Mercedes will replace the EQS with both EV and ICE versions of the next S-Class.
According to the brand’s design chief, the EQS was launched 10 years too early.
In 2024, the carmaker tried to improve the sedan’s looks with a refreshed front grille.
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.
“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.
Mercedes has teased the upcoming VLE, which will presumably replace the V-Class.
The model rides on the all-new VAN.EA platform and will be offered in North America.
The van offers seating for up to eight people and will be followed by a luxurious VLS.
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.
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.
The camouflage is starting to come off the new Mercedes C-Class EV.
Slated to debut next year, the model will ride on the new MB.EA platform.
The car will likely have a lot in common with the upcoming GLC EV.
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.
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.
Baldauf
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.
AMG is developing a production version of its all-electric Concept GT XX that’s expected next year.
In a new interview, tech chief Markus Schafer said the car will evoke emotion through simulation.
Along with engine sounds from speakers, it will include simulated gearshifts and built-in vibration.
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.
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.
Solid-state batteries could offer an EV driving range beyond 600 miles with smaller, lighter cells.
Nissan and Toyota want to commercialize solid-state batteries in the next two years.
Challenges remain, including timeline delays and technological hurdles for mass production.
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.
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 revealed the AMG GT XX concept previewing next year’s production performance sedan.
It features a high-tech battery and a tri-motor axial flux powertrain producing more than 1,341 hp.
The concept rides on the AMG.EA platform made of aluminum, steel, and fiber composite materials.
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.
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.
Mercedes is about to unveil a new performance model, rumored to be called AMG GT XX.
The exterior design has been shown in official teasers and leaked photos ahead of its debut.
Highlights include circular taillights, a pixel LED panel, and a large illuminated grille up front.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mercedes confirms its roadmap now includes long-term support for combustion engines.
Next-gen EVs ride on new platforms with faster charging and improved segment coverage.
Mercedes-Benz may be pouring resources into electric powertrains like every other legacy automaker with a deadline and a vision statement, but that doesn’t mean internal combustion engines are on their way out. In fact, the company now expects its gas-powered models to stick around longer than originally planned, reflecting a more measured approach to the EV transition than earlier timelines suggested.
EVs and ICEs Will Coexist for the Foreseeable Future
That dual-track strategy is showing up clearly in the brand’s upcoming lineup. The next-generation CLA and the upcoming 2026 GLC will both be offered with either electric or combustion engines, giving buyers more flexibility, especially in markets where EV infrastructure is still catching up. In a recent interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius referred to this as a “course correction” in the company’s electric roadmap.
“The electrified high-tech combustion engines will run longer than we originally expected,” Kallenius told the publication. “I believe the most rational approach in the current situation is for an established manufacturer to do both and not neglect one technology.”
Still, More EVs Are Coming
Kallenius did not specify how long the combustion engines will stick around, but it should certainly be into the next decade. In the meantime, the number of EVs from Mercedes will continue to grow.
“The new CLA is the greeting from the kitchen of an entire family,” he told AMS. “Then the core segments will follow with the electric versions of the GLC, C-Class, and E-Class. We still have an incredible amount in the pipeline.”
The new GLC EV will serve as a replacement to the current EQC, which has never taken off quite as the brand would have hoped. This second-gen model will be a rival to BMW’s Neue Klasse iX3. It’ll be underpinned by the new MB.EA architecture, differing from the new CLA that uses the MMA platform. Importantly, MB.EA supports an 800-volt system and should support charging speeds of up to 320 kW.
Just like Porsche is currently doing with the Macan (albeit only in North America), Mercedes will sell the electric GLC alongside the combustion-powered version. The two won’t share a platform, but they will coexist, giving the brand some breathing room as the world transitions from fuel pumps to plugs.
The new Mercedes-AMG will rival the Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT.
The super sedan is expected to deliver over 1,000 hp thanks to Yasa motors.
AMG will follow the sedan launch with an electric SUV shortly after.
How does an enthusiast-focused brand like Mercedes-AMG create an electric vehicle that genuinely excites drivers and buyers? Well, if you’re AMG, you apparently take a page out of Hyundai’s book, injecting a combustion engine-inspired soundtrack and throwing in a simulated dual-clutch transmission. Love it or hate it, this electric AMG promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen from the brand before.
