Sports cars weren’t the only thing wowing the press at this year’s North American International Auto Show; the luxury segment was equally well represented even if most of the action was at Mercedes-Benz’s stand, launching no less than five new models – a handful of which were AMG-badged. Acura is destined to show off a mid-model refresh of its popular MDX with a much-anticipated restyled exterior. Buick did the same for its Encore, also adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, Hyundai gave us yet another look of what its new Genesis sub-brand will look like with its New York Concept.
2017 Acura MDX
2017 Acura MDX
Darren Begg, Driving
What is it? The heart of Acura’s lineup, the 2017 MDX gets some exterior revisions based on the Precision concept revealed at the North American International Auto Show this past January. The grille is more “expressive,” while the hood bulges and the front bumper shows more aggression.
Inside, Acura has piled on premium content like second-row Captain’s chairs and Sirius 2.0 satellite radio. Along with the nine-speed automatic transmission added last year, Acura is now offering a Sports Hybrid powertrain based on the NSX supercar. Acura says the combination of 3.0-litre V6 and its three electric motors adds up to 325 “net” horsepower – 35 more than the standard 3.5-litre V6. Handling all that horsepower is a new Active Sport Suspension and 20-inch wheels, which Acura claims adds a sporting dimension to the MDX.
2017 Acura MDX
Darren Begg, Driving
2017 Acura MDX
Darren Begg, Driving
2017 Acura MDX
Darren Begg, Driving
2017 Acura MDX
Darren Begg, Driving
2017 Acura MDX
Darren Begg, Driving
2017 Acura MDX
Darren Begg, Driving
Why does it matter? Except for the RDX — another crossover — the MDX is Acura’s most popular model. It also faces the stiffest competition and, at three years old, was starting to look a little old tech, so it needed this refresh.
When is it coming? Later this summer for the front-drive MDX, followed by this fall for the SH-AWD variant.
Should you buy it? Probably yes. Not the most exciting crossover, nor the most powerful, Canadians have long found the MDX’s combination of versatility and luxury hard to resist. The addition of a fuel-sipping hybrid for 2017 just makes it more attractive. – David Booth
Lincoln Navigator Concept
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
What is it? Billed as the roomiest Lincoln ever, the Navigator Concept is a precursor to a new production model. The concept’s dual-Gullwing doors, drop-down side steps and custom wardrobe management system (that Lincoln says holds “gear chosen for a day on the water” will never make production.
But the next Navigator (and its expected Ford Expedition counterpart) will hugely benefit from using the more modern, aluminum-intensive F-150 truck chassis. That said, we think the half-dozen Lincoln-patented Perfect Position Seats (with the head restraint monitors) setup should make it to the showroom.
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Lincoln Navigator concept
Darren Begg, Driving
Why does it matter? Last redesigned in 2007, the biggest SUV from Ford’s luxury brand has been in need of a redesign, yet the Navigator still has its fans. A new, more space- and fuel-efficient version benefits both customers and Lincoln’s CAFE numbers.
When is it coming? Expect a production version to debut sometime in the next 12 months as a 2018 model.
Should you buy it? If the Cadillac Escalade —the Lincoln’s biggest rival—isn’t your cup of big-ass SUV, then by all means wait for the new Navigator. – John LeBlanc
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
What is it? Mercedes-Benz says it’s the meeting of sports coupe and “G,” their one-letter designation for everything adventurous. Virtually unchanged — at least in outward appearance — to the concept shown last year in Shanghai, the GLC Coupe is, for lack of more poetic description, a sports utility vehicle with more emphasis the “sports” than the “utility.” Thus, “the GLC Coupé reflects our iconic Mercedes-Benz coupé design while symbolizing the bipolarity of our brand – it is ‘hot and cool’,” says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG.
Although outwardly a sport brute, Mercedes insists that, inside, the GLC feels like a coupe with distinctive dash and centre console, albeit with Mercedes’ typically austere sense of luxury. Although there are eight models available — including four-cylinder diesel variants. Canadians will only be offered two models initially, the 241-horsepower GLC 300 4Matic four banger and a 211-horsepower GLC 300d 4Matic version powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
Handout, Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-AMG (the branding for the old AMG Sport lineup) will later bring a GLC 43 powered by a 367-hp biturbo V6 capable of scooting to 100 km/h in under five seconds. The company also teased a GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupé, a hybrid capable of 30 kilometres on electric power alone and as little as 2.8 L/100 km in the (admittedly lax) New European Driving Cycle rating system.
