Tag Archives: range

6 Passenger Jets With Incredibly Long Range

The undisputed king of distance is the Airbus A350-900 ULR, with a variety of 9,700 nautical miles (11,162 miles), that means that it might probably journey to most locations on the earth on a single replenish. It’s able to greater than 20 hours of continuous flying, based on Airbus. It is, as of April 2024, the longest vary industrial plane bar none. As the title suggests, it is ready to carry as much as 350 passengers in a standard configuration. However, it might probably reportedly be outfitted to hold 440 passengers, though the additional weight of 90 additional passengers and baggage would seemingly have a detriment on vary. 

It’s powered by a pair of ultra-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines that had been designed with the A350 in thoughts, permitting for a extra cohesive design to learn gasoline economic system. For gasoline capability, it is able to carrying 43,981 gallons to take it the space.

Tesla Semi Interior: Everything You Need To Know

Summary

  • The Tesla Semi provides a game-changing 500-mile vary on a single cost, revolutionizing long-haul transportation with superior applied sciences.
  • The rubberized ground within the spacious inside minimizes put on and tear, reduces noise, and enhances the cabin’s aesthetic attraction for drivers.
  • Strategically positioned options like a leap seat, ample headroom, and centralized controls present consolation, comfort, and security within the Tesla Semi’s cabin.

In a world rapidly embracing electrification, one essential side typically ignored is the transformation of transportation, notably in terms of heavy-duty trucking. While electric cars and SUVs have captured headlines, the necessity for sustainable freight options stays urgent.

Enter the Tesla Semi, a daring enterprise by the electrical automobile big into the realm of long-haul transport. Designed to revolutionize floor freight, the Tesla Semi guarantees a spread of 500 miles on a single cost, coupled with a set of futuristic applied sciences geared toward optimizing effectivity and sustainability within the logistics trade.

Since its conceptualization in 2017, the Tesla Semi has been a beacon of innovation, difficult the established order of conventional diesel-powered tractor-trailers. With its sleek design and groundbreaking features, the Semi represents a paradigm shift on the earth of business transportation.

Now, as the primary deliveries roll out to trade giants like PepsiCo, the highlight turns to the inside of this game-changing automobile. In a panorama the place opponents are additionally venturing into various gas strategies, Tesla’s concentrate on cutting-edge design and know-how units it aside, making it a front-runner not simply when it comes to efficiency, but in addition in delivering an unmatched driver expertise inside the cabin.

In order to provide the newest and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from the official Tesla web site and different authoritative sources, together with Hot Cars and the Tesla YouTube channel.

Related

10 Things You Need To Know About The Tesla Semi Truck

The Tesla SEMI is an electrical 18-wheeler that may do 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds unloaded, and might haul as much as 81,000 kilos of cargo.

1 The Large Tesla Semi Cabin Has A Rubberized Floor

The spacious interior of the Tesla Semi boasts a particular rubberized ground, offering each practicality and luxury for drivers navigating lengthy hauls. This flooring materials provides sturdiness in opposition to put on and tear whereas additionally contributing to a quieter cabin atmosphere by dampening highway noise.

Important Points

  • Minimizes put on and tear.
  • Contributes to noise-dampening.
  • Will improve grip for drivers.

Its easy-to-clean floor provides to the comfort issue, permitting for hassle-free upkeep even in demanding environments. Beyond its practical advantages, the rubberized ground enhances the aesthetic attraction of the cabin, complementing the general fashionable design language of the Semi’s inside.

2 A Jump Seat Offers Additional Seating For Passengers Or Crew

The Tesla Semi Interior Is An Accommodating Place

Touchscreen display controls all vehicle systems

Within the expansive confines of the Tesla Semi’s cabin, a sensible addition comes within the type of a leap seat, offering versatile seating choices for passengers or crew members. Positioned on the correct facet of the cabin, this supplementary seat ensures flexibility in accommodating further occupants throughout transit.

Important Points

  • Convenient use of house.
  • Caters to co-driving operations.
  • Provides backup in case of change in crew measurement.

Whether it is offering a spot for a co-driver, technician, or supervisor, the leap seat maximizes the utility of the Semi’s inside house, catering to the diverse needs of commercial operations.

