Latest news with #luxurycar
The Drive
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
The Dacora Wants To Be America's Fanciest Car—With a Wooden Hood
The latest car news, reviews, and features. I take every 'new EV startup' announcement with more salt than you'll find on the rim of a Chili's Presidente margarita. But the ultra-luxe Dacora sedan concept is so arrestingly unique-looking that we just need to talk about it. I can't decide whether or not I like it, but I do appreciate the creativity on display here. Dacora seems to have come out of nowhere this week with a press release stating, 'In 2026, Dacora will open its 100-acre Hudson Valley Garage—a one-of-a-kind automotive campus with on-site production, design atelier, guest accommodations, and immersive experiences. Each new owner receives a symbolic set of keys, granting access to curated events, the Hudson Valley estate, and behind-the-scenes interaction with Dacora's craftspeople and designers.' Sounds like quite the party. The release also says 'reservations already exceeding 150% of its planned first-year production capacity,' so this thing must have been on somebody's radar. (Or maybe first-year production capacity is one car, and three people have expressed interest.) Dacora Whoever is interested in getting one of these will have to be loaded. Starting price is $500,000, and the reservation page asks for a $50,000 (refundable) deposit. The exterior design is what caught my attention, though. The word 'timeless' appears a few times in Dacora's descriptive copy, but I don't think that applies at all. On the contrary, the vehicle has a distinctly 1930s- Rocketeer -robber baron streamliner aesthetic. With the covered rear wheel, chrome trim, and acres of wood? Come on, it's straight out of a Howard Hughes fever dream. Dacora That said, there are a few fancy-pants features I have never heard of any car having, and they do sound like things people spending half a million on a novelty car might go for. I'll just rip the bullet points right from Dacora's release: Swappable Upholstery Collections: Twice-yearly drops let owners change interiors like wardrobes—think wool for winter, linen for summer, and limited-edition materials for seasonal expression. Modular Seating Configurations: Choose from 3 to 7-seat layouts tailored to any lifestyles, from rear-lounge executive setups to family-friendly bench options. Each seat includes independent lighting and climate controls. Adjustable Floor System: Engineered for ergonomic precision across all driver body types. Heritage Wood Options: Owners can supply personal materials to integrate into the cabin's finishes. These images are pretty small for inspecting detail, but if you look closely, you can see that the central navigation screen appears to be overlaid with translucent wood or something. Dacora Seasonally updateable upholstery—wow. Again, I don't know how practical or cool it will be in execution, but conceptually, that's pretty neat. And bring-your-own wood? They really are trying to revive the era of coach-built cars here. There are a few more interesting features promised, too, like a solid wood dashboard, exterior luggage compartments for each passenger, and of course, a hood 'hand-hewn from walnut or a wood of your choice.' Can you imagine what it's going to cost to insure one of these? The crash-test videos will be fascinating. There are performance specs too, but I'm a little reticent to care about that at this point. The design elements and ideas have already been brought to life on at least one prototype, but I'm going to cling to some skepticism regarding its functional specifications. Here's what Dacora's planning to deliver, though: Range: 400 miles Curb Weight: 6,500 pounds Rear Leg Room: 45 inches Horsepower: 800 Storage Capacity: 25 cubic feet Ground Clearance: 7.5 inches My buddy William Clavey wrote that this car will have an 800-volt architecture on Top Speed , but I haven't seen any more specs in Dacora's limited official postings. I'm a lot more interested in this as a design exercise than as an actual car. Another land yacht to ferry royalty around doesn't do much for me, but I do love to see creative-looking vehicles, and this certainly steps up in that department. And now that I know they're building these in my neighborhood, I'll try to find out more and report back. Meanwhile, you can check out this little sizzle reel to get a few more angles on the car: Got a tip? Send us a note at tips@
Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
New BMW XM options: maximum exclusivity and breathtaking performance
