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Auto Blog
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Want Practicality on a Budget? Here Is One Used Luxury Wagon That Costs Less Than $15,000
If you're looking for a practical car but don't want to break a tight budget, this used Japanese luxury wagon could be what you need. This Old Acura proves that wagons are cooler than you think The station wagon traces its roots back to 1910, when independent coachbuilders crafted custom bodies on the Ford Model T chassis. Back then, they were designed to shuttle passengers and their luggage to and from train stations, effectively laying the groundwork for what would become a family-friendly icon in automotive history. 0:00 / 0:09 Thinking about buying a Toyota RAV4? These 5 rivals might change your mind Watch More Over the decades, the wagon evolved to fit growing families and all their cargo, becoming a staple of suburban life. Iconic models like the 1949 Buick Estate Wagon, the Pontiac Bonneville Safari, the Chevy Caprice Wagon, and the AMC Eagle of the 80s reflected this shift. While the station wagon changed forms throughout time and proved to be a practical solution for the family road trip, they were historically regarded as being uncool. 2004 Volvo V70R — Source: Bring a Trailer That began to change in the early 2000s, when automakers began to blend performance and style into the long-roof formula. Models like the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring, and the turbocharged Volvo V70 R redefined the wagon's image as they combined utility with a sleek design. In 2011, Acura joined the trend when it released the TSX Wagon, a roomier and more practical version of its popular second-generation TSX sedan, first introduced in 2009. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon The 2011 Acura TSX Wagon looked funky, but was functional At first glance, the 2011 Acura TSX Wagon looks a little funky, especially if you're familiar with the more balanced proportions of the TSX sedan. Its extended rear overhang and raked tailgate give it a European silhouette that may be polarizing to some. But underneath that unique hatch was a car that prioritized versatility without sacrificing the sportiness that Acura buyers expected. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Lift up the rear hatch, and you will be greeted with 60 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down. That's more than enough space for a weekend of luggage, a bike, or a trip to Costco. The TSX Wagon had a low and flat loading floor, making it easy to get large and heavy items into its cargo area. As an added plus, the rear opening was wide, and there was also a cargo cover to keep items out of the prying view of potential thieves. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon However, the TSX Wagon wasn't only made for hauling cargo. It shared that same chassis and powertrain as the TSX sedan, which means that it had agile handling that made it fun to throw around tight corners on a back road. Under its hood sat a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission. Sadly, the TSX wagon was never available with a manual transmission or a V6 like its sedan counterpart. Still, for most buyers, the powertrain provided a good balance between fuel economy and everyday drivability. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon The TSX Wagon had a short run, but it made an impression Despite the Acura TSX Wagon's practicality and well-mannered driving dynamics, it didn't exactly fly off the dealership lots. It debuted in 2011 and was quietly discontinued after the 2014 model year, making it one of the shortest-production wagons in Acura's history. Part of the issue was timing, as most Americans were stuck on buying SUVs and crossovers in the 2010s. Crossovers, like the Honda CR-V and Acura RDX, were dominating the market, while wagons struggled to find their stride. Another setback for the TSX Wagon was that it wasn't a hit with Acura enthusiasts. The decision to not include a manual transmission, an optional V6 engine, or the brand's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system to help it compete with other European wagons turned out to be a bad move. In that sense, the TSX Wagon may have felt too restrained for some enthusiasts. However, it has aged well over the years and has even developed a bit of a cult following among wagon lovers and Honda/Acura fans. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon The Acura TSX Wagon had Honda underpinnings, which meant that it was relatively cheap to maintain and reliable to boot. Due to its short time in the market, the TSX Wagon has a rare appeal in today's used market and is quite the conversation starter in nearly any parking lot or car meet. Although Acura never built another wagon, this oddball TSX has a legacy that lives on for those who appreciate utility without the flashiness of a German badge. 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon Final thoughts: Should you buy one today? If you're in the market for a car that's practical, reliable, and easy to drive, the TSX Wagon is definitely worth some consideration. With its Honda DNA, the TSX Wagon is known for being dependable, and its naturally aspirated engine is strong and easy to service. That powertrain, combined with its spacious cargo area, comfortable interior, and composed ride, will give you a practical car that will make daily commuting easy, despite it being over 10 years old. That said, there are a few caveats to keep in mind when shopping for an Acura TSX Wagon, since it was sold in limited numbers. Clean examples of the car could be hard to find, and in some cases, the used price can reflect its rarity. Kelley Blue Book lists its average used price at $8,845, but that price can vary depending on the used model's condition, mileage, and location. Also, if you're expecting sporty performance or modern tech features, the TSX Wagon may not deliver, as it's more catered to being subtly sophisticated as opposed to being an outright performer. However, if you want a Japanese wagon that offers real-world utility, then the TSX Wagon delivers in spades. It's an excellent choice that rewards those who can look past its odd aesthetics by offering them a blend of comfort, function, and the type of character that's rare in today's market. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
Motor 1
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Woman Starts Driving. Then Water Starts Pouring Onto Her Mercedes G-Wagon's Dashboard and Touchscreen
This woman's luxury car couldn't even handle a bit of rain. Now she's wondering if it's a sign to get rid of it entirely. There are a few places where you expect to get wet: The shower, the beach, and even at the water park. But inside your own car—which is meant to be a safe haven from natural elements—absolutely not. So it's understandable that a person would be frustrated when their car betrays them and starts to let the outside in. Not only is it uncomfortable, it makes you question the car's quality and safety. Water leaks can lead to electrical problems and moldy interiors that won't just ruin your day, but can ruin your car over time. Rain, Rain, Go Away In a trending video with more than 16,000 views, content creator Lacey Greenway (@someplacewithlace) shared what happened to make her want to get rid of her Mercedes G-Wagen. In the video, Greenway explained that she just got in her car to drive home from work in what appears to be light rain. 'All of a sudden I feel water splash my leg,' Greenway recounted. 'What the [expletive]. Did I leave a window down?' she wondered. She briefly thought it was her sunroof, but remembered that she's never opened it. Then she found the culprit when water 'poured out' onto her. 'Oh my God, I think my car's broken. My car is leaking, it's raining on me,' Greenway said, stunned. 'That's not OK." The water came from the area around the top of the windshield near where the rearview mirror is located. While Greenway managed to wipe some of it away, you could still see droplets in the area where the navigation and radio systems are located. 'So, what car should I get?' Greenway said, implying that it was time to get rid of the car she had in exchange for one that wouldn't rain down on her. Greenway never mentions what kind of car she drives in her viral clip. (Nor is it in her recent videos), but several commenters said it looked like a G-Wagen. In a subsequent TikTok comment, she confirmed the make and model. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has become a status symbol and is known for its versatility, having a boxy, military-esque exterior and rugged off-road capabilities while maintaining a luxe interior. We discovered as such in our full review of the truck . What's the Problem? There are a few reasons why water may be leaking from the top of your windshield, according to the Glass Doctor and a mechanic : The drainage tube could be blocked. This tends to be an issue on cars with sunroofs (which Greenway has). When this happens, the water accumulates and can rust the car from the inside and potentially come out through the roof (though considering this G-Class is a new car, it's likely not the cause here). The rubber seal around the windshield might be compromised. Even if it was properly installed, the seal can deteriorate over time from sun exposure, temperature fluctuations, and general wear and tear. The windshield might not have been properly installed in the first place. If left unchecked, this leak could lead to internal corrosion inside the car's frame, damage electrical systems, or lead to mold—at best, impact the car's resale value, and at worst, be potentially dangerous. Is There a Recall or Class-Action Lawsuit? Unfortunately, sunroof issues are nothing new. There have been several recalls or class-action lawsuits over the years from Nissan , Volkswagen , Ford, and BMW to name a few. And yes, Mercedes-Benz is on the list too. Last year the car manufacturer issued a recall on about 33,500 older models for loose sunroofs, Hagerty reported . The recall only applies to models between 2001 and 2011. These sunroofs could leak, or even come loose due to adhesive issues. Commenters Speculate 'Either a leak in the windshield or sunroof drain holes are big deal,' a top comment read. 'I agree with the folks saying that it's a clogged sunroof drain. It happened to my daughter, easy fix…,' a person assured her. 'Happened to my Yukon. It was totaled—they never could [find] the issue!' another wrote less optimistically. Motor1 has reached out to Greenway for comment via Instagram and TikTok direct message. We'll be sure to update this article if we hear back. Now Trending Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet: The Good and the Bad Mercedes Exec Admits Electric G-Class Is a 'Complete Flop': Report (Update) Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor Trend
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE500 4Matic Sedan First Test: Minor Updates, Mixed Results?
Pros Ultra-quiet cabin Super smooth ride Rear-steer nimbleness Cons EPA range decreases Soap bar styling Mediocre peak charging rate Mercedes-Benz set a high bar with the latest incarnation of the E-Class sedan and wagon, so much so that we named the redesigned model our 2025 Car of the Year. Now it's time to check on the award-winning luxury car's all-electric-powered counterpart, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE-Class Sedan, which receives a smattering of slight changes for the new model year. 0:00 / 0:00 Chiefly, Mercedes equipped the midsize EQE with a bigger battery pack and recalibrated its braking software. To see how the latest updates have shaken out, we put this 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE500 4Matic in Alpine Grey over Sable Brown and Black Nappa leather through our testing regimen. Improvements: Verified but Not Perfect In keeping with Mercedes-Benz's ethos for its non-AMG EVs, the 2025 EQE500 4Matic is quick without feeling overly aggressive when you punch the accelerator. But with 402 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque available from its dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, there's plenty of juice on tap when you want to get going quickly. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.0 seconds, an exercise that thrills at launch before settling into a smooth and linear pull to highway speeds. Wheeling the EQE500 4Matic around town is a pleasant, relaxing affair. Light, precise steering lends the driver a sense of confidence when navigating a curvy freeway ramp or making delicate maneuvers in a parking lot. That feeling is further amplified by a standard rear-axle steering setup, which helps the midsize sedan pivot with the poise of a compact. Equipped with electronically controlled air springs, the EQE500 exhibits a silky ride quality that takes the strain out of the daily commute. Despite a more aggressive 21-inch wheel and tire package, few road imperfections impinge on the EQE's comfortable character. The only time you're reminded of the large rims wrapped in thin rubber is when you hit a significant bump and the resulting shock rocks the cabin. Otherwise, the EQE500 4Matic's overall ride is as elegant and quiet as you'd expect from a Mercedes at this price point. While it's mostly good news from a ride and handling standpoint, the retune of the EQE's braking software is something of a mixed bag. Enable one-pedal driving and tap the left steering-wheel paddle for the most aggressive regenerative braking setting, and the EQE slows itself predictably and consistently, though you may find yourself using the actual brake pedal to finish the stop yourself. The biggest change is that the pedal doesn't move on its own anymore during regenerative braking, so it's always in the default position when you need it. There's now also more pedal feel than prior iterations of the EQE Sedan, especially at the top of travel. Beyond that point, it's something of a guessing game as to how much stopping power the EQE500 will apply. Fortunately, the Mercedes stays straight and level during panic stops. Braking from 60 to 0 mph matches that of the EQE500's AMG sibling; both models need a mere 105 feet to come to a halt—a hugely impressive number given its 5,520-pound curb weight. While the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE500 4Matic makes no pretensions of being a sport sedan, you may be tempted to toggle on Sport mode, toggle off traction control, and send it on a twisty road. If you do, its tires provide impressive grip, and the rear steer reins in understeer so long as you keep your hands steady. Underscoring its performance potential, the EQE500 4Matic managed an impressive 24.9-second lap around our one-third mile figure-eight test track before its grip started to go away. That's better than the dual-motor Genesis G80 Electric's result of 25.3 seconds and the dual-motor BMW i5 M60 xDrive's lap time of 25.2 seconds without the Dynamic Handling package. The EQE500's balanced approach to driving compares favorably to our gas-powered, Car of the Year–winning E-Class, a car that wowed us with its mastery of core competencies. When it comes to on-road performance, it's about as close as it gets between the two. Both models excel in real-world driving scenarios thanks to crisp, low-effort steering and ample power. And although the mild hybrid E-Class scores better in the overall brake feel department, the EQE counters that with its ability to come to a full stop as it regenerates battery power. Charging and Range Still in Need of Improvement But as composed and impressive as the updated 2025 EQE500 4Matic has shown itself to be on the road and on the track, its charging and range shortcomings remain an issue. While its new battery pack is bigger, with 96 kWh of capacity, peak charging still caps out at an unimpressive 170 kW. What's more, we only saw a peak of 162 kW in our charging test at an average of 121 kW from 5 to 80 percent over 38 minutes. You can add 98 miles of range in 15 minutes, a result that falls short of the likes of other larger electric cars we've tested from BMW, Lucid, and Porsche. Charge at home, as we suspect many EQE-Class drivers will have the option to do, and those weaknesses are unlikely to be nearly as much of an issue. Range also dips despite the updates. With an EPA combined rating of 266 miles (down from 298 miles for the 2024 model), the EQE500 has some limitations as a long-haul conveyance. On the plus side, the EQE500 4Matic performed well in our Road-Trip Range test, which evaluates how far you can drive at a steady 70 mph from 100 percent to 5 percent charge. In our testing we recorded 264 miles, which is just 1 percent off its official rating—a result that should help soothe any range anxiety concerns. Life Inside the EQE-Class Another soothing aspect of the EQE500 is its well-appointed, comfortable cabin. Unlike the entry-level EQE350+ and EQE350 4Matic variants, this upper-level sedan comes standard with Mercedes-Benz's Hyperscreen, a trio of displays housed under a single pane of glass. The user interface's sprawling menus and applications continue to be refined, and among its more useful and novel features are improved voice commands, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and fingerprint user profiles. Some areas still need more polish, however, namely the camera feeds. Although they're displayed at a high resolution, the 360-degree overhead and other 3D views show an artificially generous boundary around the car to provide a buffer zone. Additionally, the crop of the backup camera is too narrow to depict exactly where the rear of the Mercedes will go when you're in reverse. You won't curb a wheel, but these imprecisions make it tough to know exactly how close the EQE is in relation to other cars and obstacles in tight spots. One area that apparently did get some needed polish was an issue we've previously reported with Mercedes-Benz EQ models where otherwise high-quality-looking plastics could flex easily and squeak when pressure was applied. Thankfully, this seems to have been remedied as part of the EQE's 2025 model year update Otherwise, our decked-out test car coddled us with heated and ventilated massaging seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, and a rich-sounding Burmester audio setup with 15 speakers. Standard 64-color ambient lighting allows the cabin's atmosphere to be configured to the driver's taste. We'd also be remiss if we didn't call out this particular model's headrest pillows, which are super soft and supportive. Passengers benefit from an upscale second row with generous legroom. The trunk is somewhat oddly shaped, but there's plenty of space for groceries or luggage. Highway driving assistance features perform well and make few errors while the Digital Light package equips active headlights with curve adaptive functionality and puddle lighting to illuminate the road with alerts for other motorists. From a practical standpoint, the EQE's overall utility outshines any of its minor foibles. An Electric E-Class? While the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE makes a better attempt than ever at delivering the same well-rounded excellence that made the E-Class a Car of the Year winner, its average efficiency, charging, and camera tech conspire to hold it back a notch. And although its improved braking is a plus, Mercedes' engineers still have work to do before the stoppers deserve genuine praise. Then there's the matter of the EQE's Apple Mouse/soap bar exterior styling, which for many is an acquired taste at best and a turnoff at worst. Prices begin at $87,050 and climb to $101,070 for a vehicle equipped in the same way as our test model shown here. That's a steep ask for any midsize luxury EV, especially when considering competitively priced flagship models such as the Lucid Air, Tesla Model S, and Porsche Taycan. Still, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE500 4Matic is as quiet and comfortable as you'd hope a vehicle wearing the Three-Pointed Star would be. Taken as a whole, the EQE should meet the requirements of those in search of a luxurious, all-electric-powered daily driver that feels spacious without the oversized exterior dimensions.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Bentley to BRING BACK iconic model 100 years after it was discontinued – and this time it will be fully electric
BENTLEY is bringing back its legendary model nearly 100 years after it was discontinued but it will be in limited numbers. The recreation of the iconic Bentley Blower has now completed 18 months of on-road testing and is ready to enter production. 5 5 But only 349 lucky drivers will get a chance to get their hands on the Bentley Blower Jnr. After driving 650 miles over three days on the Channel Island of Jersey, the new Blower has proven its on-road driving potential. The car was signed off for production where skilled engineers will put together the fully electric 48-volt powertrain while the craftspeople at Hedley Studios will hand-beat the panels of the Bentley Blower Jr.'s exterior. Mike Sayer, Head of Product Communications and the Bentley Heritage Collection for Bentley Motors, adds: 'From the moment that we first took the original 1929 Bentley Blower Team Car #2 to Hedley Studios, we knew this project was going to deliver something truly special. 'Years later, and with thousands of road miles under the wheels of the development prototypes – appropriately called EXPs as the first Bentleys were – we're ready to put the car into production.' The new motor is an 85 per cent scale of the original car which was first manufactured in 1929. The Blower Jr is fully electrically powered and slightly smaller than its predecessor - with the car measuring 3.7 metres long and 1.5 metres wide. But it is handcrafted to the same standards as any Bentley and is embellished with exquisite details all inspired by the original car. The Blower Jr can reach a top speed of 45 mph in the UK and an anticipated range of about 65 miles, with tandem seating for two adults. An actual chassis specification is connected to the painted steel frame. A smooth ride is provided by leaf springs and reduced, period-appropriate friction dampers, while stopping power is supplied by Brembo disc brakes up front and drums down back. The batteries and driving electronics are kept under a concealed undertray, and the electric motor is positioned across the back axle. Ben Hedley, CEO and Founder of Hedley Studios, said: 'Heading into production of the Bentley Blower Jnr marks a seminal moment for our brand, as we bring to life our very first road-legal piece of automotive art. 'Our team of engineers and craftspeople have worked tirelessly to design and craft the Bentley Blower Jnr, and in close collaboration with clients around the world, they have begun the design process of some wonderfully unique examples of the Bentley Blower Jnr. 'We're anticipating that the first customer deliveries will commence in just a matter of months, and we're just as excited as our clients are to see them behind the wheel and out on the road.' The lucky few who will purchase the Bentley Blower Jr will be able to customise it to their preference with Hedley Studios' team making their fantasies into reality. 5 5
Motor Trend
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Best Sleeper Sedans: Speak Softly and Carry Big Power
2025 Audi S8 Derived from the already luxurious and capable A8, Audi's Q-ship pairs the A8's opulence with hair-raising performance without a lot of aesthetic fanfare. Introduced in 1992, the original S8's profile was significantly raised when it was prominently featured in one of the stunning car chases in the film Ronin, but today's machine is on an entirely different level (even without a nitrous system). Under the hood of the fourth-generation S8 is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that sends 563 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. Matched up with all-wheel steering and a sharpened chassis that can be outfitted with a sophisticated predictive air suspension system, the S8 can reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.7 seconds on its way to a 12.2-second quarter-mile time. Stopping power is equally impressive: Despite its size, the S8 takes just 105 feet to come to a halt from 60 mph. 2025 Audi S8 Specs
