Category Archives: Car Reviews

Review of Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class Safety and Comfort Features

Car Reviews, Technology, Transportation, Travel, , , , , ,

Two days after landing back home in Atlanta from a GL-Class test drive in Santa Fe, NM, I’m still drooling over and fantasizing about the 2013 GL-Class SUV from Mercedez-Benz.  Given the anything but smooth and straight terrain we drove the GL 550 and GL 35o on in Santa Fe, NM, I was able to get a feel for how the vehicle operates under not just highway conditions but off-road as well.

Two features I focus on when test driving a vehicle for the first time, are safety and comfort.  This review introduces readers to the safety and comfort features that I think are most important for parents to consider when buying a new SUV for their family.

What are the features of the vehicle that will keep my family safe and comfortable?

During my three-day trip to Santa Fe, NM to test drive Mercedes’ upcoming 2013 GL-Class SUV, I learned about the plethora of safety and comfort features of the GL-Class which are sure to make you *need* to take the GL-Class for a spin when it becomes available in September.

Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class
Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class

Parents will be thrilled with the numerous safety features available on the 2013 GL-Class SUV.
The spacious seven-passenger SUV comes with a standard rearview camera, 13-way airbag protection, 4MATIC all-wheel drive that provides all-weather control, and a whole host of other crucial features to protect their children.

Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class SUV
Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class SUV

Here are few 2013 GL-Class safety feature any parent driver will appreciate:

  • There is the PRE-SAFE® system that adjusts settings to headrests, seat belts, windows, sunroofs and other items in preparation of an impending crash.
  • Attention Assist driver-drowsiness monitor sounds an alert when it detects signs of fatigue in the driver.
  • The optional Active Park Assist with Surround View Camera uses four cameras mounted to different points on the GL to create an overhead image of the SUV and its surroundings on the COMAND screen.
  • Also included is the new radar-based Collision Prevention Assist technology that can alert the driver and get the brakes ready for maximum stopping power if it detects an impending collision.
  • Finally, the GL can include the Trailer Stability Assist that automatically adjusts for the sway of items being towed. With a towing capacity of a whopping 7,500 pounds, this is a critical feature.
For protection every day, drivers can opt for the Lane Tracking Package. It includes both Lane Keeping Assist to help drivers stay in their own lanes and Blind Spot Assist that alerts drivers with a light and a sound when they are close to a vehicle into whose lane they are trying to pull. For even more protection, there is the Driver Assistance Package that combines the Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist with the advanced sensors of the DISTRONIC PLUS system that activates the PRE-SAFE® brake to compensate for vehicles in its path that have stopped or slowed down significantly.

2013 GL-Class Comfort

Like other Mercedes-Benz models, the comfort of the GL cannot be beat. It includes a seven-speed automatic transmission, completely redesigned dashboard and new upholstery combinations. There are also massaging front seats and ambient lighting, as well as the AIRMATIC air suspension that levels itself. This last feature allows the GL to handle like a smaller vehicle while electromechanical steering leads to an effortless driving experience.

We can’t leave out the new EASY-ENTRY system

To gain easy 3rd row access, there is the power EASY-ENTRY system that tilts the second row forward by simply pressing a button. There are also flat-folding seats in the second and third rear rows to gain the most cargo space possible. The third row also has a power-folding button, and there is an optional Panorama sunroof.
With the significant focus on both safety and comfort, the folks at Mercedes-Benz have created the perfect family vehicle. It is large, elegant, comfortable, and one of the safest vehicles on the road today. Families cannot go wrong with a choice as good as this one.
The 2013 GL-Class will be available in September 2012.  You will love driving this vehicle.  Don’t forget to bring the kids along for a test drive so they too can experience the excitement that is the GL-Class!
Alicia Hagan, Editor
Disclosure: Mercedez-Benz invited me to Santa Fe, NM to test drive the 2013 GL-Class.  All expenses were paid but I was not compensated financially in any way and all opinions are 100% my own.   