3 No Dearth Of Headroom

Enough Room For Adults To Move Freely

Tesla SEMI TRUCK
Tesla

Amid the Tesla Semi’s expansive inside, beneficiant headroom units the stage for easy motion and enhanced consolation for occupants traversing the cabin. This ample space accommodates individuals of various heights, permitting even taller drivers to face and stretch with out constraints.

Important Points

  • More house may present extra storage if required.
  • The skill to maneuver and stretch within the cabin can cut back fatigue in long-haul drivers.
  • Truly ergonomic driving expertise.

Whether it is navigating between seats, accessing storage compartments, or just having fun with a second of respite, the abundance of headroom ensures unhindered mobility all through the Semi’s cabin, selling a relaxed and ergonomic atmosphere for long-haul journeys.

Related

Tesla SEMI – Will It Revolutionize The Trucking Industry As We Know It?

The Tesla Semi is a strong automobile that places gasoline-powered vans to disgrace, however is it actually value all of the hype?

4 Central Driver’s Seat Provides A Commanding View Of The Road

An Alternative To Traditional Seating Arrangements

Tesla Semi Truck interior
Tesla

Positioned centrally inside the Tesla Semi’s cabin, the driver’s seat offers a commanding vantage point, affording unparalleled visibility of the highway forward. Placed strategically, this central location optimizes the motive force’s line of sight, facilitating better consciousness of surrounding site visitors and highway situations.

Important Points

  • Excellent view.
  • Surrounding site visitors could be simply monitored.
  • Should enhance driver confidence and safety.

From this elevated perch, operators get pleasure from a transparent and unobstructed view, empowering them with enhanced management and security throughout transit, very important elements for long-haul journeys traversing various terrains and environments.

5 Camera Displays Replace Traditional Wing-Mirrors

Trailblazing Tesla Does It Again

Tesla Semi Truck wing-mirror
Tesla

Replacing conventional wing-mirrors, the Tesla Semi incorporates camera displays to offer a modernized approach to rearview visibility. Positioned inside the cabin, these digicam feeds present real-time photographs of the encompassing atmosphere, enhancing the motive force’s situational consciousness and minimizing blind spots.

Important Points

  • Blind spots displayed on infotainment screens.
  • Improved aerodynamics.
  • Another wonderful show of innovation from Tesla.

By using superior digicam know-how, Tesla not solely improves visibility but in addition reduces aerodynamic drag, contributing to the Semi’s total effectivity and efficiency on the highway.

6 Two Large Infotainment Screens Control Almost All Functions

An Easy Way To Manage A Journey

Tesla Semi Truck
Tesla

At the center of the Tesla Semi’s cockpit are two expansive infotainment screens that function the first management facilities for practically all automobile features. These giant shows provide intuitive entry to a big selection of options, together with navigation, leisure, local weather management, and automobile settings.

Important Points

  • Intuitive entry to numerous features.
  • Enhanced comfort for drivers.
  • User-friendly design.

By consolidating important controls into these high-resolution touchscreens, Tesla streamlines the person expertise, offering drivers with a centralized hub for managing varied elements of their journey with ease and effectivity.

Related

2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range First Drive : Finally Matured Into A True Premium Product

At first look, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 could not seem totally different, however it’s the wonderful particulars which have allowed it to morph right into a a lot better automobile.

7 Steering Wheel Rockers Are Ergonomically Positioned For Ease Of Use

Effortless Management Of On-Board Controls

Tesla SEMI
Tesla

In the Tesla Semi, steering wheel rockers are thoughtfully positioned for ergonomic comfort, enhancing the driver’s ease of use and overall comfort. Strategically positioned inside straightforward attain of the motive force’s thumbs, these controls permit for intuitive operation of varied features with out requiring the motive force to relinquish their grip on the wheel.

Important Points

  • No must take away fingers from wheel.
  • Allows drivers to stay centered on the highway.
  • Quick entry to buttons.

By offering seamless entry to important options equivalent to audio quantity, cruise management, and telephone calls, Tesla ensures that drivers can keep centered on the highway whereas effortlessly managing key automobile features.

8 Manually Operated Pop-Out Window Handles Provide Additional Ventilation Options

Alternative To Air Conditioning System

Tesla SEMI
Tesla

Incorporating operated by hand pop-out window handles, the Tesla Semi provides an extra air flow possibility for drivers, enhancing cabin consolation and airflow throughout transit. Positioned inside straightforward attain, these handles permit occupants to regulate the home windows to their most popular opening, facilitating airflow with out relying solely on the automobile’s HVAC system.

Important Points

  • Regulated airflow inside the cabin.
  • Added consolation.
  • Customizable inside expertise.

By offering this handbook air flow function, Tesla ensures that drivers have better management over their atmosphere, catering to particular person preferences for recent air circulation whereas on the highway.

9 Interior Design And Tech Contribute To The Tesla Semi’s Appeal And Functionality

The Future Of Trucking?

The inside design and technological features of the Tesla Semi play a pivotal position in elevating its attraction and performance inside the industrial trucking trade. With a concentrate on each aesthetics and practicality, the Semi’s inside exudes a contemporary and futuristic ambiance, showcasing Tesla’s dedication to revolutionary design. The incorporation of superior applied sciences, equivalent to the massive infotainment screens, digicam shows, and intuitive controls, not solely enhances the motive force’s expertise but in addition improves operational effectivity and security on the highway.

Important Points

  • Sets a brand new customary in long-haul trucking.
  • Modern and comfy workspace.
  • Superior driving expertise whereas advancing world sustainability.

Tesla’s meticulous attention to detail within the inside design of the Semi reveals its dedication to redefining trade requirements and setting new benchmarks for industrial autos. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge tech options with ergonomic design components, Tesla creates a cohesive and user-centric atmosphere that enhances driver consolation, productiveness, and satisfaction. Ultimately, the inside design and technological improvements of the Tesla Semi contribute to its total attraction as a very groundbreaking electrical truck.

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Tesla Model X Reliability: What You Need To Know

The Tesla Model X is not probably the most dependable EVs you should purchase, and this is all you should learn about it.

10 The Cabin Features Strategically Positioned Cupholders, Wireless Phone Chargers And Storage Cubbies

Designed With Usability In Mind

Tesla Semi
Tesla Gallery

Within the Tesla Semi’s cabin, strategically positioned cupholders, wi-fi telephone chargers, and storage cubbies elevate both convenience and organization for drivers throughout long-haul journeys. These considerate additions make sure that important gadgets equivalent to drinks, smartphones, and private belongings are simply accessible and securely saved whereas on the highway.

Important Points

  • Amenities are all the time inside attain.
  • Completes an uber-functional cabin.
  • Reduces litter.

The inclusion of those options proves Tesla’s dedication to integrating sensible facilities into the Semi’s inside design, catering to the varied wants of drivers throughout prolonged intervals behind the wheel. This stage of consideration to element displays Tesla’s dedication to redefining trade requirements and setting new benchmarks for industrial automobile interiors, in the end contributing to the attraction and performance of the Tesla Semi within the fashionable transportation panorama.

Planning To Buy The Tata Tiago EV? Check Out Its Pros And Cons

The Tiago EV is spacious, sensible, and comes with sufficient vary for metropolis commutes, nevertheless it does miss out on some essential particulars

Tata Tiago EV: Pros & Cons

The Tata Tiago EV was launched again in 2022 as India’s most inexpensive electrical automotive and it held that title till it was taken by the MG Comet EV. However, it nonetheless stays a extra sensible and household pleasant possibility, and when you have your eyes set on the electrical hatchback, listed here are a few of its execs and cons that may allow you to make a shopping for choice.

PROS

Most Affordable Family EV

Tata Tiago EV

Yes, the MG Comet EV is probably the most inexpensive electrical automotive in India, however it isn’t an appropriate possibility for a household. It is smaller, has solely 2 doorways, and doesn’t supply a lot when it comes to practicality and storage. The Tiago EV, then again, provides seating for five passengers, is nicely geared up and whereas its cabin practicality is considerably restricted, it does give you the comfort of a correct boot, that you should use whereas having 5 folks within the automotive.

Enough Range For The City

Tata Tiago EV Battery Pack

The greater battery pack (24 kWh) variants of the Tiago EV include a claimed vary of 315 km, which in real-world situations might be round 200-220 km. For an individual who needs a automotive to drive inside town, perhaps for commuting to workplace and purchasing journeys, this vary is greater than sufficient.

