The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Subtly Pushes Major New Design Language

by Gabrielle DeSantis

As automakers continue to embrace EV technology, consumers now have more options besides Tesla models. They’ve also introduced more electric SUVs instead of strictly sedans, such as the impressive Audi e-tron and upcoming GMC Hummer EV. But the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan boasts impressive range and power, with a stylish interior to match.

This EV also has another unique aspect, MotorTrend reports. Surprisingly, it’s not the onboard charger capable of powering a laptop or the available 56-inch infotainment screen. The Mercedes-Benz EQS has adopted a “cab-forward” interior structure that might soon become a sedan trend.

What does a cab-forward design look like?

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS sets itself apart from the rest of the German automaker’s lineup thanks to its shorter hood. Though long hoods are typically ideal for the sleekest exterior and housing combustion engines, it means less passenger space. That’s why sportier models often have cramped second rows and tiny cargo areas.

The EQS also sports an “EQ Mask” panel, replacing the traditional grille and serving as housing for safety technology. It bears the signature Benz three-point star. The windows boast a stylish wave-like design and equally flashy 20- or 22-inch wheels.

Overview of the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQS

RELATED: Massive Touchscreens Characterize the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Interior

The EQS’s Powertrain

The U.S. market will get only one powertrain option, a rear-mounted 108-kWh battery. On the standard 450+ model, it makes 329 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The 580 4Matic is more powerful, capable of 516 hp and 611 lb-ft of torque.

The EQS doesn’t come with the E-Active Body Control on other Benz models, but it boasts a standard air suspension. It also has rear steering and electronic dampers, likely offering some engaging handling. 

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic has standard all-wheel drive and the fastest 0-to-60-mph time, reportedly 4.3 seconds. Mercedes has capped its top speed at 130 mph, but the automaker claims this allows for maximum range. The EPA hasn’t estimated the sedan’s official range yet, but MotorTrend predicts it will be just under 400 miles.

Though the EQS can’t recharge as quickly as a Tesla EV, the battery reaches 80 percent in 35 minutes at a fast-charging station. A home charging station can fully charge the battery in 11 hours. The EQS’s navigation system determines when to recharge the battery based on daily driving routes.

Its opulent interior

Like the exterior, the interior is also top-of-the-line, brimming with plush materials and plenty of stretch-out space for each rider. The standard touchscreen measures nearly 13 inches, but buyers can also opt for the impressive MBUX Hyperscreen upgrade. Its haptic technology allows users to press harder to navigate menus instead of tapping multiple times. 

The EQS also comes with a digital assistant that adjusts audio and climate settings at a spoken request. It can even detect stress levels based on posture and driving behaviors, offering suggestions to improve one’s mood.

Fortunately, it’s not hard to relax inside a Mercedes-Benz EQS, with heated and massaging seats. It even has a “nap mode” that fully reclines the seat and projects a starry sky overhead. The ambient lighting also creates a cozy atmosphere, and riders will never have to leave thanks to the many USB ports.

Who should buy a Mercedes-Benz EQS?

RELATED: When Does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Go on Sale?

The Mercedes-Benz EQS’s biggest competitor will probably be the Tesla Model S. Though the latter boasts superior range and speed, many critics have reported the interior falls short of luxury standards. Thanks to the unique technology inside the Mercedes-Benz EQS, it could give the faster Model S a run for its money.

The post The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Subtly Pushes Major New Design Language appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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2022 Toyota Land Cruiser Engines Leak and There’s No V8 in Sight

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The arrival of the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser should be right around the corner if recent sightings are anything to go by. While we’ve gotten extensive looks at this off-roader’s exterior, what lies under its hood remains a mystery. However, a newly leaked document claims to know exactly what powers the next-gen Land Cruiser.

This latest leak comes to us from land.cruiser.300 on Instagram via Motor1. In short, the leak claims to have official information on the two engines that’ll be available when this iconic model makes its debut. It goes without saying that we’ll have to wait for Toyota to confirm this leak.

What engines will the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser feature?

Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota

Since the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser is set to arrive relatively soon, let’s cut to the chase. Under its hood, there will be a choice of two engine options, neither of which is a V8. The first is a 3.3-liter diesel engine pushing out 302 hp and 516 lb-ft, according to the leaked info.

The second engine destined for the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser is a 3.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine pushing 409 hp and 480 lb-ft. If we had to guess, this 3.5-liter unit could take heavy inspiration from some of the engines we’ve seen in various Lexus models.

For context, the outgoing 5.7-liter V8 pushed out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. As a result, these new engines are set to offer significantly more power. However, the real upgrade will come in added torque, which is the most important figure while off-roading.

Why is there no V8 under this off-roader’s hood?

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Is Having a Killer Year – Q1 Sales up 200 Percent

As you might imagine, the Japanese carmaker hasn’t confirmed these 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser leaks. This means that we’re left to speculate as to why it decided to cut the V8. The first and most obvious is the added power from the new engines. Since these are smaller six-cylinder units, they are lightly lighter while offering significantly more power.

The second major reason likely comes down to efficiency. The 5.7-liter V8 under the hood of the current Land Cruise is indestructible but quite old. As a result, that engine likely wouldn’t have met stricter global emissions regulations.

The V8-powered Land Cruiser dream isn’t dead just yet. According to Motor1, Toyota is currently developing a twin-turbo V8 for upcoming Lexus models such as the LC-F. While it might seem like a stretch to put a high-performance engine into an off-roader, the Land Cruiser’s base price could certainly justify it.

When will the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser arrive?

An image of a Toyota Land Cruiser outdoors.
Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser was supposed to debut sometime this Spring. However, the model’s release was subsequently delayed. As a result, there is no official timeline for when it’ll make its global debut. However, if the increased amount of leaked information is anything to go by, its official debut could be right around the corner.

One thing we know for sure, however, is the fact that it won’t come to the U.S. market.

The post 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser Engines Leak and There’s No V8 in Sight appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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These Are Some of the Best SUVs for Camping

by Gabrielle DeSantis

From car camping to overlanding to hike-in camping, SUVs are the preferred vehicle to get you out there. The criteria that denote the best SUVs for camping are all over the place, given the wide variety of camping scenarios. Due to this variety, the list of Best SUVs for camping is pretty varied as well. 

There are only a handful of hard and fast criteria that makes an SUV one of the best for camping. Since any good campsite will tend to be found a bit off the beaten track, it is best to have an SUV with a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. Secondly, it needs to be roomy and have plenty of storage options. Lastly, it needs to be rugged and dependable, so you aren’t stranded out deep in the wilderness. 

The Kia Soul is one of the best SUVs for camping

2021 Kia Soul | Kia

This may come as a surprise, but the Kia Soul ticks all the boxes and wears a friendly price tag. As I mentioned, most folks don’t need a massive $100k overlanding rig to get out and go camping. The Kia Soul is the most rugged or tough “SUV” (using the term a bit loosely.) Note that the 2021 Soul does not come with an AWD option, but the 2019 and 2020 models did. 

As noted by Gear Patrol, you can get away with the new Soul without AWD and its 6.7-inch ground clearance depending on where you are trying to go with it. 

The “off-road-focused” X-Line series might be a temptation, but the LX is just as capable, cheaper, and comes with a manual gearbox. For $18k, the Kia Soul is hard to beat for a roomy, versatile SUV/hatchback for camping. 

The Subaru Outback is an absolute no-brainer

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness parked on a gravel road
2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition | Subaru

RELATED: The 2021 Subaru Outback Refuses to Kneel to the 2021 Kia Telluride

Subaru has been all over the outdoorsy market lately. The normal Outback has been a staple for the adventurous outdoors types for many years. However, Subaru has recently introduced the Wilderness model. This off-road-focused model takes the already capable Outback and sends it to the Moon. 

