Tag: Electric Vehicles

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Mercedes EQV, the V-Class in electric version


In Stuttgart, it was decided to anticipate future traffic restrictions in the heart of cities applicable to combustion vehicles by marketing a 100% electric Class V. Intended for shuttles in major hotels, embassies, certain companies, but also taxis and VTCs, the EQV is identical to the other versions, apart from the charging hatch under the front left headlight and the grille with chrome slats.

Installing the 100 kWh lithium-ion battery (90 kWh useful capacity) under the floor has no effect on the habitability. Delivered as standard in a 6-seater version, this van offers many layout configurations to accommodate up to 8 people on request. The EQV guarantees a loading volume that can range between 1,030 and 1,410 liters.

Almost 400 km in town

Mercedes-Benz AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / Daimler AG

The water-cooled accumulators power an electric machine delivering 204 hp (150 kW) of power and 362 Nm torque in the best case. Top speed is restricted to 160 km / h. To preserve range and delay switching to a charging station, the driver can adjust the driving modes. The E + program reduces the power to 80 kW (109 hp) and the heating systems but guarantees the maximum range of action: 353 km according to the WLTP cycle, i.e. consumption of 28.3 kWh / 100 km and nearly 400 km in the city.

Daimler AG – Product and Business Communications Mercedes-Benz Vans Daimler AG – Product Communications Mercedes-Benz Vans / Daimler AG

With mode E, the engine is limited to 100 kW (136 hp). By activating modes C or S, the maximum engine resources are then available. These modes are combined with energy recovery operating on five levels and are controlled from the paddles on the steering wheel. In the best case, the deceleration power is such that with a little anticipation you don’t need to apply the brakes. The EQV is configured to recharge both on public 11 kW charging stations and on a network of Ionity type fast charging stations offering up to 110 kW of power. It is then possible to restore 80% of the battery’s energy in 45 minutes. Thanks to an intelligent navigation system, the routes are optimized by giving priority each time to stations equipped with quick terminals. In preparation for a next shutdown, the battery is preconditioned.

Mercedes-Benz AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / Daimler AG

From next January, this top-of-the-range 5.15 m van (optional 5.34 m version) will be available with air suspension which will increase occupant comfort and allow the ride height to be varied. .

Despite its price of 72,744 euros, the EQV is a rational purchase. The supplement of around 10,000 euros compared to an equivalent thermal version (250d) is fully absorbed upon purchase, since the EQV is exempt from taxes. And, in use, the zero-emission model retains the advantage, since maintenance costs are covered for four years (maintenance pack), and electricity is cheaper than gasoline.

Based on the Avantgarde finish, the EQV has, in addition to the heated front seats, the large 10.25-inch screen, sign reading and emergency braking.

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Ferrari SF90 Spider, silence hair in the wind


NEW – Maranello’s first plug-in hybrid berlinetta takes off the top. 1000 horses in the open air: thrills guaranteed!

Ferrari

Ferrari obviously knows how to go about sustaining the dream. While the first deliveries of the SF90 Stradale berlinetta recently began, the manufacturer of Maranello is already announcing a spider version. This supercar, let us remember, opened a new era. It is the Italian brand’s first plug-in hybrid sports car and the most powerful production car in the history of the prancing horse. Like berlinetta, the spider delivers the phenomenal power of 1,000 horsepower thanks to the combination of the 780 hp of the largely revamped Tributo twin-turbo V8 and the 220 hp of the three electric motors – two at the front and one at the rear. near the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Ferrari

While affirming its affiliation with the Stradale, the SF90 Spider is distinguished by a cockpit slightly moved forward, a roof 20 mm lower, thinner A pillars and a more inclined windshield.

The SF90 Spider promises new driving sensations with its 7.9 kWh battery which can travel up to 25 km and push peaks up to 135 km / h in the silence of its electric propulsion. Sitting low to the ground, hair blowing in the wind, crossing a residential area or the center of a seaside resort is a new experience. Battery empty, the V8 wakes up, the beginnings of other sensations. The performance is almost identical to that of the Stradale. 100 km / h is still reached in 2.5 seconds while the top speed is 340 km / h. It is really only during the particular exercise of the circuit that seasoned pilots will distinguish the differences in performance between the two bodies. The spider, it is true, drags 100 kilos overweight compared to the Stradale. Overweight attributable to structural reinforcements and the retractable hardtop. Thanks to its aluminum construction, it is however 40 kilos lighter than a retractable steel roof.

