What Does Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost Do?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

I recently had the privilege of driving the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 4-Matic Coupe. While driving it, I noticed that information about the EQ Boost is integrated into the dash display. But wait, this is a 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. I thought to myself, “well what the heck is Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost?”

It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz, like virtually every other carmaker, pushes toward electrifying its lineup. Mercedes-Benz EQ models are fully electric, lacking any gasoline engine at all. On the other hand, there are also the plug-in hybrid and plug-in hybrid+ Mercedes-Benz models. 

What is Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost? 

The “EQ Power” logo on plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz | Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images

Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost is a 48-volt on-board electrification system, according to Daimler AG. In the efforts toward complete lineup electrification, Mercedes-Benz added an electrified boost with some additional torque. In fact, this system makes any Mercedes-Benz equipped with EQ Boost a mild hybrid. 

This system adds some extra oomph to the powertrain, plus it makes the equipped models more fuel efficient. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz 4-Matic Coupe loaner I drove for a week had Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost. So the powertrain generates 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Plus there’s an integrated Eco start/stop system. 

What does the EQ Boost do? 

a white 2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC Coupe parked in the driveway of an upscale modern home
2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC Coupe | MBUSA

“Essentially, a Mercedes-Benz equipped with EQ Boost is a mild hybrid, or light-electrified, vehicle. The concept isn’t new but is viewed within the automotive industry as an increasingly viable way to improve efficiency and performance at the same time.”

AutoTrader

According to AutoTrader, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost serves several purposes, improving the overall function of the powertrain. The system eliminates turbo lag due to the electric auxiliary compressor powered to supply eight pounds of torque to the turbocharger or straight to the engine itself. Plus, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost powers a supplemental 48-volt electrical system. 

In addition, EQ Boost allows the vehicle to propel itself without the engine. People often call this function either “coasting” or “sailing.” Furthermore, it regenerates enough energy to charge the 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that the 48-volt EQ Boost gets electricity from.

On top of all that, the EQ Boost configuration means that the engine lacks both pulleys and belts. This gives the inline six-cylinder engine an even sleeker more compact design. It also eliminates power loss in the auxiliary.  

Why is EQ important? 

This system can be integrated into a wide range of powertrains across the Mercedes-Benz lineup. In fact, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost means the brand can make even bolder claims in terms of how electrified the lineup really is. As every brand strives toward meeting the demands of furthering electrification, mild hybrid systems like this come in to fill in the gaps between fully electric and gas-powered cars and SUVs.

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Pre-Orders for the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Maverick Are Off to an Amazing Start

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The pandemic hit vehicle sales hard in 2020. But automakers are roaring back to production, and consumers are buying big this year. In fact, Ford‘s pre-order numbers demonstrate that shoppers are eager for new styles, innovative technology, functionality, and value. F-150 Lightning and Maverick sales are off to an astounding start. And the surge in pre-orders signals a market rebound and a bright future for the Blue Oval.

The Ford Bronco came out bucking

The Bronco was one of many vehicles that hit a launch snag. But the buzz shows a frenzy of interest for this rugged SUV’s return to the market. Broncos are finally shipping to dealers, and data suggests this beefy contender essentially sold out for the next two years.

There are 190,000 reservations so far, and 125,000 of those pre-orders are moving to official orders for immediate production. Whether it’s the Bronco’s style or its fun and aggressive capability, Ford has “absolutely nailed” this introduction, CNET reports.

Pre-orders are pouring in for other Ford models, too

Ford is having a great inning, with each of its four new vehicles enjoying unbridled successes, MotorTrend notes. The Bronco may have set the pace out of the gate, but the 2022 F-150 Lightning and 2022 Maverick are also gaining ground.

The F-150 Lightning won’t go on sale until next May but already has 100,000 pre-orders on the books. Some 44,000 of those were registered before the automaker even revealed its new electric pickup. And the Maverick, the hybrid compact pickup, saw over 40,000 reservations within the first week of its official reveal.

Even the E-Transit is gaining traction

Even the 2022 Ford E-Transit electric van is getting in on the action. Green Car Reports shared some preliminary data about the commercial van, including an attractive range of roof configurations, wheelbases, and cutaway styles. Low-roof variations of this practical and capable commercial van can travel 126 miles on a full charge, Ford reports. And though the E-Transit won’t go on sale until later this year, the automaker has already seen more than 20,000 pre-order reservations.

Ford’s roadmap leads to success, but with delays

All of these registered pre-orders signal a huge year for Ford. Consumers are hungry for new EVs and hybrid technologies. And the Bronco’s sales numbers suggest Americans are eager to drive new styles, too. However, Ford CEO Jim Farley said that filling all of these orders will likely take time. The shortage of parts, including semiconductor chips, will affect future inventory levels.

This past April, Ford warned that the semiconductor chip shortage could translate to below-average inventory numbers until 2022. The automaker would have to cut production in half while waiting for the chips. And though other brands addressed these shortages by returning to the drawing board to redesign vehicles without these parts, Ford said it doesn’t plan to alter any of its vehicles.

The Blue Oval is in a great position, logging increased numbers of consumer pre-orders. The Bronco, Maverick, and the F-150 Lightning will clearly be popular. And Americans had to wait to buy in 2020, so a few more delays for these new rides might not be a big deal. That spells success for Ford down the road.

RELATED: The 2022 Ford Maverick Just Copied This Part of the Ford Bronco Sport

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The 2021 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo Is the Best Car No One Cares About

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Alfa Romeo killed the 4C Spider after only six years in production. But it died in style with a 33 Stradale Tributo edition, inspired by the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale. However, it’s too late to buy a new one because all 33 North American units are spoken for.

