Jul 21

3 Surprising Models That Have Sold Less Than 5,000 Cars This Year

The image of a new car sometimes doesn’t line up with how popular it actually is. These models have yet to move 5,000 units so far this year.

The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new cars and technologies entering the market each year. However, some vehicles fail to meet sales expectations despite their brand recognition and potential. In 2023 so far, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Nissan Leaf, and BMW X4 all had disappointing sales figures, with each model selling less than 5,000 units. In this article, we’ll look at some potential reasons behind this lackluster performance and speculate about factors that may have contributed to their underwhelming sales.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer: 4,596 units sold

According to GoodCarBadCar, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer has so far failed to sell more than 5,000 units in 2023. Several factors could explain its low sales figures:

  • Pricing: Luxury SUVs are often priced at a premium, and the Grand Wagoneer is no exception. Starting at $87,995, it may have deterred potential buyers who were seeking more affordable options. Additionally, there are other models that offer more value such as the Chevy Tahoe, that can be purchased for less than $60,000.
  • Competition: The SUV market is saturated with fierce competition, with numerous established players offering similar features and performance. The Grand Wagoneer has had to stand toe-to-toe with the likes of the Lincoln Navigator and the Cadillac Escalade. Frankly, the Lincoln and Cadillac brands are synonymous with luxury, so someone looking for a full-size SUV may have checked out those brands before the Wagoneer.
  • Brand Perception: Jeep enjoys a strong reputation for its rugged off-road vehicles, so the transition into the luxury segment has been tough. Some consumers may have been hesitant to associate Jeep with a high-end luxury offering, which may have impacted the Wagoneer’s sales.

Nissan Leaf: 4,233 units sold

The Nissan Leaf, an all-electric vehicle known for its eco-friendliness and affordability, faces difficulties in achieving 5,000 units sold in 2023. Here are some possible reasons for its lackluster performance:

  • Range Anxiety: Despite advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology, range anxiety remains a top concern for many potential EV buyers. The Leaf’s range is about 149 miles on a single charge, and there are other options on the market with significantly more range like the Chevy Bolt’s 259 miles on a single charge
  • Charging Infrastructure: The availability and accessibility of charging infrastructure play a crucial role in the adoption of EVs. Limited charging stations and slower-than-desired charging times may have discouraged some buyers from considering the Leaf as their primary mode of transportation.
  • Increased Competition: The Nissan Leaf was once a market leader in the electric car industry, but as competitors and new models have emerged, its popularity has begun to fade. Nissan’s shift in attention toward its upcoming EV, the Ariya, might explain the dip in Leaf sales. The Ariya appears to be gaining market momentum and attention, with 6,194 units sold so fart his year.

BMW X4: 4,370 units sold

The BMW X4, a luxury compact SUV known for its sporty design and performance, is experiencing a lackluster performance in 2023. Several factors could be contributing to its underwhelming sales:

  • Market Shift: Consumer preferences in the SUV segment are continually evolving. The shift towards larger SUVs and the rising popularity of electric vehicles might have affected the demand for compact luxury SUVs like the X4.
  • Pricing and Value Proposition: Luxury vehicles often come with higher price tags, and the X4 may have struggled to justify its premium pricing of $54,200 to $77,900 in the eyes of potential buyers. Comparable offerings from rival brands, such as Hyundai, offer more competitive pricing and may have influenced budget-conscious consumers.
  • Design Appeal: The X4’s distinct coupe-like design, although appealing to some, may not have resonated with a broader audience. However, this unique styling comes at a price. Rear-seat head space is cut short by the sloped roof and cargo room is similarly affected resulting in a restrained cabin design.

While the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Nissan Leaf, and BMW X4 have pros and cons, their lackluster sales in 2023 can be attributed to various factors. Pricing, competition, brand perception, range anxiety, charging infrastructure, market shifts, pricing/value proposition, and design appeal all played a role in the disappointing sales figures.

Jul 21

SUV Comparison: 2023 Genesis GV70 vs Lexus RX 350h

Does Genesis’ sleek newcomer offer enough to best the staid Lexus hybrid?

Elle Alder: It’s a competitive time in the luxury crossover market, and that ferocity has only grown hotter since the arrival of Genesis’ aggressive new lineup. Challenging stalwart nameplates like the Lexus RX 350, the Genesis GV70 has proven a particularly compelling product that goes heavier on feature content than its competitors go on price.

We’ve seen in other comparisons how the GV70 has called complacent incumbents to attention, but how does the Genesis stack up against the new-for-2023 fifth-generation Lexus RX Hybrid?

Before us are two high-flying trims: the 2023 Lexus RX 350h Executive, and the 2023 Genesis GV70 3.5T AWD Sport Plus. Stickering from respective inclusive MSRPs of $75,650 and $77,500, shoppers should expect a lot from these SUVS — and indeed, both certainly deliver.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350h offers the highest equipment complement in the RX 350 lineup, second only to the vanitous F-Sport upgrades, and (troublingly) to the mighty RX 500h. The RX 350h Executive lists from $17,000 above the starter RX 350 Premium’s $58,650 base MSRP, and outfits the Ontario-built Lexus with standard heated steering and tri-zone climate, as well as surround-view cameras, larger central infotainment, LED headlamps, leather seating, and a handful of tech- and comfort bonuses. The hybrid powertrain upgrade (denoted by the ‘h’ after the model number) is available on all standard trims for a further $1,500, and should pay for itself quickly.

The Sport Plus is Genesis’ top GV70 trim. Costing a full $20,000 more than the entry-level 2.5T AWD Advanced trim, the Sport Plus makes the most of the GV70 platform with a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine, surface-predicting suspension, nicer materials, surround-view cameras, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including Highway Driving Assist, and Hyundai-Genesis’ signature in-cluster blind-spot cameras.

At a glance, then, both of these models bring a generous helping of glossy modern content to the showroom floor.

Interior

Graeme Fletcher: It’s an interesting exercise. The RX 300 started this whole near-luxury crazy segment back in 1999, so it seems only fitting the latest iteration go head-to-head with the newbie and upstart on the block. In both cases, the interiors of the GV70 and RX 350h are rich and befitting a luxurious drive. In terms of the material quality the GV70 has an undeniable edge, though the Canadian-built RX 350h has the better fit and finish; it just feels more polished.

The rest of the cabin is a case of give and take: seat comfort goes the GV’s way; sightlines in favour of the RX. This back-and-forth went on until the infotainment system. These modern systems anchor the entire cabin and the relative merits of the vehicle invariably boil down to the infotainment system and its ability to do things quickly, efficiently, and without needing to take a two-week course to master it.

These two systems represent the best the business has to offer. The Lexus RX has the upper hand and for two key reasons: first, the screen shape is easier to live with — the GV70’s screen, at 14.5 inches, is too long and letterbox-like; second, there is little need to go beyond a second screen touch to access any given function.

More importantly — and the tipping point for me — is the voice recognition system; it’s one of the best around. “Hey Lexus, turn on the wipers;” done. If the setup is not class-leading it is pretty darned close. It is a pity not all RX models benefit from the larger screen — it gives everything more breathing space.

EA: For those who prefer not to talk to HAL, both vehicles offer standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity — wired in the Genesis, and wirelessly in the Lexus. Wireless device chargers are also available in both, with the Genesis offering a concealable drop-in cubby to help reduce the temptation for distraction (albeit with the awkward inconvenience of cable routing).

Both of these crossovers are available solely in two-row, five-passenger layouts. The RX 350’s wheelbase has been lengthened for this new fifth generation, affording rear passengers more legroom but crowding out the option of a third bench.