The Subaru Outback wilderness is easily one of the best SUVs/crossovers for camping on the market. It has a smaller footprint making it nimble and easy to maneuver through tight trails, yet the Wilderness package adds bigger tires and increases the ground clearance to bolster its off-road chops. 

The Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport can’t be left out

A family camping in a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, one of the best SUVs for camping.
Camping in an SUV. | Ford

The Ford Bronco has made more noise than almost any other vehicle in recent memory. Aside from delays and parts shortages, the Bronco and Bronco Sport are both massively exciting SUVs. 

The Bronco Sport, which is currently stomping around the country, is a nice middle-ground for someone who may want an SUV but still doesn’t want to go full off-roader. The Bronco Sport was made for lovers of casual camping. 

It sports AWD as standard. It rides on independent suspension all the way around as opposed to a solid axle found in more serious 4x4s. The result is a friendly SUV that is plenty capable without being too intimidating or expensive. The Bronco Sport starts at $28,115. 

On the other hand, the full-blown Ford Bronco is still yet to put tires on the road in significant numbers, but it is more akin to a Jeep Wrangler than it is anything else. The Bronco will be a staple in the 4×4 and overlanding world with its killer 4×4 system, optional off-road packages, and a manual transmission. 

Camping will be a foregone conclusion for many Bronco owners. This is easily one of the best SUVs for camping that has been made in a long time. Rugged, dependable (hopefully), and capable, the Ford Bronco should live in the dirt. 

The post These Are Some of the Best SUVs for Camping appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Edmunds Recommends the Porsche Taycan Over the Tesla Model S

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The hype surrounding Tesla is real. The new Tesla Model S is also surrounded by quite a bit of buzz as the new vehicles get delivered. But that is no match for the all-electric Porsche Taycan if we are basing this on performance.

The Tesla Model S is good for commuting

A Porsche Taycan 4S electric vehicle on display | Hector Retamal AFP via Getty Images

Edmunds tested all sorts of new electric vehicles on the market. The Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Volkswagen ID.4, and Ford Mustang Mach-E went battery to battery to see which ones pulled ahead.

In the test for long commutes, the Model S pulled ahead of the Mach-E. The Tesla Supercharging network is pretty easy to navigate and the range is better than the Mach-E, but not by much. Edmunds says the interior of the Tesla is comfortable and technologically advanced. Though the range doesn’t quite meet up to the EPA-estimates yet, it is still pretty good.

The Mach-E is a lot less expensive and gets a better range than the original EPA estimates. It also got the Top Rated award in its first year. The handling made the ride comfortable, and the cargo area had room for whatever drivers might be toting around.

City drivers, have no fear

RELATED: James May Is Annoyed at His Tesla Model S Battery

The Tesla Model 3 has a lot of features the Model S has but for less money. It has a variety of trims and ranges. Edmunds suggests the Long Range model if you are worried about range, as it has one of the highest on the market. Even if you don’t have a home charger, the Supercharger stations should get you through.

The Kia Niro EV is tiny but mighty. When tested, the Niro surpassed the EPA’s estimated range. It has many standard safety features and driver aids to get you from point A to point B safely. For the price, the Niro is a great city driving vehicle.

Performance, performance, performance

RELATED: The S in Tesla Model S Plaid Stands for Retractable Spoiler

If you are worried about performance with your new electric vehicle, check these two options out. The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s first foray into all-electric vehicles. Edmunds calls the vehicle “quick and engaging to drive, with sharp and athletic handling that doesn’t compromise comfort or refinement.”

However, the performance had to come from somewhere. The Taycan had an initially disappointing EPA-estimated range, especially compared to the Tesla Model S. But during the real-world testing, the Taycan exceeded the range estimations by almost 60%.

However, the price starts at $79,900 and goes up to $150,900. If you plan on adding any extras, that will only increase.

Edmunds liked the large battery pack in the Tesla Model S, and the price was better. But in comparison for performance sake, the Model S lacked where the Taycan shined. The S was spacious and offered a lot of cargo room. The price starts at $74,490 and goes up to $144,490 for the 2022 Plaid+ model.

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