The Audi RS3 Is Why You Should Stop Waiting For A BMW M2 Gran Coupe

Looking for a four-door M2? Look no further.

It’s a shame for BMW that the car that became the benchmark for the four-door sports car genre has invited so many competitors from within the company because now it feels as if there is so little reason to buy an M3. Attacks from fellow Bimmers include the M2 and the upcoming M2 Gran Coupe if BMW decides to build it. However, there’s no need to stay with BMW when seeking a small, semi-affordable sports car with four doors. Audi has us covered with the RS3.

The small sedan was introduced to the world at last year’s Paris Motor Show with five cylinders, a turbocharger, all-wheel drive, and 395 horsepower of fun for the family. Auto Express got its hands on one in order to see how it stacks up against the old version of the car.

The verdict? Well what did you expect from a German automaker, the same one that’s known for its wild creations that include offerings for power-hungry buyers and telepathic track cars that can double as well-insulated grand tourers? Like any good German car, the RS3 strikes the perfect balance between power, efficiency, handling dynamics, and everyday drivability. The ability to rush from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds before topping out at 155 mph is reserved for each and every buyer, but the bar room bragging rights may be fun fact worth mentioning because as it stands, the RS3 carries the most powerful five-cylinder engine in the world.

Hatchbacks That Should Never Have Been Turned Into Sedans

A few body style transformations turned out great. Others not so much.

Automakers always look at ways to modify platforms or even certain body styles in order to save costs and expand sales. Business is business, plain and simple. Sometimes this works out brilliantly. One example that immediately comes to mind is the original BMW X6.

BMW simply started with the X5’s platform, redesigned the body, went to its massive parts bin for various components and there you go… a best-seller that changed the crossover segment forever and forced competitors to respond.

But it doesn’t always work as well as that. Take these following hatchbacks that were also sold in various global markets sedans to satisfy the appetites of American and Chinese buyers.

Ironically, those same sedans are losing ground to crossovers, which are really just raised hatchbacks. We picked out six sedans/hatchbacks that, in our opinion, are probably best off as hatchbacks, one of which is yet to debut as a sedan but is widely rumored to do so soon. Do you prefer these as hatchbacks or sedans? Let us know in the comments.

Audi A3

The Audi A3 may be the one main exception on this list where the sedan version of the popular hatchback looks really good. Problem is, it loses the convenience of being, well, a hatchback. Currently in its third generation, the A3 became a sedan for the first time in 2013. This was done mainly to lure younger American buyers into showrooms who wanted a step up from their Volkswagen Golf hatchback.

As a sedan is viewed as something more “grown up,” especially by someone just beginning to climb the corporate ladder, Audi created the A3 sedan. To give you an idea just how well the A3 sedan has done in the US, you can only buy the A3 hatchback as the Sportback e-tron. Heck, the S3 and RS 3 are also sedan-only.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

While the first and second generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class were way too dorky to be sold in the US (do a Google search and you’ll understand), it wasn’t until the third generation model debuted for 2013 that it could consider a US market attempt. In short, it looks great, but that still wasn’t good enough for Mercedes. Instead, the German automaker created the CLA-Class. Built on the same platform as the A-Class, the two share pretty much the same components and interiors.

The CLA is a funky-looking three-box sedan that, well, looks better as a hatchback. It was also Mercedes’ first front-wheel-drive sedan, and it originally carried a starting price of just under $30k. Just like the Audi A3 sedan, Mercedes wanted to specifically target young up and comers and bring them into the Mercedes family early. The CLA has sold well enough to warrant a second generation, due to arrive sometime next year as a 2020 model. Oh yeah, the just unveiled next-generation A-Class will also be coming to the US soon - as a sedan.

Mazda2

Americans are most familiar with the previous generation Mazda2, although its origins date back to 1996, before its US arrival. The third generation Mazda2 hit the US market for 2008 but was discontinued after the 2014 model year. Sold only as a five-door hatchback, other markets received a traditional sedan version that, while didn’t look anywhere near as awkward as the Mercedes CLA, still didn’t make much sense.

Why? Because owners lost the hatchback’s additional cargo space and overall better versatility. Despite that, the Mazda2 sedan sold decently in China, but was dropped after only nine months in Australia. But what if you, as a proud American, wanted a subcompact sedan with sporty looks and a fun to drive attitude? Well, look no further than the Ford Fiesta (see below).

