Mercedes-AMG G65 2016

Set to join the U.S. lineup in November, the 2016 Mercedes-AMG G65 debuted in the Big Apple. Fitted with a handbuilt AMG 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 that churns out 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, this exclusive on/off-roader can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. And its 4ETS electronic traction system with a low-range transfer case and three 100-percent differential locks ensures the G65 will have no problem going anywhere it cares to - and getting back home when the day is done.

Mercedes used the New York show to announce pricing for the new 2016 G65, which will start at $218,825 when it rolls into showrooms to join its existing G550 and G63 siblings. The automaker also pointed out the G65 will become fourth AMG model to command in excess of $200K, with the others being the $216,175 DSL65, the $222,925 S65 Sedan and the $231,825 S65 Coupe. 

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BMW unveils third-generation X5

Building on its current and highly successful formula, the 2014 BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle gets a significant remake as the line enters its third generation. In addition to more style, enhanced comfort/convenience/safety features and even better performance, this focused makeover also includes the introduction of the first-ever rear-drive X5 variant -- the sDrive35i -- which will join the existing all-wheel drive xDrive35i, xDrive35d and xDrive50i models.

Visually, the 2014 BMW X5 adds new edge to the exterior which can be most clearly seen in its recast fascia highlighted by bigger, bolder twin kidney grille elements that now stretch all the way to the restyled headlamps. Standard corner-following Adaptive Xenon main lights can be upgraded to full LED counterparts while LED foglamps appear on all models. This is the first BMW X model to get drag-reducing Air Curtains that help channel air around the wheel arches and out through equally new Air Breathers located in the rear portion of the front fenders. More dynamic character lines add interest to the X5's profile while its restyled rear quarters boast thinner 3-dimensional LED taillamps, a more aggressive exhaust/lower valance treatment and subtle new black Aero Blades that work with the roof spoiler to further enhance the X5's aerodynamic profile.

In addition to its basic spec, the 2014 BMW X5 will offer new xLine and Luxury Line trims as well as a more performance-oriented M Sport package. Like other BMW models, each features its own unique exterior and interior cosmetic/functional upgrades, including bespoke 19-inch standard and 20-inch optional alloy wheels. The 2014 X5's option roster also adds a pair of Interior Design Packages. The Ivory White group nets Ivory White Nappa Leather upholstery, an Atlas Grey leather dash and Fineline Oak Wood trim, while the Mocha alternative brings Mocha Brown Nappa Leather, a Black Nappa Leather dash and Fineline Pure Wood accentlng.

Inside, the 2014 X5's cabin continues to have seating for five with an optional third row that ups the count to seven. A bounty of new standards -- the latest version of BMW's iDrive controller with direct character recognition capability, BMW Navigation with a 10.2-inch control display monitor and Advanced Real-time Traffic, a full suite of BMW Apps, Mobile Office, heated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and BMW Assist eCall with a 10-year subscription -- add new charm to this spacious inner sanctum, as does its power tailgate that now can now be both opened and closed by remote control.

Optional kit for the 2014 X5 also has been enhanced with the addition of things like harman/kardon and Bang & Olufsen premium audio systems, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment package, heated and fully adjustable second-row Comfort Seats, 4-zone climate control and an enhanced Head-Up Display. The extras roster also features the latest generations of BMW Parking Assistant and Night Vision, Active Blind Spot Detection, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Departure Warning, pedestrian and collision warning with braking function and Rear-View and Surround View camera systems.

Motivation for the 2014 BMW X5 comes in three forms. The standard engine in the sDrive35i/xDrive35i continues to be the familiar 3.0-liter/300-horsepower TwinPower Turbo inline-6 that also makes 300 lb-ft of torque. However, the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbodiesel inline-6 in the xDrive35d is an all new engine that features a new variable-geometry turbocharger and produces 255 horses with 413 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping X5 xDrive50i gets an upgraded version of the 4.4-liter TwinPower twin-turbo V8 that adds BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing to the mix. That change pops its pony count from 400 to 445 and moves peak torque from 450 to 480 lb-ft. All of the engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with an efficiency enhancing ECO PRO mode which is expected to help each version generate slightly to significantly better EPA numbers -- although those figures won't be finalized for some time -- as well as improved 0-60 mph sprint times.

Exceptional handling has always been a hallmark of the X5, and this new iteration is set to further embellish that tradition. While nearly identical in size to the current X5, the 2014 benefits from a redesigned unit body that incorporates more high-strength steel to help trim a bit of curb weight while creating an even stiffer foundation. In addition to its more refined standard chassis tune and revamped multi-mode Driving Dynamics Control programming, the 2014 X5 will be the first to offer BMW's Dynamic Handling Package. Buyers of xDrive versions also can opt for the extra refinement of Dynamic Performance Control. An Adaptive M Suspension also will be on offer as part of the M Sport package.

The 2014 BMW X5 sDrive35i/xDrive35i, and xDrive 50i will be arriving in showrooms sometime during the fourth quarter, while the xDrive35d is set to turn up in early 2014. All will be manufactured at BMW's plant in Spartanburg, S.C. and pricing will be announced closer to their actual on-sale dates.

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Volvo XC90 R-Design 2016

Less than a month after taking the wraps off of its all-new XC90 SUV, Volvo has now offered a look at the slick R-Design version of this three-row people mover. Sitting above the basic XC90 Momentum trim grade, the new XC90 R-Design was created as a counterpoint to the more luxury-oriented XC90 Inscription model and offers a distinctive package aimed a buyers who "love active driving and a personal, expressive design." Available with either Drive-E powertrain - the 316-horse/2.0-liter supercharged/turbocharged T6 4-cylinder or 400-horse T8 Twin Engine Hybrid that pairs the gasoline 2.0-liter with an electric motor - the XC90 R-Design features unique exterior and interior styling elements but no mechanical changes. 

In R-Design trim, Volvo's flagship sport utility boasts a bespoke grille insert with horizontal elements, custom front splitter, silk- metal window surrounds, matte-silver mirror caps, integrated silver roof rails, unique dual exhaust outlets and 20-inch alloy wheels that can be upgraded to 22-inch alternatives. Changes to the base XC90's roomy cabin include a host of R-Design touches highlighted by Contour sport buckets covered in Nubuck and perforated leather plus custom gauge graphics, sport pedals, floor mats, illuminated door sill plates and an R-Design leather remote control keyfob.

No word yet on pricing for the 2016 Volvo XC90 R-Design models. While the first of the new XC90s will go on sale here next April, Volvo has yet to confirm whether or not the R-Design variants will hit showroom floors at the same time

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Volkswagen XL Sport Concept

Putting a high-performance spin on the original, efficiency-oriented XL1 that was shown last year in Geneva, Volkswagen surprised the crowds in Paris by unveiling this boldly recast variation on the theme: the XL Sport Concept.  While sharing a good deal of its lightweight engineering with VW's limited-production mileage-maxing plug-in hybrid that delivers 261 mpg, this new concept matches bolder looks and a redesigned chassis with a 197-horsepower Ducati motorcycle engine that ups the performance quotient.

Although retaining the XL1's largely polycarbonate structure and an extremely clean aero profile, the new XL Sport does have the look of a serious racer. Longer and wider, it carries over the swing-up door configuration and remains a mere 45.5 inches tall. However, the wheelbase has been stretched by 7.8-inches and the revamped fenders are more aggressively contoured to house 205/40 tires on 18-inch ultralight forged magnesium wheels up front and 265/35 rubber at the rear. The rest of the XL Sport's bodywork also has been redone to emphasize its go-fast character. An edgier front fascia features new cooling vents, while functional intakes ahead to the rear wheel arches are complemented by five louvers in the rear roof that automatically deploy to extract engine heat. Rounding out the exterior redo is a large articulated rear spoiler and prominent lower diffuser flanked by a pair of chrome exhaust outlets.

To ensure the XL Sport lives up to its name, this exhilarating VW one-off has a rear-mounted 1,199cc Ducati Superleggera V-Twin engine matched to a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Developed by the famed Italian motorcycle manufacturer presently owned by the Audi group, the world's most powerful 2-cylinder revs to 11,000 rpm and makes over 100 more horsepower than the XL1's turbodiesel hybrid setup. That output can send the XL Sport sprinting from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds and carry it on to a 168 mph top speed. As a finishing touch, the XL Sport also features a fully retuned/revamped suspension and is fitted with race-spec carbon-ceramic disc brakes. 

The 2-place cabin of the new Volkswagen XL Sport Concept builds off of the XL1's basic design theme but gains a number of unique cues and performance-oriented trim accents to reinforce its more competitive character. These include a carbon fiber cowl panel that eliminates reflections, well-formed Alcantara-trimmed sport buckets and a flat-bottom steering wheel with racing-style shifter paddles along with a new digital instrument cluster that incorporates a lap timer and oil pressure readout. So far, VW has not said if it will produce a limited run of XL Sport models for the street. 

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Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

In what would be a Subaru Outback competitor, Volkswagen launched the new Golf Alltrack model in Paris. While company execs won't comment on its future as part of the U.S. lineup, we're led to believe there's at least a 50/50 chance we'll see some variation of this stylish on/off-roader turn up here at some point, as either a 2017 or 2018 model. 

A key ingredient of the Alltrack formula is its standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive setup that includes off-road profile mapping and specific suspension tuning that adds nearly an inch more ground clearance than a Golf Sportwagen. Incorporating the latest Haldex-5 center differential, 4Motion facilitates near-instant engagement of the rear wheels when traction conditions warrant. The electro-hydraulic clutching mechanism can direct nearly 100 percent of the available engine torque to the rear axle. The new Golf Alltrack also features VW's XDS electronic differential locking on both axles that uses selective braking to optimize steering response when one of inside wheels loses grip in a corner.

Raising its curbside profile 

Like its larger Passat Alltrack sibling seen in concept form at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the new Golf Alltrack features a host of cosmetic touches including more boldly shaped front/rear fascias, new grille inserts, Reflex Silver mirror caps, undefined "underbody protection" elements, protective black wheel arches, side-sill and bumper trim, Silver anodized roof rails, bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust tips and the requisite Alltrack badges. Inside, this new Golf crossover-estate boasts a sportier look that includes unique seat coverings, chrome accents, a Composition Touch infotainment system and a Driver Alert System.

At launch, the new Alltrack will be available with four different turbocharged engine choices culled from the existing Euro-spec Golf and backed by a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. The lineup includes a gasoline-fired 178-horsepower/1.8-liter TSI 4-cylinder and as well as three TDI diesel alternatives: a 108-horse/1.6-liter, a 148-horse/2.0 liter and a range-topping 181-horse/2.0-liter that develops a stout 280 lb-ft of torque from just 1,750 rpm. The most potent motivator ever to be fitted to a Golf wagon of any kind, it lets the Alltrack tow up to 2,000-pounds. We'll have to wait to see if this new Golf offshoot ends up doing any trailering duty here in the States. 

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