With the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show officially underway, luxury cars are out in full force. Here are the highlights:
2016 Bentley Bentayga by John LeBlanc
What is it? According to Bentley, the new Bentayga SUV — the first ever utility vehicle from the famous British, now VW Group-owned, brand — will be “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world.”
After the failed 2012 Bentley EXP 9 F concept, the Bentayga is more conservatively styled, like a tall-boy Continental wagon. Riding on the same platform as the latest Audi Q7 (and the forthcoming Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg and Lamborghini Urus), the lone Bentayga powerplant at first will be a redesigned twin-turbocharged W12 engine, making a healthy 600 hp and 663 lb.-ft. of torque.
2016 Bentley Bentayga
John LeBlanc, Driving
2016 Bentley Bentayga
John LeBlanc, Driving
2016 Bentley Bentayga
John LeBlanc, Driving
2016 Bentley Bentayga
John LeBlanc, Driving
2016 Bentley Bentayga
John LeBlanc, Driving
2016 Bentley Bentayga
John LeBlanc, Driving
Attached to the gas-twelve is an eight-speed automatic sending power to all four of the big Bentley’s wheels. The result: Bentley claims a sports car-like top speed of 300 km/h and a zero to 100 km/h time of four seconds. Bentley — already known for taking wads of their customers’ cash to make their vehicles bespoke — will also let Bentayga buyers order either a two or three-person rear seat layout, and the rear seat system folds down to carry extra bags. For those who need more seats, a three-row seven-seat option is coming.
Why is it important? Money. The assumed very profitable Bentayga (that, remember, is based on a platform shared by a plethora of more plebeian SUVs) is expected to grow annual Bentley sales from around 7,000 vehicles to 10,000 per year.
When is it coming? Well-heeled SUV buyers can order their Bentayga today, with deliveries expected early in 2016.
Should you buy it? If you can afford over $250,000 for a tarted-up VW Touareg, go for it.
2017 Audi A4 by John LeBlanc
What is it? Although Audi has already released images and details, the Frankfurt Motor Show marked the refreshed A4’s official debut. In addition to the four-door sedan, Audi also unveiled the Avant wagon and high-performance S4 sedan.
2017 Audi A4 sedan.
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi A4 sedan.
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi A4 sedan.
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi A4 Avant.
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi A4 Avant.
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi A4 Avant.
John LeBlanc, Driving
2017 Audi A4 Avant.
John LeBlanc, Driving
You won’t have any problems recognizing the new A4. Its exterior styling is strictly evolutionary, but the Audi does receive a more contemporary cabin and a thoroughly redesigned chassis that sees all models offering more interior room but weighing a bit lighter on the scales.
In Europe, the Multitronic continuously variable transmission is gone, replaced by an updated version of the current dual-clutch, seven-speed S-tronic gearbox, which is available for the first time on front-wheel-drive models. Canadian-market A4s will get a 252-horsepower, 2.0-litre turbo-four, as well as a diesel for the first time.
John LeBlanc, Driving
John LeBlanc, Driving
European buyers will get a wide range of gas and diesel engines — including the sporty S4, which sees a new, turbo-V6 that makes 354 horsepower and 368 lb.-ft. of torque. It does the zero-to-100 km/h run in just 4.7 seconds.
Why it matters: As the freshest kid on the block, the new A4 gains a bit of an advantage over its arch rivals, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
When is it coming? Going on sale in Europe by the end of this year, expect the new A4, S4 and Allroad to start arriving in Canada throughout 2016.
Should you buy it? The differences between the Audi and its German brand rivals are becoming razor-thin. More than likely, the decision to go with the A4 will be a subjective one.
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe by Derek McNaughton
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
What is it? Following the introduction of the redesigned C-Class sedan, the 2017 C 300 4Matic Coupe bowing at the Frankfurt Motor Show is essentially the same car — sans two rear doors.
That’s a good thing, though, because the current C-Class is very much like a smaller S-Class, replete with rich enough materials to make BMW or Audi blush. Plus, it appears better than any previous C-Class; now it has the sporty look of the coupe to complete the package.
As Mercedes’ bread-and-butter car, the C-Class coupe grows in length and width and, for now, is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo found in the sedan. The coupe, however, gets a new nine-speed automatic that will funnel the four-cylinder’s 241 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels.
2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
Why it matters: Competing against the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series, the new C-Class Coupe reveals a more aggressive side to Mercedes design. It even gets bolder flanks and a stronger shoulder line than the S-Class Coupe. The diamond grille and optional LED lighting system mirror the attention to detail of the interior — essentially repatriating some of the ground it previously lost to competitors.
When is it coming? Arriving in spring of 2016, the C 300 Coupe will be followed by other models, including the Mercedes-AMG C63, which gets a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 with up to 510 horsepower.
Should you buy it? For those with an appreciation of design, the C 300 Coupe is gorgeous, but also brings AWD winter capability at the same time. It might be the first time fashion and cold comfort work together so well.
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet by Derek McNaughton
2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 and S63 AMG Cabriolet.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Mercedes-Benz S550 and S63 AMG Cabriolet.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
What is it? Not since 1971 have we seen a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet, something that’s about to change with the introduction of three new topless versions — all powered by the same impressive engines found in the S-Class Coupe.
The 2017 S-Class Cabriolet is a two-door, four-seater that will wear a fully automatic fabric top available in four colour choices. The top opens in 17 seconds at speeds up to 60 km/h. It won’t even matter if it’s cold outside — the seats are equipped with Mercedes’ Airscarf neck warming system, and an automatic “aircap” reduces wind turbulence and drafts. What could be better for the off seasons?
Why it matters: The S550 uniquely receives a new nine-speed transmission to handle the 516 lb.-ft. of torque from the twin turbo 4.6-litre V8. The AMG S63 4Matic version gets a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 664 lb.-ft. of torque — and it should crack the four-second mark in the zero-to-100 km/h sprint. That makes for a large, comfortable convertible that’s as fast as the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera S.
2017 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
When is it coming? Arriving in the spring of 2016, the 2017 S550 and 2017 AMG S63 4Matic will be later joined by the mighty AMG S65. This holy terror receives a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 that produces a supercar-like 621 horsepower and 737 lb.-ft. of torque. Matched to a seven-speed automatic, the rear-drive S65 will hit 100 km/h in just over four seconds.
Should you buy it? It’s been a long four decades since this model graced the landscape, and who knows how long the S-Class Cabriolet will stick around? The resurrection of the droptop S-Class is one thing, but the drive exhilaration – especially in V12 AMG S65 trim – will be altogether top of class.
2017 Infiniti Q30 by David Booth
2017 Infiniti Q30.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
What is it? The Q30 is the first product of the Mercedes-Benz and Renault-Nissan association to be sold in North America. Expect more.
Why it matters: It shows how closely Infiniti’s future is aligned with Mercedes’. Infiniti’s new 2017 Q30 will feature an engine designed in Stuttgart, namely the 2.0-litre turbocharged four that sees yeoman duty in the CLA and GLA-Class. It’s an able little beast, said to pump out 208 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
Adding to its sporty appeal, it’s mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. Infiniti has yet to release any performance figures but expect acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in the seven-second range. There are also some Mercedes-sourced diesel engines available in Europe, but not likely to be seen here.
2017 Infiniti Q30.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
What is unmistakably Infiniti is the Q30’s bold styling. Ostensibly a hatchback, it actually looks more like the original FX35, only with more modern appeal. On looks alone, it’s likely to gain a healthy following of the young and young at heart. Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti’s Executive Design Director, says the Q30’s design is “marked by turbulent character lines and sculptural shapes that look stretched over bone and muscle.” That’s just a pretentious way of saying, “it’s hot.”
Although it looks fairly sport brutish, the Q30 will only be available in front-wheel-drive format, but the crossover variant, the eerily similar QX30, will offer AWD. Front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension ensure the littlest Q rides smoothly over bumps while a speed-sensitive steering system handles the twisties.
2017 Infiniti Q30.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
A Sport version lowers the entire plot by some 15 millimetres for an even lower centre of gravity — “facilitating tighter body control,” says Infiniti — while a whole bunch of electronic safety nannies, including Automatic Park Assistance with Around View Monitor (AVM), make the Q30 easier to park. Other advanced electronics — such as Forward Collision Warning with Forward Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, and Intelligent Cruise Control — makes it safer to drive.
When will it arrive? Spring of 2016.
Should you buy it? Though the Q30’s primary competition will be the Audi A3 and the Mercedes CLA it shares so much hardware, Infiniti is really hoping that it turns into a trade-up vehicle for the young and trendy graduating from the Ford Focus or Mazda3. The Q30’s success in that conquest will very much depend on pricing, which Nissan Canada has not released yet.
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia by Derek McNaughton
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
What is it? Alfa Romeo gave us a first peek in July of its Giulia sedan and showcased the Giulia QV in Frankfurt. This is a car that can lap the Nurburgring in 7:39 — a record time for a saloon car, Alfa Romeo says.
Going into battle against the likes of the Audi RS 4, BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C 63 – the coupe version also just revealed here in Frankfurt – the Giulia is motivated by a 510-horsepower, twin-turbo V6. Rooted in Ferrari development, the 3.0-litre is able to push the Giulia from rest to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Why it matters: Coming a long way from its boxy predecessor, the 159, the 2017 Giulia carries hints of the Jaguar XE but truly carries itself well, resembling an angry hornet up front with LED lights that sweep back to the front wheel arches and a trademark Treofoil V-shaped grille. This gives it enough distinction to stand uniquely among other elegant Alfas such as the 4C.
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
When is it coming? Arriving next summer, the Giulia carries a 50/50 weight distribution and will be available with AWD, plus a choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Other models and engine choices will follow.
Should you buy it? The Giulia is uniquely constructed, with a blend of carbon fibre in the hood, roof, seat frames and driveshaft. Aluminum is used in the suspension, doors and fenders. The rear subframe is a hybrid of aluminum composite/plastic, and yet it has the best torsional rigidity in its class, Alfa says. Pricing has not been announced, but expectations are it will cost less than $80,000 in Canada.
2016 BMW X1 by David Booth
2016 BMW X1.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2016 BMW X1.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2016 BMW X1.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
2016 BMW X1.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
What is it? A baby “premium” crossover from BMW.
Why it matters: Not only is the budget-minded CUV meant to lure the young and badge conscious into the spinning propeller’s web, but it is also credited with popularizing the now thriving luxury compact CUV segment, selling some 730,000 units in its first generation.
Significantly larger than the original, the new X1 is also roomier. The roofline is some 53 millimetres taller allowing BMW to raise the front seats some some 36 millimetres and the rears an even more “commanding” 64-mm. There is also, current X1 owners will be jealous, 37-mm more knee room in the rear seats and an 18% larger rear trunk.
2016 BMW X1.
Derek McNaughton, Driving
Entry-level models will see the first use of BMW’s three-cylinder 1.5L in an SUV, the X1 sDrive 18i claiming 136 horsepower and, in the NEDC fuel economy cycle at least, an impressive 5.1 L/100 km rating overall. An even more economical sDrive 16d, diesel offers an even more incredible 3.9 L/100 km.
The volume seller in Canada, however, will probably be the 231-hp 2.0L turbocharged xDrive 25i which BMW rates at 6.4 L/100 km in Europe which BMW claims can accelerate to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. More interesting to BMW purists, however, is that while the xDrive versions get BMW’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, the sDrive versions are based on the same front-wheel-drive architecture as the Mini Cooper and 2 Series Active Tourer that BMW sells in Europe.
When is it coming? The X1 will arrive in Canada later this year. BMW Canada has not divulged pricing, but in Germany, an xDrive 25i starts at 44,650 euro.
Should you buy it? Yes, if you always wanted a front wheel drive BMW. Not so much if you’re looking for the fabled “ultimate driving machine.”