2019 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic

As an auto reviewer, I’m supposed to be as unbiased as possible, and for the most part I think I am. But I’m also human, and some vehicles turn my crank more than others do. To that end, while they’re good vehicles, I don’t see the appeal of Mercedes-Benz’s bigger ML- and GL-Class SUVs. But I sure love their nimble little brother, the GLK350. 49,100 before freight and taxes. Other than the two-wheel version, which was previously available to U.S. Canadians, not much has changed for 2011, other than a few trim items. Sharp eyes will note that the switch that alters the seven-speed automatic transmission’s shift points used to be labelled C/S, for Comfort/Sport, and is now E/S, for Economy. The transmission program itself hasn’t changed, just its name. I do wish it would remember what you selected when you last put it away. Start it up again and it defaults to Economy, even if you’ve put it in Sport every time you’ve slipped behind the wheel. The model comes strictly as the GLK350, in honour of its 3.5-litre V6, which turns out 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, mated only to the aforementioned seven-speed transmission with manual shift mode. Don’t expect drama, just smooth competence. The engine is more than up to the task of moving the GLK around, and it kicks up its heels a little more in the Sport setting, with a slightly throatier rumble from the higher revs. The transmission performs quietly in the background, with many of its cog changes are almost imperceptible. The driving experience is satisfying.

High tech, high safety. Like all new Golfs, the Variant is equipped with a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration mode. For the first time on a wagon, it also has the new Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically slows down the vehicle when it is involved in an accident in order to further reduce its residual kinetic energy. Premium class features. As a new feature, the PreCrash preventive occupant protection system is available for the new Golf Variant. If this system detects a potential accident situation, the driver's and front passenger's seatbelts are automatically pre-tensioned to ensure the best possible protection by the airbag and belt system. When an even more critical situation is on hand, such as severe oversteer or understeer with ESC intervention, the side windows are closed (except for a small gap), along with the sunroof. When the windows and roof are nearly closed, the head and side airbags offer optimal energy absorption and are therefore at their most effective.

Moreover, a broad range of high-tech systems is on offer for the Variant. They cover technologies like Front Assist that includes the City Emergency Braking function; Automatic Distance Control (ACC); Lane Assist; Driver Alert system; road sign recognition and the latest generation of Park Assist; Light Assist and Dynamic Light Assist. More new systems have been added, such asprogressive steering; a newly developed ergonomic sport seat (ergoActive seat); a guard againstusing the wrong fuel in the diesels; and a new deluxe heated windshield. A driving profile selector is also a new feature: it has up to five modes -- "Eco," "Sport," "Normal," "Individual", and "Comfort". The last named is only available in in combination with the DCC adaptive chassiscontrol that is available for the first time on the Golf Variant. Sophisticated infotainment. All Golf Variant models have touchscreen interfaces for their infotainment systems as standard. The new generation of systems is available with three different display sizes: 5 inches, 5.8 inches and 8 inches. Once you arrive at the mid-size screen, the displays have proximity sensors: as soon as the driver or front passenger moves a finger near to the touchscreen, the system automatically switches from display to input mode.

The displays also have a function that lets users scroll through lists or browse CD covers in the media library with a swipe of the hand. Optional features include a high-end sound system by Dynaudio. New engine families. Just like the new Golf hatchback, the Variant uses two newly developedengine families - the EA211 gasoline engines and the EA288 turbodiesels. All Variants are fittedwith a Stop/Start system that reduces fuel consumption by up to four per cent and a batteryregeneration mode that cuts CO2 emissions by around three per cent. The new Golf Variants have either a five- or six-speed transmission, depending on the engine. Most of the TSI and TDI engines may also be combined with a DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The EA211 turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engines produce 85, 105, 90, 122 and 140 hp. These engines are highly efficient: the 1.2-liter, 105-hp TSI BlueMotion Technology, for example, returns a combined figure of 46 mpg yet powers the car to a top speed of120 mph. The new EA288 TDI diesel engines are incredibly efficient. The three high-tech diesels make 105, 110, and 150 horsepower, and return between 71 mpg for the BlueMotion and 56.0 mpg for the torquey 150-hp version.

Awaiting the arrival of the new generation for 2018 Volkswagen Touareg Executive is a time of Special Edition. 2018 Volkswagen Touareg Executive comes with an interesting style, unique colors, and combinations for the SUV offered in 3-litre V6 TDI version in two-step testing, 204 and 262 horsepower. Pays tribute to French wines, Malbec, red tint choice for bodywork, optional. It is combined with chrome profiles on the muzzle and at the base of the doors, as well as there are 20-inch alloy wheels, black, design, Mallory. Optionally, other designs and also a larger diameter, 21 inches. Interventions that externally characterize the Special Edition, along with side Windows and rear led tail lights with plastic, dark brown. Within the Interior is enriched with content. Steel sill thresholds are illuminated and give access in an environment with Nappa leather seats, quilted with diamond pattern and contrasting stitching color tobacco. The seats are also air conditioned and ventilated with electric adjustment. To embellish the whole, wooden inserts, as well as specific badge Touareg Executive Edition. The price of the new production has been fixed at EUR 204 diesel V6 engine 62,850 horses, or by EUR 262 V6 68,200 horses.