Driving impressions

EA: The Lexus RX 350h takes the interior for us, but the Genesis GV70 certainly bests it on the drive. Both the Genesis and the Lexus drive roughly as expected of modern crossovers, but the Genesis responds with dynamism where the Lexus stands out with dullness. Though certainly not sporty, the GV70’s steering and suspension are responsive for the segment and feel more direct than the commendably soft, sedate drive in the RX 350h; different strokes, and all that.

Higher GV70 trims can also equip Genesis’ ‘road-previewing’ adaptive suspension, though it doesn’t work to quite the glossy effect we’ve praised in the Genesis G90 luxury sedan. Lexus shoppers who tick the higher F-Sport packages, meanwhile, will appreciate those trims’ more dynamic adaptive suspension damping — the one bit of those appearance packages’ real mechanical substance, it’s worth noting. In town, buyers of either RX 350 will appreciate the variable-gear-rate steering rack, which actually makes the steering wheel turn the front wheels faster for quicker maneuvers.

Up-trimmed with the 3.5L turbocharged V6 we’ve tested and appreciated in other Genesis products, the GV70 likewise pulls off with the surprising might of 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The turbo adds a good heft here, and pairs well with the paddle-controllable eight-speed automatic transmission. The Genesis GV70 comes standard with a 2.5L four-cylinder turbo, which actually delivers better 9.7 L/100 km combined fuel economy than the 2.4L engine’s combined 9.9 L/100 km in non-hybrid RX 350s. This direct-injected powertrain is a tad clattery for luxury applications, but nevertheless respectable at 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque.

The Lexus RX 350h’s hybrid powertrain is slow but steady. Mated to an unpleasant continuously variable transmission (CVT), the RX 350h rubber-bands its way to highway speeds at an inoffensive rate. The transmission attempts to remind drivers of a conventional automatic with paddles that let drivers knock the revs up like simulated gear changes, but the result is more noise than actual power. The RX 350h offers 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque; non-hybrid RX 350s offer 275 hp and 317 lb-ft through a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Lexus’ sacrifices to the altar of fuel economy pay off, however: the 2023 Lexus RX 350h’s fuel economy is rated at 6.3 L/100 km city, 6.8 highway, and 6.5 combined; the non-hybrid RX 350 is rated at 11.2 L/100 km city, 8.4 highway, and 9.9 combined.

It’s worth noting that the higher-placed RX 500h is available with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft, rated at 8.7 L/100 km city, 8.4 L/100 km highway, and 8.6 L/100 km combined.

Fuel economy in the GV70 2.5T is rated at 10.7 L/100 km city, 8.4 highway, and 9.7 combined; GV70 3.5T figures are stated at 12.9 city, 10.0 highway, and 11.6 L/100 km combined.

GF: This is where these two capable crossovers drive very different roads. In simple terms, the RX 350h is aimed at those who like to ride easy and demand fuel efficiency; the GV70 keys on the inner driver. Power-wise, the GV70 has two turbos blowing air into the engine, which gives it some real pop; the RX 350h relies on a naturally aspirated four-cylinder and an electric motor to deliver the excitement. Even with the motor filling out the power curve, it still feels flat, and having driven the RX 500h, flat is not a word to use here! The other nit, as noted by Elle, is that CVTs are noisy and do not convey sophistication; so it is in the RX 350h. The GV’s eight-speed automatic is just the opposite — sophisticated and slick.

The flip side is the RX’s wonderful fuel economy. Where the GV70 was swigging its gas at an average rate of 11.9 L/100 km during the test, the RX was sipping at 6.8 L/100 km. The difference in the longer-term cost of ownership is large.

Even the all-wheel-drive (AWD) systems take very different approaches. The rear-drive portion of the RX 350h’s AWD setup is supplied by an electric motor. Lexus does not specify how much power it contributes, but it has to add something — the AWD Corolla Cross has noticeably more hop off the line than the front-drive unit!

Still, my preference was for the GV70. In a twist, the GV’s rear-drive platform mandates a rear-drive-biased AWD system, which gives it a sportier feel. When traction is needed the power is transferred forward to deliver the desired grip. In practice, it brings more bite when hauling out of a corner. This and the adaptive suspension give the GV70 its handling edge. All the electronics at play work as one to deliver a crisp, highly pointable drive. Conversely, the RX 350h is aimed at the type of driver that likes to waft rather than carve. If you want to do a hard run in the RX, it mandates the RX 500h.

How would you sum things up Elle? Are you an RX fan or do you like some crickle-crack?

EA: These are different vehicles for different buyers, but as should be clear, the GV70 stands out in this comparison. Were I looking for a flavour of the month to lease, I’d be leaning GV70; if I wanted a family lifer to buy, it’d be the RX hybrid.

GF: I am inclined to agree with your assessment. I loved driving the GV70 with its blend of power and handling, but like you, I found the RX 350h to be a more grounded proposition. I loved driving by gas stations! Mind you, of the RX range, I love the 500h, but that’s grist for another comparison!

Jul 21

Why Mazda Sales Are Surging Ahead of Competitors: 3 Key Factors

A Premium Feel Without the Premium Price

Mazda’s impressive sales growth can be attributed to its successful strategy of offering a premium experience at a mainstream price. Although not classified as a luxury brand, Mazda stands out for its sophisticated design, high-quality materials, and cutting-edge technology. This focus on refinement and driving pleasure gives Mazda models a luxurious feel that differentiates them from competitors like Toyota and Hyundai.

Mazda’s sleek and minimalist design also appeals to a wide audience, maintaining an elegant yet approachable appearance. Compared to other mainstream brands, Mazda’s attention to detail in interior quality and driving dynamics makes its vehicles feel more upscale and desirable.

Balancing Internal Combustion with Future Electrification

While the automotive world pivots towards electric vehicles, Mazda remains committed to traditional internal combustion engines while gradually introducing hybrid options. This dual approach caters to those who still prefer classic gasoline engines while preparing for an electrified future. The introduction of the 2024 Mazda CX-90, a plug-in hybrid with advanced powertrains, illustrates Mazda’s strategy of blending innovation with familiarity.

The CX-90’s availability in both a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged mild hybrid version offers buyers a taste of luxury similar to high-end brands, without fully committing to electric-only solutions. Mazda’s current lineup focuses on traditional engines, simplifying choices for buyers who may find multiple powertrain options overwhelming.

Comprehensive Lineup with Leading Models

Mazda’s diverse range of vehicles, from the sporty MX-5 Miata to the versatile CX-90, covers various market needs with standout models in each segment. Whether it’s the compact Mazda3, the subcompact CX-30, or the robust CX-90, Mazda excels in delivering top-tier options in every category. This broad yet refined lineup not only meets different buyer preferences but also reinforces Mazda’s position as a leader in each vehicle segment.

Each Mazda model provides unique strengths and appeals, ensuring that the brand remains competitive across all vehicle categories. Mazda’s ability to deliver exceptional quality and performance in both popular and niche segments contributes to its rapid sales growth and market success.

Jul 21

2024 Kia Sportage Unveils Special 30th Anniversary Edition with Unique Green Accents

Celebrating 30 Years with Style

Kia has introduced a 30th Anniversary Edition of the Sportage exclusively for the Korean market, marking three decades of this iconic SUV. This special model features distinctive 19-inch wheels, green quilted leather seats, and exclusive anniversary badging. The green leather upholstery, beautifully contrasted with black suede trim and embroidered “30 Sportage” logos, highlights the brand’s commitment to celebrating this milestone in style.

Although specific details for the U.S. market are still pending, there’s anticipation that this anniversary edition may eventually be available Stateside. The 2024 model is expected to bring this commemorative package to American buyers, offering a touch of exclusivity and heritage to the Sportage lineup.

A Nod to the Past with a Modern Twist

In addition to the special interior touches, the 30th Anniversary Edition features subtle exterior enhancements, including additional black trim on the front fascia. A standout element is the matte-gray paint, reminiscent of the Shadow Matte Gray offered on the 2023 Sportage Hybrid. This edition also pays homage to the original first-generation Sportage, with a vintage model displayed at Kia’s showroom in Korea, showcasing the brand’s evolution over the years.

While the full details for the U.S. release are yet to be confirmed, Kia enthusiasts can look forward to this unique edition making its way across the globe. Stay tuned for updates on when the 2024 Sportage will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a special edition in the American market.

Jul 21

I’m a motors expert – here are the best classic cars for under £5k

A MOTORS expert has revealed the best classic cars you can buy for under £5,000.

YouTuber Auto Enclave has provided a detailed insight into the top five classic vehicles on a budget.

He found the affordable cars after trawling through Autotrader.

Porsche 944

First on his list of recommendations is the Porsche 944.

He describes the car’s handling and grip as “sensational”, adding that the 944 kept Porsche afloat in the early 1980s due to its popularity.

While the £5k budget will likely land you with a 2.5-litre engine with 163-horsepower, but if you find one that has been looked after it will last beyond 100,00 miles.

He also said any Porsche at less than £5,000 is a “tantalising” offer.

MG MGB GT

The MG MGB GT is “littered around every car meet in the UK”, the motor expert says.

The lightweight entry-level classic sports car has a “great community around it”, providing helpful information and advice over any issues with the vehicle.

For the same reason, as well as the quantity on the road, it is much easier to obtain parts if something were to go wrong.

For under £5,000, he says you should be able to find a MG MGB GT with well under 100,000 miles on the clock.

Volkswagen Corrado

A rarer sight on UK roads, the standard 1.8-litre Volkswagen Corrado models can be found for under the £5k budget.

The eye-catching styling of the Corrado makes it “one of the best-looking Volkswagens ever made”.

There is also the possibility of an engine swap with the more powerful VR6 for those who are more mechanically minded.

He says it is relatively easy to find parts for the car due to its popularity in Europe.

Toyota MR2

Described as a “rogue” pick, buyers can find a “relatively clean” model of the the Toyota MR2.

The mid-engine sports car is “great for track days” with their turbo-charged engines allowing drivers to extract greater power.

The two-litre model, which can be found within the budget, will provide 158-horsepower with a zero to 60mph time of 7.7 seconds.

Mercedes W126

The final choice, described as the “opposite” of the MR2, the W126 Mercedes S-Class is often known as the last true Mercedes-Benz.

He describes it as the “benchmark” for quality and refinement in the 1980s, adding that it “set standards that other manufacturers were not able to emulate”.

The model was “much loved by oligarchs, political leaders and celebrities” and can be found within the budget if you search carefully.

Jul 21

Tesla’s “25 Guns” Instrumental To Gigafactory Berlin Success: Elon Musk

It looks like Tesla is still hiring engineers to be a part of this elite taskforce.

The secret sauce behind getting the Tesla Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenberg up and running was a team of 25 highly skilled engineers, as per CEO Elon Musk’s recent Tweet. The team is the Delta Force of Tesla, said a Twitter user, referring to the US military’s tier-one special operations unit tasked with the most complex missions.

We already reported about this elite group back in 2020, when construction of the brand’s factory in Germany was still in its nascent stages, and when the automaker initially began putting together this special unit. But now the head honcho has confirmed that the highly skilled team has delivered on what was hired for.

The 25 Guns task force engineer is an official job posting on Tesla’s career website. And qualities team members must have include a “can-do attitude and maniacal sense of urgency.”

They are required to have mastery in manufacturing engineering, ramp-up, production uptime, and cost optimization. Most importantly, they have to be excellent problem solvers and great communicators.

A now-deleted LinkedIn hiring post by a Tesla executive stated that members of the 25-person engineering task force would be deployed wherever the toughest problems exist, and report directly to Musk.

The ‘only’ requirements were: to have exceptional engineering talent, an unconventional approach to problem-solving, and make amazing things happen.