First Impression Of The New Mercedes Benz 2013 GL-Class SUV

Car Reviews, New posts, Technology, Travel, , ,

I am in Santa Fe, NM to test drive the 2013 GL-Class SUV from Mercedes-Benz.  Much like the two Mercedes-Benz models I have test-driven in the past, the S550 sedan and the 2012 M-Class SUV, the GL-Class is beautiful to look at and an absolute dream to drive.

Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class SUV front grill
The front grill is gorgeously designed

Regardless if one is Roger Federer or the ordinary head of a family with a few children, the all-new, second generation Mercedes 2013 GL-Class luxury SUV is a great choice for a new vehicle. Both comfortable and well-built, the sleek new design will be sure to draw appreciative glances from onlookers. In addition to the unrivaled quality and design inherent to all Mercedes-Benz products, the GL offers a wide array of the most modern automobile technologies sure to interest the discerning buyer. In addition to the new anything but standard 4.7 liter V-8 sporting a beefy 362 HP, buyers can opt for the powerful but efficient BlueTec diesel and its 455 lb-ft of torque, or the truly vigorous performance of the GL 550’s biturbo V-8. Standard equipment on all 2013 GL350 and GL450 models includes heated front power seats, Bluetooth phone pairing, a power tailgate, and rain-sensing wipers.  I was lucky enough to drive the GL550 for a few hours today and had the option of trying out the front seats with massage but saved that feature for tomorrow when I’ll be driving the vehicle for a while longer.

The all-new standard features of the GL-Class SUV include the Command infotainment system, and Crosswind Stabilization. Many more cutting edge options such as the Surround View Camera and the amazing Collision Prevention Assist can be added to an already impressive checklist of standard features.

Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class
Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class {Photo source: mbusa.com}

Whether sitting in front or back, the Mercedes-Benz 2013 GL-Class offers a truly luxurious cabin that can be customized to the driver and passenger’s content. Class-leading ergonomics and pinpoint control provide a safe and invigorating driver experience. All occupants will delight in the quiet smooth ride until now unseen in SUV’s. Features like voice control, harman/kardon audio, and available rear-seat entertainment ensure passengers will be more than content even on long family road trips. But amenities aside, the new GL is built first and foremost for usability and practicality. Easy third-row seating access, 94 cubit feet of interior cargo space, generous seating, a 7,500 lb tow capacity, and the all-weather, off-road capability of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive all add up to a vehicle ready and eager to get to work.

The 2013 GL-Class fits the bill for the discriminating buyer looking for a full-time family vehicle with its total package of comfort, reliability, generous room for seven, and voluminous cargo capacity. Be it toting twins in car seats, shuttling a crowd of teenage footballers, or towing the family boat up to the lake, the new GL-Class has it all in hand.

What impresses me most, however, is the dazzling array of high-tech safety features that make this vehicle potentially on of the safest ever both on and off the road. The radar-based Collision Prevention Assist provides a revolutionary ability to avoid collisions due to driver distraction or drowsiness, and can be augmented by the Available Driver Assistance Package featuring DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control with PRE-SAFE® Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. If all this doesn’t suffice, the complement of 13 airbags are always waiting.  I can’t leave out a bit of detail about the Surround View Camera.  This is a fabulous safety feature that all parents can appreciate.  Much like a standard backup camera, the Surround View Camera actually activates and pops up as soon as you put the vehicle in reverse.   In addition to see what is behind the vehicle as you are backing up, you also see an aerial view of the vehicle and the surroundings.

For the buyer that craves the S-Class experience, but must bow to the practical realities (and joys) of life with children, the GL-Class is a great choice.

Read more 2013 GL-Class reviews from other bloggers:


 

Alicia Hagan, Editor

Disclosure: Mercedez-Benz invited me to Santa Fe, NM to test drive the 2013 GL-Class.  All expenses were paid but I was not compensated financially in any way and all opinions are 100% my own.   

*The* BlissMobile – Mercedes Benz S550

Car Reviews, New posts,

Mercedes Benz S550

Last week I had the most amazing time driving myself, Desiree (stressfreebaby.com), Stacie (thedivinemissmommy.com), and Piera (jollymom.com) to Nashville, TN for the Blissdom 2012 conference in a beautiful Mercedes S550, which we referred to as the BlissMobile.  Mercedes was kind enough to us loan us a S550 for the trip.  I was in absolute heaven.  I love cars and technology and the Mercedes S550 is a perfect blend of the two.