Also See: Tata Safari EV Spied On Test, Launch Expected In Early 2025

It even has 50kW DC quick charging capabilities, so you may as well use it for smaller intercity commutes, and never must be restricted to only intracity use.

Good Features For The Price

Tata Tiago EV Cabin

When you make an electrical automotive this inexpensive, you do must compromise somewhat on options, because the battery again and EV methods price quite a bit. However, even at these costs, the Tiago EV is pretty nicely geared up, and provides options like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 4-speaker Harman sound system, computerized local weather management, push button begin/cease, and cruise management.

Fun To Drive – Sports Mode

Tata Tiago EV Drive Selector

Electric automobiles normally are fairly enjoyable to drive attributable to their fast acceleration, and the Tiago EV’s sports activities mode can play a giant function in your shopping for choice. It does include two driving modes – City and Sports. That final one might be your favorite button when behind the wheel because it modifications the throttle response, and even with somewhat enter, you get a burst of acceleration. This is much more enjoyable when you’re overtaking, or taking corners, as a result of you’ll get an exhilarating expertise.

CONS

Something’s Missing

Tata Tiago EV Rear Seats

While you do get an honest function record within the Tiago EV, there are some options which might be lacking, even within the top-spec model that’s priced near Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). First is a set of alloy wheels. What you see within the Tiago EV are literally styled metal wheels, and are usually not as premium as alloy wheels can be. Second is rear AC vents, which any automotive of this value vary ought to have, and final is rear-adjustable headrests, which might be lacking and will have elevated the rear seat consolation.

Impractical Smaller Battery

Tata Tiago EV Instrument Cluster

The Tiago EV additionally comes with the choice of a smaller battery pack (19.2 kWh) which has a claimed vary of 250 km. In actual world situations, the vary can be close to 150 km, which suggests you’ll be able to rule out smaller intercity commutes in the event you don’t need to cease halfway to cost your battery.

Also Read: Tata Tiago EV Is Witnessing Higher Waiting Period Than MG Comet EV This April

Even within the metropolis, this vary will be unable to get you thru every week, and even a day’s value of heavy metropolis commute will trigger you fixed vary anxiousness.

Not So Fun To Drive – Regular Drive Mode

Tata Tiago EV

While the sports activities mode of the Tiago EV can present a great drive expertise, the traditional mode can really feel somewhat sluggish. Don’t get confused, the traditional mode nonetheless has good preliminary acceleration, however after you attain a sure velocity, round 40-50 kmph, it begins to really feel like it’s important to put somewhat extra effort to go quicker. Also, it doesn’t have a really excessive prime velocity, and solely goes as much as somewhat over 100 kmph, which makes it laborious to make use of on the freeway. This, mixed with the laid again drive, could make your drive expertise somewhat uninteresting.

These had been the professionals and cons of the Tata Tiago EV primarily based on our experiences with the electrical hatchback. It is priced from Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 11.89 lakh (ex-showroom) and is a rival to the MG Comet EV and Citroen eC3.

Read More on : Tiago EV Automatic

Extreme Land Rover Defender Octa due in July with snarling V8

As JLR prepares the primary electric Range Rover for launch, it is usually gearing as much as reveal essentially the most excessive V8-powered 4×4 it has but produced.

The Defender Octa shall be revealed on 3 July as a extremely unique and very succesful super-off-roader, which is ready to make use of the twin-turbocharged, mild-hybrid 4.4-litre V8 from BMW, as deployed within the X5 and X6 M super-SUVs.

Just 1070 examples of this hardcore particular version will come to the UK in its first 12 months of manufacturing, that includes “tough luxury material choices, striking exterior and interior design enhancements, and the options available to make every adventure epic”, based on JLR.

The newest spherical of preview photos present the Octa being subjected to “the most extreme” check programme of any Defender variant but, with engineers conducting a claimed 13,960 further assessments on prime of the usual Defender check programme.

So far, it has carried out numerous laps of the Nordschleife, tackled Michelin’s wet-weather dealing with circuit in France, had its traction management put to the check on Swedish ice and brought on a few of the world’s most difficult off-road trails in Dubai and Utah.

It has additionally, JLR says, “conquered every extreme trail” on the firm’s 4×4 check monitor in Eastnor, Herefordshire.

