All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo and the T-Class Marco Polo

After Volkswagen introduced its new van (VW California), another German carmaker expanded its range with two campers, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo and the T-Class Marco Polo.

The camper market has been growing steadily for many years, and last year the camper rental industry reached a value of $403 million, not including sales. This has attracted large companies and even electric vehicle manufacturers want a piece of the pie.

The Mercedes-Benz T-Class Marco Polo is a small family van that debuted last year. Although it offers less space compared to its relative V-Class Marco Polo, it still offers a lot. It is equipped with a bed for two people, a kitchen, a refrigerator, an auxiliary battery and a Sleeping Package, which prevents the entry of light during the day and provides protection from insects.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo is more luxurious and offers more. It is based on the new model that was presented a month ago, and although the exterior is very attractive, the focus is still on the interior. It is equipped with two 12.3-inch wide screens, the latest version of the MBUX system, as well as navigation with augmented reality. The seats can be converted into bunk beds, which gives more space. Additional equipment includes a folding table, fully equipped kitchen and space for clothes. There is a touch screen in the front that can be controlled via a smartphone application, and the rear sliding door has an ambient lighting system with 64 colors.

The van also has an Airmatic air suspension that automatically levels the vehicle, so that parking on uneven surfaces is no longer a problem.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo and the T-Class Marco Polo
Tuning

X5 Protection VR6 is a new armored vehicle on the market

A few months ago, BMW unveiled a refreshed edition of its superpowerful SUV, the BMW X5. This muscle car is now also offered as an armored vehicle called the X5 Protection VR6.

The BMW X5 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 523 hp (385 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, which is significantly faster than the standard M60i which accelerates in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of more than 210 km/h (130 mph). The difference is obvious, and the reason is primarily the additional weight of the vehicle (total weight is unknown).

At first glance, the armored X5 does not differ from the standard model. Even the two M bars behind the front double kidney radiator grille, the M side mirrors in high-gloss black, the roof racks from the BMW Individual package, as well as the two pairs of tailpipes typical of the M exhaust system are retained. So, the sporty look was kept as the first line of defense.

Additional bulletproof equipment includes steel panels on the doors, side frame and bulkheads, an armored trunk partition and an aluminum shrapnel shield under the body, a self-contained tank housing that can seal damage and prevent leaks should the tank be damaged. There is also a new suspension and brake system, to help support the extra weight of the vehicle.

Inside, the cabin is equipped with luxury, so that the passengers can enjoy the ride. The seats are upholstered in Sensafin leather, and additional equipment includes a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver, an intercom system for communicating with the environment, optional LED blinkers in the radiator grille, rear and roof blinkers with a horn, as well as roof antenna with additional receiver for digital radio. BMW offers a special driver training program for all customers.

Source: BMW

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2024 X5 Protection VR6 is a new armored vehicle on the market
News

Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is the new rocket on the road

Recently, Porsche presented the redesigned Cayenne, and now the most powerful version of this model, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, is coming to the market.

The Turbo E-Hybrid is powered by a 4-liter biturbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor (176 hp/129 kW and 339 lb-ft/460 Nm) for a total output of 729 hp (536 kW) and 701 lb-ft (950 Nm) of torque. That is enough for the superpowerful SUV to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph). The Coupé version with the GT package reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). It is equipped with a 25.9 kWh battery, located under the luggage compartment, which provides a range of 81 kilometers (50.3 miles).

When it comes to design, the front of the car features larger air intakes. There’s also plenty of new equipment (standard) like multi-adjustable air suspension and adaptive HD-Matrix LED lights. Inside, a combination of leather and aluminum dominates the interior. There is also a slightly curved 12.6-inch display and a centrally located 12.3-inch display that controls the multimedia system.

Speaking of price, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid (without optional extras) costs €176,324 in Germany, while the Coupé version costs €179,775. AT the top of the range is the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupé GT, which costs 208,454 euros.

Source: Porsche

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Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is the new rocket on the road