2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

Style, elegant quality, reliability and safety features are just a few of the reasons you should drive a Mercedes Benz. Heading into 2013 there is yet another reason.

Mercedes is offering one of the most efficient SUV’s in their 2013 lineup. The compact Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is a entry-level vehicle that has been redesigned with over 1,000 new parts.

Called the “gateway” to the Mercedes line of Sport Utility Vehicles, the 2013 GLK350 is just the right size for many families that are looking to downsize their vehicles yet keep the perfect balance of performance and versatility all at an affordable price that will beat other luxury SUVs in the Mercedes-Benz family.

The notorious circle-star logo on the front of the car, the sleek roofline slopes, the integrated spoiler trailing off the edge of the roof, to the dual rectangular chrome exhaust tips are a few of the apparent changes to the exterior of the vehicle.

The interior is equally impressive … leather accented by brushed aluminum finish trim. Leather seats featuring eight-way power adjustments with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 5-inch color display for navigation, and plenty of storage access in the center console are just some of the luxury features that will have you riding in comfort and style.

The smooth ride of this luxury 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 sedan with its 3.5-liter V-6 engine, sporty appearance, plus an enhanced seven-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift manual control, delivers a quality ride with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

As one of the most efficient SUVs in the impressive Mercedes lineup, the luxury GLK350 offers 16 miles per gallon city and 23 mpg on the highway.

Choose between the rear-wheel drive model starting at $37,090 or the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system version at $39,090, and be the proud owner of a Mercedes Benz today.

Bentley EXP 9 F

Luxury car brand Bentley has done it again.  After providing released images and video of its new EXP 9 F luxury performance SUV, we’re getting closer to seeing the real deal next month.

The new Bentley EXP 9 F luxury performance SUV will be showcased at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California. We reported about the Bentley SUV’s first appearance in Geneva.

The first view recently occurred at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed.  Bentley displayed the concept EXP 9 F at Goodwood and it appears the public embraced the idea of Bentley offering a luxury SUV.

The EXP 9 F will be Bentley’s first foray into Sport Utility Vehicles, and from the initial peek …. it will be a winner in the luxury SUV class.

Developed as a luxury vehicle with all-terrain capability, the EXP 9 SUV from bentley will become the fastest and most luxurious SUV in the world.

Offering all-wheel drive and a 6.0 liter, turbo-charged W12 engine, the new Bentley SUV also features its famous matrix grille, 23-inch alloy wheels, ultra-wide, two-part split tailgate and twin exhaust tailpipes in the rear, plus round lamps in the front.

Inside, the EXP 9 F SUV offers elegant floormats that are a wool-silk blend. Passenger seating will be 4+1. For a nightcap or glass of champagne, the rear armrest that conceals a cooled compartment.

Bentley EXP 9 F

At the recent Geneva International Salon d’Auto car show, luxury car maker Bentley revealed it’s new Sport Utility Vehicle Concept Car (EXP 9 F).

Bentley’s EXP 9 F is a true fusion of contemporary crafted luxury, advanced in-car technology, commanding driving position and all-terrain capability in a spacious and high performance SUV.

The EXP 9 F from Bentley would be the third Bentley model-line to go along with the bespoke Mulsanne and the high performance Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors was quoted, “We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury Bentley SUV. We know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs, admiring their style, luxury, performance and versatility. With EXP 9 F, Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations.”

Below for specific details for the new model’s key design features and additional resources:

Exterior:

• Signature Bentley cues such as matrix grill, round lamps, and strong power-line and haunch along each flank
• Turbine theme of the 23-inch alloy wheels which includes spokes reminiscent of the shape of turbine fan blades
• Rear lights inspired by the forms and details of fighter jet engines

Interior:

• Light, airy, contemporary cabin design with exquisite British “sporting” detailing such as handcrafted wood, leather and polished metal elements
• Panoramic glass panel roof design that is inspired by the roll cages of rally cars
• Luxurious and reversable silk wool floormats: one side finished in durable ribbed saddle leather
• One-piece wood veneer dashboard

Technology:

• Touchscreen and tailored interface technologies throughout the car
• 3D navigation flanked by two analogue reverse-read dials
• Rear seat business mode with fold-down keyboard and internet connectivity via an iPad or tablet, powered footrest and infotainment movie screen
• Cooled compartment for champagne and glasses under rear armrest
• Two-piece tailgate that may be used as a viewing bench or picnic table

Eterniti Hemera

The Eterniti Hemera luxury concept vehicle will soon be unveiled at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show by the new Eterniti Motors luxury brand from London.

