Volvo Cars USA Launches Complimentary Tow for Life

Safety. The driver behind Volvo Cars’ strategy over the past few years was to provide their drivers and passengers alike with peace of mind on the road. This goes back to their goal of eliminating death or serious injury in a Volvo Car by 2020.

Now, they’ve taken safety to a whole new level of convenience by pledging complimentary Tow for Life, free of charge.

No matter the vintage, Volvo Cars USA will now provide roadside towing as an expansion of their suite of complimentary services. Tow For Life works alongside Volvo Car Accident Advisor and the Volvo Lifetime Replacement Parts & Labor Warranty.

“Tow for Life ensures that in the event of a breakdown, help is on hand no matter the age of the vehicle,” said Scott Doering, Head of Customer Service for Volvo Car USA, “It’s a commitment to all our customers that cars will be taken to experts who use genuine Volvo parts and repair methods. This will get the customer back on the road faster and provide assurance that the repair was done right.”

If you’re under warrant, towing was already included as part of the roadside assistance. Now there is no additional fee to use Tow for Life for post-warranty customers. Volvo customers can call for help through Volvo On-Call or via Volvo Customer Care at 1 (800) 550-5658. Vehicle tows that are initiated through these channels will have their tow to a local Volvo retailer covered under the program.

July 23, 2019July 24, 2019

The Porsche Taycan: Over 300 Miles of Supreme Performance Without A Drop of Gasoline

Update July 2019: Porsche has officially announced that the Mission E is now the Porsche Taycan, which translates to “lively young horse”, referencing the center of the Porsche crest.

“The new electric sports car is athletic and performance-oriented; a car that is capable of longer distances, and represents freedom”, explains Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG. Here comes the first electric sports car with the soul of a Porsche.

The Future of Porsche Sportscars

The future of Porsche Sportscars looks absolutely stunning with the first ever purely electric sports car in the performance brand’s history showcasing a combination of revolutionary tech and a futuristic exterior- all while remaining true to the epic Porsche style of the past 70 years. The Porsche Mission E Concept project head, Stefan Weckbach, notes that Porsche expertise lies in the “complex, efficient, and high-performance powertrains” similar to the iconic and truly rare 918 Spyder or 919 Hybrid.

Performance and Powertrains:

Take one look at the Mission E Concept specs and it’s unmistakably a sportscar. The exterior shows futuristic elements and upgrades to the aesthetics without hiding the iconic Porsche proportions. As with Porsche sports cars, the technology used is based on motorsports tech. For example, the two PSMs (permanent magnet synchronous motors) propel the front and rear axles, forward and conserve energy when braking are similar to those found in the 919 Hybrid that won Le Mans, one of the oldest endurance, sports car races.

The Mission E is a powerful concept with over 600hp that can go 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, and further up to 124 mph in less than 12.

Dynamic Driving: Avoiding the Straight and Narrow

According to Porsche, the essence of Porsche is truly experienced driving down “winding roads” and hugging tight corners. The Mission E Concept candidly agrees with that assertion. The specs show that the battery lies flat throughout the underbody to lower the sportscar’s center of gravity and enhance lateral dynamics. The even weight distribution achieves a balance between the front and rear of the concept car, allowing the all-wheel-drive system and Porsche Torque Vectoring to operate to their full potential.

What is Porsche Torque Vectoring: PTV Works to actively enhance vehicle dynamics and stability. Operating in conjunction with a rear differential lock, it works by intelligently braking the rear wheels as the situation demands. For the driver, this means strong resistance to destabilizing side forces, outstanding traction, and great agility at every speed – with precise turn-in and well-balanced load transfer characteristics. What else? Tremendous fun in the corners.

The Taycan is race track ready with an equipment closet containing an active suspension derived from the 911 chassis. According to Porsche.com, expectations are high for this full-electric sportscar concept to lap the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring in less than 8 minutes.

What is the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring? A 150,000 person capacity motorsports complex located in Germany with four track configurations including the Nordschleife, which is 14.73 miles long. Porsche broke the lap record earlier this year with Timo Bernhard at the helm, clocking in at 5:19.55 driving a Porsche 919 Evo.

Everyday Practicality in 15 Minutes

Not only has Porsche doubled the standard charging voltage to 800 volts, but they have subsequently reduced the charging time. The Lithium-ion battery powers the car for more than 300 miles on a single charge, and only needs 15 minutes to recharge for 250 miles worth of range. Appropriately called turbo-charging, the 800-volt technology will be installed in charging stations along German freeways. But, do not fret if the 800-volt station isn’t available; the Mission E can be charged with the conventional 400-volt station or in its own garage.

The Taycan (formerly known as the Mission E concept) has two electric motors (1, 2). Its 800-volt powertrain enables short charging times and extended range. The lithium-ion battery (3) is integrated into the underbody, which improves weight distribution and also enables inductive charging. The conventional charging port is located in the front left fender (4) (taken from Porsche.com)

The Designer’s Dream

There has not been a Porsche created that doesn’t reflect the brand’s heritage, making it an instantly recognizable machine. Aptly deemed, “Thrillingly different, yet reassuringly familiar,” the Mission E Concept reflects that tradition with distinct innovations like integrated aerodynamics. Integrated air channels enhance airflow around the wheels to reduce excess pressure and the risk of lift. The new concept evokes memories of the 918 Spyder with its arrow-like front, the 911 with its distinctive front fenders, and the 911 GT3 RS with broad recess runs from the overlapping front hood over the roof.

What’s new? Even more discreet design. The Matrix LED headlights hover within the air intakes. The four points surround a flat sensor used for driver assistance systems, with a border that serves as a turn signal. The flow of surfaces is not disturbed by side mirrors; instead, cameras are mounted on the sides. The handles on the rear doors are integrated with the shell, and a continuous arc of red light connects the rear fenders with a back-lit Porsche insignia located below it in black glass.

Move inside, and the dashboard shows ingenuity based on the cockpit design of the very first 911. A passenger can activate the holographic display with the wave of the hand, while either the driver or the front passenger can operate the radio, navigation system, climate, phone, and apps in a touch-free form. Every played charades? Well this a game of intuitive gestures detected by sensors inside the Taycan.

With the Porsche Taycan, the future is electric…and fascinating, indeed.

For more information visit Porsche.Com

For Park Place Porsche Inventory or Inquiries Visit ParkPlace.com

July 23, 2019July 23, 2019

Lexus Introduces 2020 LS 500 with Dramatic New Look

Color and emotion are uniquely tied together (check out our post on the Power of Color) and the right shade or hue can elevate any already polished and luxe experience to a higher level. Cue the Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series demonstrating the true power of color with a limited-production interior and exterior combo.

Only 300 units of this LS Inspiration series will be produced.

The 2020 LS 500 is set to arrive this fall, featuring a deep Garnet Color for the first time (see photos). This is the fourth Inspiration Series vehicle from Lexus, but the LS 500 is the first sedan to have this exclusive treatment. The Deep Garnet exterior is a deep, metallic shade of red.

To compliment this lustrous red are standard 20-inch wheels finished in Black Vapor Chrome. Similar to the body color, the wheels will catch the sunlight for a hint of glimmer, all while retaining a polished look that accentuates the elegant features of the LS.

Interior Details

The interior begins with standard White leather trim on the seats, center console, and door panels. The dying process on the semi-analine leather gives a bright white contrast to the black dashboard, steering wheel and carpet. Kirko glass, origionally only available with the executive package, now comes standard in this limited-edition design as a trim on the door panels.

LED dash lighting and Lexus puddle lamps welcome you at each door.

Coming this Fall

Like all 2020 LS 500s, the Inspiration Series is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with twin turbochargers that develop 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. In RWD form, the LS 500 delivers a 0-60 time of 4.6seconds.The available AWD system features a TORSEN^®limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction and cornering stability.

