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Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 EV Trounces the Gas-Fed G550 in Our Tests
We've tested the 2025 and the gas-fed 2025 , and the results are illuminating. The EV weighs 1208 pounds more than the gasser, yet it beats it to 60 mph (4.1 vs. 5.0 seconds) and in the quarter-mile (12.6 vs. 13.6 seconds). Using the identical tires, the EV also trounces the gasser on the skidpad (0.80 vs 0.63 g) and also stops a wee bit shorter (162 vs 165 feet) Welcome to Car and Driver's , where we zoom in on the test numbers. We've been pushing vehicles to their limits since 1956 to provide objective data to bolster our subjective impressions (you can see how we test ). Both of these G-wagens, the G580 EV and the gasoline-powered G550, look pretty much identical. The only difference is the EV has a blocked-off grille (that's illuminated) and a square rear carrier that's a bit too small to hide a spare tire. Instead, it has space for a charging cord. Open the hood and you'll see an expanse of plastic instead of a supercharged and turbocharged inline-six engine. So, to better see how these boxy luxury off-roaders differ in performance, we strapped our test equipment to them and compared the results. The G580 (full name: G580 with EQ Technology) has four electric motors (two at each end) that team up for 579 hp and 859 pound-feet of torque. Between them, there is a rather massive liquid-cooled battery pack with 116.0 kWh of usable energy. The whole shebang weighs some 6908 pounds on our scales. The 2025 G550, on the other hand, has a supercharged and turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 443 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque. It weighs exactly 5700 pounds with a full tank of gas. Do the math, and the G580 has a slight weight-to-power advantage of 11.9 versus 12.9 for the G550. When you unleash the EV's power, it takes just 4.1 seconds to hit 60 mph and 10.4 seconds to reach 100 mph. It crosses the quarter-mile stripe in 12.6 seconds at 108 mph. The gasser, meanwhile, takes a fair bit longer, needing 5.0 seconds to reach 60 mph and 13.3 seconds to get to 100 mph. It almost takes a quarter-mile to do that, so it's little surprise that it takes 13.6 ticks to cross the line at 101 mph. Clearly, the moderate weight-to-power difference isn't telling the whole story. Maybe there's something to be said about the torque of electric motors and the fact that the G580 doesn't really have a transmission. Well, it does have low range, but you don't use it here. Meanwhile, the G550 must march up (partway) through its nine-speed gearbox. Despite the weight difference, the G580 and G550 share the same Falken Azenis FK520 tires, and they both use the identical 275/50R-20 size. Their suspensions are mostly the same too, with control arms up front and a solid axle in the rear. Yes, the G550 has a live axle with a prop shaft, and the G580 has a de Dion live rear axle that surrounds its chassis-mounted rear motors and half-shafts. From the point of view of the wheel hubs and tires, however, it's all the same: It's a solid axle, with the same dimensions. And yet, the G580 crushes the G550 on the skidpad by scoring an outstanding 0.80 g. Meanwhile, the G550 withers and shrinks to a paltry 0.63 g. Actually, the 0.63 g of the gasser is closer to par for the course for this lot, and it's the G580 that stands out here. All of the extra weight is down low below the floor, maybe more than that if you consider the relatively high position of the inline-six and nine-speed automatic transmission. The G580 has a much lower center of gravity (CG) and simply doesn't roll nearly as much as the G550. It doesn't lean on its tires until much later. It doesn't end there. During 70-mph stops, the G580 also beats the G550, although this one is a closer run thing. The electric G bests the gasoline-powered version 162 to 165 feet, despite being 1208 pounds heavier. This one is a little harder to unpack, but the principle is similar. The weight distribution of the EV is far more favorable than the G550, as the big SUV pitches forward under braking. Some 48.4 percent of the weight is on the front axle of the electrified one versus 52.5 percent for the one that runs on dino juice. The gasser already has more weight on the nose, and it just gets worse when you slam on the brakes. Meanwhile, the G580 starts out with a much smaller percentage of its weight on the front axle, while at the same time it has that (much) lower CG, which works against that extreme forward weight shift. It's hard to measure the dynamic load change, but suffice it to say the EV's tires are sharing the load far better than the G550's. To that end, the rear rotors on the G580 are slightly bigger, 13.9 instead of 13.6 inches, but there's no difference at the all-important front. Finally, we compared the two in our RTI test. Once again, the G580 came out on top with a score of 549. The G550 did just 504. If you take anything away from this comparison, it's that the G580 EV is a legitimate contender, on-road and off. Oh, and did we say it does tank turns? You get that when each wheel is powered by its own motor. 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
