12/29/23 - How Tesla, BMW, Ford, GM and Mercedes driver assist systems compare | New Mercedes-AMG G63 Cabriolet Gets Suicide Doors, $1.3-Million Price Tag | Tesla Intentionally Hiding Grave Defects In Cars New And Old

GM. Rev up your day with the latest automotive news and insights delivered to your inbox in our exclusive newsletter! What we cover in today’s edition:

• 🚗 Car reveal/review: 

  • New Mercedes-AMG G63 Cabriolet Gets Suicide Doors, $1.3-Million Price Tag

  • Xiaomi's first EV is the freshest take on a 'smartphone on wheels'

  • Huawei's New Luxury SUV Is China's Budget Mercedes-Maybach GLS

• 🏭 Industry trend: Tesla Intentionally Hiding Grave Defects In Cars New And Old, Interest Rates, High Payments Hit Subprime Auto Loans Hardest

• 🤖 Auto Tech: How Tesla, BMW, Ford, GM and Mercedes driver assist systems compare

New Mercedes-AMG G63 Cabriolet Gets Suicide Doors, $1.3-Million Price Tag (3 mins read)

Refined Marques, a German custom tuner, unveils a limited-edition Mercedes-AMG G63 Cabriolet, featuring a 577-hp twin-turbo V8. With only 20 units, it sports a unique soft top design with suicide rear doors for easier access. Originally a one-off, demand led to the limited run, each meticulously developed over 18 months. Priced at $1.3 million, most units are sold, and secondary market prices have already surpassed double the starting cost. Read more.

Xiaomi's first EV is the freshest take on a 'smartphone on wheels' (3 mins read)

Xiaomi unveils its first electric car, the SU7, set to launch in China next year. Running on Xiaomi's "HyperOS," integrating phones, smart homes, and cars, it aims for a seamless user experience. Specs include a range of up to 800 km, a 101kWh battery, fast charging (220 km in 5 mins), and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 2.78 seconds. Read more.

Huawei's New Luxury SUV Is China's Budget Mercedes-Maybach GLS (2 mins read)

Huawei and Seres unveil the Aito M9, a six-passenger SUV with cinema-style projectors, high-tech headlights, and a tech-rich interior. The all-electric version offers 523 horsepower and 392 miles of range, while the extended-range EV provides 490 horsepower and 846-871 miles. Priced from $65,700 to under $80,000, deliveries start early next year. Availability in the USA is uncertain given Huawei's history. Read more.

REPORT: Tesla Intentionally Hiding Grave Defects In Cars New And Old (4 mins read)

Reuters' investigation alleges that Tesla, under Elon Musk, concealed knowledge of defective parts for years. The report highlights cases like a 2023 Model Y with a collapsed suspension, blaming the owner. Documents from 2016-2022 reveal global issues, including faulty suspension components like control arms. Engineers wanted redesigns, and China's forced Model S recall contradicted US claims of driver abuse. Tesla reportedly replaced parts, billing out-of-warranty customers. The report raises concerns for Tesla, already facing scrutiny for previous practices. Read more.

Interest Rates, High Payments Hit Subprime Auto Loans Hardest (2 mins read)

Rising interest rates disproportionately impact subprime and near-prime auto-loan borrowers, leading to a 15.2% decline in loans for Q2 2023. Super prime borrowers, with credit scores above 780, see a 5.8% increase. Despite reduced average loan amounts, interest rate hikes result in higher monthly payments, with new and used car interest rates rising to 7.1% and 11.6%. Average monthly payments increase to $734 and $545. Read more.

How Tesla, BMW, Ford, GM and Mercedes driver assist systems compare (13 mins read)

The article reviews advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as BMW's Highway Assistant, GM's Super Cruise, Ford's BlueCruise, Mercedes-Benz's Distronic and Drive Pilot, and Tesla's Full Self-Driving, assessing their capabilities and drawbacks. While Tesla's FSD displays mixed performance as the most expensive option, Mercedes-Benz's Drive Pilot has limitations. BMW, Ford, and GM systems perform well, with Ford's BlueCruise gaining momentum in just two years, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement for these systems to justify recurring fees. Read more.