Limited to just 300 units in the U.S., the 2020 LS 500 Inspiration Edition goes on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Contact Your Park Place Lexus Plano or Park Place Lexus Grapevine for more information on all new models entering our showroom this year.

July 22, 2019July 23, 2019

McLaren GT Makes Appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Nearly two months after the worldwide debut of the McLaren GT, the new supercar made an appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. Previously, the McLaren of Grand Tourers was revealed online May 15, 2019, with the official global debut happening in Dallas, Texas, with the help of Park Place Dealerships.

What a difference a year makes for McLaren. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2018, the high-performance brand announced their Track25 business plan in which McLaren set goals to invest nearly $1.5 billion in research and development to deliver 18 new cars or derivatives by the end of 2025.

During this year’s Goodwood Hill event on July 4th, the GT participated in supercar hill climb runs with fellow McLaren models including the 720S Spider, 600LT Spider, P1TM, Senna, and Senna GTR. The 600LT, 720S Spider, Senna GTR and GT were also the first four Track25 models to be released.

The McLaren of Grand Tourers is a superlight supercar supported by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine. The GT accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds and can provide a grand tour for two individuals.

Not only does the McLaren provide a super ride, but also super comfort with a variety of trim options, unique seating stylings, and ambiance enhancements.

For details on the new McLaren GT, contact your McLaren Dallas or McLaren Houston dealers.

July 22, 2019July 22, 2019

Mercedes-Benz Sharing the Passion for Motorcars with Younger Audiences

Earlier this year, we mentioned that Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is continuing their push to empower the amazing women contributors and support a larger audience for women Mercedes owners with entrepreneurial ambitions. Now, the luxury automotive brand is looking to start introducing its vehicle heritage with younger dreamers.

MBUSA and Mattel have joined forces to encourage children – particularly girls – that there are no boundaries with their goals and aspirations.

Mercedes-Benz considers the toy car as a viable option not only for young boys, but young girls as well. Creating an attitude shift at a young age is a potential stepping stone for young girls to appreciate the brand and have a positive outlook on the automotive industry.

To further their support for gender equality, Mercedes-Benz is giving thousands of girls across the United States a Matchbox replica of the Mercedes-Benz 220SE. The replica model honors driver Ewy Rosqvist, who obliterated Argentinian Grand Prix world records in the vintage Mercedes luxury car. Rosqvist overcame the stereotypes that challenged the ability of women to compete in such competitions.

“Through Ewy’s story, we saw an opportunity to inspire young girls to ‘play outside the box’ and imagine all the different opportunities open to them without the restrictions of traditional stereotypes,” said Mark Aikman, general manager of marketing services for MBUSA. “We realized that these pioneering women from our past could serve as valuable role models for young girls today and have a positive impact on how they see their future. This led us to collaborate with Matchbox to create a tangible reminder for girls that there are no restrictions on their tomorrow.”

Women in the Mercedes-Benz brand have had a history of challenging stereotypes. Bertha Benz recorded the initial long-distance drive of the automobile establishing that the Patent Motorwagen was an acceptable transportation option. Today, She’s Mercedes is an online community support the growth and development of professional Mercedes-Benz women.

Interested in learning more about our four Park Place Mercedes-Benz locations or in pursuing a career in automotive yourself? Visit us at www.ParkPlace.com to learn more.

June 26, 2019

Versatility By Design: The New Discovery Sport Design Highlights

It’s designed with your family’s needs in mind with an instantly recognizable design DNA. The new model year sports a transformed interior, improved seating layout with 24 possible configurations, and the latest user-focused technology.

“Building on the success of the original Discovery Sport, this beautifully proportioned vehicle has been refined, enhancing its characterful exterior which complements the engaging nature of the interior space.” – Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer

Vehicle Highlights:

5+2 seating capabilities
40:20:40 split-folding second-row seats for 24 different configurations
Electrified powertrains
Increased interior space for more adventures
Terrain Response 2 Technology
Touch Pro infotainment with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and 4G wifi hotspot

Trademark Design

The trademark Discovery design cues, including the clamshell bonnet, rising beltline, and tapered roof remain, but the new model is a bold exterior evolution. The proportions have been optimized to project a more striking visual with new signature LED headlamps at the front and rear, alongside a new front grille and bumpers.

