Mercedes-Benz’s Tesla Model S Rival will boast an electric range of up to 311 miles

By Miles Branman September 10, 2015

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly working on a battery-powered electric rival to the Tesla Model S.

In an interview with Germany’s Auto Motor Und Sport, Mercedes development boss Thomas Weber revealed that the German automaker is developing an EV to challenge the Tesla Model S. Weber said the planned electric model will have an all electric range in the 400-500 kilometer (249-311 miles) range.

More specifically, Weber said the vehicle’s chassis will be scalable to underpin several different models, so don’t expect this to be the first and last Tesla competitor. It’s worth noting that Mercedes-Benz was actually a stakeholder in Tesla, owning 9.1 percent of the EV automaker in 2009 and using its batteries in its B-Class Electric Drive before ending its relationship in 2014.

A Mercedes-Benz-badged Tesla Model S is no surprise of course as BMW, Audi, and Porsche are all planning new electric models to scoop up customers in the inflating electric vehicle market.

Audi will serve up an electric SUV to challenge the $100,000 Tesla Model X, BMW is working on an i5 sedan with carbon fiber construction in both full-electric and hybridized flavors, and Porsche is developing an electric Pajun with the R8 e-tron’s drivetrain.

With more resources and established brand credibility, Germany’s new crop of electric vehicles could put a damper on Tesla’s sales success, though perhaps more of a challenge will be commandeering Tesla’s “cool” factor as of the last few years.

Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…

Culture

The 12 best Connecticut cigars I’ve tried and tested in 2024

Best Connecticut cigars up close and personal

Connecticut cigars are the clear winner for smoking on a hot summer day, in the morning with some coffee, or when you just don't want a swift kick in the teeth (of pepper). There's no shortage of options, either. Connecticut shade wrappers are one of the most prevalent in the world of cigars, and it's certainly the most common natural shade. Maduro is also popular, but the two wrapper types couldn't be any more different. Connecticut wrappers, and by proxy Connecticut cigars, are typically mild to medium in strength and brimming with creamy, smooth flavors. They're composed of tobacco leaves grown in the Connecticut River Valley in the United States -- which is where the name Connecticut comes from. Consistent and flavorful, some of the best beginner-friendly cigars are Connecticut-wrapped, but you should never sell them short. A Connecticut shade cigar can be just as refined, elegant, and premium as any other. If you know where to look, you may even find some of your favorite blends in the category across a wide range of brands and cigar makers.

I'm about to take you on a magical, doughy, and delicious trek through the broad range of Connecticut cigars. In short, here are the best Connecticut cigars tried and tested by a genuine enthusiast of the craft: yours truly.
The best Connecticut cigars I've tried and tested
While the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is considered a Connecticut shade, I did my best to steer clear of recommending them for this list. They're better classified as a Maduro shade or darker cigar. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, quite the contrary. But for this list, I wanted to stick to smooth, relaxing smokes that are strong on flavor but not quite so strong on pepper and spice. I also tried not to choose a lot of repeats. If you see your favorite cigar missing, that might be because it was recommended on another list or it just didn't make the cut. If you have any recommendations of your own, I'm always available through social media or email. Without further ado, let's get this thing started.
Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut

Culture

This is when the Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+ password sharing crackdown starts

The Disney Plus sign-up menu is displayed

The era of password sharing is slowly but surely coming to an end. Netflix has already begun cracking down on people sharing passwords across households, and now, other streaming services are following suit. Before 2024 is over, Disney Plus password sharing will be a thing of the past.

Disney's streaming services are now preparing to crack down on those who are sharing passwords, and the consequences for doing so could be severe. Users across Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus will be warned about password sharing, and if they don't Disney CEO Bob Iger even laid out a timeline for when the crackdown will start, although he didn't get into too many specifics.
Bob Iger says Disney will start its password-sharing crackdown over the summer

Culture

Reacher season 3: Everything we know so far

Get up to date on Reacher season 3!

Alan Ritchson in Reacher.

The era of Jack Ryan may be over, but Reacher is carrying on as one of the best shows on Amazon Prime Video. This action thriller is based upon Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels, which previously featured Tom Cruise in the leading role of two different movies. But for Prime Video, Alan Ritchson has stepped into the role of Jack Reacher, a former member of the United States Army Military Police Corps who drifts from town to town and takes justice into his own hands when the local law enforcement isn't enough.

Prime Video didn't waste any time before renewing Reacher for a third season last year. And while new episodes are still several months away, we're sharing everything we know about Reacher season 3.
Which Reacher novel will season 3 be based on?