Out of nowhere, new luxury automaker Eterniti announced its debut of Hemera, a luxurious five-door SUV that was designed similar to a BMW X6 or Porsche Cayenne SUV.

The name Hemera is derived from the Greek god of daytime. The artist rendering of Hemera shows a sleek and an aggressively designed SUV that will surely turn heads.

The 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show will be held on September 14 and Eterniti has announced its intent to exclusive new luxury crossover

On the Eterniti website, it reads “A storm is brewing …, A storm of limitless force… so powerful … so intense … the storm will hit you … Frankfurt International Motor Show, 14th September 2011. For a world without limits… Hemera.”

It been reported by Autocar, that Eterniti will manufacture and sell only 100 Hemera vehicles each year.

Eterniti spokesperson Mark Carbery tells FoxNews.com that the company’s immediate plans are focused on marketing the car in the United Kingdom and Asian markets “where the first vehicle will have a lot of appeal,” adding that cities like Los Angeles and Miami could be added down the road.

2011 Mercedes_Benz GL-Class luxury SUV

Luxury 4x4s – you either love them or hate them.  These are the cars that more often than not, are at the receiving end of the harsh criticisms from the opinionated eco-warriors and extreme environmentalists.

There are many nicknames that these beasts of the car world have been given, such as “Gas Guzzlers”. But this doesn’t seem to detract from their high rate of vehicle sales or the elite esteem that many still hold them in.

And so, despite the green conscience and pressure that is often placed on automotive ratings, we have decided to compile a list of the top 7 luxury 4x4s, high-end SUVs, Premium 4x4s or whatever title you prefer to label this class of multi-purpose vehicles.

Luxury SUVs offer both on and off road capabilities, size, space, practicality, plus a large amount of luxury features.

Coming up with a list of 5 Top Luxury 4x4s – SUVs was not easy, so why stop at 5? We decided to add on an extra two, but this didn’t making the choices that much easier. Here is our list of the Top 7 Luxury 4x4s –

Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover is often recognized as the best premium off-roader on the market, and it has the advantage of 40 years of experience, courtesy of the British marque.

The variety of models that Range Rover offers makes it appeal to a wide range of customers. For example, the Sport models attract plenty of sports stars and WAGs, while the more subtle, tradition Range Rover appeals to the laid back, Labrador-owning, middle-classes.

Whether it is the Vogue model or the Sport Supercharged HSE, the Range Rover brand offers comfort, style and smooth driving conditions. There is also a massive variety of engines and specifications available so you can really tailor the vehicle for your needs.

The Range Rover brands offers quality in all aspects and is a great car, not to be overlooked.

Volkswagen Touareg
The Touareg is massive. In fact, probably the widest in the category, and this is shown in the off road performance of this luxury model.

That being said, the Volkswagen variant doesn’t receive the same kind of reception or the same reputation as the other more extravagant members of this category. However, the price tag does reflect this.

Just like most of the premium luxury 4x4s, the German option is also available with a wide range of engine variants, although only two petrol engines are available.

Volkswagen is a brand known for quality, both in terms of the drive and interior quality, across the range. However, the Touareg does not achieve the same levels as some of its more extravagant competitors. That isn’t to say quality is low, just that this model is more at home at the budget end of the segment.

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 has been updated for the 2010 launch with a new set of engines and a reduction in running costs.

If the Touareg is the widest, the Q7 is definitely the largest on the market… its huge. At times, it can be seen as too big because it makes simple things like parking difficult and nerve racking.

As it is an Audi, you’d expect a good interior quality and an equally good drive quality, and you won’t be disappointed. This luxury feel is furthered by the enormous range of technology, including ‘Intelligent’ airbags, Anti Slip Regulation (ASR) and an Electronic Stability Programme. Also, just for that added touch of luxury, there is an option of a HDD Satellite Navigation System.

