Latest news with #Mercedes-BenzGLCCoupe
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Roads in Indian cities flooded due to heavy rain. Here's some driving tips for flooded roads
As heavy rains sweep across India, they bring much-needed relief from the scorching summer. But for motorists, it also means a serious uptick in waterlogged streets, traffic snarls, and car troubles. With reports of road flooding in parts of Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities, the water can cause major damage to vehicles and pose serious safety risks if an individual isn't prepared for the worst-case scenarios. Taking a few precautions before you drive out during the rains can save you from expensive repairs and potential danger. Remember, when in doubt, park it out. It's always safer to wait than to risk driving through deep water. Here are a few essential tips to protect your car and ensure your own safety while driving in critical situations: Also check these Vehicles Find more Cars Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 Cabriolet 2999.0 cc 2999.0 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 1.30 Cr Compare View Offers Maserati MC20 3000.0 cc 3000.0 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 3.69 Cr Compare View Offers BMW X4 2998 cc 2998 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 96.20 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Toyota bZ4X 72.8 kWh 72.8 kWh 405 Km 405 Km ₹ 70 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe 2024 1950 cc 1950 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 65 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Lexus LBX 1498 cc 1498 cc Petrol Petrol ₹ 45 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Avoid waterlogged roads If you see a stretch of road submerged in water, take a different route, even if it's a longer one. Driving through deep water can lead to engine hydrostatic lock, a costly issue that occurs when water enters the engine. Know your vehicle's wading depth Every car has a limit to how much water it can safely wade through, known as the wading depth. For hatchbacks and sedans, this is usually around 300mm. SUVs can go slightly deeper (up to 500–600mm), but even then, caution is key. Check your car's manual or the manufacturer's website for accurate information. Maintain a steady speed If you absolutely must cross a waterlogged area, do so at a steady, slow pace in first gear, keeping the engine revs up. Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, which can splash water into the engine bay or cause loss of control. Turn off the AC Switching off your AC helps reduce the load on the engine. Also, keep the windows slightly open to prevent fogging and ensure visibility. Avoid cranking a submerged engine If your car stalls in water, do not attempt to restart it immediately. Starting a waterlogged engine can cause permanent internal damage. Instead, call for roadside assistance or a towing service. Use hazard lights and fog lamps Visibility during heavy rain or in low-lying flooded areas can drop drastically. Turn on your fog lamps and hazard lights to make your vehicle more visible to others. Dry your brakes after exiting water After you cross a flooded road, lightly tap the brake pedal while driving slowly. This helps dry the brake pads and restores braking efficiency. Keep tyres properly inflated Under-inflated tyres increase the risk of aquaplaning, where the car loses traction and control on wet surfaces. Make sure your tyres have enough tread depth and correct pressure before heading out. Get monsoon-proof accessories Use rubber floor mats, waterproof car seat covers, and door visors to protect your interiors from muddy water and moisture. A car body cover can protect the exterior if you park in open areas. Service and inspect electrical systems Moisture can cause major issues in the car's electrical systems, especially in older vehicles. Ensure your battery, wiring, fuses, and lights are in top shape. Anti-rust coating for underbody protection is also advisable. Additionally, it is always useful to have a working GPS and an emergency contact app on your mobile device. This helps you find alternative routes and connect to assistance quickly if you get stranded. Stay safe, drive smart and tackle flooded routes responsibly! Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The 2025 Polestar 4 – The Car With No Rear Window
While Polestar is well known for its futuristic electric cars, the Polestar 4 is perhaps most well known for its lack of a rear window. It's the world's first mass production vehicle without a feature that most people would consider non-negotiable, unless you're driving a van. The Polestar 4 is the furthest thing from a van though, it sits in the ever hazy space between coupes and SUVs. Polestar pitches the 4 up against competitors like the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and, if you're looking for something a bit more SUV shaped, the Porsche Macan EV. Like the rest of the Polestar range, there's a strong focus on tech and a minimalist design. The driving position in the Polestar 4 is closest to that of the Polestar 2, you have a good view of the road but you're not sitting too high up. The dual motor version is the more powerful of the two configurations but the single motor model is plenty powerful. Since Polestar has deleted the back window, you'd be right in thinking there's no normal rearview mirror. Instead, it's a digital display that shows a camera feed from the rear of the car. It offers a good view of the world behind, even in low light, but it's difficult to judge depth in the same way as a normal mirror. For most scenarios, it's easiest just to use the side mirrors. Although the Polestar 4 feels reasonably weighty like the rest of the range, there's something reassuring about this solidity. To give it a sporty edge, the suspension is a little firm but it has a better time on country roads than the larger Polestar 3 which has a higher center of gravity. Thanks to the huge panoramic roof, the interior feels light and airy even in the back. Polestar has managed to push the front and rear axles well apart since there's no engine in the front, so there's heaps of legroom for everyone. Rear passengers also get reclining seats. The first thing you'll notice in the front is the huge landscape touchscreen. It has the same black and orange color scheme as other Polestars but it's quicker to navigate. Behind the steering wheel, there's a smaller digital display for the speedo and battery percentage. Range drops pretty consistently with the number of miles travelled, so it seems like it would give a reliable indication. Polestar's design team appears to take great pleasure in thinking up new ways to get in and out of the car. The 4's interior handles sit at the front of the arm rest and lift upwards rather than out into the car. When you rest your arm on the arm rest, it's the natural position to put the handle but the upwards action takes a while to get used to. The Polestar 4 can be configured with a single motor offering rear-wheel drive or a dual motor setup provides all-wheel drive. Both models are described as long range variants, with the single motor option achieving an official range of 300 miles. Opt for the dual motor and maximum range tops out at around 270 miles. Spend $54,900 and you'll get behind the wheel of the entry-level single motor model. Up the budget to $62,900 for the dual motor configuration. If you're willing to sacrifice a potential 30 miles of extra range, the 0 to 60 mph time dramatically drops from 6.9 seconds to 3.7 seconds. A panoramic roof is included as standard across the range but with the Plus Pack, you get the option to add an electrochromic roof. If you're regularly carrying passengers in the back, this extra bit of shade might be a welcome feature and, at the very least, a novelty. Price as tested: $81,360 (£61,140) Battery: 100kWh, long range, single motor Power: 268 bhp Torque: 253 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 6.9 secs Top speed: 124 mph
