As we come to the end of another week we look at some of the Motoring news which you may have missed starting with the new Mercedes S-Class.
The ten most important new features of the new Mercedes S-Class
The second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) débuts in the new S-Class. Another milestone as the interface between the driver, passengers and vehicle: there are up to five screens* on board, some with OLED technology. At the touch of a button, the new 3D driver display for the first time allows spatial perception of the scene with a real 3D effect thanks to eye-tracking. A similarly impressive feature is the very large head-up display with augmented reality content. When navigating, for example, animated turn-off arrows (“fishbones”) are virtually and precisely projected onto the road lane.
*Five screens only available as part of Rear Entertainment, not offered in the UK. Maximum of three screens in the UK
Using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms, MBUX Interior Assist [not currently offered in UK] recognises and anticipates the wishes and intentions of the occupants. It does this by interpreting head direction, hand movements and body language, and responds with corresponding vehicle functions. For example, if the driver looks over his/her shoulder towards the rear window, Interior Assist automatically opens the sunblind.
The active ambient lighting (optional extra) supplements ambient lighting (standard equipment) with an additional layer of light. With around 250 LEDs it is integrated into the driving assistance systems, and is able to reinforce their warnings visually. In addition, feedback is possible when operating the climate control system or the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant, for instance.
The latest generation of the Driving Assistance Package has new and numerous improved functions. One example is the intelligent compliance with speed limits. The new assistance display in the driver display clearly shows the operating principle of the driving assistance systems as a full-screen view.
During severe frontal collisions, the rear airbag [not currently offered in the UK] can considerably reduce the loads acting on the head and neck area of the seat-belt-wearing occupants in the outer rear seats. The frontal airbag for the rear seat deploys particularly gently thanks to its innovative construction using a tubular structure.
Thanks to rear-axle steering [not currently offered in the UK], the S-Class is as manoeuvrable as a compact car in the city. The steering angle at the rear axle is up to ten degrees. The turning circle is reduced by up to two metres.
More than 50 electronic components in the new S-Class can be updated with new software over-the-air (OTA). These include the entire MBUX infotainment system, the driver display, the driving assistance systems and the MULTIBEAM LED and DIGITAL LIGHT lighting systems. This technology saves the customer time, as he/she does not need to visit a workshop for this purpose. Furthermore, the vehicle remains up to date throughout its lifecycle and is equipped for new features. The explicit consent of the user is always a precondition for OTA updates.
When a side impact with another vehicle threatens, the vehicle body can be raised by the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension [not currently offered in the UK] within a few tenths of a second. This is a new function of PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side: It can reduce the loads acting on the occupants because it directs the impact forces towards particularly resistant structures in the lower area of the vehicle.
It is expected that from the second half of 2021 the S-Class will be able to drive in conditionally automated mode with the new DRIVE PILOT (optional extra), in situations where traffic density is high or in tailbacks, on suitable motorway sections in Germany. By taking pressure off the driver, this allows them to undertake secondary activities such as browsing on the internet or dealing with emails in the In-Car Office, and so win extra time.
The revolutionary headlamp technology DIGITAL LIGHT (optional extra) allows completely new functions, e.g. the projection of marking aids or warning symbols onto the road ahead. In each headlamp, DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle.
New PEUGEOT 5008 SUV
The new PEUGEOT 5008 SUV will feature a new look, more technology and class-leading driver assistance systems when it arrives in UK showrooms in the coming months. The new 5008 SUV also features new trim levels and a new ‘Black Pack’ for improved customisation.
With the new 5008 SUV, PEUGEOT continues its commitment to instinctive design. The front end of the new 5008 SUV has been redesigned with a new frameless grille, while gloss black side scoops and a painted tread plate are integrated into the new bumper design. Top of the range GT and GT Premium models feature their own unique grilles to help them stand out further.
The new 5008 SUV also features new front lights with a more purposeful look, and every trim level will feature LED light technology. GT and GT Premium models feature Full LED headlights with a new ‘Fog Mode’ function that replaces conventional fog lights.
At the rear, new upgraded taillights feature full LED technology with PEUGEOT’s iconic three-claw rear light signature and sequential indicator lights. The new lights are covered with a clear, smoked glass finish that extends the black boot lid on each side of the vehicle.
World premiere of the new VW Caddy California
The Caddy California is based on the new fifth generation Caddy. It is thus the first camper van to utilise the design benefits of the modular transverse matrix (MQB): latest technologies and an increase in space. The Caddy California, with a length of 4,501 mm, will launch before the end of the year. A version with a longer wheelbase will follow in 2021 (length: 4,853 mm). The back impresses with camper van fittings cleverly thought-out down to the last detail. These include a new fold-out bed. With cup springs and a high-quality mattress, its construction provides the same high level of sleeping comfort as the beds in the T6.1 California and Grand California.
Measuring 1,980 x 1,070 mm, the bed is very big. Folded up it reduces to a third of its length and sits compactly above the boot space. While on the previous model the second seating row was part of the bed construction, this is now no longer the case. Before the journey the seats of the second row can therefore be very easily taken out. In this area too the Caddy California thus provides appreciably more storage space.
The Caddy California’s optional mini kitchen is a new feature, highlight and USP in this camper van class. Hinged to the left cargo space wall beneath the bed, when the hatch open is it can be pulled out to the rear. The hatch thus also provides protection from the rain while cooking. The fact that the kitchen is utilised from behind the vehicle also gives optimum access at full standing height. The new mini kitchen consists of two pull-out parts.
Integrated in the top part is a single hob gas cooker, inclusive of wind shield and handy shelf. The bottom pull-out part contains a cutlery tray and further storage space for cooking utensils and provisions. Built into the rear part of the kitchen is a securely locked box (with floor vent) for the gas bottle (fill weight c. 1.85 kg). With the mini kitchen on board the Caddy California gets ‘honoured’ with type approval as a motor home.
Uk’s first batch of VW ID.3 1st edition cars reach British shores
A major milestone in Volkswagen’s latest chapter has been marked with the arrival of the ground-breaking Volkswagen ID.3 in the UK. The first shipment of customer cars – limited, ID.3 1ST Edition specification models – has reached British shores at port in Grimsby, ready to make its way to customers on the final stage of a journey which began on the production line in Zwickau, Germany.
Volkswagen’s electric future has now fully commenced in the UK, as the brand’s first purpose-built electric vehicle, the ID.3, arrives on British soil. This first batch of ID.3 1ST Edition models will now be transported to retailers across the country in preparation for handovers to customers later this month.
New Skoda Enyaq IV SUV priced
ŠKODA has announced UK prices and specifications for the all-new Enyaq iV SUV – the brand’s first series-production vehicle to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electrification toolkit (MEB). The ground-breaking all-electric SUV will be available in the UK with two battery size options, two (rear-wheel drive) and four-wheel drive transmission and various model variants with prices starting from £33,450 (excluding UK Plug-in Car Grant).
As befits a car that is starting a bold new era in ŠKODA design and engineering, the Enyaq iV introduces a new range structure based around battery sizes rather than traditional trim designations. Customers can choose between two battery pack sizes; 62kWh and 82kWh, both are available with optional Lounge and Suite leather interior design packs.
Available to order in the UK from late 2020, deliveries from spring 2021