Interested clients are being invited to join one in every of seven ‘Defender Elements’ preview occasions being hosted worldwide within the coming weeks, however the agency has given no indication of pricing but. It’s protected to imagine the Octa’s restricted, excessive billing will take it properly away from the £114k requested for at present’s costliest Defender.

Previously thought to hold the long-dormant SVX branding, the novel new off-roader has been noticed testing a number of instances, however solely now – just a few months earlier than its debut – has the agency given the primary official particulars of the brand new mannequin.

It would be the first automobile to put on the brand new Octa badge, which JLR says shall be used for all future range-topping Defender fashions. The title is claimed to come back from the octahedron form of a diamond, the toughest naturally occurring mineral on Earth – a mirrored image, little doubt, of each the automobile’s sturdiness and worth. 

First footage: 2024 Range Rover Electric proven in full

The new electrical Range Rover has been all however revealed as final-stage testing will get underneath approach forward of its launch later this yr. 

New pictures present JLR’s second manufacturing EV testing within the Arctic Circle – following a yr of element and digital assessments – the place temperatures fall as little as -40deg C. 

Unusually, the Range Rover EV has been proven fully uncamouflaged – a choice made to “underline the build quality of the initial prototypes”, in line with JLR.

Painted all in black and with out the contrasting matt trim components that JLR has beforehand advised will mark out the EV powertrain, the prototype seems all however equivalent to the ICE Range Rover that has been on sale since 2022.

JLR stated these new pictures present how the prototype’s “modernist design language stays true to the Range Rover bloodline”, suggesting that the Range Rover Electric – as it’s formally named – will solely be subtly differentiated from the straight-six, V8 and plug-in hybrid derivatives. 

Mercedes-Benz is taking the same strategy with the electric version of the G-Class, which will likely be revealed this week on the Beijing motor show, and is tipped to stay largely equivalent to the fuel-burning variants.

The focus at this stage of the Range Rover Electric’s growth programme is claimed to be the efficiency of its gearbox, electrical motors and electronics in excessive circumstances. JLR highlighted that that is the primary automotive to make use of a battery and electrical drive unit (EDU) assembled in-house.

The firm additionally revealed that, quite than a standard ABS-based traction management system, the brand new EV makes use of new software program to exactly handle slip at every wheel – claiming to have diminished the “torque reaction time at each wheel from around 100 milliseconds, to as little as one millisecond”. As a outcome, “traction is maximised on all surfaces with exceptional response and composed refinement, significantly enhancing the Range Rover drive experience”. 

Which automobile glass cleaner is greatest?

There’s an enormous number of glass cleaners on supply, so we’ve examined a broad vary from the extra inexpensive choices by means of to the premium merchandise. The fabric is commonly half the battle, so to make sure a good check we used an similar, new, ultra-fine microfibre fabric with every product. Then we did what you’d do whenever you clear glass… We utilized a superb spray to the dry (but appropriately filthy) glass of our check automobile, and judged how nicely it eliminated dust and grease for that crystal clear end.

The services or products referenced on this story have been reviewed independently by our specialists. When you click on on hyperlinks to varied retailers on this website and make a purchase order, this can lead to this website incomes a fee. Affiliate packages and affiliations embody, however should not restricted to, the eBay Partner Network. However, this can by no means affect our opinion or scores.

BEST BUY:

NAME: RainX 2-in-1 glass cleaner and rain repellent

Price per litre? £8.00

Enthusiasts resembling yourselves, pricey Autocar readers, are in all probability accustomed to RainX; ever the good friend of previous vehicles, specifically, these things helps the water to bead up and run off. So it helps to maintain your display screen away from rain even when your wipers are a bit, nicely…. classic. Which makes it all of the extra spectacular that it was additionally among the finest simply as a glass cleaner, leaving a vivid, smear-free end with little or no buffing and wiping. At this value, and provided that it actually may also help with visibility out of your home windows and windscreen, RainX is a must have. 