The brand has been testing and teasing its all-electric Porsche Taycan rival for months now and will unveil it later this year. While one could argue that AMG is a little late to the party in offering a Taycan and Audi e-tron GT rival, it will launch this vehicle before BMW and Audi enter the race with an electric M3 and an electric RS6.
Familiar Soundtrack
Teasers, as well as a concept from back in 2022, have provided us with a good idea of what to expect from the new AMG’s design, but it’s not until now that AMG has previewed what it will sound like. A teaser shared on Instagram first shows a heavily camouflaged prototype doing some high-speed donuts, all while its powertrain remains completely silent, just like most EVs. However, the video then cuts to a second and more interesting clip.
It shows the electric sedan accelerating towards the camera, and we can hear the simulated gearbox going up through the gears, before downshifting when the car comes to a stop. Accompanying the fake shifts, and what sounds like someone pulling paddle shifters, is a deep bellowing soundtrack, inevitably inspired by some of AMG’s fabled V8 engines.
It doesn’t necessarily sound bad, but there are plenty of folks who want EVs to be EVs, rather than EVs trying to mimic a combustion-powered car.
Regardless of how AMG customers respond to the electric sedan and its fake sounds, we don’t expect to hear any complaints about its performance. Power is expected to come from as many as three axial electric motors, each capable of delivering roughly 480 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. That means it could easily surpass the 1,000 hp mark, delivering truly insane performance stats.
To keep up with the Taycan Turbo S and RS e-tron GT Performance, AMG’s new sedan will need to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in around 2.5 seconds, all while remaining comfortable and doubling as an excellent cruiser.
AMG teases radical electric model with no rear window and aggressive design cues.
New mystery model likely draws heavily from 2023’s Vision One-Eleven concept car.
Electric powertrain may use Yasa’s compact axial flux motors producing 489 hp each.
AMG has come a long way from the days when it only built modified versions of Mercedes-Benz models. Nowadays, it has its own sedan in the form of the GT 4-Door, an F1-powered hypercar, and soon, it will have an electric sedan and an electric SUV. As it turns out, it also appears to be preparing a second supercar, or hypercar, inspired by the Vision One-Eleven concept from 2023.
Earlier today, AMG released two teaser images of the new model, revealing that “something big is right around the corner.” No further details were provided about what exactly we are looking at, but it does share some obvious similarities to the 2023 concept, which itself was inspired by the classic Mercedes C111.
First is the paint. The unique shade of orange is very similar to what was found on the C111 and the Vision One-Eleven concept. One of the teaser images also appears to show a painted hood with a black element, a large air vent, and strakes that are very similar to those of the C111 and the concept.
The second teaser image is slightly more mysterious but appears to show the roof of the car, including a large ‘AMG’ logo and the notable absence of a rear window.
There’s a slight chance that the teased model could also be AMG’s long-awaited four-door electric sedan. However, prototypes of that car featured traditional rear windows and did not have complex hood vents as shown in these teasers.
Mercedes-AMG has been known to be working on an all-electric hypercar since at least last year, positioned as a direct rival to the Porsche Mission X. This model is thought to be based on the Vision One-Eleven and will use the new AMG.EA architecture with an advanced 800-volt architecture.
Late last year, Carscoops reported that the new car will use a lithium-ion battery pack with cylindrical cells from Sila Nanotechnologies in the US. It may also feature complex axial flux electric motors developed by Yasa, a British company Mercedes acquired in 2021. Each of these motors produces up to 489 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque while weighing just 53 lbs (24 kg).
Maextro S800 received 3,600 orders in one week, including 1,600 within 24 hours.
The base version costs just $98,000, nearly half the price of a Maybach in China.
The flagship model makes 852 hp using a tri-motor range-extended hybrid system.
Luxury on a budget is no longer a contradiction, at least not in China, where local automakers are figuring out how to give European giants a run for their money. The latest example is the Maextro S800, a full-size flagship luxury sedan that blends design cues from both Mercedes-Maybach and (mainly) Rolls-Royce, with a price tag that’s far more down to earth. It’s the result of a joint venture between JAC and Huawei, and it’s already creating a stir in the domestic market.
With styling that leans heavily into the opulence of its European inspirations, the S800 tries hard to look the part of a six-figure cruiser. Apparently, the effort is paying off. In just the first week after launch, 3,600 orders were placed. Around 1,600 of those came within the first 24 hours, and by day two, that number had jumped to 2,100.
A key part of the S800’s appeal is the price. The base version starts at 708,000 yuan or roughly $98,600 at current exchange rates. Those seeking even more luxury can buy the flagship version priced from 1,018,000 yuan ( $141,600).
It’s still a hefty price, but it comes in well below the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which starts at 1,468,000 yuan ($204,600) before options. And compared to a Rolls-Royce? The Ghost begins at around 4.2 million yuan, or roughly $585,000, putting the S800 in a completely different financial universe.
Chinese buyers seem to be getting a lot of car for their money. First and foremost, the S800 is big. It is 5,480 mm (215.7 inches) long, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) wide, and stands 1,536 mm (60.5 inches) high with a 3,370 mm (132.7-inch) wheel base, similar dimensions to an S-Class. However, whereas the Mercedes has a relatively understated (for what it is, anyway) design, the S800 makes a more grandiose impression on the road.
Tech-Laden Interior with Lounge-Like Options
Maextro S800
Then there’s the cabin. The S800 features a digital gauge cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment display, and a 16-inch passenger display. It also has a wide head-up display, two wireless smartphone chargers, and an audio system with an incredible 43 speakers, Autohome reports. Maextro offers the S800 as either a four-seater, with captain’s chairs at the back, or as a more conventional five-seater.
Multiple Powertrain Choices, Including a 852 HP Option
The S800 is available in both fully electric and range-extended versions. The battery electric model uses a 95 kWh pack paired with dual motors producing 523 horsepower. The range-extender version adds a 1.5-liter engine that works purely as a generator, coupled with a 65 kWh battery and the same 523 hp dual-motor setup. For those who believe too much power is just enough, there’s also a tri-motor EREV variant cranking out 852 horsepower.
The electric G-Class is performing badly in the showroom, ICE versions outselling it seven to one.
Poor space efficiency for an EV and a terrible tow rating for an SUV are major drawbacks.
Mercedes is now considering rejigging its upcoming electric baby G-Class to use ICE power.
It turns out not every icon translates easily to electric power, no matter how much fanfare is involved. Mercedes made a big song and dance about the iconic G-Class going electric, but would-be buyers don’t want to hear it. Sales are so bad the automaker is considering adapting its planned EV-only baby G-Class to work with combustion power to avert disaster, according to a new report out of Germany.
The all-electric G580 with EQ Technology was introduced last April, but things haven’t exactly gone to plan. Handelsblatt reports that sales have been dismal in the year since its debut. “The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it’s a complete flop,” one Mercedes executive told the publication. Another internal source added, “It’s a niche model; production numbers are very low.”
The report claims that the terrifyingly pricey ($161,500 in the US) EV had found only 1,450 European buyers by the end of this April based on Dataforce and Marklines figures, 61 in South Korea and just 58 in electric-loving China. The report even suggests Mercedes had failed to sell a single example in the US, which sounds dubious and is something we’ve asked MB USA to check.
Gas G-Class Still Dominates
While the electric G stalls, its combustion counterpart is doing brisk business. The also expensive ICE SUV outsells its electric brother seven to one, Handlesblatt says. And unlike the EQS and EQE, the G EV’s poor showing can’t be blamed on boring design because it looks almost exactly the same as the in-demand combustion model. So what gives?
One possible criticism is that unlike traditional EVs, which have a long wheelbase, flat floor and tons of interior space as a result, the G-Class EQ mirrors the dimensions and roominess of the ICE model. And what it does have a lot more of – weight – means it’s far less useful as a tow vehicle than the petrol G-Class and has a pathetic 239 miles (385 km) of EPA range.
Luxury buyers also remain unconvinced about the merits of electric power, preferring the traditional luxury and status that comes with a big, powerful petrol engine – though the G550 downgraded from a V8 to an inline six for the latest generation.
Mercedes had already confirmed earlier this year in response to slow EV sales that it would invest more in ICE technology while still introducing new EVs. One of those EVs is the upcoming baby G-Class, but Handelsblatt’s sources at Mercedes now say the automaker is seriously considering adapting the SUV to take a combustion – or more likely, hybrid – powertrain.
This switch is apparently still possible late in the game because the the mini G is built on the company’s MMA architecture found under the new CLA in both electric and combustion forms, the report says. This contradicts earlier rumors swirling around the web suggesting Mercedes would use a different platform.
Mercedes-AMG’s upcoming flagship EV has discarded a ton of camo for its latest tests.