But why the number 25? There’s no definitive answer to that. A research paper published by the International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications suggests that a team size exceeding 25 can create communication issues, are unlikely to follow agile development, and it’s not possible to keep everyone on the same page.

Moreover, people can be more reluctant in taking up responsibilities, assuming that someone else will. Although, the size can vary depending on the scale of operations. But for Tesla, 25 seems to be the magic number.

Tesla wants to make the Berlin factory the continent’s biggest EV manufacturing hub, with an annual target of over one million EVs, and 100 gigawatt-hours of battery capacity, as per Reuters. It’s not surprising that Tesla needs engineering wizards to lead this ambitious operation.

As of March 2023, the factory had an output of 5,000 units per week and is awaiting regulatory approvals for expansion.

The Tesla Model Y is manufactured at the facility – the electric crossover was Europe’s best-selling car of any category in the first half of 2023, outselling popular ICE models like the Dacia Sandero and Volkswagen T-Roc.

Jul 21

Taunton Man Tragically Killed in Driveway Shooting Incident

A Life Cut Short

Tragedy struck Taunton early Friday morning as 33-year-old Alvaro J. Andrade was found fatally wounded behind the wheel of his SUV. Andrade was discovered with gunshot injuries in the driver’s seat of a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee parked in a driveway on Winthrop Street. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at Morton Hospital shortly after 9 a.m.

Ongoing Investigation

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, alongside Massachusetts State Police and Taunton Police, is diligently investigating this homicide. Initial reports indicate that the shooting occurred around 7:50 a.m., following a 911 call about gunfire in the vicinity. As the investigation continues, authorities have released no further details, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the case.

Jul 21

Roaring in the deep: BMW’s new SUV

The BMW X1 is a larger and more luxurious SUV compared to previous generations, with a spacious interior and impressive features. However, it has some flaws and falls short in power output compared to its rivals. Overall, it offers a compelling package for luxury SUV buyers in India.

The X1 is the baby of BMW’s SUV range. Except, it’s no longer a baby but a mature adult that’s grown in every dimension. In fact, this latest, third-generation X1 is almost the size of the first-generation X5. It reflects the inevitable trend of cars getting bigger and bigger with every successive generation to meet the demands of customers who want more space, more comfort and more tech. Does the X1 deliver on these fronts?

Though its priced competitively, the X1 falls slightly short in power output and lacks an all-wheel-drive option, placing it behind some rivals. Nevertheless, it has broadened its appeal and offers a compelling package to luxury SUV buyers in India.
The X1’s cabin exudes luxury, with mood lighting, double-stitched leather, brushed aluminium and chrome accents. Adding a degree of freshness is the unconventional dashboard, which features vents that stretch across the length, a vertical charging pad for phones, and curved display screens integrated into the armrests.

Rear seat comfort is also excellent, especially for an SUV in this class. There’s plenty of legroom even with the front passengers sitting comfortably, and you can stretch out and stick your legs under the front seats easily.

Jul 21

Looking for a New Mercedes-Benz E300? Here’s Your Alternative

Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automaker that has a lot of cars in its lineup, and like many other automaker, Mercedes-Benz took the opportunity to shake up its lineup. The E-Class and C-Class of coupes are dead, and luxury car shoppers who want a new E300 might want to consider the new model that’s replacing those two discontinued cars.

Here’s a look at the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE and how it compares to the luxury cars that it replaces.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE replaces the E-Class and the C-Class

The Truth About Cars reported that Mercedes-Benz recently revealed the CLE as the car that’s replacing the E-Class and the C-Class. Overall, the CLE is still a coupe, so car shoppers who thought that the German luxury automaker was quitting on the segment can breathe a sigh of relief. Since it’s a Mercedes, it’s going to be loaded with luxury and power.

There are two engines available at launch, and the standard engine is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that gets 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The other engine is a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder that gets 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mild hybrids as they both have a small electric motor that gets 23 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and the CLE is speed-limited to 130 mph.