Why does it matter? The GLC Coupe is yet more proof that the Mercedes-Benz and BMW internecine war continues unabated. Virtually a clone of the BMW X4, its outward dimensions are almost as similar to the BMW as its silhouette. Mercedes and BMW are so envious of any market niche advantage the other might enjoy that their model lineups are starting to look identical. Separated at birth doesn’t begin to describe how much these two luxury giants envy each other.
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe
Handout, Mercedes-Benz
When is it coming? The GLC 300 and 300d 4Matics will both be available this coming November but those looking for a GLC 43 will have to wait until January 2017.
Should you buy it? Yes, if you’ve always wanted a BMW built by Mercedes-Benz. Otherwise, imitation remaining the sincerest form of flattery, perhaps the original might serve you better. – David Booth
2017 Mercedes-AMG E43
2017 Mercedes-AMG E63
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-AMG E63
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-AMG E63
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-AMG E63
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-AMG E63
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Mercedes-AMG E63
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
What is it? Hot on the heels of the all-new E-Class sedan comes the next salvo — the sportier AMG-tuned E43. It brings a bolder body kit, larger wheels and quad, chrome-plated exhaust tips that bellow to the world that the car was engineered by AMG.
Why does it matter?
The E43 uses the E400’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, but turns up the wick so it now twists out 396 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft. of torque. The power is fired to the road through a nine-speed automatic and the company’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. To bring the rear-drive feel AMG is famed for, the system sends 69 per cent of the power rearward and the rest to the front wheels.
2017 Mercedes-AMG E43
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Drop the hammer and the E43 scampers its way to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, which is more than respectable for a full-bodied sedan. The E43 includes an air suspension with three modes and two mode steering set up, which Mercedes-Benz says it delivers a sportier ride and sharper handling.
When is it coming? The Mercedes-AMG E43 is at least a year away from Canadian roads.
Should you buy it? The beauty of the E43 is that it delivers a middle-of-the-road alternative to the E-Class shopper — it brings the essence of the thunderous E63 (due later next year) without being too far over the top. – Graeme Fletcher
2017 Buick Encore
2017 Buick Encore
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Buick Encore
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Buick Encore
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Buick Encore
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Buick Encore
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
2017 Buick Encore
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
What is it? A thoroughly revised version of Buick’s popular subcompact crossover, the Encore gains a new visage complete with a new grille and headlights, as well as the incorporation of Apple Car Play and Android Auto into the IntelliLink infotainment system. OnStar 4G LTE is now standard as is a larger 8-inch LCD colour touch screen.
“The Buick Encore created the premium small SUV segment and remains the top choice for customers seeking premium features and dependability coupled with timeless design,” said Duncan Aldred, Buick’s vice president of sales, service and marketing.
2017 Buick Encore
Graeme Fletcher, Driving
Why is it important? Fully 60 per cent of North American Buick sales are SUVs and crossovers (climbing to 75 per cent says Aldred) and Encore sales are up almost 40 per cent in the U.S. (though sales are not as strong in Canada). Nonetheless, the subcompact luxury crossover segment — think BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class and Audi’s Q3 — is booming, so anything Buick can do to revitalize Encore is important.
When is it coming? Later this spring.
Should I buy it? If you’re shopping small crossovers, it should be on your list. What it may lack in power it more than makes up in a surprisingly luxurious interior.
2017 Porsche Macan
2017 Porsche Macan
Darren Begg, Driving
2017 Porsche Macan
Darren Begg, Driving
2017 Porsche Macan
Darren Begg, Driving
2017 Porsche Macan
Darren Begg, Driving
2017 Porsche Macan
Darren Begg, Driving
What is it? The cheapest Porsche money can buy. Bascially, the company took the current base Macan S — $59,200 — dumped the V6 and threw in a four-banger. No, not the turbocharged flat four that’s being propagated through the 911 lineup but the inline 2.0T that powers Audi’s all-new A4.
Still, that means it’s good for 252 horsepower and, more importantly for a sport brute tipping the scales at 1,770 kilograms, 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Porsche says that’s good enough to scoot the base Macan from a standstill to 100 km/h in a tad 6.7 seconds.
Why does it matter? The Macan has been a huge success for Porsche; its one condemnation simply that it costs too much. The base Macan’s $52,700 price tag may go a long way to quelling these issues.
2017 Porsche Macan
Darren Begg, Driving
When is it coming? The new four-cylinder Macan will be in Porsche dealerships by summer.
Should I buy it? That depends. If you are buying a Macan because you want a high-performance SUV, then the answer is no. You should probably look elsewhere; both V6 models — 340-horsepower for the S and 400 horsepower for the Turbo — offer more than enough horsepower to qualify. On the other hand, if you’re a brand slave and you’re just looking for the cheapest way to say you own a Porsche, look no further.