Nother CarGuy

The veil has been lifted on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a luxurious new three-row variant that will be sold alongside the current two-row model. As we expected, the exterior design of the Grand Cherokee L is quite a bit different than the Grand Cherokee we’re familiar with. For example, the front end bears a resemblance to the Grand Wagoneer concept with slim, horizontal headlights and a seven-slate grille. Depending on the trim level, there are also LED daytime running lights positioned low in the bumper. Viewed from the side and the added length of the Grand Cherokee L becomes apparent. The wheelbase sits at 121.7 inches, meaning the SUV has a total length of 204.9 inches. Visible at the rear are slim taillights. The inside of the Grand Cherokee L is radically different than the standard Grand Cherokee model. There’s an all-new dashboard that houses an 8.4-inch touchscreen or an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen, both of which use the automaker’s latest UConnect 5 infotainment syste...

Volkswagen’s “Brand SUV Night” event held in Shanghai on the eve of the auto show included more than just the reveal of the ID Roomzz electric SUV study. FAW-Volkswagen, one of VW’s joint ventures in China, has lifted the veils off the biggest SUV ever to wear the VW badge. It’s called the SMV and for now, it is presented as a concept vehicle. However, it looks very much like a production model to us and we expect it to enter production rather sooner than later. Targeting big Chinese families, the seven-seat VW SMV is bigger than the Atlas (sold as the Teramont in China), measuring 5,100 mm (201 in) in length. As with most VW models nowadays, the SMV is based on the MQB modular architecture and features familiar engines — for the Chinese market, at least. That’s because it shares powertrains with the Teramont. The ubiquitous 2.0-liter TSI will be the entry-level choice while the China-exclusive 2.5-liter TSI VR6 EA390 engine will power the high-end versions of the SMV. Ma...

VW has revealed the new ID. Roomzz concept at a special event in the run-up to the Shanghai Auto Show, which opens its gates on April 18. The latest member of the electric-only ID family previews the brand’s flagship electric three-row SUV that’s set to arrive in the market in 2021. The VW ID. Roomzz measures 4,915mm (193.5 inches) long, 1,890mm (74.4 inches) wide and 1,760mm (69.3 inches) tall, featuring a wheelbase that’s 2,965mm (116.7 inches) long. The company says that it will offer more space inside than their own conventionally-powered VW Touareg. The powetrain combines two electric motors with a system output of 302hp (306PS / 225KW), fed by a 82kWh battery pack mounted on the floor. The new ID concept claims it has a driving range of up to 450km (279 miles) on the newer WLTP cycle. 0-62mph (100km/h) comes in 6.6 seconds, while top speed is 112mph (180km/h). In addition, the ID Roomzz is compatible with 150kW DC fast charging, allowing it to recharge its batter...

China’s GAC has returned to the North American International Auto Show to introduce their new Entranze concept. Essentially a futuristic crossover-minivan combo, the Entranze is the first concept created by the company’s new design studio in California. That’s worth noting as the automaker says the model was partially inspired by coastal architecture that “blurs the barriers between indoor and outdoor living.” The coastal inspiration isn’t readily apparent, but the Entranze has “foldable rocker panels” that can transform into a makeshift bench. The van also sports “patio-inspired sliding glass doors” which make entry and egress a breeze. Once drivers enter the cabin, they’re greeted by a bench seat, a unique steering wheel and an assortment of OLED displays. While it’s not uncommon for modern vehicles to have two or three displays, the Entranze appears to have at least eight different displays including a massive screen for the front passenger. When not in use, the la...

Cadillac is filling a significant gap in their sedan-focused lineup by unveiling the 2020 XT6. Set to be shown at the North American International Auto Show, the XT6 is a three row crossover that will slot in between the smaller XT5 and larger Escalade. It sports a unique design as it wears an Escala-inspired grille which is flanked by standard LED headlights. Designers also installed in vertical LED daytime running lights and numerous “bright galvano” accents. Moving further back, the crossover has slightly generic styling which is broken up by a large greenhouse. While the design isn’t too adventurous, the XT6 has strong shoulder lines, a sloping roof and 20-inch alloy wheels.  Buyers will also find a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a dual exhaust system and distinctive taillights. Drivers looking for something more aggressive can opt for the XT6 Sport which features a black mesh grille, sportier bumpers and clear taillights. The model also has a unique exhaust and availabl...

Hot on the heels of unveiling of the R1T, Rivian has taken the wraps off their new R1S SUV. Set to be shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the R1S is largely identical to the electric pickup but it features unique styling aft of the A-pillar. The biggest change is the new body style which results in the R1S having longer rear doors, a gently sloping roof and a more practical interior that can set up to seven people. Like the R1T, the R1S will be offered in multiple configurations and the base model will have a 105 kWh battery pack which powers four electric motors. This setup gives the SUV a combined output of 402 hp (300 kW / 407 PS) and 412 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque. In terms of performance, the entry-level model can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds, hit a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) and travel more than 240 miles (386 km) on a single charge. The mid-level model has a larger 135 kWh battery pack and a combined output of 753 hp (562 kW / 764 PS) and 82...

Consumers can’t seem to get enough crossovers and BMW has been happy to comply as the company already offers six different models. However, there was one thing missing from its lineup – a competitor to the Mercedes GLS. BMW is finally responding in the form of the 2019 X7. Larger and more luxurious than the redesigned X5, the production model closely echoes the X7 iPerformance concept which was introduced last year. While the concept received a slightly chilly reception, BMW has high hopes for the production model as the company says it offers a unique blend of “presence, exclusivity and spaciousness.” It certainly has a commanding presence as the front fascia is dominated by a massive chrome grille which will likely prove to be controversial. Unsurprisingly, BMW says its the largest kidney grille ever fitted to one of their production models. Putting the grille aside, the X7 features adaptive LED headlights which reside above massive air intakes. Moving further back,...

Skoda is offering yet another sneak preview into the Kodiaq RS, which will premiere at the beginning of October. The brand’s first ever performance SUV will greet the audience at the 2018 Paris Auto Show, not only with revised styling, mechanicals and a potent diesel engine, but with a new logo as well. Gone is the green color and in comes the red, which “symbolizes how sporty and virile the RS family is”, says the automaker. “The letter ‘v’ denotes victory”, adds Skoda, reminding fans that the ‘RS’ logo was first used in 1974, on the 180 RS and 200 RS rally prototypes. The first street legal Skoda RS was the Octavia, which was introduced in 2000. Skoda’s new ‘RS’ logo will adorn the exterior and interior of the latest Kodiaq model to join the family, which shares the bi-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with the Volkswagen Passat and Tiguan. Said to be the most powerful oil burner in the company’s history, it pushes out 239 PS (236 hp / 176 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb...