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2016 Mercedes-Benz G550 Quick Spin [w/video]

If there ever was an automotive embodiment of the phrase, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," that'd be the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The G-Wagen has carried on largely unchanged since the 1970s, with only small updates throughout the decades. Today, it's the halo vehicle for Mercedes' entire SUV range, and while it's more luxurious and efficient than ever, it'll still climb a mountain if asked. "Our legend has a bright future," says Dr. Gunnar Guthenke, Mercedes' G-Class boss. And for now, that means the addition of a new base engine for the 2016 model year, as well as other small updates. The powerplant in question is Merc's new twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 – you know, the one from the AMG GT – tuned to produce 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque in the G550. Compared to the outgoing, naturally aspirated, 5.5-liter V8, the new engine is stronger by 34 hp and 59 lb-ft. And while official fuel economy numbers are still pending, Mercedes says the G550 is 17-percent more fuel efficient with this smaller, more powerful engine. Win-win. As for the rest of the G-Class, the 2016 model year changes are limited to a new front bumper with more pronounced air intakes (and the removal of the cow catcher bars), wider wheel arches, a few new colors (including some seriously bright hues), and a redesigned instrument cluster. Those are all well and good, but the star of the show is that 4.0-liter V8. It's a honey in the AMG GT, and it's a perfect fit under the hood of the G550. Driving Notes I'm kicking myself for not taking video of the exhaust note, because holy crap, the G550 sounds amazing. Mercedes' engineers should be applauded for the exhaust tuning on the updated G-Class. The result is a low, burbly, throaty V8 noise that comes bellowing out the SUV's side pipes. The extra 59 lb-ft of torque is really noticeable off the line. And like in the AMG GT and C63, the 4.0-liter V8 provides linear power delivery with no noticeable turbo lag. Mercedes says the 2016 G550 will do 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, compared to 6.0 seconds in the 2015 model. That's right, it's a 5,724-pound, box-shaped SUV that'll run nearly neck and neck with a base Porsche Boxster. In terms of on-road refinement, the G-Class is the same as it ever was. There's an optional, adjustable suspension for 2016, with Comfort and Sport modes, but the difference between the two settings is negligible.

Mercedes introduces the details of the C450 AMG 4Matic

We saw the AMG Sport models joining the C-Class line in Detroit, but Mercedes has waited until the press launch of the Mercedes-AMG C63 to give us the details. In case you've forgotten about how this new puzzle piece fits, there's Mercedes-Benz, there's Mercedes-AMG, then there's the Mercedes-Benz AMG Sport line slotted in between for those who want sporty luxury but not too much of either. This is the second variant in that line-up, and also the second to get V6 power, following the GLE450 AMG Coupe. In the case of the C450 AMG 4Matic, that means a twin-turbo six-cylinder with 367 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 38 hp and 29 lb-ft over the C400 4Matic on which it's based. It goes much closer to proper AMG territory with its looks and features, with that sharp, chrome-trimmed lip in front, the oblong lower intakes, lightweight wheels, and a "special AMG badge" on the front fenders. In back, the sedan gets a spoiler on the trunk, the wagon gets a roof spoiler. There's a suspension highly derivative of that on the C63 AMG, with three-stage dampers. So too the five drive modes laid out like on traditional AMGs, the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, the ESP with Curve Dynamic Assist, and it will even sound close to an Affalterbach special thanks to a sports exhaust. Cabin occupants can play the real deal with sport seats and a flat-bottomed wheel with red cross-stitching. We don't have a price yet, but there will probably be plenty of room between the price of the AMG C63 and the $48,950 C400 4Matic to make buyers happy. The press release below has all the info. Related Video: The new C-Class models from Mercedes-AMG: Mercedes-AMG C 63 and Mercedes-Benz C 450 AMG 4MATIC Mercedes-Benz C 450 AMG 4MATIC: Second AMG sports model with V6 power Driving Performance – the AMG brand claim and typical character traits can now be experienced by an even broader target group. The new C 450 AMG 4MATIC expands the product range of the sports car and performance brand within Mercedes-Benz with another new AMG sports model. As an attractive entry into the world of AMG, the C 450 AMG 4MATIC combines a 270 kW (367 hp) 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine with a permanent Performance all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated suspension technology adopted from the Mercedes-AMG C 63. This all results in fascinating driving performance and the hallmark emotional expressiveness of the brand.

Mercedes spotted testing new GLC-Class

Mercedes is set to replace its GLK-Class compact crossover with the new GLC, and here's our best look at it yet. Previewed in concept form with a sloping coupe-like roofline in Shanghai and previously spotted wearing swirly camouflage (in AMG form, no less), we can easily see from these latest spy shots that the GLC will ditch its predecessor's straight edges for a far more rounded form. Sort of like a C-Class, but taller. That, we gather, is kind of the point, as Mercedes moves to realign its crossovers with its sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible counterparts: GLC with C-Class, GLE (nee M-Class) with E-Class and GLS (GL) with the S-Class. And of course the GLA with the CLA and A-Class. Look for the new GLC to debut in June, soon to be accompanied by a chopped-roof version and offering similar powertrain options as the latest C-Class sedan. Hopefully the range will eventually include an AMG performance version, too. Related Video: