This $24,000 'E-Wagon' Golf Cart Is Basically a Power Wheels for Grown-Ups
A country club membership can make you feel elite, like you're a class above the plebs who get stopped at the door. But what if you're elite even by country club standards? What if you're at the tippy-top of the financial food chain, a real one-percenter? You can't be slumming it on the green with every dentist and lawyer in regular golf carts. Instead, you need to get a Bodo E-Wagon golf cart, like this one that recently sold at a Mecum auction.
OK, so aside from the fact that this is essentially just a rich grown-up version of a Little Tikes car, it's kind of fun. At a very quick glance, it could pass for a real Mercedes G-Class, at least until a human stands next to it, for scale. The proportions have clearly been tweaked for golf cart duty. Bodo has also traded Merc's three-pointed star logo for its own, but of course, anyone determined enough could always just change it out. Especially if they desire that badge as much as, or perhaps more than, the vehicle itself. Mecum
The E-Wagon (or 'G-Wagon'—the official name and even solid info on the company that makes it is, perhaps unsurprisingly, hard to find) is a bit more sophisticated than what golfers normally use from tee to tee. For starters, it's fully enclosed, with power locking doors and even power windows. As someone whose allergies would be running wild on a golf course, that sounds nice. Once inside, it has caramel-colored leather seats, heating, air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes with a brake boost, a backup camera, and entertainment screens for backseat passengers. So it ain't just for looks—the E-Wagon is a genuinely luxurious golf cart. It's nicer inside than my actual car.
Speaking of actual cars, this E-Wagon is capable of driving on some public roads. Some states allow for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) to drive on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less. That said, it's actually too fast for states like New Jersey, which only allow an attainable top speed of 25 mph, and this faux Merc golf cart can do 35 mph. But if you do drive it on the road, it has fully functioning headlights, turn signals, and even windshield wipers. Mecum
You can drive it pretty far, too. Its 10-kWh battery gives it an impressive 80 miles of range. That's about as much as the original BMW i3. Of course, it only has a 20-horsepower electric motor, and it's considerably smaller and lighter. Still, not bad at all for a fully loaded golf cart.
This specific E-Wagon recently sold at a Mecum auction in Glendale, but there are others available at Florida-based dealer Gulf Carts. And not only G-Class replicas, either; you can get Range Rover, Porsche Cayenne, and even Ram TRX-themed carts, too. Perfect for those kings and queens of the green who want to flex their pockets at the club.
Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com
Nico DeMattia is a staff writer at The Drive. He started writing about cars on his own blog to express his opinions when no one else would publish them back in 2015, and eventually turned it into a full-time career.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
12 hours ago
- Miami Herald
What If Ford Revived The Flex As A Maverick-Based Compact 7-Seater?
Years ago, Ford offered the Flex–a unique, box-shaped seven-seater that was either a station wagon, an SUV, or a minivan, depending on who you asked. Sharing its platform with the Ford Taurus, the Flex offered buyers an affordable option for a seven-seater family car that wasn't a massive, gas-guzzling, body-on-frame off-roader. Despite occupying a niche segment, the Ford Flex proved to be relatively popular, selling over 300,000 units during its 11-year production run. Even with consistent year-over-year sales figures, Ford decided to discontinue the full-size crossover after its 2019 model year with no direct replacement. These days, it's incredibly difficult to find a seven-seater vehicle capable of hauling a large family, along with their luggage and some trinkets, that isn't either an expensive, less-than-attractive minivan or a gargantuan SUV. One example that does spring to mind is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, which offers the seating capacity and aesthetics of the much larger GLS-Class, without the massive proportions and eye-watering price tag. If Ford were to revive the Flex, perhaps taking on a similar approach to the GLB-Class could be a fitting, modern take on the original Flex. By downsizing the model and optimizing the Ford Maverick compact pickup truck platform to accommodate a third row of seating, Ford could offer North American buyers a budget-friendly alternative to the more luxurious and more pricey Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. Perhaps a performance variant akin to the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, based on the Ford Maverick Lobo street truck, could make an appearance in the Ford Flex model lineup as well. Considering the Ford Maverick is roughly 2 feet longer than the Bronco Sport it shares its platform with, the Maverick offers an excellent foundation for a compact seven-seater SUV. The third