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta dates back to 1976 and was originally sold in Europe. It quickly became a smashing success. The first-gen Fiesta three-door hatchback was sold for three years in the US beginning in 1976, but was later replaced by the Escort and Pinto. When it returned to America in early 2010, Ford billed it as an answer to thirsty SUVs and trucks. Times have certainly changed. The Fiesta will soon be dead in America and trucks like the always popular F-150, reborn Ranger, and a range of SUVs and crossovers now rule the day.

But America’s brief time again with the Fiesta also saw a sedan version. Considering the Fiesta and Mazda2 were close cousins, the Fiesta sedan was for those who wanted a tiny sedan because for whatever reason a hatchback was unacceptable. The sedan was also sold in China, parts of South America, and even Russia. While it didn’t look terrible, the Fiesta sedan made little sense compared to the hatchback for a variety of reasons, perhaps the best one being the Fiesta ST was hatchback only.

Volkswagen Polo

You can’t even buy the Volkswagen Polo in the US. Never could. It’s probably for the best because VW, at least up until fairly recently, couldn’t figure out how to make its Golf popular in America at the level it was in Europe. Again, Americans have never been hatchback lovers. It wasn’t until the Polo’s fourth generation when a dedicated four-door sedan body style arrived. Like the Mazda2 and Fiesta, it honestly made little sense, convenience wise. Cargo space was down and its general design proportions just didn’t look quite right compared to the hatch.

The Polo sedan survived to be part of the fifth generation lineup, specifically targeting buyers in India, where it was called the Vento, as well as Russia. It must not have sold particularly well because when the sixth-gen Polo debuted in 2017 it was, once again, a hatchback only.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (Coming Soon?)

The BMW 2 Series is one of our favorite BMW models currently sold in the US. Available here only as a coupe and convertible, other markets, specifically Europe, received an MPV version dubbed the 2 Series Active Tourer. But the 2 Series can trace its roots back to the first generation 1 Series, itself sold as a coupe, convertible, and hatchback. Today, the 1 Series, which isn’t available in the US, comes as a three- or five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan. Why the sedan? Because China.

However, because Audi and Mercedes have achieved success in the US with the A3 and CLA, respectively, it’s widely rumored BMW will launch the 2 Series Gran Coupe in the coming years.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is expected to be built on the same platform that’ll underpin the next 2 Series MPVs, meaning it’ll be FWD-based. However, all-wheel drive is expected to be offered for the hot M Performance version. Expected arrival date: not before 2020.

2019 Audi Q8 Should Start Around $73,000

Ingolstadt's new crossover coupe launches in Germany from €76,300

Audi has opened the order books for the new Q8... in its home market, at least. While the new flagship crossover won't reach US showrooms for another few months, the German pricing information gives us an idea of what to expect when it does. On the surface, the €76,300 price of admission translates to nearly $90,000 at current exchange rates. That'd put it smack dag in the middle of the 43 and 63-series versions of the Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe. But with higher taxes in Germany, the straight conversion doesn't paint an accurate picture of US pricing.

More to the point, the Q8's domestic sticker price comes out pretty close to that of the Audi S6 sedan, a model which starts at $71,900 in the US. So when the Q8 hits American showrooms sometime in the third quarter of this year, we'd expect it to carry a price tag starting around $73k – significantly more than the $50k MSRP on a base Q7, and just a bit more than the Mercedes-AMG GLE43 Coupe (or a little less than the BMW X6 xDrive50i) with which it'll do battle. The new Q8 launches in Europe in 50 TDI spec, packing a 3.0-liter turbodiesel with a mild hybrid system – an especially potent combination that delivers a (relatively) modest 286 horsepower but a prodigious 442 lb-ft of torque.

That gives it a 0-62 mph time quoted at 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph. But given the reputation that the VW group's diesel engines have garnered in the US especially of late, we wouldn't count on that option making its way across the pond. A turbocharged gasoline engine of similar capacity (if not necessarily output) is set to feature as well, and will likely provide the motivation for the US version. The 3.0 TFSI available as the top gasoline engine in the Q7, for what it's worth, offers 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque – 47 more horses than the Q8's hybrid diesel, but 117 fewer lb-ft – for a 5.7-second 0-60 mph time.

15 Cars You Should Be Excited To See On The Road In 2018

Whatever your budget and preference, there's a rich assortment of awesome cars will hit showrooms this year.