Four features of the S550 that I love:

  • Mulitcontour front seats with massage – Thank you Desiree for taking care of my massages for me during the trip!
  • Blind Spot Assist alerts the driver audibly when the driver attempts to change lanes and there is a vehicle in the other lane.
  • Lane Assist vibrates the steering wheel when the vehicle drifts out of the lane.
  • DISTRONIC PLUS – Active cruise control that adapts to traffic, automatically slowing or stopping until your path clears.

The Mercedes-Benz S550 is a mid-range trim of the S-Class, a full-size luxury sedan from German automaker Mercedes-Benz. With an assortment of features, the latest version of the vehicle — the 2012 model year — retains the reputation of the S-Class as one of the best premium luxury offerings in the market.

Powered with a 4.7-liter 429-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 engine that is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission and riding on 18-inch alloy wheels, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Fuel economy is measured at 15 mpg in the city and 25 mph on the highway. Although the car comes with a standard two-wheel drivetrain applied to the rear wheels, customers can opt for an all-wheel drivetrain for better traction.

With a maximum capacity to seat five people, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 possesses interior gadgets primed for comfort. A harman/kardon LOGIC7 sound system with a 6-CD/DVD changer and up to 15 speakers producing a peak of 600 watts serves as the entertainment center. Other features of the sound system include 7.2GB of data storage for music files and satellite radio capability. Also included are Bluetooth technology as a hands-free phone system, and a 40GB GPS navigation system.

As a four-door vehicle with accommodation for up to five occupants, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 offers leather seats that can be heated or cooled, with the front seats being power multi-adjustable. Other convenience features include power sunroof, garage door opener, heated headlamp washers, heated power fold-in side mirrors and electronic trunk closer.

Safety features of the 2012 S550 primarily consist of eight airbags, Xenon headlamps and highbeam assistance for enhanced exterior lighting, anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system and electronic parking brake. Unique to the S550 — as well as other Mercedes vehicles — is the mbrace, an application that provides 24-hour support for a variety of functions from trip planning to sudden emergencies.

Watch the video that below that Desiree from stressfreebaby.com shot during the road trip, to see what our favorite features of the  Mercedes S550 are.

Read my review of the 2012 Mercedes M-Class here.

Alicia Hagan, Editor

My Review of the All-New 2012 Honda CR-V

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Honda CR-V 2012

Now completely transformed for its fourth generation, the 2012 Honda CR-V heads in a more sophisticated direction with refreshed styling, improved fuel economy, innovative technology and even greater value for money.

The 2012 Honda CR-V has received several changes from the 2011 model. Honda focused on offering the driver more space, improved technology and fuel economy. The vehicle was changed to make it more in line with the traditional SUV while remaining true to the mid-size Honda style.

CR-V Exterior

The fourth generation Honda CR-V’s subtle changes to the exterior and interior give consumers upgrades they expect in a new vehicle but Honda kept the overall design of the CR-V similar to previous models consumers have proven to love for years.  The exterior of the 2012 CR-V has stylish fenders and tail lights in this year’s model. The overall look of 2012 CR-V is more sleek than the previous model; the exterior is more aggressive overall. The front bumper has been lowered and the wheels are tailored with a large five-spoke alloy.  The CR-V from Honda in 2012 has a lower, more aggressive exterior style; the mid-size SUV offers more space with accommodations alongside better fuel economy to the driver. What’s not to love about that?

CR-V Interior

The interior for the 2012 Honda CR-V is intended to create more space inside the vehicle; overall, Honda wanted to be more accommodating to the passengers in the vehicle for toddler car-seats and other necessities and they succeeded with the many storage compartments including my favorite, the

The CR-V has a host of new features along with the new design; though, there are few faults in what Honda offers in the 2012 CR-V. The 2012 CR-V has improved engine performance and accomplished a more stylish appearance, in my opinion.

