Drivesouth - Best Motor Buys: February 03, 2023

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NEW CAR REVIEW By Ross Kiddie Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53 I’m wondering if there is any end to the way technology is developing, especially so with electric vehicles. Take the Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53 for example, it has an onboard presence that would keep an astronaut happy. There are a multitude of specification features, it has a function for almost everything imaginable – especially for safety. Well, you would expect that, the EQS 53 lists at $310,900 in standard form, you can upspec it as well and if you go the whole hog you’ll deplete your bank balance to the tune of around $360,000. In true Mercedes-Benz S-Class fashion there are few equals on the road that have as much kit, and from the moment you sit in the driver’s seat you’ll be blown away with the space age look and feel of the interior, there are gadgets, buttons and displays everywhere. The digital dash panel extends across the width of the car, although the information graphics are only visible on the left hand side when there’s a passenger. However, the driver gets enough information to keep him/her occupied for every journey, the depth beneath the graphics and controls is enormous. The only thing missing in the big S-Class EV is a chauffeur. Mercedes-Benz is exploring the future of the way we travel, and I guess being at the forefront of that technology will hold the company in good stead as EVs take control of our car buying decisions. The EQS 53 is powered by dual motors – one at the front and one at the rear – they have combined power output of 484kW with a colossal 950Nm of torque available from zero revolutions. Add in a 107.8kWh battery pack and you have the ingredients for power, acceleration and, more importantly, distance to travel between charges. Mercedes-Benz claims up to 587km on a full charge. It would take around 60min to fast charge to 80 per cent from a designated charge port. In terms of charging from my home – well that’s a different story, such is the volume of energy that can be stored it’s simply not practical to try to charge from domestic supply; it would take a couple of days to charge from zero to 100 per cent. That being the case, a wall box or a three-phase system would be the most suitable method domestically. Thankfully, such is the distance you get to travel on a full tank – figuratively speaking – I only had to make one fast charge and that was completed in good time while my wife and I carried out our weekly Pak’nSave grocery shop. Of course, all of the above relates to how you drive the EQS 53, if you are throttle heavy you won’t get the distance, but the figures are still very impressive. So are those of its acceleration, Mercedes- Benz claims a 3.8sec standstill to 100km/h time. That’s about as quick as in any other car I’ve driven, launch from a standstill is simply amazing, the energy is instant and without any lag, the force will hold you back in your seat and, of course, all passengers. It’s a performance car of true genius, if only there were roads in New Zealand where you can explore its potential. I guess the unrestricted roads in Europe will allow some sort of freedom, but for here it’s a temptation that would constantly need to be curbed. I took the test car inland west and enjoyed its silence and comfort. It has all those pacifying features that come in luxury cars, yet you always sense it wants to break free and deliver a performance drive. Of course, there are drive modes that can moderate the behaviour of the motors or liven them up in sport mode, but the reality is the EQS 53 has performance that needs to be tamed. Pointed at some tricky corners you need to bear in mind that there is a lot of bulk and weight in the car. At 5.3m and Page 14 Price: Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53, $310,990 Dimensions: Length, 5265mm; width, 1926mm; height, 1512mm Configuration: Dual electrosynchronous motors, four-wheeldrive, 484kW, 950Nm, automatic Performance: 0-100km/h, 3.8sec 2721kg it’s a big machine, but it is delicate underneath and extremely competent. Huge 21in Michelin tyres stick like glue and provide surety. Turn-in is precise, and body movement is minimal. A lot of the weight is carried underneath the seats and at just 1.5m tall there isn’t a lot of gravitational force working against balance and composure. Most of all, though, is the ease at which the big AMG-inspired limousine travels. Even with all of its power it is easy to drive at all speeds, during my stop-start commute it dawdles with little indication of what fury lies underneath. What’s more it is very much Mercedes- Benz-like in terms of how it functions and the ergonomics are such that all occupants are cocooned in luxury. It must also be mentioned that the EQS 53 drives silently at all speeds. Sure, there are sounds through the air and off the big tyres but they aren’t dramatic, it is uncannily quiet and an experience to saviour. Mercedes-Benz isn’t putting its eggs all in one basket, there are hybrid options and at this stage plenty of petrol-only models in the line-up. I’m due to drive a plug-in hybrid soon, and if it is anything like the quality of the EQS 53 then I’m surely in for another treat.
Affordable Luxury A small selection of our 50 vehicles in stock $21,950 2012 Mercedes Benz E 250 Class Coupe High spec, 76,000kms, 19” sports alloys, full leather, smart MB Coupe. $74,950 2012 Jaguar XR-R Supercharged Last of this classic, stunning condition, only 51kms from new, extensive service at Clinch Auto Jaguar, so many options. $54,950 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SD V6 HSE 3.0 diesel turbo black pak black alloys, NZ new with service history, great looking $49,500 2012 Maserati Quattroporte 4.7 GTS V8 Dual mode exhaust, only 61,000kms, very high spec car, beautiful inside & out $21,950 2013 Audi Q5 S Line Quattro 2.0 diesel, auto, 143,000kms, impeccable Audi Dealer service history from new, superb condition. $24,500 2012 BMW M135i Coupe factory high performance model Auto, 18”alloys, full leather sports seats, BMW Media centre, 305BHP, big brakes etc. $27,950 2012 Mercedes Benz SLK Roadster New shape model, 82,000kms, convertible, auto, beautiful car in new cond. $29,950 2014 Jaguar XJ New 2.0 GDI Premium Luxury full leather, Panorama sunroof, 19” factory alloys, wonderful performance and economy $44,950 2013 Land Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic Edition Only 29,000kms, full leather, one owner, 20” alloys, Bluetooth, as new beautiful condition. $39,950 2011 Maserati Quattroporte V8 Full FZ automatic transmission, 20” alloys, full leather, very nice, joy to drive. $31,500 2012 Audi A8L 4.2 Quattro Auto, with full German ABT options, all usual luxury options, 82,000kms, stunning looking car, very highly optioned. $21,950 2012 Jaguar XF Facelift 3.0 V6 Luxury High Spec Premium Lux Model, auto, 89,000kms, Cream Leather, Climate A/C, ABS, Factory Sports Alloys, Jaguar Media Unit with Reverse Camera, Bluetooth, NZ Navigation Radio and CD System + more! $9,995 2010 Mini Cooper 50th Anniversary Special Edition very high spec Mini with special badging, 18” Cooper S alloys, a safe investment car. $19,950 2013 Audi A5 Quattro Coupe Auto, 4WD, 83,000kms, turbo, full leather, beautiful condition. $64,950 2014 Land Rover - Range Rover Sport HSE 3.0 V6 petrol supercharged, only 97,000kms, 7 seater, full HSE Spec with 21 diamond cut alloys, beautiful condition. $14,950 2011 Mercedes Benz CLC 180 Kompressor Sports Coupe only 82,000kms, lovely condition inside and out, smart practical Mercedes Benz $17,950 2011 Volvo XC60 T6 4WD 3.0L High Spec Lux model, auto, 92,000kms, beautiful colour with black leather, superb condition. $37,950 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SDV6 HSE 3Ltr Diesel, 8 speed auto, lower kms, beautiful condition. $22,950 2012 Jaguar XF Diesel Sport auto newer facelift front model, lovely condition, only 65,000kms with service records. $39,950 2011 Porsche Cayenne S 4.8 V8 86,000kms, auto, alloys, factory sunroof, full leather, beautiful condition inside & out visit www.millbrookcars.co.nz • Finance & Warranties Available Millbrook Car Co Christchurch RMVT Page 15 Now at 39 Shands Road, Hornby Phone Phillip 021 222 7733 Or email Phillipjmills42@gmail.com Mon-Fri 9am – 4pm Sat 9.30am – 12.30pm
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Drivesouth - Best Motor Buys: February 03, 2023

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