Latest news with #Mercedes-BenzG550
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
No V-8, No Problem: 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550 Tested
The back seat is tiny, and the price tag is large. When you drive at night, strange reflections of oncoming traffic play havoc across the flat-windowed interior. The electric version handles better. Only the AMG G63 gets a V-8. There are lots of reasons to dislike the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550, but it would take a pettier soul than ours to do so. The Mercedes glam box manages to make the most mundane errands feel like red-carpet arrivals, and for that we can't stay mad at it. The G-wagen remains slab-sided and tall for 2025 but boasts an extra-toothy grille, reshaped front and rear bumpers and A-pillars, and a kick-up spoiler on the roof. Visually these changes are small, but Mercedes says they help direct air over the top of the G-class and around the sides for a quieter, more efficient ride. We averaged 16 mpg on our recent drive, proving there's only so much efficiency a rolling shipping container can muster (the EPA quotes it at 18 mpg combined). If you want to skip the pump altogether, there's always the electric G580. We can vouch for the latest G550's hushed ride, as there's only 67 decibels of noise inside at 70 mph, and any wind and road roar can be easily drowned out by the Burmester audio system. The new model year's move from twin-turbo V-8 motivation to a 48-volt-assisted inline-six is big news in G-wagen circles. Considering the G550's native habitat is expensive grocery store parking lots and Wilshire Boulevard gridlock, the topic of engine choice seems barely relevant; it doesn't take much horsepower to pull up to the valet at the Beverly Wilshire on Rodeo Drive, but part of the G's appeal has always been its capable underpinnings, a blue-collar tool kit hidden in the designer briefcase. Not to fear, because while the new turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter six lacks the bass vibrato of the V-8, it still has a decent burble and, more importantly, produces 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, which is enough scoot to get the G550 through the quarter-mile in 13.6 seconds at 101 mph. Reaching 60 mph takes 5.0 seconds, which is a smidge quicker than the previous V-8 version, despite the new model having 37 fewer pound-feet of torque. Of course, what the test track can't showcase is the G550's intimidation factor. It may not be the quickest vehicle in a freeway-merging matchup, but when you floor it and the nine-speed automatic drops a few gears and your victim sees that big brick accelerating in their rearview, they tend to drop back out of fear, or respect. We'll take either one. But the G550 doesn't automatically win everyone over. During testing, technical editor Dan Edmunds was unimpressed, especially on the skidpad where the G550 managed only a stability-control-inhibited 0.63 g with moderate understeer, while its electric sibling beat it soundly by pulling 0.80 g. At least the G550 stops similarly well, coming to a halt from 70 mph in a relatively trim 165 feet to the G580 EV's 162 feet. But we'll counter by saying there's no need to hustle about when you're enjoying a heated-stone massage and pondering the mood lighting you need for that evening's outing. If you want a canyon-carving SUV, there are several other German offerings that specialize in that. The G-wagen is for stately maneuvering in comfort, traversing unpaved hunting-lodge driveways in comfort, and towing showy boats—up to 7000 pounds' worth—in comfort. And comfortable it is. Opening the door is like unlocking a safe full of valuables, both in the vacuum-releasing click of entry and the rich smell of leather and wood that greets you when you climb inside. Our test car had the classic pairing of a dark foresty green exterior with a toasty saddle-tan leather interior full of quilted panels and silvered dark wood accents. The steering wheel is a delight, wrapped in leather so soft it's almost silk and better laid out than what's in Mercedes-Benz's sedans. Even though it uses the same touch-sensitive controls of other models, they are not so prone to accidental engagement. Seating is high up and throne-like, with a large menu of heating, cooling, and adjustment elements. We had several friends pop inside just to take advantage of the massage feature, even when we weren't going anywhere—but not all at once, because while the front seats are truly royal accommodations, the rear seats are surprisingly stingy on legroom. When combined with the optional rear-seat entertainment system ($2990), the second row becomes downright unpleasant. Anyone planning to use the G550 as a family hauler best check their car-seat measurements before clicking that option box. Carefully considering options is important, as it's easy to raise the G550's already elevated $149,400 starting price into AMG G63 territory. Ash wood trim, leather grab handles, AMG Line dress-up options, nappa leather upholstery, those magnificent massaging seats, and many other personalizations brought our test car up to $182,240. Which brings us back to our initial thoughts on G-wagens. Mercedes managed to make a formerly bare-bones military transport truck into an envy-inspiring luxury cruiser, and even knowing that the magic trick has been done, we remain enthralled. The G-class isn't the best choice for large families, and it's not the most efficient choice for solo driving, but it remains unrivaled as a fashion statement. The hefty cargo area and sturdy all-wheel-drive chassis offer enough capability to argue that a G-wagen isn't just trendy, it's sensible. Who can be mad about that? You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
View Exterior Photos of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550
Read the full review The G-Wagen may not have a V-8 anymore, but its stately vibe remains unchanged. For 2025, the Mercedes-Benz G550 ditches its V-8 in favor of a turbocharged and supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt assistance. Exterior changes for 2025 are limited to reshaped front and rear bumpers, a new grille, slightly adjusted A-pillars, and a new spoiler on the roof. Of course, there's no changing the G's slab-sided silhouette, as evidenced by our 16-mpg observed fuel economy. The G550's six produces 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. That's enough motivation to get the G550 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, which is slightly better than its V-8 predecessor despite being down 37 pound-feet of torque. Keep going to check out even more pictures of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G550. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