Ferrari

The compactness of this two-seater and the limited space available led Ferrari to choose the technical solution of the retractable roof which only takes up 100 liters of space, instead of 150 to 200 liters for a conventional system. The SF90 Spider also claims 30% more rigidity compared to previous models. Particular care has been taken in managing the air flow both to maintain the high-speed performance of the SF90 Stadale and to minimize aerodynamic turbulence in the passenger compartment with the roof open.

As for the interior, it inherits the latest innovations introduced by the Stradale, namely a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and a new steering wheel.

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BMW iX, a breakthrough SUV


At BMW, concepts always end up in the streets. This is the case for the Vision i-NEXT concept presented in September 2018. This study has just given birth to an electric SUV that the Munich manufacturer will market at the end of 2021 under the name iX. Camped on X7 wheels, as long and wide as an X5 and lower than an X6, the iX revolutionizes the guns of the Munich manufacturer. While the large vertical grille that appeared on the X7 and the 4 Series Coupe, and which is closed, is now the BMW signature, the work on the sides and curves is completely new. The lines are devoid of frills and the silhouette gains in fluidity and purity. This new stylistic language, also marked by flush door handles, is rewarded with a record aerodynamic Cx of 0.25. The treatment of the roof drop gives the impression of having a floating roof. Already tested on the i8, the fine headlamps also represent a breakthrough at BMW when it comes to family vehicles. BMW’s favorite, weight control has been the subject of particular care. Thanks to an aluminum frame and the use of carbon for the hull, the manufacturer claims a good performance in terms of mass. Among the original features, the filler neck for the windshield washer fluid concealed under the BMW logo located at the end of the hood and the reversing camera integrated in the BMW logo on the tailgate.

Bmw

Launched at the end of 2021, the iX will be BMW’s third family electric vehicle. Next year, the propeller firm will launch three 100% electric models: the iX3 in the spring, the i4 sedan and finally the iX. The latter was developed around the modular GEN 5 platform intended for electrified vehicles and integrating components from the latest evolution of the BMW eDrive electric powertrain.

Bmw

In the case of the iX, it relies on two electric motors, one per axle, delivering a total power of around 500 horsepower. This would allow this large SUV to reach 100 km / h in less than 5 seconds. The nerve of the war, autonomy should be one of the best on the market with more than 600 km. The battery capacity has not been specified but it should be around 80 kWh. With a charging power of 200 kW, BMW claims to be able to restore 80% of the battery’s energy in less than 40 minutes. On a fast terminal, we should be able to recover 120 kilometers per 10 minutes.

Bmw

In addition to the breakthrough design, there is a completely redesigned interior, taking up the stylistic theme tested on the Vision i-NEXT concept. The iX takes another step towards minimalism. The dashboard is now free of buttons and as on the 2018 concept, a large digital panel placed on feet replaces the classic instrument cluster and the central touch screen. Movement through the system menus is controlled by a dial located in the extension of the central armrest. In its desire to reduce its carbon footprint, BMW makes extensive use of recycled materials for the manufacture of upholstery and various interior elements.

Bmw

With this SUV, BMW is taking us into the world of tomorrow, more automated and connected than ever. Barded with sensors and cameras in particular in the grille, the iX should allow level 3 autonomous driving. The computing power of its on-board systems will make it possible to process a volume of data 20 times greater than that of the previous models. This is how the iX is compatible with the 5G technology essential for autonomous driving.

Bmw

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Auto fleets: companies under severe strain


After several hesitations within the government, the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister have decided. A new automobile tax indexed to the weight of vehicles will see the light of day in 2021. Mentioned for a few years, this tax device is supposed to fight against SUVs whose responsibility in the increase of CO2 emissions is pointed out by NGOs such as Greenpeace or WWF France. The Citizen’s Climate Convention brought this tax back to the forefront last June, but the idea was rejected by the Ministry of the Economy before returning today as part of the finance bill ( PLF) 2021.

