- Images of the Japanese carmaker's upcoming UX crossover have been released ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show. The images – consisting of both exterior and interior shots – show that the car, in addition to being one of the brand's most aggressive-looking models, will also be as agile as a hatchback. This is mainly thanks to an all-new platform with a low centre of gravity.
- Inside the car, there's a new widescreen infotainment system that appears related to the one used in the Lexus LS. The small SUV – which brings the fight to the Jaguar E-Pace and Mercedes-Benz GLA – stems from the UX concept, which was revealed at the Paris motor show, back in 2016.
- The UX will be powered by a mix of internal combustion engine and traditional hybrid powertrains, as proven by Lexus’ trade marking of the UX200, UX250 and UX250h monikers, following the concept’s reveal. This suggests the car will share engines with lower-end NX SUV models and the ageing CT hatchback. It is thought that the UX will eventually replace the CT. Features of the production car will be toned down from those of the concept; the large, intricate wheels and door cameras in place of mirrors are the first to go.
- Its rivals range in length from 4,400mm to 4,450mm; so it’s likely that the UX will sit somewhere in the middle. The Lexus RX L, a seven-seat version of its large SUV featuring three rows of seats, will make an appearance at the Geneva motor show, alongside the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, which was first revealed at the Detroit motor show, in early January.
- Mercedes has launched the S-class facelift at Rs. 1.33 Crore for the
diesel engine S 350d and Rs 1.37 Crore for the petrol engine S 450 (all
prices, ex-showroom, India). The S-class has always remained a top pick
among luxury car buyers, with the German carmaker selling over 6,700 of
them in last 18 years in India. The new models comply with Bharat Stage-VI emission norms while running on BS-IV grade fuel.
- Speaking to Autocar India at the unveil,
Mercedes-Benz India boss, Roland Folger, shared that the company used
the learnings from the conversion of Euro-V to Euro-VI in Europe, back
in 2010. It had faced a similar challenge due to limited availability of
Euro-VI grade fuel across the European region.
- A new 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder diesel motor has replaced the
previous 3.0-litre V6 diesel in the new S 350d. In a bid to meet the
upcoming BS-VI norms, this new OM656 engine emits 68 percent less
nitrous oxide and 82 percent less particulate matter, while running on
BS-IV grade fuel. The engine is mated to a nine-speed G-Tronic automatic
transmission and churns out a good 28hp more than the previous engine
at 286hp. However, the torque figure, at 600Nm, is lower by 20Nm.
- The S 450 is powered by a 3.0-litre, V6, petrol engine that cranks
out 367hp of maximum output and 500Nm of peak torque, and is mated to
the same nine-speed automatic gearbox. Both the refreshed cars are
equipped with new-gen, radar-based driver assist features like active
distance assist with emergency braking and active steering assist.
- On the exterior front, the new S-class isn’t all that different from
the previous model, with alterations limited to new triple-striped LED
headlamps, new tail-lamps and subtly re-profiled bumpers. On the inside,
Mercedes has included a new, horizontally elongated, 12.3-inch
touchscreen unit, which adds futuristic appeal to the interiors. The new
leather and wood trim option for the interior inlays and seats sides is
also new. The update also adds a new fragrance and 64 ambient lighting
options. Moreover, ventilated seats with a massage function and
four-zone climate control continue to compliment the luxury quotient of
the S-class.
- As per the Supreme Court ruling, BS-VI grade fuel is expected to be
retailed in the Delhi-NCR region from April this year, though it will be
made available much later across the country.