There are only 4 remaining naturally-aspirated V8 sports cars left in 2025
The V8 engine is becoming more of a rarity in the automotive industry, and it's not because owners don't adore them. Their sonorous roar and gutsy power are enticing, but the V8 is in its sunset years primarily because of increasingly strict fuel economy regulations. Manufacturers are opting to sub them out for six-cylinder or even turbo fours because V8s generally have significantly lower gas mileage. In some cases, the difference in MPGs isn't huge, but even a few miles per gallon of improvement can swing perceptions from negative to positive. The rise of electrification in the auto industry has further contributed to the demise of the V8 engine. The V8 still exists in larger pickup trucks and SUVs, but those are dying, too. The V8 Toyota Land Cruiser, V8 Ram 1500, and V8 Mercedes-Benz G550 are all gone. There's even more devastation for passenger cars, with the Chevy Camaro and the Dodge Challenger/Charger also being dead as a doornail. But take heart because there are still a few left, and they're naturally aspirated, too. This means there's no forced induction mechanism anywhere to be found, so you get an undistilled V8 experience that's basically now an automotive you've ever dreamed of owning a V8 without turbochargers, hybrid assist, or electrification, that time is now. The likelihood that more naturally aspirated V8 cars will enter the fray is not very high. Here are the last naturally aspirated V8 cars before they disappear forever. The Ford Mustang is the last gas muscle car standing now that Chevy and Dodge have abandoned their models. The fourth-generation 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine, known as the "Coyote," delivers an impressive 480 horsepower that makes it a pure delight to wring out. Even with advanced driving technology and a totally reworked interior, there's no mistaking this for anything but pure red-blooded American muscle. View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article The Mustang GT comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, as it should. Buyers can also choose a 10-speed automatic transmission, but that would dilute the experience. Regardless of which transmission you choose, the burly V8 engine that rumbles beneath the long hood should awaken anyone behind the wheel. Upgrade to the more powerful Dark Horse, and you'll get a modified V8 that churns out 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque thanks to strengthened internal components, an improved intake system, and optimized engine first mid-engined Corvette is a marvel. Nothing at this price thrills the way the C8 Corvette does, and it goes up against performance cars costing twice the price. Now that it's configured much like Ferraris and Lamborghinis, with the engine parked in the back, you'd be hard-pressed to think it wasn't an Italian supercar when you spot it coming out of the corner of your eye. View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article In terms of performance, it beats everything else within arm's reach of its rather modest $68,300 base price. Behind the seats lies a 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine that's good for a potent 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Add the performance exhaust option, and that number jumps to 495 horses and 470 lb-ft. Mash the throttle, and 60 mph arrives in a scant 2.8 seconds. There's no more 7-speed manual transmission option like there was with the C7, but the rapid-fire 8-speed dual-clutch transmission makes quick work of gear changes. This, folks, is a supercar for the everyman, and it's worth every penny. Lexus recently made the painful announcement that the V8-powered 2025 Lexus RC F will be the last, along with its less powerful RC brother. Hardly anyone bought them, and that's too bad. The rakish 2+2 performance rear-wheel drive grand tourer is powered by a sonorous naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. It might not be the quickest sports car out there, getting to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, but it's wonderful to listen to the engine under full throttle. View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article The 2025 model year says goodbye with the RC F Final Edition for $94,000. This last hurrah model has carbon-fiber bodywork, red brake calipers, an active rear wing, special interior colors, and a Final Edition interior theme with a numbered plaque. Every RC F comes with F-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, 19-inch BBS split-5-spoke lightweight forged aluminum wheels, and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires. Is there a luxury coupe that looks and feels anything like the 2025 Lexus LC 500? We think not. It's far more special than its competitors, thanks to a truly unique interior and exterior design that make it like a rolling modern jazz lounge. But don't be distracted by its beauty without noticing the aural and tactile delights delivered by the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood. It's the same one found in the RC F, this time delivering 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 comes in 4.4 seconds, a tad slower than its RC F brother but no less delightful to experience. View the 8 images of this gallery on the original article You can also spend a few thousand more to get the Bespoke model that offers Sport seats, a glass or carbon fiber roof, a speed-sensitive rear wing, special dark trim, white and blue semi-aniline leather, and your choice of three different wheel styles. What doesn't change is that wonderful V8 engine that will send shivers down your spine every time you get on the the pervasiveness of turbocharging, hybrid assistance, or full electrification, the days of the naturally aspirated V8-powered car are numbered. They were once the gold standard for performance, driving thrills, and reliability, with an unmistakable sound to boot. Even if it must bow to the power of forced induction or hybridized versions, it's the one the purists delight in. If you want a pure, mechanical driving experience, these last NA V8 cars might just be your final opportunity.