Wind upright, the entire automotive industry but also the association 40 Millions of motorists denounce an ideological measure and a political display. “A car can be heavier because it has more pollution control systems and safety tools on board,” says Daniel Quéro, the association’s leader. The only tax that makes real sense from an environmental point of view would be one that takes into account exclusively the polluting emissions from the exhaust.

In fact, few vehicles will be affected. Only models over 1,800 kilograms will have to pay the tax, or only 2% of the new vehicle market. Premium SUVs and long-haul vehicles are more particularly targeted by this new tax, the amount of which reaches 10 euros per kilogram above the threshold and which will come into force in 2022.

In companies, SUVs and sedans in the upper and luxury segments are the preserve of management committees. As these vehicles are heavily affected by the penalty, professionals choose electrified versions to reduce costs. In the upper segment, the two best sellers are the hybrid versions of the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5. In the luxury segment, four of the first five models also run on a hybrid and the fifth on electric. Among these models are the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. The trend is expected to increase further since the new weight tax exempts electric and hybrid vehicles weighing more than 1.8 tonnes.

A more severe penalty

The 2021 PLF does not just introduce a new tax since it also increases the old ones. Having become more severe since the entry into force of the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) consumption approval protocol, the penalty becomes even tougher on January 1, 2021. Each year until 2023, the trigger threshold will drop by 5 g / km of CO2. Next year, the penalty will be triggered from 133 g / km of CO2. As for the supermalus, at the time of closing these lines, the examination of the 2021 PLF was not finished and each day brought its share of amendments. Nevertheless, we seem to be heading towards a progressive weighting of the supermalus. From next year, a tariff of 30,000 euros should be applied for models emitting more than 218 g / km of greenhouse gases. The ceiling would be increased by 10,000 euros per year to reach 50,000 euros in 2023.

On the other side of the board, the premium attributed to battery vehicles is falling. Electric vehicles see the bonus go from 5,000 to 4,000 euros if the price is less than 45,000 euros and to 2,000 euros beyond this figure. For plug-in hybrid models, the boost decreases to 1,000 euros against 2,000 euros since June 1. “As of January 1, 2022, these scales will be further reduced by 1,000 euros,” indicates the Ministry of Ecological Transition. Another measure in favor of the ecological transition: the calculation of the mileage allowance will be reviewed by the government to favor low-emission vehicles.

The tax on company vehicles (TVS) is also undergoing significant development. Instead of sitting on a grid established by increments of CO2 emissions, it sets an amount for the precise emissions of each vehicle. The tax base ranges from 21 g / km (17 euros) to 269 g / km (7,747 euros). Beyond this threshold, the tax due is equal to the vehicle’s emissions multiplied by 29 euros. For a vehicle emitting 270 g / km, the TVS reaches 7,830 euros (270 x 29). In 2022, the TVS should partially merge with the special tax on road vehicles (TSVR), the axle tax payable by heavy goods vehicles, and change its name.

Electrification booming

Taxation becomes decisive in the choice of companies. Until 2016, they could not recover the VAT on gasoline as they did up to 80% on diesel. Since then, the percentages have rebalanced and will be in full in 2021. Result: sales of diesel vehicles fall in favor of gasoline, all the more quickly as resale values ​​plunge on the second-hand market.

Over the past four years, the relationship has almost reversed. While it did not exceed 15% of corporate purchases in 2016, gasoline represented 29% in the first nine months of 2020. At the same time, the share of diesel has increased from 81 to 52%. In the fleets, diesel is now reserved for long-distance drivers, while the gasoline engine is preferred for urban uses.

Electric and hybrid vehicles also benefit from the disaffection with diesel and tax incentives. The new models have autonomy compatible with most daily uses and their operating costs are balanced with those of thermal models. The Arval Mobility Observatory * compared the operating budgets of the petrol, diesel and electric versions of the Peugeot 208 and 3008 over 48 months and 100,000 kilometers. Each time, the versions carrying a dose of watts win the day. Between the battery-powered 3008 and its diesel counterpart, the difference reaches 13,756 euros over four years.

In the fleet market, the share of electric has quadrupled from 1 to 4% between 2016 and 2020. Companies are also succumbing to the sirens of hybrid cars. Between 2016 and the first three quarters of 2020, their penetration increased from 3 to 14%. The charging station deployment plan pleads in favor of rechargeable vehicles. The French government has announced the tripling of the number of terminals by the end of 2021 to reach 100,000 by this deadline. The fear of not being able to recharge the battery on public roads should fade and electrified vehicles sell even more.