Porsche Cayenne
The Cayenne was famously awarded one of the worst ratings by WhatGreenCar? for the shocking impact this performance focussed 4×4 has on the environment. As is often the case, the more environmentally damaging a car is, the better its performance is. This is most certainly the case for the Porsche entrant in this segment.

You won’t be disappointed with any of the models in the Cayenne range as they all deliver in terms of shear performance. The entry level 295bhp 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine will take you from a standing start to 62mph in just 7.8 seconds and then will take you to a top speed of 143mph.

In terms of interior quality, it’s not in the same league as the Range Rover, but the performance almost makes up for it. It is quick, handles well and is a good looking car. A good choice if you’re looking for a luxury 4×4.

BMW X5
The BMW X5 is one of the more economical cars in this category, although that isn’t the most difficult title to achieve. However, when you combine that economy with the X5’s performance, it makes it a very strong contender for top luxury 4×4.

The X5 is the popular choice for the executive, and its road performance is very befitting of that reputation.

The executive appeal of the luxury 4×4 is not confined to the drive quality, but also in the executive feel of the cockpit. Leather is present throughout the interior, as well some executive technology such as cruise control and many more driving aids.

Pricing for the BMW X5 isn’t the cheapest, but it instead sits in the middle of the road. When these prices are put together with drive quality and an excellent feel, it makes the BMW a very attractive proposition.

Mercedes GL
The GL is renowned for its interior space and comfort, and as that first comment would indicate, the Mercedes option is another big 4×4.

This vehicle has the ability to comfortably seat seven people whilst still being able to maintain a roomy and comfortable interior. It is a nice place to be, and this feeling is only furthered by the luxury interior of the German entrant.

This space and comfort is the main asset of the Mercedes option and it stands out as the most practical choice on the market.

However, the GL is expensive to run and fairly awkward in urban areas and in traffic, the same way the Touareg is.

If you are looking for comfort and practicality – and don’t mind paying for it – then the GL is the one for you. If you are looking for a class leading drive and performance, you would be best off looking at a different vehicle.

Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is available in either 350 or 450h variants. The ‘h’ isn’t there to trick you, it does stand for hybrid, and it is a 4×4. This oxymoron proves that you can be environmentally concerned and drive a 4×4 – apparently they’re not mutually exclusive terms.

The Lexus is cheaper than many of the other 4x4s on the market, starting at around £41,000 and going up to around £55,000 for the 350 model.

The hybrid version is a little more expensive, starting at £42,000 and going up to around £57,000. This brings it into middle of the 4×4 pricing range, but the hybrid technology should make a lot of the cost redeemable in the long term.

The Lexus come with a high quality interior but lacks the more exclusive, luxurious quality of some of the 4x4s on the market.

Lexus announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2008 LX 570 luxury utility vehicle. The third-generation LX offers significantly increased performance and new safety features over the LX 470 model it replaces with a number of significant technological advancements as well as a new, high-strength chassis. Lexus made significant upgrades to the suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive system to improve the ride and overall performance.

The new 2008 LX 570, with its new technology features, enhanced safety, performance and comfort, will demand a base MSRP price of $73,800.  MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $765.

The LX 570 features a brand new 383-horsepower, 5.7-liter V8 engine matched to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission built to handle very demanding tasks with smoothness and refinement. The various powertrain advancements make the 2008 LX 570 engaging to drive while providing an increased towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. An electro-hydraulic system with four-wheel Active Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) reacts more quickly and allows for a greater range of adjustment than the system it replaces.

With several first-in-class features, the LX 570 offers perhaps the most compelling combination of luxury, safety, on-road smoothness and off-road performance of any vehicle in its segment. The new Crawl Control regulates throttle and braking, allowing the driver to focus more on steering over particularly rough ground. In addition, LX 570 is the first Lexus to offer a new Wide-view Front & Side Monitor feature designed for use in certain urban settings such as parking garages. For enhanced occupant safety, the new LX 570 is equipped with a segment-leading 10 standard airbags and a segment-first Active Front Headrests. The optional Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is also a segment first.

The LX 570’s standard luxury features include a four-zone climate control system, a first-in-class power sliding second-row seat, and a power-folding third-row seat. Options include a 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio system, Intuitive Park Assist, climate control front seats with heated second-row seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.