palisade strategically uses Hyundai’s Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) to greatly increase structure strength without the weight penalties or excessive cost of more exotic lightweight materials such as aluminum.

Hyundai says the Palisade is not only formed from 59 percent high-strength steel—versus just 25 percent for the new Explorer—but uses 19 hot-stamped components that reduce weight by requiring less metal overall. Moreover, the structure is optimized in a way that produces a safety cage for side and roof protection, as well as critical small overlap front crash testing.

The Palisade is available on an indent order basis in the Philippines with a price of P 3.240-million.

Lexus to Produce New Flagship SUV Called the LQ

Lexus may be looking to expand its SUV line-up by introducing a brand-new model that’s supposedly its new flagship SUV—the Lexus LQ.

A Car and Driver report suggest that Toyota’s premium brand is looking to produce the LF-1 Limitless Concept which was shown at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. With that in mind, it’ll be transformed into the Lexus LQ (the name has been trademarked in several major markets including the US), and will slot above the upcoming Lexus LX in terms of positioning.

Likely, Toyota will position its upcoming Land Cruiser-based LX more as an upscale truck-based luxury SUV, while turning over unparalleled on-road riding comfort to the unibody Lexus LQ. The Lexus LQ is said to be powered by a V6 or V8 engine, producing anywhere between 420 to 660 horsepower.

The Lexus LQ is said to reach showrooms by 2022.

Against All Odds, the Kia Telluride is the 2020 World Car of the Year

With just a 33 percent chance to win, the Kia Telluride pulled off an upset by getting crowned as the 2020 World Car of the Year. It beat the two other finalists, the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 to be the first Korean automaker to win the top prize.

The Telluride is Kia’s newest three-row SUV. The big, boxy design is meant to convey a go-anywhere attitude, while its strong and stiff unibody platform is made of almost 60 percent advanced high-strength steel. It’s powered by an Atkinson Cycle Lambda II 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic.

Serving as Kia’s flagship SUV, it can be optioned with things such as Nappa leather, simulated brushed metal and matte-wood accents, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Aside from the Telluride’s win, Kia also scored a win with the Kia Soul EV as the 2020 World Urban Car of the Year. The Kia Soul EV stood out against the two other finalists—the MINI Electric and Volkswagen T-Cross.

“Everyone at Kia is truly honored to receive not just one, but two awards from the World Car Awards judging panel,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Kia Motors Corporation. “This is one of the hardest-fought competitions in the global automotive industry, proving that the Telluride and Soul EV are both truly outstanding vehicles. These accolades are testament to the talents and efforts of a worldwide team, who all strive to create desirable, high-quality and practical cars that drivers love.”

Vehicles were selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprising 86 prominent automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the jurors’ ballots.

Chevrolet Delays All-New Tahoe and Suburban to 2021

If you’ve been waiting for the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban to arrive locally, well, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, General Motors says they’re delaying at least half a dozen models including these two high-profile SUVs.

According to a Reuters report (and confirmed by GM), pre-production work on the Tahoe and the Suburban have been pushed back to the 2021 calendar year. In an email to its suppliers, the carmakers told its parts makers and suppliers to stop work on all tooling and parts manufacturing. However, GM told these suppliers not to dispose of any tooling or materials indicating that the current models will have an extended lifecycle.

It’s expected that the all-new Tahoe and Suburban will be launched by 2022 instead.

These two SUVs aside, development work on the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Cadillac XT4, Bolt EV, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra have all stopped. Furthermore, work on the Corvette C8 is also delayed as is the Camaro’s supposed refresh.

Land Rover Just Donated a Bunch of Defenders for Fight Against COVID-19

Motoring media events are being canceled left and right due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. One such canceled event is the all-new Land Rover Defender 110’s international ride and drive event. However, instead of idling these units though, Land Rover actually put them to good use.

Land Rover deployed a fleet of 2020 Defender 110 intended for media-related activities to support their partner agencies such as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in their fight against COVID-19.

The Red Cross has been a partner of Land Rover’s go-anywhere SUV since 1954, and was actually selected as one of the agencies that helped shakedown the all-new Defender. At the time, the Defender was deployed in the United Arab Emirates where it helped reach remote Red Cross and Red Crescent bases.