2018 promises to be an exciting year for motoring enthusiasts. This sounds like a statement that could be tacked onto the beginning of any year but with the kind of pulse-quickening cars that are on the way you'll soon realize what a special year 2018 promises to be. The signs that we were in for a good year started late in 2017. We had some very good cars break cover, the Kia Stinger, Porsche GT3 Touring Package and Lamborghini Huracan Performante all raised the bar in their respective segments. The 2019MY offerings should keep our pulses racing.

BMW X2

Building on the success of the X1, BMW is launching a sportier version dubbed the X2. Featuring slightly lowered suspension, available M-Sport options and more aggressive styling the X2 should appeal to those wanting a slightly sharper drive while still enjoying the benefits of a higher-ride height than a conventional sedan.

Volvo XC40

The XC40 takes the successful design formula of its bigger XC90 stablemate and shrinks it into a potentially class-leading small crossover. The Scandinavian design details and comprehensive safety equipment is sure to sway many shoppers away from the competition.

Cadillac XT4

Cadillac too wants in on the lucrative subcompact crossover segment and the carmaker will unveil its entry-level XT4 model at the New York Auto Show later this month. Not much has been said about powertrain and drivetrain options but expect turbocharged 2-liter units and the availability of all-wheel-drive on top models.

Infiniti QX50

The long awaited QX50 replacement is finally here, taking on the corporate look of the rest of the Infiniti range, the new QX50 is all about luxury and the latest technologies. ProPilot assist will take it one step closer to fully autonomous driving while the new 268-hp VC-Turbo engine is the world’s first production variable compression gasoline engine.

Nissan Leaf

The electric Leaf has been fully redesigned for 2018 and now features a 40-kWh battery pack which promises a range of up to 151 miles. It also introduces the e-pedal, allowing the driver to use just one pedal to control braking and acceleration. The fresh new exterior looks and strong 147-hp electric motor are sure to increase the Leaf’s market share in this fast-growing segment.

Aston Martin Vantage

The Vantage has been a characterful old-school British GT for years. The latest model now features a Mercedes-derived twin-turbo V8 (same as in the DB11), aluminum spaceframe and looks that will give onlookers whiplash as you drive by.

Bentley Continental GT

The first Continental GT went in to production way back in 2003, an update in 2011 breathed some new life into the design but the latest model is all-new and brings some much-needed modern safety and technology with it. The focus is still very much on offering sumptuous bespoke luxury allied with continent crushing ability. The launch model will have a 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbo engine and 626 hp which should see it top out at 207 mph.

Audi A7

Hi-technology is a given in today’s top Audis. The latest A7 brings with it some very interesting new tech such as a mild hybrid system and 48-volt electronics that are far more capable at running complex on-board systems than before. The interior looks like a space age design with its new touchscreen interface and virtual cockpit.

Audi A8

The A8 follows in the wake of the S-Class and 7-Series and is crammed with safety and convenience systems like level 3 autonomous driving that make it the most technologically advanced in its segment.

BMW M5

The M5 is one of BMW’s core products. Getting this one wrong would be a big blow for the M brand, so the introduction of all-wheel-drive and a traditional automatic transmission are risky moves. Early signs are that the switchable AWD system and transmission haven’t dulled the razor-sharp edge that M-cars are known for and the 600-hp+ power output is sure to keep fans happy too.

Chevrolet Silverado

The pickup truck segment is still one of the most profitable and while Ford took a risk with their V6 engines the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado will stick with the traditional V8 for at least one more generation. The outgoing truck was still a competent workhorse and the new model will retain its tough steel load bay and there promises to be just as many variants to suit just about every need.

Ram 1500

Another popular pickup that is undergoing a full refresh for the 2019MY is the Ram 1500. The old truck still offers a superb ride and the range of V6 and V8 engines cover all the bases from economy to lugging power so the new model is sure to build on these traits and also introduce some much-needed modern safety systems.

Lamborghini Urus

The Performante proved to be a universally liked class-leading sports car with performance that eclipsed bigger and more powerful competitors. The Urus has so far been met with a bit more skepticism as it prepares to enter into production this year. One thing is for sure though, this ultra-SUV is quite likely to re-define its segment when it launches.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The old G-Class was, well, really old. Continuous updating of a 1979 design made for a curiously desirable yet unsurprisingly compromised vehicle. The New G-Class doesn’t stray much from the originals iconic looks but under the skin major changes have been made. A digital cockpit, independent front suspension and massive weight savings (despite larger dimensions) promise to endear the new model to existing customers as well as expand its appeal even further.