The BMW XM Label combines stupendous power and an advanced drive concept. Its M HYBRID system consists of a V8 with a peak output of 585 hp and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission delivering up to 197 a system output of 748 hp and a combined torque of 1,000 Nm, the BMW XM Label is the most powerful BMW M production model ever. It takes just 3.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The optional M Driver's Package increases this limit to 290 km/h. With its exhilarating performance and uncompromisingly extravagant design, the BMW XM Label enjoys the highest level of exclusivity in the luxury most powerful BMW of all time sets new standards with its bold, extroverted design, exemplifying why BMW M stands for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine. This is a view shared by world-famous British musician, techno and house DJ Carl Cox. In a joint project with BMW M, he has woven the sounds of the BMW XM – such as the powerful bass of the V8, the Welcome chime and the pop of the bonnet closing – into an aural celebration. The result underscores Carl Cox's passion for BMW M automobiles and is just as unique, extrovert and confident as the BMW XM equipment options, increased charging rateThe BMW XM Label now offers a wider range of additional options for customizing the exterior and interior. The optional BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic exterior colour is now available, emphasizing the model's unique character. The BMW M kidney grille, complete with accent line, can be ordered in high-gloss Black. A new Welcome Light Animation makes the BMW XM Label look particularly impressive after dark. Standard equipment for the BMW XM Label now includes 22-inch light alloy wheels, Double-spoke style 922 M Bicolour with mixed-size tyres, replacing the previous 21-inch wheels. A new option comes in the shape of the 23-inch M light alloy wheels style 1096 M in Individual Night Blue Merino Leather, featuring exclusive elements, is now available as a new option to create a particularly extravagant interior ambiance. Other new colour combinations for the interior of the BMW XM Label include BMW Individual Black Merino leather with exclusive elements and Vintage Coffee Brown interior surfaces, as well as BMW Individual Silverstone Merino leather with Black interior surfaces. The high-quality comfort cushions matching the colour of the seat surfaces now come as standard for all BMW Individual leather merino upholstery. The charging rate of the BMW XM Label increases as well: the M HYBRID system's Combined Charging Unit now enables AC charging at up to 11 kW. The upgraded BMW XM Label will be unveiled on 14 June 2025 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. BMW M Motorsport will be competing on the legendary French circuit with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC).BM © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Mercedes' Most Expensive Car Is A Luxury Masterpiece
There aren't many other cars in the world that can match this level of luxury. The Priciest Mercedes Rivals Rolls-Royce, Not BMW For decades, Mercedes-Benz has been a benchmark for quality and luxury. If you want a luxury car that doesn't cost Bentley or Rolls-Royce money, Mercedes is often a default choice. The brand now has multiple models that cost over $100,000 and even a few that surpass $200k, but what's the most expensive new Mercedes model you can buy? We'll reveal that model here, while also unpacking the unparalleled technology and quality packed into this decadent beast. 0:00 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More The Most Expensive New Mercedes Is The Maybach S680 Source: 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S680 side view Full-size luxury sedans were once the only symbol of ultimate wealth in the motoring world, but high-end SUVs have eaten into their market share. It's perhaps gratifying, then, to see that the most expensive Mercedes is still a sedan. We're referring to the Mercedes-Maybach S680, which has a starting price of $240,500 for the 2025 model year. After a rocky revival of the Maybach brand in the 2000s, Maybach was reintroduced as a sub-brand of Mercedes in 2014. Today, the S680 is not only Mercedes' most expensive car, but it's the last V12-powered model in the German brand's lineup. Design: A Flagship With Plenty Of Presence The Mercedes-Maybach S680 looks as expensive as it is. The S-Class connection is evident, but there are just enough changes to distinguish it from a standard S-Class, including the bespoke grille, the unique 20-inch wheels, and the fact that it's over 10 inches longer than an S-Class. A variety of two-tone paint options are available, adding another exclusive touch to this grand sedan, but each one costs $14,500. 