Inside, the arrival of the digital Touch Pro infotainment system and the introduction of more premium materials throughout transforms the cabin to create a high quality yet practical space. New seats across each of the three rows provide improved comfort and versatility, thanks to the second row 40:20:40 split fold and slide functionality, boosting the possible number of seat combinations to 24 and covering every eventuality – be it the school run or a family holiday.

Designed with electrification in mind, the new Premium Transverse Architecture allows for the introduction of a new 48-volt mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain on Discovery Sport. First launched on the new Range Rover Evoque, the system uses an engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator to harvest energy normally lost during deceleration and stores it in an under-floor battery.

Technology

The latest Discovery Sport is available with a ‘smart rearview mirror’ that transforms into a video screen at the flick of a switch to display what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. Offering a wider (50-degree) field of vision and superior visibility in low light conditions from a camera mounted above the rear window, the mirror ensures rear visibility is not compromised by second-row passengers or bulky items in the boot.

Wireless charging for compatible mobile devices is introduced for the first time within the lower center console, while a 4G WiFi hotspot, alongside USB and 12-volt connectivity points on every row, ensure passengers remain charged and connected. Second and third-row occupants also benefit from individual heating and ventilation controls to make the space more comfortable.

For regular drivers of the new Discovery Sport, Smart Settings uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn driver preferences, adjusting massage and seat positions, music and climate settings and steering column positioning to suit each driver.

Read the full Press-Release on how the Land Rover Discovery is Compact, Composed, Capable for your all-terrain family adventures.

June 25, 2019

Volvo and Uber Take Next Stops Towards Self-Driving Cars

After years of research and testing, Volvo Cars, a leader in automotive safety, and Uber, the leading ride-hailing firm, today present a jointly developed production car capable of driving by itself, the next step in the strategic collaboration between both companies.

Uber and Volvo Cars entered a joint engineering agreement in 2016 and have since developed several prototypes aimed at accelerating the companies’ self-driving car development. The Volvo XC90 SUV presented today is the first production car that in combination with Uber’s self-driving system is capable of fully driving itself.

The XC90 base vehicle is equipped with key safety features that allow Uber to easily install its own self-driving system, enabling the possible future deployment of self-driving cars in Uber’s network as an autonomous ridesharing service.

The most important features of Volvo Cars’ autonomous drive-ready production vehicle include several back-up systems for both steering and braking functions as well as battery back-up power. If any of the primary systems should fail for some reason, the back-up systems are designed to immediately act to bring the car to a stop. In addition to Volvo’s built-in back-up systems, an array of sensors atop and built into the vehicle are designed for Uber’s self-driving system to safely operate and maneuver in an urban environment.

When paired with Volvo’s vehicle platform, Uber’s self-driving system may one day allow for safe, reliable autonomous ridesharing without the need for a Mission Specialist, the specially trained Uber employees operating and overseeing the car in areas designated and suitable for autonomous drive.

The autonomous drive-capable production vehicle revealed today is part of Volvo Cars’ 2016 commercial agreement with Uber for the delivery of tens of thousands of autonomous drive-ready base cars in coming years.

“We believe autonomous drive technology will allow us to further improve safety, the foundation of our company,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. “By the middle of the next decade we expect one-third of all cars we sell to be fully autonomous. Our agreement with Uber underlines our ambition to be the supplier of choice to the world’s leading ride-hailing companies.”

“Working in close cooperation with companies like Volvo is a key ingredient to effectively building a safe, scalable, self-driving fleet,” said Eric Meyhofer, CEO of Uber Advanced Technologies Group. “Volvo has long been known for their commitment to safety, which is the cornerstone of their newest production-ready self-driving base vehicle. When paired with our self-driving technology, this vehicle will be a key ingredient in Uber’s autonomous product suite.”