The LLD, promoter of the battery vehicle

While 60% of new vehicles put on the road by companies are financed by long-term rental companies, this profession plays a major role in the development of practices. Among the main French and international players is LeasePlan. Of Dutch origin, the group has announced that it will no longer buy any thermal vehicles from 2030. “At the level of our overall fleet, the volumes of electric vehicles are growing by 40 to 60% each year,” explains Olivier. Debuquoy, long-term rental company consultant.

For its part, Arval, another major player in the LLD market, plans to have a fleet of 500,000 electric vehicles in 2025, which would correspond to a 30% drop in its CO2 emissions. Today, this BNP Paribas subsidiary manages 1,350,000 vehicles. “In 2020 and 2021, our ambition is to electrify our fleet at a rate twice as fast as that of the long-term rental market,” announces Alain van Groenendael, its president. This amounts to doubling our penetration rate. ”

Mobility to the rescue of fleets

Regardless of the energy studied, the year 2020 will go down in history due to the sudden shutdown of the economy following the Covid-19 epidemic. New auto sales ** to businesses plunged 21.85% in March, 85.93% in April, 43.76% in May, 34.07% in June, 1.69% in July and 7.94% in August. The recovery only took place in September with an increase of 2.9%. Companies have extended their leases and postponed refunds to deal with the crisis. Another phenomenon: to prevent their employees from having to take public transport and being exposed to the virus, companies have resorted to medium-term rental. The rental of electrically assisted bicycles (VAE) has also been a growing success. Another alternative mobility, carsharing, has been the subject of significant disaffection, the collaborative practice proving to be more exposed to health risk. Some specialized players such as Mobility Tech Green have implemented disinfection protocols that they shared with their customers on YouTube. In the end, the vehicle fleet market fell by 23% over the first three quarters of 2020. Even if they are developing rapidly, new mobilities will struggle to make up for the losses accumulated this year.

Sources: * Arval Mobility Observatory; ** AAA data.

The tax on company vehicles (TVS) completely redesigned

This is one of the surprises of the finance bill for 2021. The calculation of the TVS based on CO2 emissions has been entirely modified and simplified. Instead of a scale by installments, a system similar to that of the penalty applied to individuals is replaced. Each gram of CO2 has a price. The grid starts from 21 g / km (17 €). Surprise: for the majority of CO2 rates, the tax is falling. This is the case up to 157 g / km of CO2. The savings can reach in some cases 60%. From 158g, the TVS swings, making winners and losers.

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Renault Mégane e-Vision, the next Mégane will be electric


It’s the end of an era. By 2025, the next Renault Mégane will only be electric. Until then, the recently revisited current generation and heir to the R12 and R19 lineage will have to share the bill with an electric crossover sedan inspired by the Mégane e-Vision concept. Unveiled by Luca de Meo, this prototype inaugurates Renault’s new family of zero-emission vehicles. Very close to the series version produced in the Douai plant and marketed in early 2022, this enhanced sedan is based on the CMF-EV electric platform of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance developed by a team of French and Japanese engineers.

Renault

This vehicle is the symbol of the strategy defined by the new general management of the Losange firm. Given the low volumes produced by Espace and Talisman, these models will not be renewed. Luca de Meo has decided to refocus the French manufacturer’s range on the C segment, the largest in Europe. Renault’s CEO assures us: “We have plenty of ideas to strengthen our presence in this segment.” One of the advantages of electric propulsion is being able to rethink the architecture of vehicles. The Mégane eVision concept is no exception. Around a wheelbase of 2.69 m, the car measures only 4.21 m, or 2 cm less than the last Captur, while preserving the livability of the current Mégane. The engineers succeeded in limiting the mass to 1645 kilos including 400 kilos for the accumulators located under the flat floor.

Luca de Meo and the Mégane eVision concept. OLIVIER MARTIN GAMBIER [email protected]

Another advantage of the modular CMF-EV platform already used for the Nissan Ariya crossover: the batteries are the thinnest in automotive production. Result: this crossover sedan does not exceed 1.50 m in height. A good point in terms of air resistance and therefore consumption and autonomy. Engineers have also focused their efforts on limiting mass. After bitter discussions, the group responsible for designing the platform decided to compact all the technology at the front of the vehicle while VW, with its MEB platform, decided to install the electric motor at the rear. . The Renault solution provides an advantage in terms of weight and cost. Gilles Le Borgne, the director of engineering, puts it bluntly: “With our architecture, we have no electrical system to pass through to supply an engine at the rear, or water to transport to cool the engine.” The wound rotor electric machine has a power of 160 kW (217 hp). As with Nissan, Renault announces several battery sizes: 40 and 60 kWh. A four-wheel drive version with a small electric motor at the rear is also under consideration.

Renault

If it will take a little longer before being able to discover the interior, the exterior design is more than 90% that of the production car. The lines of this crossover sedan are not very original and are inspired by the Morphoz concept which was to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show last March. From this study, we find the general spirit and in particular the high beltline, the falling roof like that of a coupe, the hollowed sides, the floating roof and the fluidity of the shapes illustrated by the flush door handles. Also from Morphoz, the light signature is based on animated bands running the entire width of both sides of the vehicle.

Camped on 20-inch wheels that should be kept on the high-end versions of the production model, the Mégane e-Vision concept shows that the raised sedan still has a bright future ahead of it.

Services: See the used Renault Megane ads on ParuVendu.fr

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Mercedes, a full range of electric models


NEWS – By 2023, the star firm will cover the main market segments with seven zero-emission vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / Daimler AG

Mercedes has just lifted the veil on its strategy in the field of electric vehicles. This new family of models, grouped together under the EQ badge, follows the logic of the range of combustion engine vehicles. By 2023, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer will offer no less than seven electric models, including the EQC launched last year. The first model to launch an unprecedented platform dedicated to battery-powered vehicles will be the EQS. Launched at the start of 2021, this limousine will be largely inspired by the Vision EQS concept revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2019.

Mercedes-Benz AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / Daimler AG

The manufacturer is already announcing an autonomy greater than 700 km according to the WLTP standard, which would constitute a real leap forward. The EQS will display the same level of luxury and refinement as the new S-Class launched in a few weeks. The Mercedes electric limousine will be followed by an SUV version and an EQE sedan which will also be entitled to its SUV version. The compact vehicle segment has not been forgotten and

The 2019 Mercedes Vision EQS adopted very fluid lines. Daimler AG – Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars / http: //media.daimler.com

Mercedes will market EQA and EQB. Production of the EQA, heralded as the electric variant of the GLA, will begin at the end of 2020 but not at the Smart factory in Hambach as initially planned. With the coronavirus epidemic and the fall of the markets, the German manufacturer has seen all of its industrial organization. EQA production will be carried out at the Rastatt plant in Germany. As for the EQB, it will be based on the GLB. We can therefore imagine that it can accommodate up to 7 people.

The electric models of the electric firm are currently continuing a test program in many regions of the world and under very high temperature amplitudes.

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Renault Arkana, a cut SUV


NEW – Mixed with a coupe, this new SUV should allow the diamond to regain color.

Renault

Should we already see the paw of Luca de Meo, the new boss of Renault? A few months ago, the manufacturer from Billancourt swore that his SUV crossed with a coupe, designed on a Duster platform and presented at the 2018 Moscow Motor Show, was not intended for Europe. Obviously, Renault has changed its mind. Unless, as some Renault employees half-heartedly acknowledge, there was no question of overshadowing the current range of Megane and Kadjar. SUV enthusiasts can rejoice: the Arkana will arrive in Europe in spring 2021 but without the base of the Duster replaced by the more modern one of the latest models of the French brand.

Renault

The CMF-B platform of the Clio 5 and the Captur offers all the largesse since this SUV coupe, with its 4.56 m, exceeds the Captur by 33 cm and the Kadjar by almost 8 cm. The allure of the Arkana lies in its fluidized silhouette and equipped with a receding roof inspired by that of a coupe. This will make all the difference, the Arkana is 3 cm lower than a Kadjar while having a ground clearance of 190 mm. As for the rear light units, they are largely inspired by those of the Talisman sedan. The range will be headed by an RS Line version, the only one to be available in orange color and incorporating mixed leather-suede upholstery.

Renault

To propel this SUV coupe, the engineers made their market in the organ bank of the CMF-B platform. This is how the Arkana will be able to receive the E-Tech hybrid engine inaugurated by the Clio 5. This is the 1.6 liter naturally aspirated 91 horsepower 4-cylinder from Nissan associated with two electric motors, an alternator. 15 kW starter motor and a 35 kW (48 hp) electric motor both installed in the clutchless multi-mode dog gearbox. The cumulative power comes out at 140 hp. Two other petrol engines associated with an EDC double-clutch transmission are on the program: the 1.3 TCe 140 and 160 hp. They are coupled with a micro-hybridization based on an alternator-starter and a 12 V battery. For the moment, the plug-in hybrid version of 160 hp which equips the Captur and the Mégane is not part of the launch program.

Renault

On board, the digital display dashboard, multimedia systems and equipment come mainly from its cousins ​​Clio 5 and Captur. This is how Arkana will be able to receive the level 2 automated driving system that manages progress in traffic and on the highway.

Services: See the used Renault ads on ParuVendu.fr

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Volkswagen ID.4, a silent SUV


Unlike some manufacturers, Volkswagen has decided to differentiate its 100% electric models from the existing range. This is how the second of six zero-emission vehicles that it will launch in the next eighteen months takes the form of a brand new SUV. 4.58 meters long and 1.61 m high, the ID.4 is unlike any other vehicle in the range. Closed grille, wave-shaped beltline, marked shoulder line and receding roof: this new model of the ID electric family overturns VW standards with its fluid and soft shapes.

WWW.MARTINMEINERS.DE/VOLKSWAGEN

From the ID.3 city car with which it shares the modular electric MEB platform, the ID.4 SUV inherits the main technologies. Symbol of a revolution in motion: the sleek dashboard has no physical buttons or switches. Access to the various functions is via a 10 or 12 inch screen, depending on the version. Ultraconnected, the ID.4 is equipped with the ultimate in high-tech technologies such as augmented reality head-up display, Front Assist emergency braking assistant coupled with the intersection emergency braking function and ACC cruise control. The latter system relies on navigation data and road signs to operate in a preventive manner. This is how this device can take control of the vehicle, automatically reducing speed before bends, roundabouts and entering into built-up areas. It also constantly adapts to regulations.

MARTIN MEINERS

The electric platform allows record habitability for a vehicle of this size. As for cargo volume, the ID.4 promises 543 liters to 1,575 liters, rear seat folded down.

Placed under the floor between the axles, the 77 kWh lithium-ion battery powers a synchronous permanent magnet electric motor installed on the rear axle. As on the ID.3, it delivers a power of 204 hp and a torque of 310 Nm. On the performance side, 100 km / h are reached in 8.5 seconds while the top speed is limited to 160 km / h to preserve the autonomy announced at 520 km.

ULI_SONNTAG

Provided that equipment providing a charging power of 125 kW is used, the ID.4 will be able to recover 320 km of range in 30 minutes. A more powerful version with all-wheel drive (two engines) is expected in the course of next year. The first ID.4s will take over the landscape at the end of the year. The price starts at 47,950 euros in the First version. The top-of-the-range 1st Max finish, equipped in particular with a panoramic glass roof and the electrically opening rear hatch, still appears at 58,950 euros.

Services: See the used Volkswagen ads on ParuVendu.fr

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Mercedes E 300 from, when diesel fills up with watts


Arrived at the threshold of the middle of his career, the great road of the firm with the star complies with the traditional upgrade. No major upheavals, but a multitude of little attentions that help to enhance its standing and to establish its modernity. It starts with more tapered headlamps, a star proudly enthroned in the center of the grille and extensively redesigned shields.

Adrien Cortesi

The discovery continues indoors with the adoption of the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system passing through a large digital panel – two 12.3-inch screens at best. The one in the center can be controlled by voice, hand gestures, touch or via the keypad installed on the center console. The new three-spoke steering wheel is equipped with captive keys for greater comfort, while the riot of electronic aids makes driving more and more assisted.