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. The most expensive Mercedes-Benz comes with the following standard exterior features: 20-inch Maybach forged wheels All-LED lighting LED digital light headlights Rear electric comfort doors Soft-closing doors Heat- and noise-insulating windshield and side glass Panorama roof Magic Vision Control for wiper blades The attention to detail applied to this sedan is seen long before you settle into one of the lounge-like seats. Take the Magic Vision Control system, for instance, which features wiper blades with laser-cut holes to deliver a perfectly precise jet of water immediately ahead of the blades' path. Together with heated blades, the system ensures a crystal clear view of the road ahead and reduces overspray. Interior: Unparalleled Comfort Meets Immaculate Fit And Finish Whether you're seated in front or at the back, the S680 has one of the finest interiors in any modern car. The high-tech design may lack the sheer charm of a Rolls-Royce Ghost's interior, but we're splitting hairs here, as the Mercedes is an exceptional place in which to travel. The standard materials are stunning. Extended wood trim has been liberally yet tastefully applied, and Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery adorns the seats. Even the ceiling is finished in Nappa leather, while the steering wheel is a classy combination of wood and leather. There is, of course, a bewildering array of colors, materials, and finishes to choose from to customize the cabin, although it doesn't have the endless selection of colors offered by Rolls-Royce. Rear legroom is a highlight, with 49.1 inches available. This, together with the ability to recline the rear seat and move the right front seat forward and out of the way, creates a truly relaxing space in which to nap between meetings. Source: Mercedes-Benz Standard interior features inside Mercedes-Benz's most expensive car include the following: Heated and ventilated front/rear seats Rapid front/rear seat heating Massaging front/rear seats Rear-seat neck heating 64-color LED ambient lighting system Four-zone automatic climate control 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.8-inch touchscreen 3D instrument cluster 31-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system Front and rear wireless device charging Rear MBUX tablet and wireless headsets This is not even close to an exhaustive list, as the S680 is equipped with every conceivable amenity, and that's without mentioning the optional extras. Performance: One Of The Last V12s Provides Silky, Effortless Power A V12 engine isn't strictly necessary these days, as a boosted V8 delivers nearly all the benefits of a V12. That said, for those who appreciate the last word in mechanical refinement, a V12 can't be matched. In this case, a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 delivers 621 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and nine-speed automatic transmission do an impeccable job of putting all that power down smoothly. The 0-60 mph time is 4.5 seconds, but that's less important than how smoothly the V12 goes about its job. The Airmatic semi-active suspension endows the S680 with a sublime ride quality, while the rear-axle steering makes it feel more agile than its size suggests. What Does A Fully Loaded Maybach S680 Cost? 2025 Mercedes-Maybach S680 in Manufaktur Kalahari Gold/Obsidian Black — Source: Mercedes-Benz Despite its high base price, it's possible to spend a lot more on the Mercedes-Maybach S680. We were able to specify a Maybach with every available extra for a total of $285,580, including the destination charge. The most expensive options were as follows: Manufaktur Kalahari Gold/Obsidian Black two-tone paint: $14,500 Manufaktur exclusive interior: $10,500 Executive Rear Seat package Plus: $6,000 Maybach champagne flutes: $3,200 There is also a single Maybach Night Series Design package for $25,000, but this option eliminates many of the other available features. Other Expensive Mercedes-Benz Models For Mercedes fans with a near-unlimited budget, there are two other models that exceed $200,000. Mercedes-Maybach S580: $203,500 Source: Mercedes-Benz This is the only other Maybach sedan model and it starts at almost $40,000 less. The main difference is that the S580 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 496 hp, but it's barely slower than the S680, boasting a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. Most of the time, you may not be able to tell that the near-silent engine isn't a V12. Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance: $207,150 Source: Mercedes-AMG If rear-seat space takes a back seat to performance, you can hardly do better than this, the king of SLs. The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid drop-top delivers an astonishing 805 hp and 1,047 lb-ft, for a 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds. Two kids can squeeze into the back seats, and they'll never stop gushing about this SL's outrageous performance. Summary: The Most Expensive Mercedes Is A Relative Bargain No, we haven't completely lost our minds. The Maybach S680 is certainly reserved for the ultra wealthy at $240,500, but its only true rivals are even pricier. The Bentley Flying Spur starts at over $270k, and the Rolls-Royce Ghost will cost in the region of $350k. Both have badges that are more prestigious than the Mercedes-Maybach, but the S680 is at least equally as well-equipped at a significant saving, and has better tech than its two iconic rivals in some aspects. It's Mercedes at its best. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Blog
5 days 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
06-06-2025
- 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 ( )
