Big Motoring World reviews 2016 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe

Ahead of its expected September debut at the Frankfurt motor show, Big Motoring World reviews the Mercedes C63 Coupé. The coupe will be the third variant in the new C63 performance car division to launch, following on from the saloon and estate options already on sale.

Looks

From the front, it is clear that the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe S will feature all the aggressive visual and aerodynamic elements of the C63 saloon and estate models. The front is characterised by large air intakes as well as an aggressive bumper.

Elsewhere, it features massively flared wheel arches, alongside a black sloping roof and a more aerodynamic front and rear fascia. From the rear, the new C63 Coupe S features the same taillights as the standard C-Class Coupe, but features an additional small carbon fibre boot lid lip spoiler. AMG’s traditional quad exhaust pipes and a bold diffuser are also included.

Differences

The saloon and coupé share the same driveline, rear-wheel drive platform and electronic architecture, but there are differences. The C63 Coupé will get bespoke suspension tuning, revised elasto-kinematic properties, a lower centre of gravity and specific camber rates. Another key development is the adoption of electromechanical steering in place of the hydraulic set-up used on the previous model. A mechanical locking differential will also be included as standard.

Power

Powering the C63 Coupe S will be the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the sedan and estate models. The entry level 90 degree V8, whose turbochargers are mounted between the cylinder banks for optimal packaging, is set to deliver 469bhp and 479lb ft of torque. In the range-topping C63 S Coupé you get some serious added boost pressure, as well as other power-enhancing tweaks, output will rise to an impressive 503bhp and 516lb ft.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars and has plans to expand the site even further, so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World Reviews 2016 BMW X1

Big Motoring World reviews the latest BMW X1, a quirky crossover that attempts to marry premium German motoring with practicality and versatility.

Design

Despite being 15mm shorter, the 2016 X1 is 23mm wider and 53mm higher than the previous model. Its new exterior dimensions make it much more imposing, with lots of sharp creases, flared arches and more aggressive styling. In its appearance it adopts a very similar styling to the very popular X5, with the larger grilles up front adding more depth to the body.

Engine Performance

There are four engines in the range, all 2.0-litre, offering one petrol and three diesels. The entry level 18d manages a solid 148bhp but if you want real power opt for the 20d or 25d, producing 187bhp and 228bhp respectively. The petrol 20i is no push over either, using a 189bhp four-cylinder turbo.

On the road

With four-wheel-drive to ensure good traction and a slick six-speed automatic gearbox the impressive performance is easy to exploit. It’s surprisingly capable on long winding roads despite its size. All the models send their power to the front wheels predominantly, but are able to switch up to 100% of torque to the rear when it senses slip. The steering is controlled and direct, and the body control is faultless.

Practicality

The inside is very spacious, with plenty of headroom, generous shoulder space and 37mm more legroom behind the front seats. This is by and large due to its switch to a more modern platform with the transverse engine up front. There’s even more space as you venture into the back, including the addition of a sliding rear seat. The boot is 85 litres bigger than the last model, now 505 litres, and if you fold the rear seats flat you’ll reveal a 1,550-litre load area - that’s 200 litres more than before.

Economy

Despite boasting stronger acceleration and top speed, BMW have remarkably improved the X1’s fuel consumption and emissions performance. For a compact SUV that is capable of 146mph, 56.5mpg and only 132g/km of CO2 emissions is superb feat for the German giants.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Good news for BMW regarding Chinese market

China’s decreasing market for BMW isn’t all bad news for the German car manufacturer, as Big Motoring World reviews.

Reallocation

BMW say they have reallocated vehicles which were initially intended for China and other emerging markets. They have been moved to prospering markets such as the USA and UK, which will increase competitiveness and higher incentives in our shores.

It’s particularly good for the USA which currently has a strong dollar, creating attractive marketing conditions, as China’s car market slows – last year the country accounted for 22% of BMW’s overall sales. This won’t necessarily have a negative effect on the manufacturer as a whole.

Growth

Chinese sales rose in the second quarter of 2015 and sales for BMW are expected to rise in the second half of this year, recouping some of the loss from lower sales earlier this year.

BMW were prepared for the slow start to this year, slowing Asian production at the back end of last year which enabled them to focus on the European market and America – countries where sales continue to strengthen.

“Competition is increasing in the US. The strong dollar is creating attractive market conditions,” Friedrich Eichiner, chief financial officer, told reporters. “Every manufacturer wants a piece of the cake.” And BMW are set to share a large slice of the cake with an increased market share and output in the US.

The German premium carmaker attributed the decline in sales to expenses for new product launches and a higher volume of compact cars sold — which have lower margins. Net profit for BMW was €1.75bn.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews: Mercedes GLC 350e hybrid 2016

Big Motoring World reviews the Mercedes GLC 350e hybrid, designed to be efficient and sporty. The GLC 350 is fast and refined to perfection, with impressive Co2 emissions and fuel economy. With its elegant exterior and broad engine choices, it's expected to outsell its obvious competitors.

Efficient

The GLC hybrid is capable of driving around 20 miles on battery power alone, and it can be charged from empty to full on a Level 2 charger in under two hours. If you are able to charge regularly and your commute is less than 21 miles, you could effectively never fill the 350e with unleaded fuel. It is quoted to produce economy of 109mpg, and just 60g/km of CO2.

On the road

The GLC 350e is a plug-in hybrid that is equipped with an 85kW electric motor which works in tandem with the 2.0 turbo. It has a combined power output of 235kW which can pull the SUV from rest to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds, topping out at 146mph. When you really step on the gas this motor bursts into life; the instant torque is immediately noticeable and it offers impressive straight-line speed. The GLC 350e also uses a seven-speed automatic transmission, enabling smoother gear shifting.

Driving modes

The plug-in GLC offers up a variety of extra driving modes, including an electric mode, a hybrid mode and a charge mode that uses the engine to charge the battery while driving. The GLC 350e drives equally as well as the petrol and diesel versions, motoring along without drama on electricity, and seamlessly switching to the engine when needed.

Hybrid mode

In hybrid mode the four-cylinder petrol engine combines with the electric motor to make the car even more efficient and just as quick. When you ease off the accelerator the two disengage, which generates more energy for the battery, but the pair couple up again to produce a sharp burst of acceleration when overtaking slow moving traffic.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.