According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index Automobile Study, Americans are becoming less satisfied with their vehicles. The overall satisfaction index dropped one point this year to 79.

Mainstream brands held steady at 79, while luxury brands slipped a point as they fell to 80. The biggest drop came from smaller brands, which are grouped into an “others” category, as they plunged 9% to 74.

More: New Car Owners Overwhelmed By Modern Technology

Jumping into specifics, Subaru was deemed the most satisfying brand with a score of 85. It was followed by Mazda and Toyota in second with 82, while Buick, GMC, and Honda tied for third at 81.

Stellantis had a dismal showing as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram all fell. In fact, all four brands found themselves at the bottom of the list with Chrysler and Ram tied for dead last at 69.

2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index For Mainstream Brands

ACSI

Interestingly, satisfaction with most vehicle related components and experiences was largely unchanged. However, there were drops related to technology and safety. The latest study also introduced two new categories – expected future resale or trade-in value and driving distance on a full charge or full tank of gas – and consumers weren’t exactly thrilled with either, especially for EVs.

On the luxury side of the equation, Lexus was top dog with a score of 87. They were followed by Mercedes (82) as well as Cadillac and Tesla, which tied for third at 81. BMW finished last with a score of 75 and they dropped four points from 2024.

2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index For Luxury Brands

ACSI

Luxury buyers were less satisfied with a number of things including driving performance, exteriors, interiors, and technology. There were also drops in safety and dependability.

Aside from the mainstream versus luxury divide, people were less satisfied with hybrids and EVs. Hybrids fell two points to 80, while electric vehicles dropped four points to fall to 73. This stands in contrast to gas-powered models, which held steady with a satisfaction index of 80.

The American Customer Satisfaction Index noted that with 22% of borrowers opting for 84-month loans, there will likely be an increased emphasis on reliability and dependability as consumers are holding onto their vehicles for longer. Ram spotted this shift awhile ago and they recently launched a new 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

ACSI

The Mercedes G-Wagen (aka G-Wagon or G-Class) is a real if-my-numbers-came-up kind of daily for many of us. But even folks with lottery win-sized bank balances haven’t taken a shine to the new electric version, and thus Mercedes is making moves to get them moving.

A bulletin sent to dealers instructed retailers to offer incentives of up to $9,500 in August on the G580 with EQ technology. That’s $2,000 more than the $7,500 that was already on the table last month, and more than BYD charges for an entire Seagull EV in China. There are also deals to be had on the monthly G580 lease costs themselves in the form of promotional lease rates that bring the APR down to 4.3 percent.

Related: BMW Is Planning A Rugged G-Class Rival That May Kill The XM

CarsDirect suggests Mercedes is pushing out the deals to make hay before EV tax credits disappear in September, hoping to attract customers keen to secure a saving before the credits window closes. Although the G580 EQ wouldn’t qualify for the federal rebate (or the Mercedes incentive), if you were buying it outright, due to the combination of its high purchase price and foreign origin, those obstructions are removed if you lease it.

An almost five-figure discount would be game-changing on an ordinary car, but in this case we are talking about a $162,650 SUV. And more specifically, one that costs $13,000 more than the gas-powered G550 many people would prefer to drive, but unfortunately doesn’t qualify for the incentives. The $187,250 G63 AMG, the one almost everyone would – finances allowing – pick first, doesn’t qualify either.

The G580 EQ looks just as cool as a combustion G-Class and can do showboating tank turns, but it’s seriously compromised as an EV by its mammoth 6,800 lbs (3,085 kg) bulk and brick-like shape. Despite a huge 116 kWh battery, the 579 hp (588 PS / 432 kW) EQ has an EPA-rated range of only 239 miles (385 km), though reports claim a new battery coming in 2026 could add at least 100 miles (160 km) to that number.

However, if you can live with that drawback, have deep pockets, and don’t want to wait a year, now is a good time to jump in. CarsDirect says you can get into a G580 EQ for 36 months and 36,000 miles (58,000 km) for $1,869 per month, which works out at a true $2,275 once you’ve accounted for the $14,613 due at signing.

Less than a month from now, Mercedes CEO will reveal the company’s new GLC EV at the Munich IAA and tell the world how this fast, long-range SUV with the retro-futuristic illuminated Benz grille will drive the three-pointed star into the 2030s. But separately, Ola Källenius is calling for an urgent rethink on EU legislation that will force buyers and carmakers to go electric by the middle of that decade.

Related: EU May Quietly Ban Gas Rentals Starting In 2030

“We need to do a reality check,” Källenius told Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper, referring to the EU rules that will effectively outlaw combustion-powered cars from 2035. “Otherwise, we’ll be driving full speed into the wall.”

Concerns over market readiness

Källenius is concerned that the European car market could collapse if lawmakers force EVs on buyers who aren’t ready for them. He believes customers will rush to buy the last remaining petrol and diesel cars in the years running up to the 2035 cut-off, and claims there are better ways to clean up the continent’s air without threatening entire nations’ economies.

“Of course, we have to decarbonize,” Källenius said, “but it has to be done in a technology-neutral way. We mustn’t lose sight of our economy. I wouldn’t set a specific date for the phase-out of combustion engine technology. An absolute target at a fixed time with draconian penalties won’t help.”

Incentives over bans

Instead, the 56-year-old German suggests more needs to be done to persuade buyers to make the shift of their own accord.

“Look at China. There, there’s no end date on this issue, no ban on any technology,” he told Handelsblatt. “Instead, low prices at charging stations and tax breaks provide strong incentives to buy all-electric cars. At the same time, however, unlike in Europe, various hybrid versions and combustion engines are permitted.”

Industry pushback grows

Källenius is pushing for a 2035 rethink not only as CEO of Mercedes, but in his new role as president of the European Automobile Industry Association (ACEA). And he’s not the only senior industry figure calling for the combustion ban to be overturned. Last year, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse declared the 2035 cutoff “unrealistic,” warning that it could increase European automaker reliance on Chinese batteries. 

Mercedes teased the redesigned GLA nearly two years ago and now spy photographers have snapped the first pictures of the entry-level crossover. Spotted in the distance, the model will usher in some big changes including a fully electric variant.

Dressed in heavy camouflage, the prototype appears to sport a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by angular headlights. We can also get a glimpse of slender air intakes and a more expressive front bumper.

More: New Mercedes GLB Spied With A Wild Tail Light Design

Continuing further back, the model has pronounced fender flares and streamlined bodywork that’s edgy and taut. Designers also gave the crossover flush-mounted door handles, an angular beltline, and a more dramatic greenhouse.

The rear end has been completely revamped and looks far more interesting. It has a sculpted liftgate with an angular rear window and a wraparound spoiler. They’re accompanied by bold taillights that incorporate a star motif. The bumper looks a little plain by comparison, but it sports a new license plate recess as well as a lack of exhaust cut outs.

Baldauf

The interior appears to be camouflaged, but it will likely follow in the footsteps of the CLA. This means we can expect a minimalist design focused on screens. The latter should include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display. They’ll run the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System and have artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google.

Powertrains should also echo the CLA and this means we can expect an EV with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. It should also have an 85 kWh battery pack and a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW.

The MMA-based crossover should also have a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1.3 kWh battery, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. A plug-in hybrid variant is also expected, meaning customers won’t have any shortage of options.

Mercedes is breathing new life into what was once its cars’ most distinctive feature. The brand has dropped the first undisguised teaser image of its new GLC compact electric SUV, revealing its retro-futuristic illuminated grille.

More: Mercedes Is Replacing Its Most Disappointing EV With Something Way More Serious

Though EVs don’t have the same cooling requirements as combustion cars, the replacement for the EQC will have the most eye-catching grille of any Mercedes car when it is unveiled at the Munich IAA next month. The wide-set frame bucks current automotive fashion by going big on chrome, and also features a smoked glass-effect lattice structure between the bars.

A Familiar Shape Reinvented

But GLC buyers will have to pay extra to maximize the grille’s look-at-me potential. An optional illumination package adds 942 light-up dots, which are animated to bring the car to life as the driver approaches, and also illuminates the iconic three-pointed star and surrounding panel. 

Mercedes has taken flak for the boring soap-bar design of its slow-selling EQE and EQS electric cars, and the new grille design will help ensure the GLC is more memorable. But it sounds like the BMW iX3 and Porsche Macan Electric rival won’t be the only model to get this new lit front-end.

A Brand-Wide Shift in Design

According to Mercedes design chief Gordon Wagener, the grille marks more than just a facelift. “Our new iconic grille is not just a new front for the GLC, it redefines the face of our brand,” said Mercedes design boss, Gordon Wagener. “It is the perfect fusion of lasting design codes reinterpreted for the future, making our cars instantly recognizable.”

The change is part of a broader strategy. Autocar reports Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius as saying the brand’s reimagined grille would help Mercedes stand out “in current times, with 100-plus Chinese firms.”

Charging Ahead with GLC 400 4Matic

The first of the new GLCs to launch is the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ technology. Though exact specs are still under wraps we know it can add around 162 miles (260 km) of electric range in just 10 minutes thanks to its ability to charge at over 320 kW. Like all new GLCs it features 800-volt tech, and unlike the launch versions of the new CLA EV, will also be able to charge at 400-volt stations from the get-go.

Mercedes

Even as the EV market continues to shift and evolve, Mercedes-Benz is moving ahead with plans to expand its electric lineup. Mercedes-Benz has been working on the new all-electric GLC with EQ Technology for quite some time, and we now finally know when it will be unveiled.

Read: Mercedes Previews New GLC EV With 320+ kW DC Fast Charging

As previously speculated, it will premiere at the IAA Mobility show in September, more commonly known as the Munich Motor Show. In an era where electric SUVs and crossovers are becoming increasingly popular, the GLC EV will play an important role for the German brand.

The upcoming GLC EV will effectively replace the EQC, a model that struggled to make an impression. It’s expected to match the overall size of the combustion-engine GLC, but with a distinctly updated design. Mercedes describes it as “a new face of the brand,” signaling a more modern and refined aesthetic.

Design Details Come Into Focus

Mercedes has released a single teaser image previewing the new model, but prototypes spied in recent months have offered us a better look at the model. The teaser hints at an illuminated front grille that gives the SUV a more prominent presence. Prototypes have also revealed reworked LED headlights and taillights, indicating a comprehensive redesign.

Key rivals to the GLC with EQ Technology include the Porsche Macan Electric and the BMW iX3, which will soon be thoroughly updated as part of the brand’s Neue Klasse era. Fittingly, the automaker has developed an 800-volt electrical architecture for the SUV that offers DC fast charging speeds of up to 320 kW. That means it will be possible to add roughly 162 miles (260 km) of range in just 10 minutes.

Launch Version and Future Plans

The first version arriving on the market will be the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology. Mercedes hasn’t shared specific performance details yet, including motor configuration or acceleration times, but a more powerful variant is likely to follow not long after.

Other than presenting the electric GLC, in Munich Mercedes will also showcase the MB.Drive Assist Pro semi-autonomous driving system and offer rides in a specially-equipped CLA. The EQS and S-Class with Drive Pilot will also be available for demo drives. Joining the GLC with EQ on display be the radical new Concept AMG GT XX.

Mercedes EQS sales plunged 52% last year to a dismal 6,963 units. That meant the EQS Sedan and EQS SUV were outsold in the United States by the regular S-Class, which found 8,809 buyers.

The company knows they have a huge problem on their hands and it looks like they’re about to put a band-aid on the situation. As part of this effort, the EQS SUV will follow in the footsteps of the sedan and get a minor facelift.

More: The 2025 EQS Actually Looks Like A Mercedes Now

Recently spied undergoing testing, the prototype has a heavily camouflaged front end with star-infused headlights. Additional details are hard to make out, but the crossover could mimic the sedan by adopting a fully enclosed grille that echoes the one found on ICE-powered models. The updated sedan also gained a hood ornament, but it remains unclear if the SUV will also get one.

The rear end doesn’t reveal much other than a camouflaged bumper, which hints at an updated design. Furthermore, while the taillights carryover from the current model, we wouldn’t be surprised if they’re given a starry makeover.

SHproshots

Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the cabin appears to eschew disguise. This suggests updates will be relatively minor.

While the extent of the changes remains unclear, we can expect an updated infotainment system running the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System. The AI-infused software features an MBUX Virtual Assistant, which has been billed as a “living avatar” that takes the form of a Mercedes star.

Additional details are limited, but the crossover is rumored to benefit from significant powertrain updates. These are said to include an upgraded battery as well as electric motors that were developed in-house. This could improve range and efficiency, which would likely enable the model to travel more than 323 miles (520 km) between charges.

Plenty of questions remain, but we could get some answers at the Munich Motor Show. If the crossover does indeed debut there, it could be launched in 2026.

A year or two ago, Mercedes seemed confident that American luxury buyers were ready to embrace its new line of electric vehicles. That confidence hasn’t translated into sales. Mercedes’ luxury electric vehicle experiment has proved a flop in the US, and now the company has lopped thousands of dollars off the prices of its EQ EVs to get stock moving.

Related: Mercedes EV Sales Are In Freefall, EQS Down More Than 50%

The discounts range from just over $4,000 to more than $15,000 on the EQE and EQS sedans and SUVs, which sales figures show American buyers haven’t taken to. Mercedes is offering a $9,950 saving on the EQE sedan, whose price falls from $76,050 including destination to $66,100, and a big $12,950 off its utility brother. The EQE SUV originally cost $79,050, but you can now bag one for $66,100.

Some of the Biggest Price Cuts Yet

The smallest savings to be had are on the EQS sedan, whose $105,550 price has dropped by $4,150 to $101,400. But the EQS SUV, which previously cost more than the sedan ($106,400), is now just $91,100, saving interested parties a massive $15,300, according to a story from CarBuzz containing prices since verified by Mercedes.

At the same time as it’s cutting prices to clear existing stock, Mercedes says it has stopped taking orders for all four EQE and EQS cars and SUVs, and that its Alabama plant, where the SUVs are built will stop producing US-market versions of the vehicles from September 1. It will, however, continue to build them for other markets.

Closing the order book and shutting production was the result of Mercedes wanting to “align with customer and market demand,” a spokesperson for the automaker told Car and Driver. “We are unable to share a timeline for when U.S. order banks for these models will reopen for competitive reasons,” they added.

What’s Next for Mercedes EVs in the US?

This isn’t the end of the EQ story in the US, though. The company’s all-new CLA electric sedan comes to America later in 2025 and will be followed within the next couple of years by a pair of SUVs built around the same MMA platform.

The electric GLC SUV, due to make its debut in Munich this September, and confirmed for production in Alabama, will also land in US showrooms in 2026, and the electric G-class remains on sale, though sales for that have also proved disappointing.

A new chapter in electric motor design may be underway, and it’s being written in the UK. Yasa Motors, based in Britain and owned by Mercedes, has developed a new electric motor that sets a new benchmark for power density. While there’s no official timeline for production yet, it’s a safe bet that upcoming Mercedes-Benz EVs will be among the first to take advantage of the breakthrough.

The numbers read like something out of a science fiction novel. Yasa claims that the electric motor weighs just 13.1 kg (28.8 lbs), yet it produces a remarkable 738 hp, a figure we usually associate with supercars. That easily outperforms the Equipmake HPM-400 motor from Australia, which is considered the most power-dense in the world, delivering 536 hp and weighing in at a much heftier 40 kg (88 lbs).

Read: This Concept EV Will Morph Into An AMG Super Sedan You Can Buy

Yasa’s new motor also makes the Dark Matter electric motor presented by Koenigsegg a couple of years ago seem relatively portly. That motor weighs in at 39 kg (86 lbs) and produces 800 hp and 921 lb-ft (1,250 Nm) of torque. It’s set to debut in the Gemera, but the contrast in weight suggests a shift in how high-performance EV components are engineered.

Speaking with Autocar, Yasa revealed that its new industry-leading motor does not contain any exotic materials like cobalt-iron laminations and litz wire. “What we’ve achieved here is not just a number – it’s a demonstration of scalable, production-ready innovation that raises the bar for electric motor design. And the most exciting part? We’re just getting started,” said Tim Woolmer, Yasa’s CTO and founder.

Yasa Motors Headed for the Road

The most recent car to premiere with Yasa motors is the Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept. It uses three axial flux motors to deliver more than 1,341 hp (1,000 kW) and will soon spawn a production model. Yasa also supplies Lamborghini with electric motors, including the Revuelto and most recently, the Temerario, the successor to the Huracan.

That setup uses two axial flux motors on the front axle, each producing 148 hp (110 kW) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm), and weighing 17.3 kg (38 lbs) apiece. Impressive, but still overshadowed by the output-to-weight ratio of Yasa’s latest design.

As more automakers cram electric and gas-powered setups onto the same platforms, Mercedes has rolled out the latest CLA in both ICE and EV forms. The sedan showed up first, and now the Shooting Brake version joins the lineup. The original CLA Shooting Brake was one of the best-looking cars in the Mercedes-Benz range, but this new model can’t quite match it in the visual stakes. Thankfully, it looks better than the awkward second-gen CLA.

Changes made to the Shooting Brake start from the B-pillar and back. The roof has been extended and includes a full panoramic glass panel, while found at the rear are LED taillights, connected by a light bar. The new shape improves headroom in the second row by 1 inch (26 mm) and also increases cargo space to a generous 45.5 cubic feet (1,290 liters) with the seats folded away.

Read: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power

Compared to the old CLA Shooting Brake, the new one is 1.37 inches (35 mm) longer, 1 inch (25 mm) wider, and stands 1 inch (27 mm) taller with a 2.4-inch (61 mm) longer wheelbase. Like the old model, this new one can tow up to 3,968 lbs (1,800 kg) braked, although we suspect very few owners will ever hitch something onto it.

A Panoramic Roof With Personality

Mercedes is particularly proud of the car’s panoramic roof. It is made of heat-insulating safety glass with an infrared-reflecting and low-emissivity coating on the inside. The glass also includes 158 stars that can be illuminated alongside the cabin’s standard ambient lighting system. Owners can also opt for an electrochromic function that can change the glass from clear to opaque.

Electric Options Take the Lead

The German automaker has so far only detailed two electric versions of the new CLA Shooting Brake, as the 48-volt mild-hybrid ICEs won’t hit the market until next year. Sitting at the base of the electric range is the CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology, while above it is the CLA 350 4Matic.

Both models use the same 85 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, but whereas the CLA 250+ is capped at 268 hp (200 kW) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm), the CLA 350 delivers 349 hp (260 kW) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm). Mercedes says the base model can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds while the CLA 350 completes the sprint in 5.0 seconds. Both cars top out at 131 mph (210 km/h). Interestingly, the electric CLA uses a two-speed gearbox, ensuring there’s plenty of power on tap even at higher speeds.

Of more importance than acceleration is range. The CLA 250+ can travel up to 473 miles (761 km) on a charge under the WLTP cycle, while the CLA 350 is good for 454 miles (730 km). Both support DC charging of up to 320 kW, meaning upwards of 310 km of range can be added in just 10 minutes.

Familiar Interior, for Better or Worse

The cabin of the new Shooting Brake is mostly identical to the sedan, which is a shame. That means it has the same uninspired dashboard that’s dominated by a single flat surface that can house as many as three screens, when optioned with the MBUX Superscreen. This dashboard juxtaposes the elegant lines you’ll find on the outside of the car, but big screens are all the rage nowadays, regardless of how silly they may look.

Mercedes-Benz has not yet shared pricing or a specific launch date for the new CLA Shooting Brake, though it’s expected to arrive in dealerships before the end of the year.

New data has revealed the winners and losers in America’s EV market, and they make worrying reading. Some of the brands behind the best-known electric cars and SUVs have watched demand halve over the last six months.

Related: Sales Of Honda’s Only American EV Soar 963%

Before we get to naming and shaming, though, we ought to mention the overall number of EVs sold in January to June. Americans bought 607,100 electric vehicles in the first half of the year, which is up on the 597,800 sold in the same period last year, but only just. It works out as a meager 1.5 percent increase, and worryingly, the Q2 figures are down 6.3 percent, according to figures from Cox Automotive.

Tesla Model 3 Climbs as Model Y Slips

Among the top performers, Tesla’s Model 3 showed impressive growth, climbing nearly 38 percent year-over-year to 101,323 units sold. This uptick helped offset losses elsewhere in the lineup, including the Model Y, which still held the top spot with 150,171 units sold despite a 24 percent drop.

New entries like the Chevrolet Equinox EV also made a strong showing, launching straight into the top five with 27,749 deliveries in its first half-year. These results suggest buyers are increasingly looking beyond the most familiar badges for value and newer tech.

Elsewhere in the top ten, the Ford Mustang Mach-E held steady with a slight 2 percent dip, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 nudged upward by 1.9 percent. Honda’s Prologue recorded a remarkable 963 percent increase, with 16,317 units sold compared to just over 1,500 the previous year, though it only went on sale in late March of 2024. GM’s momentum was also visible in the strong performances of the Blazer EV (up 76 percent) and Silverado EV (up 67 percent).

Ford also claimed the top spot for best-selling electric pickup, with 13,029 units of the F-150 Lightning sold despite a notable 16.7% decline. It was followed by Tesla’s Cybertruck, which recorded 10,712 units, 7.3% fewer than in the first half of 2024.

US EV SALES BY MODEL JAN-JUN

Tough Times for Legacy Luxury and Familiar Faces

But while a few standout models helped push overall EV sales up by a modest 1.5 percent, that headline number masks a much rougher reality for many brands. Kia’s EV sales, for instance, fell 54 percent to 13,600: deliveries of the EV6 and EV9 virtually halved, and Niro EV sales fell 68 percent. And Kia wasn’t the only one hurting in H1.

Demand for Mercedes EVs collapsed by 55 percent and it would have been much worse if not for the little EQB. Not that the EQB exactly had people rushing to dealerships, you understand. Its sales were down 8 percent, but compared to the EQE (down 75 percent) and EQS (-80 percent) it was a solid gold hit.

Rivian also had a rough first half of 2025, its overall sales falling 30 percent and the R1T dropping 47 percent, versus a 29 percent decline for its R1S SUV brother. Tesla, meanwhile, was down 11 percent and can thank the 38 percent increase in Model 3 sales for offsetting the lack of interest in its other models, including the Cybertruck, whose sales plummeted by 51 percent in the Q2. Tesla does, however, still command a whopping 46 percent of the EV market.

US EV SALES BY BRAND JAN-JUN

Other losers include the Audi Q4 e-tron (down 39 percent), Genesis G80 Electrified (down 45 percent) and BMW i5 (down 30 percent).

There were, of course, some winners in Cox’s data set. The overall EV sales count was helped by the arrival of some new models that proved incredibly popular with buyers, such as the Honda Prologue, and successful facelifts of existing cars like the Tesla mentioned previously and Hyundai Ioniq 5. GM’s Ultium SUVs also performed strongly.

Despite these few bright spots, the EV market does not look healthy, and with tax credits set to run out in just a couple of months, automakers are going to have their work cut out trying to turn it around.

US EV SALES BY BRAND Q2

US EV SALES BY MODEL Q2

We’re only two months out from the electric GLC’s debut at the Munich Auto Show and Mercedes is on the teaser offensive. As he did with the CLA and electric G-Class, CEO Ola Källenius has taken a camouflaged prototype of the compact SUV for a spin and dropped a couple of interesting spec details in the process.

Related: Mercedes Previews New GLC EV With 320+ kW DC Fast Charging

One detail we now know is that the first model to launch will be called the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ technology, following the (somewhat clunky) trend started by the electric G-Class. Källenius also revealed the 400 can add around 162 miles (260 km) of electric range in just 10 minutes thanks to its ability to charge at over 320 kW.

800v Architecture and Practical Charging Solutions

Mercedes itself dropped some other factoids, including that a converter allows the 800-volt SUV to hook-up at more common 400-volt charging stations. Surprisingly, that was not possible with the first examples of the new CLA sedan, though a fix for them is in the works.

Källenius performs a standing start in the GLC, and while he doesn’t give out power or performance figures, he implies that the acceleration is the kind that you’d expect from a Mercedes-AMG GT, which suggests a sub-4-second zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time.

Design Cues With Classic Inspiration

When it comes to the front-end design however, the CEO reckons the GLC takes its lead from much older Mercedes models. He waxes lyrical about the huge grille on a classic 300SEL 6.3 and claims we’ll see elements of the same design when the covers come off the GLC in September.

“It’s a future techy interpretation of that iconic Mercedes style,” he says of the new car’s grille.

The SEL isn’t only on hand to drop styling clues, but to demonstrate the GLC’s towing ability. Mercedes says it can tow a 5,300 lbs (2,400 kg) braked trailer, which betters the Porsche Macan Electric’s tow rating by 880 lbs (400 kg).

Roomier Cabin and Smarter Suspension

Interior packaging has also seen some changes. Mercedes confirmed the GLC EQ’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches (80 mm) longer than the 113.7 inches (2,890 mm) of the current combustion GLC, which is good news for rear-seat passengers, and there’s more luggage space, too.

The trunk swallows 20.1 cu-ft (570 liters), which is 0.7 cu-ft (20 liters) more than the ICE SUV, and can be extended to 61.5 cu-ft (1,740 liters) with the seats folded. And there’s still 4.5 cu-ft (128 liters) of frunk space to add to that.

The new GLC will feature air springs for maximum ride comfort, though only as part of an optional Agility & Comfort Package that also includes 4.5 degrees of rear-axle steering. Both of those tech solutions are also available on the Porsche Macan Electric, and we’re looking forward to seeing how the two fare in the – inevitable – face-off next year.

Mercedes

The Mercedes-Benz EQS was supposed to be a solid alternative to the Tesla Model S, having launched at a time when premium brands were doing everything they could to establish themselves in the EV market. However, its styling, defined by the ultra-aerodynamic “jelly bean” design, has long faced criticism, which has, in part, hindered the sales Mercedes had hoped for. Now, the automaker has admitted it missed the mark with the EQS.

Mercedes-Benz’s design chief, Gorden Wagener, recently admitted that the EQS might have been “probably 10 years too early” and acknowledged that the vehicle wasn’t marketed in the best way. While many view the EQS as an all-electric version of the S-Class, Mercedes insists that was never the intent. The EQS wasn’t meant to be a chauffeur-driven luxury sedan like its flagship counterpart, and its design reflects that difference.

Read: Next Mercedes S-Class To Offer EV And ICE, Making EQS Obsolete

“It’s a very, very progressive car and, of course, it was not originally designed as a chauffeur limousine,” Wagener explained to Autocar. “That was not the intention. Many people in this class expect a long hood [bonnet] and status from a chauffeur car, and the EQS is different there. It’s a completely different car. Maybe we should have marketed it differently, more like a futuristic CLS, S-Class Coupé or something like that.”

Efforts to Address the Design

In an attempt to make the EQS more traditional, Mercedes-Benz gave the car a subtle facelift last year, which included a redesigned grille. However, the egg-shaped design of the electric sedan remained unchanged.

As a result, Mercedes-Benz has decided there will be no second generation of the EQS. Instead, the company is planning to merge the S-Class and EQS into one model line that will offer both internal combustion engine and electric powertrains, similar to what BMW has done with the 7-Series and the i7.

This new combined model line may not arrive until 2030, meaning the EQS could remain in production for several more years. In the meantime, Mercedes-Benz will continue to update the EQS, with another comprehensive refresh expected as soon as next year. However, don’t expect major design changes, as the focus will likely be on refining the car’s features rather than overhauling its aesthetic.

Earlier this year, Mercedes announced plans for two new vans called the VLE and VLS. At the time, the company said they would ride on their new van platform and sit at the “top-end of its model portfolio.”

Fast forward to today and Mercedes has released the first official pictures of the VLE. It’s expected to replace the V-Class and be a more luxurious version of the next-generation Vito.

More: Mercedes Teases Future Electric Vans With VAN.EA Prototypes

The company didn’t say much about the van, but the VLE features a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by large headlights. We can also see a wide lower intake as well as a short hood.

Elsewhere, there’s a rakish windscreen that flows into a gently sloping roof. Designers also gave the model slab-sided bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. They’re joined by a surprisingly compact greenhouse as the beltline is significantly higher than on the V-Class.

There isn’t much to see out back, but the van has a sizable spoiler and vertical taillights, which are temporary placeholders for the production units. The model also has a plain rear bumper and a huge liftgate.

While Mercedes isn’t saying much, the automaker confirmed two prototypes traveled 677 miles (1,090 km) from Stuttgart to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops. The company went on to note this was harder than it sounds as the route included “winding, steep mountain passes through the Alps, long highway stretches, busy rural roads, and tight city streets.” Speaking of the latter, the firm said rear axle steering came in handy as it allowed for greater maneuverability in urban environments.

Little is known about the VLE at this point, but the automaker previously said their upcoming vans will ride on the VAN.EA architecture and offer front- and all-wheel drive. They’ll also have 800V technology, a 22 kW AC charger, and the latest version of the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System.

We can also expect “well over” 311 miles (500 km) of range as well as a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. A Level 3 system is slated to arrive by the end of the decade and make long trips even more relaxing.

Despite not revealing much, Mercedes confirmed the VLE will be able to seat up to eight people. The company said this will make it ideal for families as well as use as a VIP shuttle. The VLS, on the other hand, will “define a unique segment of its own that bestows true greatness to automotive luxury.”

Marketing hyperbole aside, Mercedes confirmed plans to offer electric midsize vans in Canada, China, and the United States. These will be passenger-focused models known as “Grand Limousines,” instead of commercial vehicles like the Vito.

Mercedes is working on a facelifted C-Class and they’re also gearing up to introduce a fully electric variant. However, the two models will have little in common besides the name.

Speaking of which, the car will likely be known as the C-Class with EQ Technology. While that’s far from catchy, the model has a fully enclosed grille and a slender central intake. We can also see sweptback headlights, but they’re temporary units that will likely be replaced by starry production lights.

More: 2026 Mercedes-AMG C-Class EV Takes Aim At Tesla Model 3 Performance

Moving further back, there’s streamlined bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. The electric sedan also has an upward sweeping beltline that echoes the one found on the EQE and EQS. We can also see stylish two-tone wheels and thick side skirts, which help to hide the car’s battery pack.

While spy photographers have caught multiple prototypes over the past year, this one is notable for having a production rear end. It features an angular trunk with an integrated spoiler. We can also see circular starry taillights, similar to those found on the CLA. They’re joined by a rounded bumper that looks rather plain.

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Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside this time, but previous pictures have shown the car will have a high-tech interior that follows in the footsteps of the CLA. This likely means we can expect a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display.

While that remains to be seen, the cabin sports a stylish steering wheel and slender air vents. We can also see an in-cabin camera as well as a minimalist design that largely eschews physical switchgear.

SH Proshots

Mercedes has been tight-lipped about the car, but it rides on the new MB.EA platform and will likely have a lot in common with the GLC EV. This means we can expect an 800-volt architecture as well as DC fast charging rates in excess of 320 kW.

Rear- and all-wheel drive powertrains are expected and we can also look forward to a standard heat pump. The car could also have advanced batteries with a special cell chemistry as well as a new braking system that combines the brake booster, master cylinder, and the electronic stability control system into one compact module.

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Electric or not, Mercedes-AMG’s latest concept makes a strong first impression. The AMG Concept GT XX doesn’t just aim to keep up with combustion-powered predecessors; it wants to make sure you hear and feel every bit of its presence.

Strongly hinting at a production car that may launch in 2026, it boasts 1,341 horsepower (1,000 kW), four doors, and a top speed of 223 mph (359 km/h). That’s not all, though, because we know it’ll also come with fake sounds. Now, in a new interview, we’re learning more about that and new insights on how AMG will evoke emotion from its drivers.

More: AMG Is Ditching Its Hated Four-Cylinder C63 For Something Much Better

From the outset, Mercedes-AMG confirmed that the production car, likely the next AMG GT 4-Door, will have speakers to make engine noises. Sure, placing them at the front of the car in the headlights does seem a bit odd, but we digress. We’ve actually heard the fake engine noises already, too. They’re the main feature in a new Instagram post from Mercedes.

Engineering Emotion

That said, tech chief of Mercedes AMG, Markus Schäfer, is still dropping new information in an interview with Autocar. There, he says that evoking emotion is a paramount concern for AMG.

“How does the car feel in terms of noise, in terms of sound level, in terms of the vibration, in terms of the gearshift?,” he asked. “It has to touch the emotional side of you. And if it doesn’t, it doesn’t do the job. This is what AMG cars do, and that’s exactly what we transferred piece by piece into this AMG GT XX.”

Apparently, Mercedes is taking this lightly. “It has to be authentic when it comes to power and drivability and track performance,” Schäfer remarked, “but the AMG is also an emotional experience from an acoustic standpoint, from noise and vibration harshness, and that’s exactly what you should expect in this car as well.”

At this point, it’s fair to expect the first all-AMG EV to rumble, shake during simulated gear shifts, and deliver a soundtrack that mimics the drama of a combustion engine. That actually sounds pretty promising. Interestingly, it’s also not far off from what Hyundai has already achieved with the well-received Ioniq 5 N.

Ultimately, this shouldn’t be all that shocking. Whether electric vehicles end up taking over or not (ed’s note: they likely will, since automakers have already invested too much and will want to recoup it), they’re a part of the auto industry for the foreseeable future. It’s also pretty clear that they have enormous performance potential. Still, a brand like AMG would be putting itself at great risk by not at least planning for what EV models would look like. By extension, that same logic applies to how an AMG EV would sound and feel.

Thankfully, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N proves that an EV can indeed be genuinely fun. If a Korean automaker, mostly known for everyday people carriers, can manage it, surely AMG can too. We can’t wait to see and, more importantly, experience whatever it dreams up. 

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Solid-state batteries have been the big promise in the EV world for years now. Enthusiasts and experts alike have predicted they would render current battery chemistries like LFP and NMC practically obsolete by this point. So far, though, we’re still waiting for that promised breakthrough.

Still, the world’s largest carmakers aren’t ready to give up on them just yet. Companies like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis continue to pour resources into solid-state tech, lured by the possibility of EVs that could travel over 1,000 km (621 miles) on a single charge.

BMW recently started testing a specially-equipped i7 prototype in Munich with large-format solid-state cells from US company Solid Power. These cells use sulfide-based electrolytes and will be used in future Neue Klasse models from the automaker. But it won’t be until the 2030s that mass production of these cars begins.

Read: Mercedes EQS Solid State Prototype Hits The Street With 621 Miles Of Range

Cross-town rival Mercedes-Benz is also working on solid-state EVs of its own. It started real-world testing of a retrofitted EQS in February, using a battery from Factorial Energy, a company Mercedes has been working with for several years.

According to Auto News, this new battery will have 25% higher energy than current packs. It’ll also be lighter and more compact. This will also impact the designs of future Mercedes models with solid-state packs, according to the company’s head of battery development, Uwe Keller.

“[These benefits] not only lead to longer vehicle ranges but also affect the vehicle design, for example the architecture,” he revealed. “Solid state cells are also less prone to overheating.”

Stellantis is also making moves to bring solid-state batteries to the market. Like Mercedes, it’s working with Factorial Energy on the project and will start tests in 2026. According to the senior vice president of tech research at Stellantis, Anne Laliron, “Solid state is the North Star in battery chemistry,” allowing car brands to choose between “more range or fewer materials – both reduce cost and carbon footprint.”

While it’s unclear when Stellantis will bring the tech to the road, both Toyota and Nissan believe they can commercialize solid-state batteries in the very near future. Toyota is targeting production in 2027, while Nissan says it can launch a solid-state battery by 2028. However, given the turmoil Nissan currently finds itself in, we wouldn’t be shocked to see that date get pushed back.

Mercedes-AMG is going electric and they’re doing it in a big way with the GT XX concept. It’s an insane four-door coupe with three axial flux motors producing a combined output in excess of 1,341 hp (1,000 kW / 1,360 PS).

Designed to preview the redesigned AMG GT 4-Door, the concept is a huge departure from its predecessor. Besides going electric, the model has an odd exterior that will undoubtedly attract a mixed reaction.

More: 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV Is The Cure For Boring Jelly Beans 

The fish-like front end is dominated by a massive grille that spans nearly the entire width of the vehicle. It’s so wide that designers had to incorporate the auxiliary lights into it.

Further above, there are stacked headlights and a motorsport-inspired hood with split air outlets. Elsewhere, we can see a subtle splitter that flows into the outside edges of vertical air curtains.

Designers gave the concept a rakish windscreen, which meets a coupe-like roofline. This results in a compact greenhouse, which is notable for eschewing a rear window like the Polestar 4.

Aside from gun slit windows, the model has flush-mounted door handles and 21-inch aero wheels. The latter have sections that open and close to balance aerodynamics with brake cooling. They’re joined by sporty side skirts that have “luminescent paint segments,” which “emit light in response to an alternating current.”

The rear end is a little plain, but features muscular haunches and an active airbrake. They’re joined by a carbon fiber diffuser and six circular LED taillights. However, the concept is more notable for being equipped with an MBUX Fluid Light Panel, which has more than 700 programmable RGB LEDs. This enables communication with the outside world via text or animation.

Rounding out the highlights are exterior speakers tucked into the headlights, designed to “emit driving sounds”. Mercedes hasn’t shared any specifics, but a recent teaser showed a prototype of the production car pumping out fake engine noise that sounded like a V8.

The concept, finished in a vibrant Sunset Beam orange paint, also boasts an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.198.

A Minimalist Interior Lacking In Luxury

While Mercedes used to be all about leather and wood, the interior of the GT XX resembles a racing simulator. This feel is amplified by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a compact steering wheel inspired by the AMG One.

Elsewhere, there’s a unique center console with illuminated orange tubes that are designed to recall voltage cables. The concept also has carbon fiber seats, an exposed carbon fiber roof, and a floor covering made from 100% recycled materials.

Designers gave the car a minimalist dashboard and metal components that are part computer, part Back to the Future. They’re joined by lightweight door panels that have integrated bars as well as orange pull loops.

A Powertrain That Hints At The Future

While the styling will undoubtedly draw attention, the most important details are hiding under the skin. That’s clear as the concept rides on the new AMG.EA platform and features a high-performance battery developed from scratch.

The three axial flux motors come from Yasa and offer a high output in an extremely compact package. They’ll go into production next year and be found on an assortment of upcoming AMG models including the new GT 4-Door and SUV.

Mercedes didn’t reveal many details about the motors, but confirmed one is mounted up front while two reside out back. This gives the concept a fully variable all-wheel drive system as well as a combined output in excess of 1,341 hp (1,000 kW / 1,360 PS). That’s enough to enable the car to hit a top speed of more than 223 mph (359 km/h).

The motors aren’t the only interesting development as the concept has a high-performance NCMA battery that has an anode with silicon content. Mercedes said It offers an energy density of 300 Wh/kg as well as a long lifespan.

Delving a little deeper, the battery has cylindrical cells and a laser-welded aluminum cell housing. These developments promise weight savings as well as rapid heat dissipation. Speaking of the latter, the battery also has a “high-tech coolant” that “flows around each individual cell to maintain the optimum temperature.”

Fast applies to more than just acceleration as the concept can gain approximately 249 miles (400 km) of range in around five minutes.  That’s impressively quick and this was made possible thanks to a “very high average charging power of more than 850 kW.”

Since that’s many times higher than traditional DC fast chargers, Mercedes teamed up with Alpitronic to develop a prototype charging station. While the production model likely won’t be nearly as impressive, the company said they’ll expand the Mercedes‑Benz Charging Network with next-generation chargers that deliver “extremely fast charging times.”

As for the AMG.EA platform, it uses a mix of aluminum, steel and fiber composite materials to offer lightness and “exceptional rigidity.” Mercedes also noted the electric skateboard architecture enables the battery to be centrally integrated into the structure to offer a high level of crash safety.

A new Mercedes-AMG is coming, and while it remains shrouded in mystery, photos of it have been leaked online, following the official teasers. Painted in a bright shade of orange, it appears to be the long-awaited electric sedan, set to rival the Porsche Taycan and the Audi e-tron GT.

The automaker first teased this new model earlier in the month, releasing an image of the hood and the roof. These looked similar with the Vision One-Eleven concept from back in 2023, which also featured a bright orange paint scheme.

Read: AMG Teases Something Wild And Orange But There’s No Rear Window In Sight

In April, a different teaser was released, showing the silhouette of a sleek four-door sedan, lending credence to the earlier spy shots of a Porsche Taycan rival. This has already been previewed by the Mercedes Vision AMG Concept from 2022, although the production version appears to have evolved in terms of styling.

The latest teasers are a lot more revealing, confirming the absence of a rear window, just like the Polestar 4 and the Avatr 12. The tail boasts six circular taillights, positioned much higher than the concept. Between them, there is a pixel LED panel similar to a Hyundai Ioniq 5, which might be configurable to display custom messages.

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A set of leaked photos that surfaced online earlier today show a large grille which appears to be illuminated. The model has a sharp nose and fender-mounted LED headlights that bring to mind the SLR Stirling Moss from 2009.

The interior looks like it came straight out of a concept car, with a yoke-shaped steering wheel and a digital cockpit that looks different from other production Mercedes-AMG models. We can also see orange ambient lighting and straps instead of door handles.

More: Mercedes Won’t Let Its Cars Look Like Appliances On Wheels, Thinks This Concept Proves It

The company hasn’t said when it will unveil this car, only stating that “something is stirring in the Mercedes-AMG garage.” It adds that “a new dimension is about to unfold.” However, the leaked photos suggest that the debut is imminent.

The production model is expected to be underpinned by the AMG.EV architecture, which includes an 800-volt system. Thanks to the trick axial flux electric motors, it could deliver over 1,000 hp, posing as the fully electric equivalent of the AMG GT 4-Door.

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