CR-V Engine & Fuel Economy

Honda has given the CR-V a lighter and more fuel efficient engine this year; the CR-V has two different engines for drivers to choose from for this model.  Either engine will still have the five-speed automatic transmission, however the difference will be between the old engine or a new option Honda is offering. The driver can choose the original 2.4 liter in-line engine from the previous model that produced 175 hp or the driver may choose the new option; the latest 2.5 liter in-line engine produces 201 hp. Honda has also claimed to improve the fuel efficiency for this year’s model.

 

Honda focuses on more style, more space and better performance in the new fourth generation CR-V; the company also wanted to offer more innovative technology to the driver. Beyond these changes, most aspects will be the same about the 2012 model from last year. Drivers will experience more space and better accommodations in this new model. The cargo space is a nice improvement and number of cup holders is fabulous too! The various luxury and technology packages and upgrades available for the 2012 CR-V can be seen on the CR-V website.

 

Honda CR-V Leap List

Honda has made a Leap List on Facebook.  I filled out my Leap List and can’t wait to see your Leap List!  Fill it out and add a link to your Leap List in the comments below, if you’d like to share.

Connect with Honda:

Disclosure: I was invited by Honda to test drive the 2012 Honda CR-V in California.  While my travel and accommodations were covered by Honda, I was not provided financial compensation for this review.  All opinions here are 100% my own and were not influenced in any way.

Alicia Hagan, Editor

Holiday Road Trips in the Nissan Quest – #HolidayQuest

Car Reviews, Holiday, Nissan HolidayQuest,

Nissan Quest - #HolidayQuest

Searching for a minivan with a sporty look, the best in entertainment and great fuel mileage? Look no further!  The Nissan Quest is the perfect vehicle for holiday travel and family road trips.  This stylish minivan is Edmunds.com 2011 Consumers’ Top Rated® Minivan and your family will enjoy taking a road trip in this luxury minivan. Treating your family to a Quest for the holidays will provide plenty of joy all year long.

Nissan has done its level best to build the perfect minivan. The vehicle features a 3.5 V6 engine, giving it plenty of power, a 4-wheel ABS system for safety and front and rear independent stabilization for the smoothest ride possible. Dual sliding rear doors allow quick access for rear seat passengers.

Nissan Quest DVD

The entertainment features on the vehicle make a long road trip fun for the whole family. With DVD players, wireless headphones, headphone jacks, Bluetooth streaming audio and a CD player featuring MP3 playback capability, tech-savvy passengers will hardly notice the miles flying by. Three rows of seating means there is enough room to bring along the whole family on your HolidayQuest, and the ample cargo space makes packing for your Christmas vacation a breeze!

With up to 24 miles per gallon highway fuel economy, getting over the river and through the woods has never been cheaper.  Two sunroofs, blind spot assist and a rear view camera make the Nissan Quest both sporty and safe. Kids will clamor to hit the road for winter travel, and with dual heating and AC vents, reading lights, sunshades and cup holders, there will be no more arguing over the “best” seat.

Plan your own fun and fantastic HolidayQuest with a Nissan Quest!  With great fuel economy, top safety features and plenty of entertainment for the whole family, hitting the road this holiday season has never been more fun!

Join me on my Holiday Quest with the Nissan Quest!

Nissan has some fun things planned during the Holiday Quest campaign I’m participating in including a Twitter party December 20th during which myself and seven other great bloggers will be participating in and giving away prizes!  It gets better!   Nissan is allowing me to make a charitable contribution to a local charity of my choice!  Follow me during my Holiday Quest on twitter at @mommyinsider and @atlantamoms by following the hashtag #HolidayQuest.

Join me at the #HolidayQuest Twitter Party on Tuesday, December 20th from 8-9pm CT/9-10pm EST. We’ll be giving away some great prizes!

Connect with Nissan Quest:

Disclosure: Nissan provided a loan of the Nissan Quest for this program, a gift card for my family as we use the vehicle, and a contribution to a charity of my choice in my community.  

Alicia Hagan, Editor