Autocar says: 5 stars

Runner up: 

All About The Kawasaki Ninja E-1 Motorcycle

Something many would-be electrical car patrons are focused on is the vary their new buy can get. This is necessary for individuals since they may need to plan out their journey primarily based on what number of charging stations they’re going to run into alongside the way in which, and it is a honest concern. The Ninja e-1’s vary is roughly 41 miles, so this is not going to be a very good bike to tackle lengthy rides. If you are in search of one thing to drive round within the metropolis, then the e-1 suits that invoice. It tops out at 65 mph in ROAD mode with e-boost and drops to 47 mph with e-boost whereas in ECO mode. Charging up from a useless battery takes about 3.7 hours to go from nothing to 100%. 

While that is within the Ninja line, the e-1’s closest comparability — at the very least comfort-wise — could be the Ninja 400 and 500 sequence as all three characteristic the identical seat heights. The e-1 falls into the Sport class, so the six bikes in that line are the most effective comparisons. Perhaps the largest distinction you will really feel is the load because the e-1 is available in at 308.7 lbs with its curb weight — down from the Ninja 400’s 366.

Mercedes-Benz EQS positive aspects new face and 511-mile vary

The Mercedes-Benz EQS electrical saloon has gained an additional 51 miles of vary and a brand new front-end design echoing the agency’s conventional radiator grille as a part of a spread of main upgrades.

The BMW i7 rival may also obtain a bunch of inside updates, with the choice of extra luxurious rear seats, new driver help options and the deployment of the MBUX hyperscreen as customary.

The updates may also be utilized to the smaller EQE saloon, the EQE SUV and the EQS SUV, which all share the identical EVA2 bespoke electrical platform.

Despite the numerous enhance in vary, Mercedes doesn’t take into account this a full mid-life facelift: as a substitute, the platform’s chief venture supervisor Holger Enzmann described the modifications as “an upgrade before the update”.

The most notable styling change to the EQS is the choice of a brand new entrance panel, which makes use of chrome plating and vertical slats to imitate the basic radiator grilles seen on the combustion-engined S-Class – and in addition contains a bonnet-mounted three-pointed star.

The new entrance finish will solely be provided on sure trim ranges, and most UK fashions will retain the present AMG Line entrance.

But probably the most important modifications have been made to extend the vary of the automotive. The 108.4kWh battery pack has been switched for a brand new 118kWh unit that includes revised cells and battery chemistry, and Mercedes has twinned this with a spread of options to optimise the vary for what was already one of many market’s longest-legged EVs.

A warmth pump is now customary, all-wheel-drive fashions can disconnect the entrance motor when not required, and the vitality recuperation now works at as much as 3m/s of deceleration, in comparison with 1.5m/s beforehand.

Because the brake discs shall be used much less, Mercedes has launched a perform that may robotically apply them often to make sure they’re maintained correctly.

Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class to be revealed on 24 April

“Off road, it is less about the overall range and more about driving hours. We’ve seen some incredible figures during testing,” he stated.

To shield the battery in excessive off-road driving circumstances, it’s housed inside a sturdy sealed case that allows the electrical G-Class to wade by means of deep water. The metal casing additionally receives an extra layer of carbonfibre-reinforced polymer compound to guard in opposition to rock strikes and different impacts.

“The outer layer is made of an extremely resilient material that is designed to protect the battery at all times,” stated Schiller.

One benefit of mounting the battery inside the flooring is the mannequin’s centre of gravity, which is described as being significantly decrease than that of the ICE G-Class. It comes at the price of weight, although.

“Weight is a challenge – as it is in any electric vehicle,” stated Schiller. “We haven’t got a final figure yet but it is below 3500kg.”

Underneath, a double-wishbone entrance and trailing arm rear suspension makes use of related linkage factors to ICE G-Class fashions.

Mercedes-Benz will not be ready to speak an excessive amount of about elements resembling floor clearance or strategy, departure and break over angles simply but, although Schiller suggests the electrical G-Class is not going to solely match diesel- and petrol-powered G-Class fashions in off-road circumstances but in addition, in sure conditions, outperform them.

Despite the automotive’s skill to supply selective drive to every wheel, although, it seems potential homeowners must forgo towing. “It is an absolute killer for the vary, stated Schiller. “We’re undecided at this stage if it is going to be provided on preliminary era.”

First trip: Mercedes-Benz EQG prototype

Mercedes eqg first ride

If Mercedes-Benz was in any respect involved concerning the skill of the priceless prototype its G-Class engineering group had dropped at a secret testing floor close to Toulouse in France, it wasn’t exhibiting.