Porsche Cayenne

The sporty SUV benchmark evolves the already very capable existing Cayenne and a range of powerful and efficient new turbocharged gas engines should keep these mid-sized SUVs at the sharp end of this competitive segment.

Hatchbacks That Should Never Have Been Turned Into Sedans

A few body style transformations turned out great. Others not so much.

Automakers always look at ways to modify platforms or even certain body styles in order to save costs and expand sales. Business is business, plain and simple. Sometimes this works out brilliantly. One example that immediately comes to mind is the original BMW X6.

BMW simply started with the X5’s platform, redesigned the body, went to its massive parts bin for various components and there you go… a best-seller that changed the crossover segment forever and forced competitors to respond.

But it doesn’t always work as well as that. Take these following hatchbacks that were also sold in various global markets sedans to satisfy the appetites of American and Chinese buyers.

Ironically, those same sedans are losing ground to crossovers, which are really just raised hatchbacks. We picked out six sedans/hatchbacks that, in our opinion, are probably best off as hatchbacks, one of which is yet to debut as a sedan but is widely rumored to do so soon. Do you prefer these as hatchbacks or sedans? Let us know in the comments.

Audi A3

The Audi A3 may be the one main exception on this list where the sedan version of the popular hatchback looks really good. Problem is, it loses the convenience of being, well, a hatchback. Currently in its third generation, the A3 became a sedan for the first time in 2013. This was done mainly to lure younger American buyers into showrooms who wanted a step up from their Volkswagen Golf hatchback.

As a sedan is viewed as something more “grown up,” especially by someone just beginning to climb the corporate ladder, Audi created the A3 sedan. To give you an idea just how well the A3 sedan has done in the US, you can only buy the A3 hatchback as the Sportback e-tron. Heck, the S3 and RS 3 are also sedan-only.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

While the first and second generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class were way too dorky to be sold in the US (do a Google search and you’ll understand), it wasn’t until the third generation model debuted for 2013 that it could consider a US market attempt. In short, it looks great, but that still wasn’t good enough for Mercedes. Instead, the German automaker created the CLA-Class. Built on the same platform as the A-Class, the two share pretty much the same components and interiors.

The CLA is a funky-looking three-box sedan that, well, looks better as a hatchback. It was also Mercedes’ first front-wheel-drive sedan, and it originally carried a starting price of just under $30k. Just like the Audi A3 sedan, Mercedes wanted to specifically target young up and comers and bring them into the Mercedes family early. The CLA has sold well enough to warrant a second generation, due to arrive sometime next year as a 2020 model. Oh yeah, the just unveiled next-generation A-Class will also be coming to the US soon - as a sedan.

Mazda2

Americans are most familiar with the previous generation Mazda2, although its origins date back to 1996, before its US arrival. The third generation Mazda2 hit the US market for 2008 but was discontinued after the 2014 model year. Sold only as a five-door hatchback, other markets received a traditional sedan version that, while didn’t look anywhere near as awkward as the Mercedes CLA, still didn’t make much sense.

Why? Because owners lost the hatchback’s additional cargo space and overall better versatility. Despite that, the Mazda2 sedan sold decently in China, but was dropped after only nine months in Australia. But what if you, as a proud American, wanted a subcompact sedan with sporty looks and a fun to drive attitude? Well, look no further than the Ford Fiesta (see below).

Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta dates back to 1976 and was originally sold in Europe. It quickly became a smashing success. The first-gen Fiesta three-door hatchback was sold for three years in the US beginning in 1976, but was later replaced by the Escort and Pinto. When it returned to America in early 2010, Ford billed it as an answer to thirsty SUVs and trucks. Times have certainly changed. The Fiesta will soon be dead in America and trucks like the always popular F-150, reborn Ranger, and a range of SUVs and crossovers now rule the day.

But America’s brief time again with the Fiesta also saw a sedan version. Considering the Fiesta and Mazda2 were close cousins, the Fiesta sedan was for those who wanted a tiny sedan because for whatever reason a hatchback was unacceptable. The sedan was also sold in China, parts of South America, and even Russia. While it didn’t look terrible, the Fiesta sedan made little sense compared to the hatchback for a variety of reasons, perhaps the best one being the Fiesta ST was hatchback only.

Volkswagen Polo

You can’t even buy the Volkswagen Polo in the US. Never could. It’s probably for the best because VW, at least up until fairly recently, couldn’t figure out how to make its Golf popular in America at the level it was in Europe. Again, Americans have never been hatchback lovers. It wasn’t until the Polo’s fourth generation when a dedicated four-door sedan body style arrived. Like the Mazda2 and Fiesta, it honestly made little sense, convenience wise. Cargo space was down and its general design proportions just didn’t look quite right compared to the hatch.

The Polo sedan survived to be part of the fifth generation lineup, specifically targeting buyers in India, where it was called the Vento, as well as Russia. It must not have sold particularly well because when the sixth-gen Polo debuted in 2017 it was, once again, a hatchback only.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe (Coming Soon?)

The BMW 2 Series is one of our favorite BMW models currently sold in the US. Available here only as a coupe and convertible, other markets, specifically Europe, received an MPV version dubbed the 2 Series Active Tourer. But the 2 Series can trace its roots back to the first generation 1 Series, itself sold as a coupe, convertible, and hatchback. Today, the 1 Series, which isn’t available in the US, comes as a three- or five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan. Why the sedan? Because China.

However, because Audi and Mercedes have achieved success in the US with the A3 and CLA, respectively, it’s widely rumored BMW will launch the 2 Series Gran Coupe in the coming years.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is expected to be built on the same platform that’ll underpin the next 2 Series MPVs, meaning it’ll be FWD-based. However, all-wheel drive is expected to be offered for the hot M Performance version. Expected arrival date: not before 2020.

12-Cylinder SUVs We Should Love Forever

Why stuff 12 cylinders into an SUV? Because people love it.

There is no logical reason for any of these SUVs to exist. V8, V6, or heck, even four-cylinder-powered SUVs have proven themselves to be quite capable both on and off-road. However, there's something special about an SUV powered by a 12-cylinder powerplant that appeals to luxury carmakers, aftermarket firms, and wealthy clientele alike.

While automakers begin to drop 12-cylinder engines from their lineup in favor of more fuel-efficient alternatives, we thought it appropriate to shed some light on this particular dying breed of SUV. We’ve picked out eight SUVs that all have one thing in common – 12 cylinders. Whether it be gasoline or diesel, V12 or W12, these wonderfully powerful SUVs may soon disappear forever, so rejoice in the fact these are still available today.

Lamborghini LM002

The one. The only. The Lamborghini LM002, also affectionately known as the “Rambo Lambo.” More than three decades before the Urus arrived on the scene, the LM002 was the offroader enthusiasts craved. Some still do. Power came from a 5.2-liter V12 straight out of the Countach, producing a total of 426 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Compared to today’s standards, performance really wasn’t that impressive. For example, 0-62 mph required at least 7.7 seconds and top speed was just 118 mph. Despite the slow pace, the LM002 remains a sought-after collectible.

Only 328 examples were built from 1986 until 1993. We know for a fact that one of them was destroyed by a car bomb in Iraq in 2004. Seriously? Yes, the US military wanted to simulate the effects of a car bomb and they required a sacrificial lamb, Uday Hussein’s LM002.

Mercedes-AMG G65

With a total weight of 6,250 pounds, the Mercedes-AMG G65 is an outright legend. Powered by a twin-turbo V12 producing 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque and, the opulent SUV was engineered to be more of a highway beast than off-roader, though it was still quite capable of handling some rough terrain. But really, buyers don’t want one for tackling the hills. This thing is a status symbol, pure and simple. It's also fast, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds and top speed of 143 mph, as well as being the most powerful G-Class variant Mercedes ever built. And unlike some of the 12-cylinder SUVs on this list, the Mercedes-AMG G65 was sold in the US, though in very limited numbers. Base price? $222,700.

Bentley Bentayga W12

The Bentley Bentayga first arrived on the scene in 2016 packing a 6.0-liter W12 that produces 600 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque. The twin-turbo V8, diesel, and upcoming hybrid variants are obviously not as powerful and that’s very much on purpose. Needless to say, the Bentayga W12 is fast. Zero to 62 is clocked at 4.1 seconds and top speed is 187 mph.

Only a few years ago, those figures put it in supercar territory. Question is, will Bentley stick with the W12 given upcoming increased fuel emission regulations? Nothing is certain just yet, but the fact a V6 plug-in hybrid Bentayga is on the way could be an early sign of the W12’s departure.

Volkswagen Touareg W12

The first generation Volkswagen Touareg was an unusual vehicle for VW to launch back in 2012. The German automaker was more typically known for conventional cars and work vans, but it figured expanding into the popular SUV segment would be a smart call. And then in 2005, the 6.0-liter W12-powered Touareg arrived with 444 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. And no, it wasn’t turbocharged. Originally just 500 examples were slated for production but the Touareg W12 proved to be quite popular, particularly in Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Unfortunately, it was never sold in the US. Heck, the Touareg itself, though highly regarded, didn’t sell as well in the US as it did elsewhere because it was expensive. But we totally see why the W12 appealed to buyers. The Touareg W12 is capable of 0-62 mph in only 5.9 seconds.

Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Supposedly, the V12 TDI engine in the first-generation Audi Q7 was based on diesel technology straight from the R10 TDI race car despite the fact the bore, stroke, and angle of the blocks are not the same and don’t even share a single component. We’ll just have to take Audi at its word. In any case, the Q7 V12 TDI was built from 2008 until 2012, meaning it was already out of production by the time Dieselgate was exposed. It was probably for the best because this beastly SUV’s reputation still remains relatively intact.

This oil burner V12 produced 489 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque. Despite the added engine weight, Audi claimed this Q7 was the best-handling variant of its generation thanks to an improved suspension, tires and brakes. Zero to 62 mph happened in only 5.5 seconds. Sadly, the Q7 V12 TDI never made it to America because Audi decided to cancel plans to federalize this engine in the wake of the 2008 global financial meltdown.

Brabus 800 Widestar

Leave it to German tuning firm Brabus to take things to another level, so of course we just had to bring to your attention the Brabus 800 Widestar. Based on the previous generation Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Brabus 800 Widestar is powered by a Brabus-built 12-cyldiner bi-turbo engine rated at 800 hp and 1,420 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed to all four wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission (Only five speeds? Hey, it was 2010). Brabus claims a 0-62 mph time of only 4 seconds flat and an electronically controlled top speed of 149 mph. Why limit top speed?

Well, Brabus was fully aware its creation could easily hit 168 mph without this control, and it didn’t want owners pushing things too much. Compared to the regular G-Class at the time, the Brabus 800 Widestar came with unique 23-inch “Platinum Edition” forged wheels, leather upholstery, and Alcantara trim.

Brabus GLK V12

Yep, that’s right. More Brabus. This time it’s based on the more conventional Mercedes-Benz GLK. And unlike the 800 Widestar, the tuning firm didn’t hold back on top speed. Brabus officially went nuts by releasing this 12-cylinder SUV’s full potential of 211 mph. You read that right, and this was back in 2009. Under its hood, Brabus went with a Mercedes-sourced 5.5-liter V12 that was increased to 6.3 liters. A pair of turbochargers were also added.

All told, it offered a combined output of 740 hp and 995 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 62 mph required only 4.2 seconds while 124 mph arrives at 12.8 seconds. Not surprisingly, Brabus had to prepare the donor GLK for the power onslaught with more powerful brakes and a coilover sports suspension.

BMW X5 V12 Le Mans

Does anyone remember the time BMW put a V12 under the hood of a first generation X5 SUV? In case you don’t, we’ll remind you. Back in 1999, BMW took the 6.0-liter V12 out of its Le Mans-winning LMR and stuffed it into a donor X5. The result was a 700 hp, 520 lb-ft of torque SUV paired to a six-speed manual transmission provided by the M division.

Aside from the engine transplant, the rest of the X5’s modifications were pretty simple, such as upgraded wheels and tires, suspension, and an added roll cage. A roll cage? Well of course, because the X5 Le Mans was sent to the Nurburgring for some additional fun. Impressively, it managed a best lap time of 7:50, with a claimed top speed of 192 mph. Needless to say, the X5 Le Mans remained an experiment and was never sent to production, which is really kind of a shame. It would have been an instant classic.

Audi Reveals 450-HP RS5 Coupe: BMW M4 Fans Should Be Worried

Audi has made this as enticing as possible, almost as enticing as the upcoming RS5 Sportback.

Thanks to a previous leak made by a misbehaving attendee at an Audi dealership presentation, we already knew a thing or two about the RS5 Coupe that’s just had its wraps peeled off at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Our eyes can already tell that it’ll be better looking, but the Audi specs sheet confirms that it will indeed make 450 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, a figure available in full from 1,900 RPM and up to 5,000 RPM thanks to a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 that sends its power to all four wheels.

