2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

In three days from now, we'll have a first look at how Mercedes plans to address their BMW X4 problem with the GLC Coupe Concept at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The official drawing released earlier this month strongly suggests that the study will be very close to the production car that will follow next year, but until then, our friends over at TopSpeed created a life-like render of the GLC Coupe based on the concept. 

Both Merc's sketch and this render also point to a "one designs fits all" practice, with the GLC Coupe reminding of a more compact-sized interpretation of the existing GLE Coupe that's based on the GLE (the renamed M-Class facelift) and which targets the bigger BMW X6 – much like what the Bavarians did with the X4 themselves. 

Under the sporty roofline and raised body you'll find the underpinnings of the upcoming GLC (see our Future Car renders here and here) that replaces the current GLK, with both models sharing crucial elements of their platform, drivelines and technology with the latest C-Class. 

Rendering via TopSpeed

Read More

2016 Nissan Maxima

Ever since we found out what the all-new Maxima looks like, we've been eagerly anticipating it showing up at this year's New York Auto Show. Happily for us all, the wait is over.

Nissan says that the new Maxima is "dramatically styled" and we happily agree with that. It's no exaggeration. They also say that it resets the Maxima's iconic "4-Door Sports Car" image, but we'll hold off on believing that just yet.

The design language is however extremely rich and to our liking. It all starts with the V-Motion front end and signature boomerang lights, floating roof look, the curvy and futuristic-looking profile, before concluding with the sleek and imposing rear end. We absolutely love the view from behind and Nissan, we swear we don't just say that to all car manufacturers.

Inside, the all-new 2016 Maxima is just as spectacular. Nissan say that the Maxima's bespoke interior can rival what you get in some luxury vehicles and even though from certain points of view that can't be the case, everything looks absolutely great. From the upper dash to the console, the displays, the steering wheel - it does kind of seem to get the upper hand on its direct rivals.

In terms of gear, you'll find an 8" touch-screen display, a Remote Engine Start system, RearView Monitor plus a whole bunch of safety features such as Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, Forward Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring which is a must-have nowadays - or at least ever since we figured out how useful it really is.

There's also a Driver Attention Alert system which monitors steering input patterns in order to establish a baseline and ultimately help alert the driver when he's being inattentive. Though this is available on the Maxima Platinum only.

The new Maxima's 3.5 liter VQ-series V6 engine has been redesigned (it now has more than 60% new parts) and it produces 300 HP, which sounds pretty good, especially considering the EPA estimated 30 mpg (7.8 l/100km) rating.

You can get your 2016 Maxima in one of five grade levels, including new SL, SR and Platinum grades, while prices start from $32,410 MSRP.

The 2016 Nissan Maxima goes on sale in early summer 2015.

Read More