Land Rover’s decision to donate these media units come at a difficult time for the car brand which has actually stopped production at its facilities until the week of April 20. In spite of that, they remain committed in any way they can to help in the fight against the coronavirus.

This is How the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Looks Like as an "SUV"

It can’t be helped. If you want to sell a wagon, you’d have to add some cladding to it and call it an SUV. The refreshed Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the latest to join the bandwagon with the E-Class All-Terrain which is now confirmed to go on sale outside of Europe.

Basically an E-Class wagon, the E-Class All-Terrain gets styling that makes it “visually similar to SUV models.” With that, it adds tougher looking bumpers with faux skid plates along with the aforementioned generous black cladding. It also gets standard all-wheel drive, air suspension, off-road driving modes including hill descent control. And despite the name, it continues to roll on low-profile 19-inch tires.

Like the rest of the refreshed E-Class line, the All-Terrain also sports a new steering wheel along with the newest MBUX infotainment system that, as standard, uses two 10.25-inch screens.

Under the hood, the 2021 E-Class sports electrified powertrains across the board with power ratings from 156 horsepower to 367 horsepower. Whether it’s a 4- or 6-cylinder engine, it’ll come with an integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a 48-volt electrical system. This allows the E-Class to “glide” with the engine switched off making it highly efficient. A 9-speed automatic is paired to all engine variants.

The refreshed E-Class goes on sale in Europe first by May with deliveries to start there by late summer. For the rest of the world, including the Philippines, expect it to become available by late 2020 as a 2021 model.

Mercedes-Benz PH Brings In More Affordable GLC 200 Variant in Time for Summer (w/ Specs)

In time for summer road trips and adventures, Mercedes-Benz Philippines is introducing a new limited edition variant of its GLC-Class compact SUV that’s P 300,000 more affordable than ever before.

Dubbed the GLC 200 Limited, this variant slots below the regular GLC 200 (P 4.290-million), and this is reflected in its P 3.990-million price tag.

That being said, the GLC 200 Limited remains an embodiment of Mercedes-Benz design through its LED High-Performance headlights and 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels. It also comes standard with a Chrome Appearance package that adds bright work to the grille, beltline trim, window weather strip, roof rails, and even simulated front and rear underguards.

Inside, the GLC 200 Limited features Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation multifunction steering wheel with touch controls, MBUX infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and seats upholstered in Artico man-made leather.

Just like its GLC 200 sibling, the GLC 200 Limited runs on a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 197 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque mated to a 9-speed automatic. Moreover, it also comes with features such as Adaptive Brake Lights, ATTENTION Assist System, Reversing Camera, and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Limited Specifications

• Engine: 1,991 cc
• Power Output: 197 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 320 Nm @ 1,650 to 4,000 rpm
• Wheels: 18-inch light-alloy wheels in 5-spoke design
• Mirror package including electrically folding exterior mirrors
• LED High Performance headlights 
• Adaptive brake lights, flashing
• Door sill panel with “Mercedes-Benz” lettering illuminated
• Chrome package, consisting of: Radiator trim with integral Mercedes star and two louvres in matt iridium silver, Simulated underguard at front and rear in chrome, Polished aluminium roof railing, Beltline trim strips in polished aluminium, Window weatherstrip in polished aluminium, 2 visible tailpipe trim elements integrated into the bumper
• Seats upholstered in ARTICO Leather
• 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather
• Door center panels in ARTICO man-made leather black
• Stowage compartments in the rear doors
• Automatic air-conditioning system (THERMATIC)
• Electronic driver and front passenger seats with memory function
• Airbags with two-stage deployment as well as sidebags for driver and front passenger
• Belt tensioners with belt force limiters for driver and front passenger
• Instrument cluster with multifunction display
• Extended MBUX function with “Hey Mercedes”
• Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
• ADAPTIVE BRAKE with ABS, ASR and hill start assist
• Anti-theft alarm with interior motion sensor
• ATTENTION Assist system
• ASSYST service interval indicator
• Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter
• DYNAMIC SELECT
• ECO start/stop function
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• EASY PACK Tailgate
• KEYLESS GO package
• Rain sensor
• Reversing Camera
• Smartphone integration Consisting of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission