10TH RALLY EDITION: OCTOBER 8 – 18, 2025

#211 – Team Volkswagen

Previous Rebelle competitors and time-speed-distance ralliers Emily Winslow and Mercedes Lilienthal have teamed up together to drive the first-ever all-electric SUV in the Rebelle Rally: a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro. Partnering with Volkswagen of America, Emily (the navigator) and Mercedes (the driver) will compete against time, terrain, and other crossover teams as they navigate their way through the Nevada and California deserts. Both hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Emily is a project manager and 2018 crossover 2nd place finisher and 2019 competitor. Mercedes is a freelance journalist and PR/marketing consultant that placed in the top third of rookies as 2018 4×4 competitor.
Sponsored By:

Volkswagen of America (others pending)

Mercedes Lilienthal

Driver
Occupation:

Freelance journalist and PR/marketing consultant

Residence:

Portland, Oregon

Favorite Quote:

“She who dares ... will conquer.” - Mercedes Lilienthal

Fun Fact:

I'm a dual citizen German American and have family in the U.S., Germany, and New Zealand. My parents emigrated from Germany in the 1960s via job opportunity to start their own shop with welding, fabrication, and blacksmithing.

Prior Years Competed:

2018 (Team Free Range Dames)

Awards Achieved:

Emily Winslow

Navigator
Occupation:

Project Manager

Residence:

Puyallup, WA

Favorite Quote:

"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.” - Maggie Kuhn“She was never quite ready. But she was brave. And the universe listens to brave.” - Rebecca Ray

Fun Fact:

My love of Navigation started early on with family camping trips where we always had a box of maps or an Atlas in the car. Using open windows across the country to stay cool and enjoy the view while I fought and laughed with my sister in the back seat. I definitely learned how to read a map from my Mom. Then added the skills of compasses and topography from my Dad with orienteering.

Prior Years Competed:

Yes, 2018 & 2019 (Naviguessers)

Awards Achieved:

2018 2nd place in Crossover division. 2018 Tire Change Challenge Winners.

Vehicle

The "Third Teammate"

Make, Model, Year:

2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro