'Auto Trends' Talks With The Black History Maker Steering The Lexus Brand

Dejuan Ross, Lexus U.S. general manager, is posing with the all-new GX. (Photo Credit: Toyota)

When the Lexus brand was birthed by Toyota in 1989, our guest Dejuan Ross, was still in high school. Cadillac, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and BMW were the luxury elites at the time.

Like Lexus, Acura and Infiniti were also launching their luxury nameplates. This was an opportunity for Toyota, Honda and Nissan to move their brands upmarket with the hopes of rivaling the American and European legacy makes.

Decades later, Lexus has done just that. In fact, it has pulled ahead of both Acura and Infiniti, whom both currently lag a flagship coupe and sedan in their portfolio.

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Midsize Electric Sedan

Highlight: A rear optional steering system is available, helping to reduce the turning radius.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 106,515 (Base Model: $79,050)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive high beam assist headlights; an adaptive lane keep assist system; an electronic blindspot system; rain-sensing wipers; and a tire pressure system

Standard Equipment 350: 19-inch wheels; single motor: 288-horsepower; 280-mile driving range; rear wheel drive; a 12-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system; smartphone charger; a comfort charger; a variety of driving modes; a keyless ignition system; illuminated door sill plates; a fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication; and a power a panorama sunroof

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE AWD: The Brand’s All-New Midsize Performance Oriented All-Electric Crossover

The Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE SUV is utilizing the brand's first all-electric charging station hub which is located on the grounds of the luxury brand's U.S. headquarter. 

Highlight: A gigantic hyperscreen, which houses the digital instrument cluster, audio system, 360-degree camera and navigation system, extends from A-pillar to A-pillar. In essence, the massive computer screen extends from the driver’s door to the front passenger right door.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $132,200 (Base Model: $79,050)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive high beam assist headlights; an active lane keep assist system; an electronic blindspot system; rain-sensing wipers; a pre-safe monitoring system and a tire pressure monitoring system

Its Shop Time Mondays: Hyundai, Genesis, Kia And Mercedes-Benz Are Recalling Over 263,000 Vehicles Due To Electrical And EV Charging Concerns

1. Improperly Secured 48-Volt Ground Connection

An overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V207000

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected 116,020

Women's History Month: How Two Black-Women Are Driving Two Of Mercedes-Benz Black-Owned Dealerships

With less than 6 percent of today’s nearly 17,000 new-vehicle dealerships being minority-owned, its literally like finding a needle in a haystack to come across a mother-daughter dealership team. More specifically, a mother-daughter squad who have a financial stake (and hold key positions) in 2 out of 7 of Mercedes-Benz’s black-owned dealerships. The family-owned stores are located in Atlanta, Georgia and Covington, Louisiana.

According to the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), 95 percent of today’s minority owned dealerships are first-generation dealerships. However, when it comes to minority dealers, especially Black dealers, the numbers are grave. One means of creating general wealth is through owning dealerships. They are literally cash cows, if run properly. This prominent Atlanta family has made provisions to hand the keys off to one of their daughters, when the time becomes appropriate, as opposed to allowing the business to slip outside of their hands (into other communities). 

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Midsize All-Electric Crossover

Highlight: The rear wheel drive and the all-wheel drive EQE 350 are priced the same.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $89,950 (Base Model: $79,050)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive high beam assist headlights; an adaptive lane keep assist system; an electronic blindspot system; and rain-sensing wipers

2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE Sedan: The Luxury Brand’s Midsize EV Sedan

Highlight: The rear wheel drive and the all-wheel drive EQE 350 are priced the same.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $111,340 (Base Model: $76,050)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a blind spot assist system; an active lane keep assistance system; a high beam assist system; a 360-degree camera; a stability control system; rain-sensing wipers; and a tire pressure monitoring system

The CEO Of Mercedes-Benz's First EV Charging Station In The U.S. Talks To 'Auto Trends'

This is Mercedes-Benz first high power EV charging station. (Photo Credit:JeffCars.com)

 

Not since the era of horse drawn buggies and carriages has the transportation industry, more specifically the auto industry, seen so much upheaval and uncertainties, as the world slowly shifts from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles.

The Biden Administration has made its push to support electrification through the Inflation Reduction Act, encouraging electric vehicle manufacturing opportunities in the United States, as well as supporting government subsidized consumer incentives to purchase both new and used vehicles. 

Its Shop Time Mondays: Mercedes-Benz Is Recalling 143,000 Model Year 2021 -23 Vehicles For Fuel Pump Concerns

 

Loss of Drive Power from Fuel Pump Shutdown

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Potential Number of Units Affected 143,551

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 AWD: The Brand’s Flagship EV Crossover/SUV

Highlight:  The EQS has a 302-mile driving range.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $138,370 (Base 450 Plus Model: $105,450)

Seating Capacity: 5 to 7 (depending on if the third-row is added)

Standard Safety Features: an active distance assist system; route-based speed adaptation; a 360 degree camera; an active stop and go assist system; active steering assist; an active emergency stop assist system; active lane change assist; brake assist with cross-traffic functionality; a blind spot assist system; parking assist with parktronic; rear LED tail-lamps; interior and driver side dimming mirrors; an exterior acoustic pedestrian protection system; power folding exterior mirrors; a tire sealing compound and air compressor; and active high-beam assist

Its Shop Time Mondays: Mercedes-Benz SUVs Being Recalled For Stalling, While Lincoln SUVs Face Seat Belt Concerns

 

1. Engine Stall from Water Intrusion into Vehicle

An engine stall while driving increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Components FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Potential Number of Units Affected 323,963

2022 Mercedes Benz Metris Cargo Van: The Only Midsize Cargo Van

 

Highlight: Mercedes-Benz first entered the U.S. commercial van segment, during the fall of 2015.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $43,855 (Base Model: $36,195)

Seating Capacity: 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; automatic headlights; a crosswind assist system; a headlamp assist system; load adaptive electronic stability program; hill start assist; a trailer brake controller connection; an automatic passenger bag activation; a brake hold feature; and a tire pressure monitoring system

2022 Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan: The Luxury Brand’s Entry-Level Sedan

Highlight: Only one powertrain is available in the C-Class sedan.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $49,000 (Base Model: $44,550)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive highbeam assist headlights; an electronic blindspot system; and rain-sensing wipers

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; 9-speed automatic transmission; leather-like seating; power heated front seats with lumbar support; 3 position memory setting front seats; an oversized power sunroof; a keyless entry system; a push-button start ignition system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a power operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; grain walnut wood trim; power folding side mirrors; and a start/stop engine fuel saving system

2022 Genesis G80 3.5 Sport Prestige AWD: The Brand’s Midsize Luxury Sedan

Highlight: The 3.5-liter model is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $72,170 (Base G 80 2.5: $48,250)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features:  a vehicle stability system; a hill-start assist control system; a forward collision assist system; a lane following assist system; a lane keep assist system; an electronic blind spot system; a rear cross traffic avoidance system; a high beam assist system; a driver warning attention system; an automatic brake hold feature; a hill start assist control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Its Shop Time Mondays: Mercedes-Benz And Tesla Are Recalling Over 400,000 Vehicles

Brake Booster Corrosion May Impair Braking

Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000

Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Potential Number of Units Affected 292,287

Its Shop Time Mondays: Recalling Toyota, Lexus And Mercedes-Benz Vehicles

1. Stability Control Deactivated on Startup/FMVSS 126

Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V239000

Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Components ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

Potential Number of Units Affected 458,054

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA250: The Brand's Entry-Level Compact Crossover

 

Highlight: The GLA is a front wheel drive crossover.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $48,620 (Base Model GLA: $37,280)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; an electronic blind spot system; an electronic stability system; traction control; a rear view cameral and a tire pressure monitor system

Standard Equipment:18-inch wheels; start-stop engine; an 8-speed automatic transmission; power front seats with driver’s lumbar support; 3-position memory front seats; pseudo leather seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; rear privacy glass; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a power liftgate; heated power side mirrors; a touchpad controller; keyless entry; a push button ignition starter system; and a MBUX touchscreen and voice activated infotainment center; LED headlights and taillights

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S AWD Sedan: The Understated Driver-Oriented Executive Sedan

Highlight:  The vehicle is also available as a wagon.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $136,040 (Base Model E350: $55,300)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; all-wheel drive; AMG electronic slip differential; a tire pressure monitoring system; a braking assist system; electronic blind spot; a brake hold feature; a 360-degree camera; and a parking assist system

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43: The Brand's Luxury Performance Crossover

  

Highlight: The GLC is available as a traditional SUV-like or curvaceous hatchback-like design.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $71,685 (Base Model GLC: $44,250)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; an electronic blind spot system; an electronic stability system; a rear view camera; and a tire pressure monitor system

Its Shop Time Mondays: Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC And Mercedes-Benz Combined Are Recalling Over 7 Million Vehicles

1. Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000

Manufacturer General Motors, LLC

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 2,641,272