On the inside, Mercedes-Benz gave the CLE a luxurious and high-tech interior. It comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster display as standard, and it also has an 11.9-inch touchscreen that comes with the German company’s latest infotainment software.

That software incorporates artificial intelligence in order to learn the driver’s preferences. And of course, there’s a ton of luxury features, including synthetic leather upholstery, heated seats, and an optional massage feature.

Is the Mercedes-Benz E300 discontinued?

Like many other Mercedes-Benz cars, the E300 had a lot of features too, but that wasn’t enough to save it or the C-Class from being killed off. And like most discontinued cars, these two models were killed off because of weak sales numbers. This shouldn’t be a surprise since SUVs have been beating sedans and coupes for a few years now.

As a result, many automakers decided to kill off their sedans, and this was the case for luxury automakers too. The E-Class and C-Class were similar to one another in the sense that they were both two-door luxury coupes that have struggled to sell. That’s why Mercedes-Benz ultimately killed the two off, but rather than abandoning the segment, the company chose to replace them with one car.

The CLE is also expected to be a “lower-volume alternative” to the E-Class and C-Class, according to The Truth About Cars. This may benefit Mercedes-Benz in another way since the automaker won’t have to dedicate as much manufacturing resources to the segment.

Here’s how the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE compares to the cars it’s replacing

Overall though, since the CLE is replacing the E-Class and the C-Class, they’re all fairly similar. For example, the CLE’s standard engine is the same standard engine that the last model years of the E-Class and C-Class come with. And while Mercedes-Benz said that parts of the CLE’s interior were designed specifically for it, the CLE’s interior still looks very similar to the C-Class’ interior.

On the outside, the CLE draws a lot of inspiration from how the E-Class looked, too. One area where there’s likely going to be similarities is their pricing. Mercedes-Benz hasn’t provided pricing details for the new coupe just yet. However, a $60,000 price tag makes a lot of sense as it’d slot the CLE between the E-Class and the C-Class.

Jul 21

Suburban Chicago boy, 14, dies days after being hit by SUV outside restaurant

A 14-year-old boy who was critically injured when an SUV crashed into a suburban Chicago restaurant, injuring four other people, has died days after the crash, authorities said Friday.

Sean Patrick Richards, of Hinsdale, died Thursday evening, said Natalia Derevyanny, a spokesperson for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. She said an autopsy had not been scheduled as of Friday morning.

The teen was outside Fontano’s Subs in Hinsdale when he was struck Monday afternoon by an SUV that then collided with the front of the restaurant. Richards was airlifted to Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago, authorities said.

Anonymous comments with racist, sexist and abusive messages that were posted for years on an an obscure, anonymous jobs-related website for economists originated from numerous leading U.S. universities, according to research released Thursday.

Striking screenwriters and actors are holding rallies in Philadelphia and Chicago Thursday as the labor dispute that has halted Hollywood spreads to more cities.

Shane van Gisbergen will put his perfect NASCAR Cup Series mark on the line on the road course at Indianapolis.

President Joe Biden has made some progress wooing his party’s left wing since taking office. Many progressives have cheered steep federal spending increases on major social programs and green energy during Biden’s term.

Three other people inside the restaurant were also struck by the SUV or debris and were hospitalized in serious condition, authorities said. A fourth person was treated for minor injuries at the scene in Hinsdale, a village about 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of downtown Chicago.

Police said the SUV’s driver, who was not injured, was leaving a parking lot across the street when the accident occurred. Police are investigating what caused the crash, and no charges have been filed.

Richards’ parents said their son graduated in May from the eighth grade at St. Isaac Jogues Parish Catholic School and was set to begin high school this fall at Benet Academy, The Pioneer Press reported.

“We are devastated and will forever have a large hole in our hearts,” Kristine and Brian Richards said in a statement. “Sean was a gentle soul who was always both humble and kind.”