Car News

Mercedes-Benz UK has bolstered its E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet line-up with the addition of the new E350 variant featuring the company's mild-hybrid technology. Available in Britain from £44,750 ($78,191) for the coupe and £49,246 ($86,047) for the convertible, the E350 pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an on-board 48V starter motor/alternator for an added 'boost' over short spurts.

A facelifted Audi A4 Avant has been spied undergoing winter testing in Sweden. This is the second update to the current-generation A4, and appears more substantial than the revision due to go on sale in Australia from early 2019. While that update has subtly new front and rear bumpers, and a more 3D effect for the grille, this prototype sports a more extensive overhaul.

ZF has been looking into the impact external airbags could make on car accident injury rates. Turns out, it's potentially huge. According to the company, its prototype external side airbag could lessen occupant injury severity by a whopping 30 per cent in perpendicular crashes. Obviously, ZF hasn't just strapped a heap of steering wheel inflators on the side of a car. The test unit has a 250L volume, making it three times the size of a regular curtain airbag.

Mercedes-Benz has recalled the 2017-18 E-Class and CLS, over concerns about owners using a child restraint in the passenger seat. According to the company, if a child seat is installed in the front passenger seat, there's a chance the airbag might not turn off as intended. In those cases, there's a risk the airbag will trigger in an accident and injure the child in a rear-facing seat. The 15 affected vehicles were sold between October 2, 2017 and June 29, 2018. A VIN list is attached here.

Desperate for a Bugatti Veyron, but lacking the budget to afford an entire car? Fear not, because one owner is (rather charitably) selling their tan interior for the low, low price of US$150,000 ($207,500). According to the seller, all the components were removed from the car before the owner took delivery, after he requested the interior be changed to black.