row of seats could sit where the pickup truck bed would otherwise be found, with the ability to stow them away for bountiful cargo space. Keeping things frugal, the revived Ford Flex could share the same powertrain options as the Maverick pickup, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder engine. For buyers who want a bit more pep in their step and the added confidence of all-wheel drive, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque could make for an excellent optional upgrade. Trim levels could mirror those of the Maverick as well, including a sub-$30,000 base model XL trim, the mid-level XLT trim, and the well-equipped Lariat. For those who desire a bit more uniqueness, the Lobo package could offer a standard EcoBoost engine, sport-tuned suspension, tweaked steering and brakes, and cosmetic enhancements such as rally-inspired 19-inch alloy wheels and a unique grille, just like the Ford Maverick Lobo. A premium, off-road-focused Tremor package could pair the same standard 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with an off-road-tuned suspension, a locking rear differential pulled from the Bronco Sport Badlands, and chunkier all-terrain tires. Compact yet spacious 7-seaters have come and gone from the North American market. Examples such as the Mazda5, the seven-seater variant of the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class have offered plenty of families all the seating they need in a vehicle without the unnecessary cost and burden of a much larger SUV. For some reason, however, many of these vehicles seem to have disappeared from the North American market altogether. Now, the resurgence of compact pickup trucks that blend basic utility with compact convenience may offer manufacturers the opportunity to create family-focused variants that leverage their longer wheelbases compared to their crossover SUV alternatives. Based on the foundations of the Maverick pickup truck, a revived Ford Flex could serve as Ford's entry-level seven-seater family crossover. With frugal hybrid powertrains, street performance variants, and an off-road-focused Tremor package, an updated Ford Flex would surely earn its keep within Ford's model lineup in no time. Although this idea is purely hypothetical for now, it wouldn't surprise us if Ford decided to create new models using the same platform shared between the Maverick, the Bronco Sport, and the Escape, that are purpose-built to attract more specific buyers, such as families looking for affordable seven-seater utility, or perhaps even a small delivery van. For the time being, though, families looking for a smaller way to get their hands on three rows of seating will have to look towards the capable and practical Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
Every Corvette C8 Ranked By Horsepower
With the launch of the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, the Corvette C8 family has grown once more. It seems like longer than five years since the original Corvette C8 Stingray went into production, so far has this generation of the sports car come since then. Regardless of what model you pick, every C8 offers supercar-level looks and performance for a fraction of the price of an Italian exotic. Here's a refresher of where each model sits in the lineup, ranked from lowest to highest horsepower output. This is where the C8 story began, and it's almost easy to forget just how potent the standard Corvette is, especially at a base price of $68,300. The 6.2-liter V8 engine makes 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque; Porsche charges more for a four-cylinder Cayman with 300 hp. The 0-60 mph time of around three seconds is still supercar-quick, aided by the quick shifts of the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, along with the rear-wheel-drive C8's immense grip. Unless you drive one of the other C8s, you would not feel shortchanged behind the wheel of the base model in any way. You can squeeze more power and torque out of the standard Corvette Stingray by equipping either the performance exhaust ($1,195) or the popular Z51 Performance Package ($6,345). In both cases, the V8 is uprated to 495 hp and 470 lb-ft, and the C8 in this configuration can hit 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Besides the performance exhaust, the Z51 pack also adds performance Brembo brakes, a performance suspension, a unique rear axle ratio, an electronic limited-slip differential, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, turning this into a monster track toy. Considering the standard Corvette's appealing base price, the Z51 pack is a no-brainer. After the standard Corvettes, it's a huge bump up in power to the hybrid E-Ray, which adds an electric drive unit and e-AWD to the 6.2L V8 lump. Combined, the system makes 655 hp, and the additional traction of the E-Ray results in a 2.5-second 0-60 mph run. The price for a base E-Ray rises to $106,900, and while that's far more than a base Corvette, it still represents remarkable bang for your buck. The E-Ray manages the same 19 mpg combined as the base Corvette, so the hybrid system is less about efficiency and more about finding a way to unlock another layer of performance. You can also use the car's Stealth mode for silent getaways early on weekend mornings, without disturbing the neighbors. Choosing between the E-Ray and Z06 is quite a conundrum. The Z06 is a raw performer, swapping the 6.2-liter V8 for an intoxicating 5.5-liter flat plane crank V8 that shrieks all the way to 8,600 rpm. It produces 670 hp and 460 lb-ft, and also has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Chevy says it'll hit 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, which is actually slower than the E-Ray, and you need the Z06's $8,995 Z07 Performance Package to achieve that time. That's on top of its $112,100 base price. Taking all this into account, the E-Ray is the winner on paper. But that doesn't tell the full story. You see, the Z06 is about 300 lbs lighter than the E-Ray. This, coupled with its more rev-hungry engine, makes it a more unfiltered and enjoyable track tool. But the E-Ray is a more refined, sophisticated daily driver. You can't go wrong with either. The ZR1 takes the 5.5-liter flat plane crank V8 from the Z06 and boosts it with two turbos. That makes a huge difference, and the result is 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft. With the ZTK Performance Package, the 0-60 mph time drops to an astonishing 2.3 seconds. That may be only two-tenths more than the E-Ray, but even the smallest gains are not easy to come by at this level. The ZTK pack adds a special suspension with magnetic selective ride control and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. At $1,500, it's a box you may as well tick, since the ZR1 starts at $173,300. Up until very recently, it was hard to believe the Corvette could get more extreme, but then the ZR1X came along. Chevy pulled out all the stops for the new Corvette ZR1X. Combining the best of the E-Ray and ZR1, this C8 features the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 combined with an electric drive unit, bringing combined outputs well into EV territory at 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft. Like the E-Ray, it has e-AWD. The combination of immense power and AWD grip makes it a rocket, with a 0-60 mph time of under two seconds and a quarter-mile time of under nine seconds. In Stealth Mode, the ZR1X can be driven for 4 to 5 miles at speeds of up to 45 mph in silence, but most will prefer operating it with the V8 in full flow. Careful attention to aerodynamics make this the Corvette with the highest ever downforce, and massive carbon ceramic brakes are there to bring the car down from the insanely high speeds it can reach. Pricing for the ZR1X is yet to be revealed, but we expect something in the vicinity of $230,000 to $250,000. Like every other C8, it offers unmatched power and performance from a gas or hybrid sports car for the price. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
‘Stop Driving Now': Ford Issues Urgent Brake Recall For Super Duty Owners
Ford Motor Company has issued four new recalls impacting over 335,000 vehicles, including a serious 'Do Not Drive' order for certain Super Duty trucks due to a critical brake failure risk. The latest recalls bring Ford's total for the year to 76 separate safety actions—more than any other automaker, including General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Volkswagen. Vehicles affected: 2025 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Built between March 19 and May 4, 2025 2,345 total units Problem: Some trucks may be missing a brake booster pushrod retaining spring, which can cause the brake pedal to disconnect, leading to total brake failure. Ford's response: The error was linked to an assembly line worker who was still in training. Ford and federal regulators have issued a 'Do Not Drive' order for affected trucks. Fix: Dealers will inspect and install the missing spring if needed. Owner notifications began going out on June 18. Vehicles affected: 2025 Mustang Mach-E 276 total units Problem: A manufacturing defect left a burr on the transmission park rod, preventing the vehicle from properly engaging in 'Park.' This could allow the vehicle to roll away when parked. Fix: Dealers will replace the transmission park rod assembly free of charge. Owners will be notified starting in July 2025. Vehicles affected: 2025 four-door Bronco 27,768 units built between January 21 and April 29, 2025 Problem: The left rear door can be opened from the inside even if the child lock is engaged. Ford attributes this to part interference, causing the child lock to malfunction. Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear door latch if necessary. Notification letters begin on June 23. Vehicles affected: 2020–2025 Ford Explorer 2020–2025 Lincoln Aviator 304,662 units Problem: The second-row seat switch bezel may have been installed incorrectly, causing the seat to unexpectedly fold or slide forward, including while driving or during a crash. Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the faulty bezel if needed. Notifications begin on June 23. Owners are advised to: Visit or to check if their VIN is affected Contact a certified Ford dealer for free repairs Super Duty truck owners should not drive their vehicles until the brake inspection is complete