The star-shaped DRLs are clearly visible and the blanked grille area is extremely slim.
The front fenders lack the peaks promised by 2022’s Mercedes Vision AMG Concept.
AMG dropped a set of teaser images for its new EV sedan earlier this month, officially starting the countdown to a full reveal later this year. There’s plenty about the still-unnamed four-door to get us excited, including the new AMG.EA architecture and axial flux electric motors from Britain’s Yasa that should deliver a four-figure power output.
Each of those motors packs a serious punch, cranking out around 480 horsepower and 590 lb-ft (800Nm) of torque, which is pretty impressive given their compact size weighing in at just 53 lbs (24kg). With up to three motors on the table, it’s not hard to imagine a performance version blasting well past 1,000 horsepower.
A Closer Look at the Exterior
But now we’ve got something even better than speculative specs: new spy shots. For the first time, we get to see the EV in daylight without its bulky front-end camouflage. Does the design match the promise of those numbers? Well, sort of.
Though this prototype is still covered from head to toe in a distracting camouflage wrap, we can finally see the shape of the front fenders, hood and headlights, and I can’t help feeling a little disappointed. Mercedes has a bit of form for over-promising and under-delivering when it comes to concept cars and the production vehicles they morph into – think gorgeous Vision EQS and boring soap-bar EQS – and this EV looks to be no different.
It misses out on the sexy peaked fenders of 2022’s Mercedes Vision AMG Concept, which paved the way for way for this year’s Porsche Taycan rivaling production car. Instead, it has a fairly flat hood, though one that does at least reach down towards the road, resulting in a sportily narrow grille area.
And while it has DRLs in the shape of a Mercedes star, it looks like they’re just set into regular light units, not embedded directly into the bodywork, as on the concept. Porsche’s production Taycan wasn’t identical to the original Mission E concept, but the changes were so subtle that no one ever felt short-changed. AMG fans might be on this occasion.
Of course we have to reserve judgment until the full disguise comes off, and we really do hope the finished car is a knockout. What do you think? Does it look like AMG has missed an opportunity to really make its mark in a new segment, or is this EV going to deliver a killer blow to the Porsche Taycan?
The CLA Shooting Brake has been spied ahead of an expected debut later this year.
The wagon follows in the footsteps of the sedan, but features a more practical rear end.
This prototype might be a hybrid, which features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA isn’t the only model losing camouflage as spy photographers have caught a lightly disguised CLA Shooting Brake on the Nürburgring. It follows in the footsteps of the regular model, but adopts a far more practical wagon physique.
Starting up front, there’s a familiar fascia with starry headlights and a traditional grille. The latter indicates this prototype is ICE-powered and this likely means it has 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.
We can also expect two electric variants with an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology has a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque, while the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. These powertrains give the sedan a WLTP range of up to 492 miles (792 km), but we wouldn’t be surprised if the wagon’s extra mass cuts into that number.
Getting back to styling, the CLA Shooting Brake features a long, sloping roof and a sleek, graceful beltline. These are complemented by an angular liftgate and the now-signature starry taillights that Mercedes seems to be slapping on every model these days, whether it’s warranted or not.
Baldauf
The few glimpses of the interior reveal a familiar cabin that should have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and an available 14-inch front passenger display. We can also expect AI, an MBUX Virtual Assistant, and a generous list of standard equipment.
Of course, the real star will be the added cargo space. While details on the wagon’s capacity are still under wraps, the sedan’s trunk only holds 14.3 cubic feet (405 liters), so the wagon should provide a more generous offering.
Mercedes has confirmed the CLA will support both 400V and 800V chargers in the States.
Initially, the CLA EV will be limited to 800V charging, with future models getting a converter.
The new electric sedan will offer two power outputs: 268 hp and 349 hp, the latter with AWD.
Mercedes has made more than a few questionable decisions in recent years, but one of the most baffling had to be limiting the CLA EV to 800V DC fast-charging stations. This drastically restricted were owners could recharge, which is an odd move, to put it mildly, considering a lack of charging infrastructure is often cited as a reason why people won’t buy electric vehicles.
The decision seemed so puzzling that we couldn’t help but ask, what were they thinking? We now have an answer as Mercedes wanted to showcase the CLA’s 320 kW DC fast-charging capability that can deliver up to 202 miles (325 km) of range in just 10 minutes.