Volvo Cars plans to use a similar autonomous base vehicle concept for the introduction of its future autonomous drive cars in the early 2020s. These technologies, to be introduced on the next generation of Volvo models based on the SPA2 vehicle architecture, will include features designed to enable unsupervised autonomous drive in clearly designated areas such as highways and ring roads.

Volvo Cars believes autonomous drive can generate significant potential road safety benefits for society as a whole when all cars are autonomous. Until that moment, the technology can offer customers a better driving experience by taking away mundane tasks such as stop-start driving in traffic jams.

Stay tuned to Volvo Media or the Park Place Blog as we receive updates on the latest technologies.

June 25, 2019June 25, 2019

2019 Teacher of the Year Celebrations Remind Us Why #ParkPlaceCares

Over 30 years ago our first dealership opened on Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas and as the organization grew, so did the connection to the community in which it lived, and as a result, Park Place Dealerships also expanded their dedicated time and resources for the continuous betterment of their neighbors. Now, our approach to outreach remains simple through #ParkPlaceCares, an initiative that highlights our commitment to show support for the communities that support you. It’s resulted in over 300 plus organizations supported each year with time, money, and in-kind donations.

#ParkPlaceCares

We are so grateful for the surrounding communities that we’ve been grounded in since our first Mercedes-Benz Dealership in the heart of Dallas, and we take pride in supporting these areas of the metroplex in which Park Place conducts business and where our members live and thrive. Our mission is driven even further when we can work hand-in-hand with local partners to drive action and impact far past a singular donation, event, or vehicle use.

The Park Place Cares efforts are grounded in our Four Pillars of Giving: arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education through grants, in-kind donations, event sponsorships (and more). And when the summer months roll around, our community team gets extra giddy knowing that we have the opportunity to give back to the people in charge of educating the future of Dallas-Fort Worth.

A Kick-Off To Summer: Teacher of the Year

Over the years, Park Place has expanded their Teacher of the Year celebrations to support the exceptional teachers of the Carroll, Allen, Grapevine-Colleyville, Plano, Northwest, Prosper, Fort-Worth, Mansfield, and Arlington school districts. The winners are given the opportunity to drive in-style for a summer, a small reward for the years of dedication and passionate service to our community’s families.

In 2012, Matt Woolsey spoke at the Teacher of the Year award ceremony, commenting on his close connection (and now Park Place’s tight-knit relationship) to Carroll ISD and the annual Teacher of the Year program itself:

“I looked around the room and saw a few of my son’s teachers, several current teachers that are Park Place clients, my former principal Mr. Willingham, Mr. Lowery (former superintendent), and my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Anders. I let them know how proud I was to be a Dragon, how proud I was to be the parent of a couple of Dragons….”

These words ring clearly today as the tradition of educational giving continues, and our 2019 Teacher of the Year winners are enjoying their summers in a Lexus or Mercedes.

In August 2017, Park Place Motorcars Arlington proudly kicked off a new exclusive partnership with Mansfield ISD, gifting two deserving teachers with the opportunity to sport a luxury vehicle for an entire year. Anam Ali spoke to our Education Support in Arlington saying:

“When we opened the dealership in Arlington, it was clear that we had to extend our support to the surrounding community that welcomed us so warmly back in 2015. We are elated to begin a new partnership with Mansfield ISD as they embark on a new school year, and we are eager to see what we can accomplish together.”

Later in 2019, we expanded our reach to include Arlington ISD and thanks to client and My Place star Dr. Nathanial Hearne, we continue to spread our support in the Arlington area. Dr. Nate Hearne shared his My Place Moment with us earlier this year, which began when he coached Tony Carimi, an executive at Park Place Dealerships, in basketball as a young athlete.

With a foundation of trust already built between Tony and Dr. Hearne, there was only one place that could help Dr. Hearne surprise his wife with a new car, and that was Park Place.

Now, Tony and Dr. Hearne’s story has led to an increased presence for educational support in the Arlington School District, with $10,000 being donated to the Education Foundation since our dealership’s opening.

Education Application Opportunities: Summer Internships

While our educational support has evolved, Park Place’s focus on educating our up-and-comers is revitalized through an extensive dealer-wide internship program that continues to offer professional learning opportunities for 25-35 interns each year. Providing not just verbal and monetary support, but ample application-based learning opportunities is part of Park Place’s commitment to sharing our knowledge and making a difference in the surrounding communities.

This year, they are participating in a revamped program that allows each intern the opportunity to experience dealership life and corporate opportunities with a rotating schedule. It’s integral that we do our part to not just support our educators, but continue to do our part to prepare the next generation of automotive leaders.

Recap: A Summer of Giving

All of this said, the summer months are some of our absolute favorites. It’s Park Place’s opportunity to show our support for those that impact our communities the most, and hear the stories of excitement and shock as some of the most deserving people in the metroplex are presented with a new car for the summer, funds are donated to an education foundation for future classroom grants, or when we get to share a little of what we do with the future of the automotive industry. Park Place Cares, and we can’t wait to see what the future years hold as we continue to support Education in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area.

Follow @parkplacetexas and #parkplacecares to stay up to date on our community outreach and partnerships.

June 24, 2019

Lexus Takes Steps Towards a Crash-Free World with Standard Tech

Lexus Safety System+ now standard equipment across the 2020 Model Year lineup as Lexus moves towards eliminating car crashes.

Article originally published on the Lexus Newsroom

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were nearly 6.5 million reported crashes in 2017 (the most recent available data) many of which were avoidable. Collisions that result in injury can often be caused by a delay in a driver’s recognition of the situation and his or her ability to react accordingly.

In a move to help prevent such accidents before they happen, the Lexus Safety System+ will be a standard feature in all US Lexus vehicles starting with the 2020 model year.

“We are working toward preventing crashes before they happen,” said David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division.“ That’s why we have developed some of the most advanced safety features on the road today, and now those systems will be standard equipment on every model we sell.”

Designed to help protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians, the Lexus Safety System+ is an integrated suite of four advanced active safety packages anchored by automated pre-collision warning and braking. They include:

Pre-Collison System with Pedestrian Detection

This system is engineered to help detect a preceding vehicle or a pedestrian in front of the Lexus under certain conditions. Should the system detect a pedestrian or a potential frontal collision, it’s designed to activate an audible and visual alert while automatically preparing Brake Assist for an increased braking response. If the driver does not brake in time, the system is designed to automatically begin braking before impact and, in some cases, can even bring the vehicle to a stop.

Lane Departure Alert

This system utilizes a high-resolution camera to monitor visible lane markings and determine the vehicle’s position within a lane. If an inadvertent lane departure or potential departure due to swaying is detected at speeds above 32 mph, the system attempts to alert the driver with audio and visual warnings and steering wheel vibrations.

Intelligent High Beams

To help provide added visibility for the Lexus driver as well as other motorists, Intelligent High Beams offer added illumination to help keep the driver focused on the road. When the road ahead is clear, the system defaults to high-beam mode, then temporarily switches to low beams when it detects the headlamps or taillamps of vehicles ahead.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

This system uses radar and camera technology to help maintain a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. If driving at highway speeds and the road ahead clears, the vehicle returns to its preset speed.

A Future-Focused History of Commitment to Safety

Offering Lexus Safety System+ standard in the entire Lexus lineup all its vehicles represents the latest milestone in the brand’s 30-year history of creating and providing advancements and innovations in safety – designed to help prevent crashes and protect people. “A world without crashes is what we envision,” notes Christ. “It’s an ambitious goal, but one we’re committed to achieve.”

Additional groundbreaking Lexus safety innovations include crash testing ingenuity and real-world safety.