Improved pollution control devices

Adrien Cortesi

It changes life: as an option, the MBUX system can access augmented reality navigation. As you approach an intersection or a change in direction, the video camera zooms in on the area. Finally, the E-Class is taking advantage of its makeover to simplify the range of engines. Contrary to the current trend, the plug-in diesel hybrid version has been maintained. New, the 4-cylinder turbo diesel has seen its pollution control devices greatly improved thanks to a host of innovations. The 300 de is a proposal for heavy riders who need to circulate in urban centers. Behind the wheel, the kilometers fly by without realizing it. Count 700 km with a full and up to 45 km range of electric action charged battery. A major drawback: the 13.5 kWh battery reduces the trunk volume by 140 liters.

Engine: 4 cyl. turbo diesel, 1950 cc3, 194 hp, 400 Nm + electric motor 122 hp (cumulative power: 306 hp)

Transmission: propulsion, auto. 9 reports

Dimensions: L. 4.96, l. 1.85, h. 1.46 m

Consumption: 1.2 l / 100 km

CO emissions2: 31 g / km

Speed: 250 km / h

Price: 64 350 €

Services: See the used Mercedes ads on ParuVendu.fr

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Jaguar XE and XF, does the feline still have fangs?


NEW – Playing overtime, the two sedans of the English manufacturer are converted to diesel with mild hybridization.

Jaguar

What’s going on at Jaguar? The English brand has accustomed us to better, giving for a long time the the in the sports and luxury car market by pioneering new segments, from the E-Type to the XJ to the Mk2 sports sedan. She now appears to be numb. Unable to renew and find inspiration. An uninspired strategy would be at the origin of the current mistakes. The last XJ never found its audience. Despite recognized qualities, the sporty F-Type suffers from a position straddling two segments. A good student, the F-Pace SUV has to face particularly stiff competition. A new model completely renewed and equipped with a plug-in hybrid engine has just been presented but it will not arrive before next spring here. The E-Pace has escaped the radar of motorists since its launch.

The new Jaguar XF. Jaguar

As for the XE and XF, not content to suffer the disaffection of consumers for sedans, they are subject to the domination of German models. In the absence of a radical leap, Jaguar serves its enthusiasts refreshed versions of the XE and XF. After a mixed start to its career, the smallest Jaguar sedan had already offered itself a second chance in the spring of 2019 but without this being translated into reality. The success of German SUVs and sedans leaves so little room for other proposals. Jaguar felt that was not a sufficient reason to abandon it and the XE benefits from the latest man-machine interface developed by the manufacturer. It is based on the Pivi Pro multimedia system combining two touch screens. The first of 10 inches gives access to all the functions of the vehicle. The second manages the air conditioning system. In front of the driver, customizable 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and the head-up display complete the device.

The new Jaguar XF marks the return of the classic automatic shifter. Jaguar

For its part, the XF also converts to the same technology as the XE. Jaguar took the opportunity here to completely redesign the dashboard and adopt a large 11.4-inch curved tablet placed in the center of the console and integrated without any break in an elegant aluminum frame. Instead of the impractical rotary dial, we notice the return of the classic gear lever to control the 8-speed automatic transmission. The designers took the opportunity to retouch the body of this great road. The front is largely inspired by that of the i-Pace both in terms of the grille and the led lights adopting a light signature in the shape of a double J. Redesigned shields complete the picture.

Jaguar

When you open the engine hood of the XE and XF, you will discover that Jaguar is not abandoning diesel. The 180 hp 4-cylinder diesel is replaced by a 48 V light hybrid 4-cylinder diesel. Power increases by 24 hp to reach 204 hp and torque promises 430 Nm while consumption decreases. In the case of the XE, consumption is approved at 4.8 l / 100 km, which corresponds to CO emissions.2 of 127 g / km. For its part, the XF claims 0.1 l / 100 km more, that is to say CO emissions2 of 130 g / km. Compared to the old 180 hp version, the new electrified diesel engine reduces fuel consumption by 14% and emissions by 13%. The range of two Jaguar sedans also includes two 4-cylinder direct injection gasoline 250 and 300 hp. They benefit from twin-entry turbo technologies and continuously variable valve timing. Prices for these sedans start at € 45,810 for the XE and € 51,900 for the XF.

The Jaguar XE receives a new 48V mild hybrid diesel. Jaguar

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