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
View Exterior Photos of the 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve
See Interior Photos / Read the Full Story 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
28-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Won't Build A Manual 4Runner Because There's No Demand For It
Toyota currently offers just four models with a manual transmission: theGR86, GR Supra, GR Corolla andTacoma. Hypothetically there could be a fifth manual model in the redesigned 4Runner, which shares its underpinnings with the Tacoma, but Toyota says there isn't enough customer interest in to justify building and selling a manual 4Runner. In a conversation withCar and Driver, a Toyotaspokespersonconfirmed the company could engineer and offer a three-pedal 4Runner, but 'there hasn't been any strong customer request for it.' If the company wanted to offer a manual 4Runner, it would be fairly easy becausethe 4Runner and Tacoma are mechanically related, as the spokesperson explained to Car and Driver. If Toyota did offer a manual 4Runner, it would be the first time the automaker has done so in 25 years. Take solace in knowing that there is a possibility of a manual 4Runner, but even if customers start asking for it, don't expect to see one coming to market any time soon for two very good reasons. For one, take rates for the manual would likely be extremely low, and you can look to the Tacoma for actual examples. Toyota confirmed that just two percent of buyers went for the manual Tacoma in 2024, a number that was only up 0.6 percent over the year before. Then there's the issue of availability, as you'd probably never find a manual 4Runner in stock at a dealership. Again, using the Tacoma as an example, there's currently 23,166 new 2024-2025 Tacomas for sale across the country, according to CarGurus. You know how many of those are manuals? Just 228. If Toyota did offer the 4Runner with a manual, at least it would be paired with a decent enough engine. As Car and Driver pointed out, the Tacoma and 4Runner being mechanically related means that the 4Runner's manual would only be available with the 270-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4, as Toyota doesn't offerthe manual for the Tacoma hybrids. So if you're interested in an off-road vehicle from Toyota with a manual transmission, you'll just have to be satisfied with the Tacoma until something changes. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This next-gen all-electric Subaru just got a massive price cut — here's how much buyers will save
Consumers are seeing a price drop of up to $7,000 on the 2025 Subaru Solterra compared to the 2024 model, the Japanese automaker announced. The base model of the electric vehicle, the Solterra Premium, will now sell for under $39,000, while the Touring trim has been reduced by $7,000 to $44,995. According to Car and Driver, the range for each trim remains unchanged, with drivers able to travel between 222 and 227 miles on each charge. Research has shown that electric cars are getting cheaper. Market research firm Gartner predicts that prices will drop significantly by 2027 due to several factors, including reduced production costs, increased competition, and decreased prices to meet sales targets. The latter is already happening with the Subaru Solterra. Top Gear predicts that EVs and internal combustion engine cars will have more price parity just beyond the middle of the decade. Tesla has already slashed prices for some of its most popular cars. This is good news considering the negative environmental impacts of internal combustion engines. Contrastingly, electric vehicles don't release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they're on the road, improving air quality and creating healthier streets for all. Over a year, just one EV can "save an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2," according to EDF Energy. That is the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona. The price drop can also be combined with Inflation Reduction Act incentives. Consumers can get a tax credit of up to $7,500 for a new EV. Used EVs qualify for a tax credit of up to $4,000. To see a closer estimation of the money that you can save through the IRA, use Rewiring America's incentive calculator. You may want to hurry, as President Donald Trump has suggested he wants to dismantle the IRA, although doing so would require an act of Congress. In addition to the 2025 EVs, Subaru is offering 2024 models at "close-out prices," with leases starting at $279 per month, making more cars affordable to consumers. If you were going to buy an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Good driving range Low sticker price High-tech features Cheap maintenance Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. If there's ever been a perfect time to purchase an EV, it is now. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