Total Human Model for Safety

The development of many Lexus vehicle safety features benefits from the Total Human Model for Safety, or THuMS, virtual crash dummy software. Unlike typical dummy models which provide 119 data points, THuMS provides millions of data points and represents actual humans in detail, including the outer shape as well as bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and internal organs¾enough to detect even a scrape or bruise. This means crash tests can be conducted to determine the impact on¾and solutions for¾an unprecedented number of potential collisions on a nearly endless variety of humans, from large to small, young to old, and even gender differences. THuMS technology represents such a breakthrough in human safety, that it has been shared with a dozen other automakers and research labs around the world.

Advanced Driving Simulator

Developed to better understand driver behavior, Lexus designed and built one of the world’s most advanced driving simulators. A massive, multidimensional structure covering a space the size of a football field, this futuristic simulator can travel the equivalent of 186 miles per hour, tilt up to 30 degrees, and move in six directions at once. Inside, ordinary drivers—in an actual Lexus vehicle—navigate their way through a 360-degree virtual world. This allows their reactions to be analyzed in real-world situations without real-world consequences.

Learn more about Lexus Safety Technology at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.

June 24, 2019

Pricing Released for the Next Generation Mercedes-Benz GLS

The largest and most luxurious SUV in the Mercedes-Benz line-up has raised the bar- again. Noted as the S-Class of SUVs the new GLS will come in around a $75,200, and sport the latest in intuitive Mercedes-Benz technology.

Progressive Interior Design

The new GLS includes various seating customizations, including a 6-person option with Captain’s Chairs. Clients also have the choice between a three-seat rear bench seat or two individual seats with armrests in the second row depending on your own wants and needs. Each seating row is fully electric and adjustable to increase the already generous amount of passenger space.

The steering wheel is “new generation” with Touch Control Buttons, two grab handles, a widescreen dual 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster, 64-color Ambient Lighting, and a 12.3″ multimedia display. Past packages including the Premium Package, Lighting Package, and the Parking Assist package are now standard on the 2020 GLS.

And of course, the MBUX intuitive experience technology with Intelligent Voice Control, Natural Language Understanding, augmented video for navigation, and the NEW MBUX Interior Assistant which recognizes arm and hand movements to support operating intentions.

Sophisticated Chassis

The new Intelligent Chassis is the only system of its kind in the market and is another new benchmark for this luxury SUV segment. The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension is paired with the 48-volt technology for outstanding suspension comfort, agile handling, and off-road capability.

Equipment Highlights- Standard

- - 3.0L Inline-6 turbo engine with EQ Boost for smoother acceleration and increased efficiency
  - 7-seat configuration or 6-seat configuration with Captain’s Chairs
  - LED Intelligent Light System
  - Revolutionary MBUX User Interface with Voice Control and Natural Language Understanding
  - MB Navigation
  - 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster
  - 12.3″ Media Display with Touchscreen
  - Touchpad in center console
  - 64-color ambient lighting and illuminated door sills
  - Heated front seats
  - Active Parking Assist with Surround View
  - Blind Spot Assist
  - PRE-SAFE® Sound and PRE-SAFE® Sound
  - Active Brake Assist
  - Car-to-X Communication
  - 9 USB ports and 115V household outlet
  - Nappa Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel with Touch Control Buttons
  - DYNAMIC SELECT
  - Power tilt/sliding sunroof
  - Wireless Charging
  - Smartphone Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  - Burmester Surround Sound System
  - SiriusXM Radio
  - KEYLESS-START and KEYLESS-GO
  - AIRMATIC Suspension
  - 19″ wheels
  - Easy-Pack Tailgate and Load Compartment Cover

Extreme Test Driving of the 2019 GLS:

Imagine what the off-roading capabilities could be in the new 2020 GLS if the outgoing model can handle extreme terrain testing.

The 2020 GLS is expected to be available in the United States by the end of the year. Stay tuned to your Park Place Motorcars dealership for more info as it’s released.