While that’s kind of an explanation, the company has now revealed future U.S. models will be able to charge at both 400V and 800V charging stations.
As a Mercedes-Benz USA spokesperson explained to us, “After the initial limited delivery of cars late this year for demonstration of the CLA’s fast-charging abilities, 2026 US customer orders from early next year will feature a converter and be capable of charging at 400V and faster 800V” stations. They went on to say this means the car will be able to access more than 140,000 charging points across America.
While the initial messaging was muddied, Mercedes did attempt to explain the thinking behind it. “Public charging point technology varies across the world, and the networks widely available in the U.S. and Europe are different. We’re committed to offering our customers the best experience and believe fast-charging at 800V gives the best and most convenient experience.”
Faster charging speeds are certainly welcome, but drastically reducing where people can charge isn’t. In the end, Mercedes seems to have realized that.
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA has been spied wearing less camouflage than ever before.
The high-performance sedan has a unique front bumper and an active rear spoiler.
Reports have suggested the car could have a tri-motor powertrain with more than 500 hp.
The new Mercedes CLA EV hasn’t even launched in many regions outside of Europe, including North America, yet development is already well underway for the upcoming AMG variant. As a debut nears, the camouflage is starting to come off and reveal more about the high-performance model.
Starting up front, we can see a unique front bumper with large intakes. They’re joined by a new central opening, which features a unique mesh pattern. Additional details are hard to make out, but the model has a fully enclosed grille as well as starry headlights.
The styling makeover continues with sportier sides skirts and lightweight wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The latter are backed up by a beefy braking system, which sports red calipers up front. We can also see what appears to be AMG-specific badging on the front fender.
The rear end doesn’t look too remarkable at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals an active spoiler. We can also expect a modified bumper and diffuser to help distinguish the AMG variant from the regular model.
SHProshots
Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the cabin should have a minimalist interior with a sport steering wheel and a handful of special touches. We can also expect a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display.
Mercedes has been tight-lipped about powertrain details, but previous reports have suggested the car will have axial flux motors developed by Mercedes’ Yasa subsidiary. There could be a total of three motors altogether, giving the car a combined output in excess of 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS).
That should put it in direct competition with the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which delivers 510 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds, along with a top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h).
Rumors have also suggested the AMG variant will have a unique battery pack and a “V8 Mode.” The latter reportedly replicates the sound of a roaring V8, as even Mercedes appears to be acknowledging that’s what people actually want.
Mercedes-AMG electric sedan shares styling cues with the 2022 Vision AMG Concept.
Sleek design includes unique LED lighting, spoked aero wheels, and active rear wing.
Combustion-powered AMG GT 4-Door will continue alongside new all-electric flagship.
Mercedes-AMG has stripped away some of the body cladding and camouflage of its long-awaited electric sedan, giving us our best look at the car yet. The car will push AMG into a new market and serve as a rival to the likes of the Porsche Taycan and Audi RS e-tron GT. So, is it worth getting excited about?
These new teasers show a prototype with a sleek and low-slung design that shares unmistakable similarities with the Mercedes Vision AMG Concept from three years ago. Like that car, the new electric sedan from Affalterbach has striking LED daytime running lights mimicking the shape of the Three Pointed Star. Similar DRLs are featured on the new CLA and will be added to other new Mercedes models, but AMG has enlarged them for this car.
There’s no sign of a traditional front grille, although we can see some slats towards the base of the bumper that will provide some cooling.
The side profile of the car is certifiably sexy and has been paired beautifully with tightly-spoked wheels that should also aid in aerodynamic performance. At the rear, this prototype ditches the ugly temporary lights of other recent testers and gets a pair of circular LED taillights, which again have the star motif. There will also be an active rear wing.
The Good Stuff
While both the Taycan and RS e-tron GT represented dramatic departures for both Porsche and Audi, both cars are excellent, and AMG had better be at the top of its game to make a compelling rival to them. All the signs point towards it being just that.
Underpinning the all-electric cousin to the AMG GT 4-Door will be the new AMG.EA architecture with a battery pack from Sila Nanotechnologies in the US and electric motors from British firm Yasa. Mercedes-AMG is reportedly pursuing a four-digit horsepower figure, giving it enough power to compete with the flagship Taycan and RS e-tron GT models.
Fortunately for those who still want a thunderous engine, Mercedes-AMG will continue to sell this new EV alongside the ICE-powered AMG GT 4-Door.