We previously postulated that this would be a slightly revised version of the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the Porsche Panamera 4S, but Audi has made it clear that it built this unit from the ground up, helping it achieve the impressive power output numbers we see here while preserving a 27 mpg average to appease EPA regulators. This is no doubt helped by the fact that, despite being 2.9 inches longer than its predecessor, this RS5 Coupe weighs 132 pounds less than the previous version. The RS5’s weight loss intentions can be signaled by an optional bare carbon fiber roof, which should go nicely with optional 20-inch wheels (up from the standard 19-inch set) and optional gloss black, carbon, or matte aluminum appearance packages.

These help highlight the pronounced wheel arches, which have been widened by 0.6-inches to make for a more aggressive stance. We’re happy to announce that this pretty sedan will hit some impressive performance targets, including a 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds while the optional dynamic package unlocks a 174 mph top speed. These numbers are enabled by the eight-speed tiptronic transmission that can be optioned with a rear sport differential. If a carbon fiber roof wasn’t enough to lower the center of gravity, consider that Audi has already lowered the RS5 “significantly” compared to its predecessor while outfitting it with Dynamic Ride Control, ceramic brakes, and dynamic steering with RS-specific tuning.

Inside, Audi has inlayed the Nappa leather seats with its signature diamond pattern stitching. Also on tap inside is a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a bevy of RS logos on the seats, steering wheel, door sill trims, and gear selector. A special RS display, which gives vital performance information like G-force, torque output, optimal shift times, and tire pressure, reminds the driver that this is still a sports car. Audi’s MMI, notable for being one of the least annoying infotainment systems, has gotten slightly better with the inclusion of a Wi-Fi hotspot to go along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For now, we know that Audi will release the RS5 Coupe to European dealerships in June with a starting price of €80,900 ($85,500).

If our leaked dealership presentation holds any water, which we’d wager it does given how accurate it turned out to be, we’d hold out for the Coupe’s more attractive sibling, the upcoming RS5 Sportback based on the jaw-dropping S5 Sportback we recently saw in LA.

View the original article here

Why Should You Get The 2017 Audi A7 Instead Of The A6?

One reason: it's gorgeous.

It can be very easy to get confused regarding which car is which in Audi’s current lineup. Compare, as perhaps the best examples, the Audi A6 to the A8. Looking at them side by side and, well, the latter simply looks like a stretched version of the former. It’s literally like a Russian Matryoshka doll set. But the Audi A7 is different. First launched in 2010 and updated for 2016, the A7 (and more powerful S7 and RS 7) is based on the same platform as the A6, only it’s been given a liftback design, a la the Tesla Model S.

And, voila!, you’ve got your "four-door coupe," a luxury sedan craze that began with the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. This liftback design, fortunately, takes the rather Plain Jane A6 and adds a much-needed dose of sex appeal. The A7, simply put, is gorgeous.

Our tester for our latest review came powered by Audi’s supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Don’t let that "four-door coupe" description fool you; the A7 is a big car and it drives like one. But it’s pretty darn fast considering its size, going from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. So, if you’re in the market, should you opt for the A7 over the A6? Uh, yeah. Special thanks to Niello Audi-Sacramento for letting us film the car.

Forget SUVs: Here Are 5 Crossover Wagons You Should Buy Instead

The perfect blend of SUV and wagon.

The world’s gone SUV mad. The era of the family van is almost dead and gone, as manufacturers move to change their product lineups to focus more on high riding crossovers and SUVs. Ford is just the latest brand of many to announce a paring back on other models to focus on SUVs, but it certainly won’t be the last. While there’s much to be enjoyed about an SUV – the high ride height, copious amounts of cargo volume, and of course the domineering feeling of being taller, wider, and bigger than the next guy there are also many downsides to SUVs.

In a world where spaceis fast becoming a premium asset, SUVs are large and cumbersomepropositions. With an array of newtechnology to monitor parking distances from every angle, blind spots, theworks, we’re covering up most of the issues. But in the process we’re becomingreliant on the tech itself and not on our driving ability.The driving dynamicsof an SUV, will never match those of a regular car. The high ride height comes with more bodyroll, less body control, and ultimately lower levels of grip. We overcome this with expensive, tricksuspension and big tires, which increase maintenance costs and still can’tovercome the laws of physics.

The larger tires and overall size also negatively affect the fuel consumption and economy of vehicles that are increasingly seen to be daily drivers rather than weekend luxuries. Ultimately though, an SUV will never offer the same handling, rollover prevention, and efficiency as a sedan counterpart might. Of course, there arearguments for the SUV – chief of which is the practicality and the raised rideheight. The latter is a particularconcern in a day and age where road surfaces aren’t maintained in the way theyshould be. But what if we told you therewas a way to circumvent the SUV madness; a way to reap all the benefits an SUVhas to offer, but without compromising on the efficiency and vast handlingbenefits offered by a regular car?