The 2021 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo retailed for $81,590, almost $13,000 more than the regular 4C. According to Car and Driver, the model’s outstanding performance makes it a worthy purchase. So why did American consumers ignore the Alfa Romeo 4C?

Driving the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo

The 2021 Alfa Romeo 4C packs a 237-hp turbo-four and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Though some drivers might long for a manual gearbox, the 4C still feels zippy. Weighing only 2,500 pounds, it can dash from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

Its sporty suspension also works well in hairpin turns, but the 4C’s ride quality suffers as a result. Additionally, its lightweight carbon construction allows road noise to penetrate the cabin easily.

The transmission and steering wheel are also quick to respond to driver inputs. Unfortunately, the transmission is vocal about it, as are the brakes. The engine is also quite loud, reaching 85 decibels at full throttle, Car and Driver reports.

For a sports car, the Alfa Romeo 4C is also surprisingly good on gas. It gets 28 mpg combined city/highway. C/D still doesn’t recommend it as a daily driver, thanks to its small, noisy cabin.

But the Tributo’s exterior is beautiful. It flaunts an exclusive red paint job, complemented by Italian flag-patterned mirror caps and gold wheels. The interior boasts special leather and suede seats, along with special-edition badging on the dashboard and window sills.

Why it’s hard to recommend the Alfa Romeo 4C

Despite the Alfa Romeo 4C’s comfortable seats, the 4C’s tight quarters are inadequate. There’s room for only two riders, and the seats lack adjustment controls. Cargo space is minimal — enough for only a small backpack, according to Car and Driver. The tiny rear window also isn’t forgiving when backing out of parking spaces.

The center stack’s controls are easy to reach, but the 4C provides only the bare necessities. The weak base audio system is no match for the wind, road, and engine noise. Fortunately, an Alpine sound system is available, but that’s the only tech upgrade.

Expect no other infotainment features, and safety options include only a mandated backup camera and rear parking sensors. One might be surprised it even has power windows and remote keyless entry. But occupants will need a wall outlet connector to charge their phones because there’s only a 12-volt charger on board.

Is this sports car worth the money?

The Alfa Romeo 4C delivers on performance, and the lack of extra features actually enhances the experience. However, we’re still not surprised the now-retired Alfa Romeo 4C doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Though exhilarating, its engine and exhaust noises definitely aren’t for everyone.

The lack of passenger and cargo space also means it’s far from a practical purchase. If you can borrow one from a friend for a quick drive, go for it. Otherwise, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo is forgettable after you see the price.

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NHTSA Makes Crash Reports Mandatory for Semi-Autonomous Cars

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Consumers may have warmed to the idea of owning a semi-autonomous car, but hopeful owners will be waiting a while. Despite what some automakers may claim, there aren’t any truly autonomous vehicles available today. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped some drivers from abusing the advanced driver-assistance packages that are available. And this abuse can have fatal consequences. That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is stepping in with a new semi-autonomous car crash report mandate.

The NHTSA hasn’t issued many regulations over semi-autonomous cars so far

A Waymo semi-autonomous Jaguar I-Pace car testing in San Francisco | Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Up until now, the NHTSA has been relatively lax in terms of regulating semi-autonomous cars, Autoblog muses. Presumably, the agency took that stance to let automakers freely develop their autonomy tech. But this approach has also drawn criticism, including from the NTSB, which recently pushed for the NHTSA to be more ‘hands-on.’

However, recent events have shown that semi-autonomous car technology requires additional oversight. For one, more automakers have reached Level 2 on the SAE’s autonomy scale thanks to improved driver-assistance packages. Honda is even flirting with Level 3 in a limited fashion.

Secondly, and more concerningly, are the continued lethal incidents where these systems are involved. And statistically, Tesla’s Autopilot is involved in most of them. Since June 2015, the NHTSA’s teams have investigated 31 crashes involving semi-autonomous cars. And 25 of those crashes involved an Autopilot-equipped Tesla, Autoblog notes.

Properly investigating and learning from these crashes, though, is difficult because there isn’t enough data being reported. And that’s where the new NHTSA crash report mandate comes in.  

What does the NHTSA semi-autonomous car crash report mandate entail?

The NHTSA’s crash report mandate applies to all cars equipped with ADAS or other semi-autonomous tech ranging from Level 2-5. And it doesn’t apply solely to the automakers, either, Automotive News explains. If the ADAS package was engaged at the time of the crash, the equipment and software manufacturers have to issue reports, too, and the vehicle operator(s).

This new mandate also describes what these crash reports contain. Within one day of learning about the crash, the covered companies have to report it to the NHTSA. The report also has to mention if the crash involved any of the following:

  • Hospital-treated injuries
  • Fatalities
  • Vehicle tow-aways
  • Airbag deployments
  • Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists

After submitting the initial report, companies have 10 days to issue an updated one to the NHTSA. And every month, the reports must be updated if there is any new or additional information. Furthermore, the mandate also includes a stipulation for monthly reports involving semi-autonomous car crashes featuring injuries or property damage.

How will this affect consumers?

The goal of all this is to help the NHTSA do its job better, Roadshow explains. And that job is keeping people safe from car-related dangers.

With more data, the agency can identify safety issues remaining in existing driver-assistance packages. That way, it can advise Americans on how to stay safe and manufacturers on what still needs work. Also, the NHTSA’s Acting Administrator says that the increased oversight “will help instill public confidence that the federal government is closely overseeing the safety of automated vehicles.”

Semi-autonomous cars still have a long way to go before they get to Level 5. But hopefully, steps like this will make the journey smoother and safer for all.

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