AMG is developing a new flat-plane V8 with mild-hybrid tech for future models.
The EU combustion ban begins in 2035, giving Mercedes more time to build V8s.
AMG’s boss hinted the engine could appear in existing or entirely new vehicles.
Even as the auto industry lurches toward electrification with all the grace of a three-legged shopping cart, Mercedes-AMG is reminding everyone that the V8 still has a pulse. The German brand copped a lot of flak for turning the C63 into a four-cylinder hybrid, and raised plenty of eyebrows when it confirmed a pair of high-performance EVs for production. However, enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the AMG V8s we all know and love aren’t going anywhere, at least for the time being.
In fact, fans of AMG’s signature V8s can breathe a little easier, at least for now. According to AMG boss Michael Schiebe, there’s still a future for combustion engines, thanks in part to regulatory breathing room. With the European Union’s combustion ban not taking effect until 2035 and no firm ICE cutoff in the U.S., there are “some years to come with the V8,” he says.
Schiebe didn’t specify how many years the current engine might hang on, but it sounds like AMG isn’t just keeping the lights on. They’re actively working on a new generation of the V8.
Speaking with Car and Driver, Schiebe explained that the next-gen V8 could find its way into multiple future models. That’s opened the door to speculation, some hopeful, some wildly optimistic, that the engine could even make its way back into a revised C63.
“We are in the midst of developing our next generation of the V8 and I see a lot of positions within our existing portfolio, or maybe even new ones, where we could actually imagine to have a V8,” he said.
We’ve known about the next-generation V8 from Mercedes-AMG for several months now. According to reports, it will ditch the cross-plane crankshaft of the current V8 family in favor of a flat-plane crank. The company is also developing the engine to work with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that could incorporate a starter motor into the gearbox, while also adding some extra power and better efficiency.
Schiebe reinforced the idea that AMG won’t go all-in on hybridization with this engine. In his words, they don’t “necessarily need to go that far on hybridization,” suggesting this new V8 will stay closer to its roots than some feared.
That strategy could also extend the life of models like the AMG GT 4-Door, which many assumed would quietly exit stage left as AMG’s all-electric performance sedan comes to market. But according to Schiebe, that might not be the case, at least not yet.
“Let’s see how long we continue with a GT 4-Door,” he said. “Maybe there is a successor, but I don’t want to speculate about that.”
So while AMG’s future is undoubtedly electric, the V8 isn’t on the chopping block just yet. If anything, it looks like the automaker is doubling down on its combustion credentials, if only for a little while longer.
The Mercedes CLA EV reportedly lacks a DC/DC booster, limiting it to 800V DC fast chargers.
This means the car can only be recharged at certain stations, which could leave owners in a lurch.
Mercedes isn’t saying much about the move, but it’s an odd oversight for a luxury vehicle.
It’s easy to hate on the redesigned Mercedes CLA as it doesn’t look particularly good and its interior is a soulless compartment filled with screens. On top of that, the electric variants have terrible names including CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology.
It appears that’s just scratching the surface as a new report says the EV doesn’t support 400V DC fast charging. According to Wards Auto, the model lacks a 400V-to-800V DC/DC converter and this significantly limits where the car can be recharged. Non-compatible stations are said to include “50 kW public chargers and a large portion of Tesla’s current Supercharger network.”
It sounds like the restriction is a result of Mercedes’ push for a 320 kW DC fast charging capability, which enables the car to go from a 10-80% charge in as little as 22 minutes. As the publication explained, “Because CCS cables are limited to 500 amps, 800 volts is necessary to exceed a 200 kW charging speed.”
However, other automakers – such as Hyundai and Kia – use a DC-to-DC voltage booster to allow for fast charging as well as broad support. This isn’t a great look for a luxury brand as it comes off as a penny pinching move that harms consumers by limiting their access to charging stations.
Mercedes reportedly declined to say why they didn’t include a voltage booster in the CLA and it will likely catch some owners off guard. We looked at webpages and configurators for the car in multiple countries and found no mention of the restriction. However, Wards Auto said there is a disclaimer noting “charging at 400V charging stations is not possible, and for this reason, they are not shown in the navigation system.”
It’s unclear if this issue is limited to the launch model, but the publication pointed to speculation suggesting the Norwegian-spec car will come with a DC/DC booster. This implies a market specific approach, although customers might want to hold off for the time being.
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