There’s a not so wellkept secret among automotive enthusiasts that sedans are great, sports cars arebetter, but the best type of car you can get is a wagon. Station wagons in general offer the perfectmeans of transporting a family with room to spare for all the luggage requirementsyou might have. In almost every singleway, they’re as practical as their favored SUV brethren. But within the station wagon universe, liftedversions exist with the pure intention of providing buyers with an alternativeto the SUV – one just as practical, with just as many benefits, and fewercompromises.

Crossover wagons arefairly few and far between, but as an alternative to the SUV fad, they justcan’t be beaten. They offer comparablespace inside, a smaller footprint outside, and handling dynamics that are morecar-like than SUV-like – what’s not to like? Forget about buying an SUV, here are five crossover wagons youshould buy instead…

Audi A4 Allroad Audi has been building stylish Avants for what seems like an eternity, pioneering the crossover wagon segment with the 1999 Audi A6allroad quattro. Car-like drivingdynamics meet gorgeous proportions and ample capability in the latest allroad quattromodel: the B9 Audi A4 Avant. Featuring quattro permanent all-wheel drive, a 252-hp 2.0-liter motor, raised suspension with adaptive damping, underbody protection, and Audi’s Drive Select with tailored off-road drive modes, the A4 allroad quattro perfectly bridges the gap between station wagon and SUV. And with up to 58.5 cubic feet of cargo volume, the A4 allroad is more practical than a Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Volvo V60 Cross Country If any brand is as famous as Audi for station wagons, it must be Volvo. The Swedish brand has a penchant for making great looking wagons, and is even famed for racing them in European touring car championships in the 1990s. The V60 Cross Country may be based off an aging V60 model line-up, but it still provides superb car-like handling dynamics, high levels of specification, and great styling. All-wheel drive comes standard with the 240-hp 2.0-liter engine, and though the V60 CC might be down a little on cargo volume compared to some, its 43.8 cube maximum is still more than enough for the whole family, including the dogs.

Subaru Outback With a nameplate that you can trace back to 1994, the Subaru Outback is one of the oldest crossover station wagons in the game. Famed Japanese reliability meets Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and boxer engine combination for one of the most well rounded crossover wagons you’ll find on sale. Though we don’t get the brilliant diesel variant in the USA, the 3.6-liter model offers 256 hp and 247 lb-ft, which pairs with a continuously variable transmission for efficient economy, and ultra smooth towing capabilities. With one of the most well sorted suspensions of any vehicle on the market – the Outback is truly the crossover wagon for any road you come across.

Buick Regal TourX Despite its young age, the Buick Regal TourX deserves to beon this list more than almost any other wagon. All-wheel drive with a torque vectoring rear differential pairs with aclever 8-speed automatic gearbox to give the TourX traction and control on anysurface. A 250-hp turbo engine gives youall the performance you need, while the extra 0.6-inches of ground clearanceand underbody cladding gives it that go anywhere appeal. The maximum cargo volume of 73.5 cubic feetis simply mammoth – offering nearly as much as a BMW X5. Also, have you looked at the TourX? It’s arguably the most stylish family cararound.

Volvo V90 Cross Country Last on our list is the latest offering from Volvo – the V90 Cross Country. Based on the V90 wagon and built on Volvo’s latest Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA), the V90 Cross Country features all-wheel drive and suspension bits borrowed from the XC90 SUV. With dedicated off-road modes, hill descent control, all-terrain tires, and 8.4 inches of ground clearance, the Volvo V90 Cross Country is ready for anything. Two engine options give buyers extra choice, with the T6 offering impressive performance paired with Drive-E efficiency.

53.9 cubic feet of cargo volume is impressive – and if none of that has you sold, just stare at it and you’ll fall in love immediately. With car-like dynamics, gorgeous proportions, and SUV capability, this is one of the most complete crossover wagons ever built.

Honorable Mention: Mercedes E400 4x4 Squared So we cheated a little – here’s a bonus sixth one on the list. The Mercedes-Benz E400 4x4 Squared is the product of Mercedes engineers going rogue, taking an E400 All Terrain (not on sale in the US) and swapping out the suspension for full on portal axles like you’d find on the insane G500 4x42. With more ground clearance than an H1 Hummer, a twin turbo V6, and Mad Max styling, how could we not include it? It’s not in production, but if it were you'd definitely want one.