Mercedes muscles into Freelander territory

"According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG: 'The needs profiles are different now. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: if a Mercedes has a G in its name, it has to perform exceptionally in all conditions.'”

Introducing the Mercedes GLK Freeside concept, a new Freelander-sized soft roader which debuts at the Detroit motor show later this week and hits Mercedes showrooms in production guise in the autumn. The new off-road is defined by its angular looks and steeply-raked glasshouse, which are said to be inspired by the original G-Wagen, although it retains all the usual modern Mercedes styling cues. Inside, you can expect a typical Mercedes cabin – high on functionality but low on surprise and delight – with five seats and a large boot.

Mercedes promises the new GLK will be a fine handler thanks to its new ‘Agility Control’ active suspension and high strength chassis, while the new car will also boast pioneering active safety systems and a new economical and environmentally friendly ‘Bluetec’ turbo-diesel engine. The four-cylinder 2.2-litre motor is expected to produce around 170hp and can meet EU6 and the strict US BIN 5 limits. A seven-speed automatic transmission will be offered in the new GLK, as will a new all-wheel drive system with a multi-plate clutch-style centre differential which splits engine torque 45:55 front to rear to give the GLK a sportier feel.

According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG, who was one of those involved in developing the original G-Wagen: “The needs profiles are different now. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: if a Mercedes has a G in its name, it has to perform exceptionally in all conditions.” Just so you know, G is for ‘Gelandewagen’ which means cross-country vehicle, while the L refers to luxury and K stands for Kompaktheit or compactness

All-new Subaru Forester unveiled

"Styling-wise Subaru has decided to stick to its conservative design language so the Forester is a handsome if unspectacular effort."

The third-generation Forester crossover SUV has just gone on sale in Japan and is expected in Europe shortly. Styling-wise Subaru has decided to stick to its conservative design language so the Forester is a handsome if unspectacular effort. The interior is no more exciting than the exterior but, again, it’s functional and inoffensive. Compared to the outgoing model the new Forester is 110 mm taller (excluding the roof rails) and 45 mm wider (though it’s narrower mirror-to-mirror) while its wheelbase has been lengthened by 90 mm to improve rear space and ride quality.

Two engines are offered in Japan, a normally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo but it’s likely Europe will get the current car’s 2.5-litre engines instead. (A 2.2 boxer diesel engine will also be available by 2009 at which point Forester sales are likely to increase significantly.) A five speed manual transmission will be standard and will be fitted with a viscous centre differential, while models with the optional four-speed automatic will get the ‘Active Torque Split AWD’ system instead. The front suspension comprises a MacPhearson strut front arrangement while the rear gets a new sub-frame mounted double-wishbone suspension which should help improves traction, comfort and refinement. All have ESP as standard while manual models feature hill start assist. Unlike most crossovers which are wholly useless off road, the Forester is even more capable than the model it replaces with improved approach and departure angles and 225mm of ground clearance. We’ll have more details on the Europe-bound cars shortly.

BMW's X6 finally emerges

"BMW hopes the American-made X6 will carve out a niche for itself with its, erm, unique coupé styling and sportier handling than the disappointingly truck-like X5 on which it's based."

BMW has finally released the first pictures of its new 'Sports Activity Coupé', the X6, which will get its official unveiling in Detroit in January. The four-seater X6 is BMW's third SUV slotting in between the Honda CR-V rivalling X3 and the full-size, seven-seat X5. BMW hopes the American-made X6 will carve out a niche for itself with its, erm, unique coupé styling and sportier handling than the disappointingly truck-like X5 on which it's based. It goes on sale in May powered by four engines: a new 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 (407hp, 600 Nm; 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds; 250km/h top speed; 12.5L/100km on the combines cycle; 299g/km of CO2); a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six (306hp, 400Nm; 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, 240km/h, 10.9 Liter/100km, 262g/km); a 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel (286hp, 580Nm; 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds, 236km/h, 8.3 Liter/100km, 220g/km) and a single-turbo 3.0-litre diesel (235hp, 520Nm; 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds, 210km/h, 8.2 Liter/100km, 217g/km). The four models will be badged BMW X6 xDrive50i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive30d respectively. Intelligent XDrive all-wheel drive and Dynamic Performance Control will be standard on all models.