McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz news fromduPont REGISTRY News, updated daily, covering the S-Class, the Maybach range, the AMG models, the G-Class and the electric line-up. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Mercedes-Benz competes across more segments than almost any rival, so the news here runs unusually wide. Our marketplace supplies the part most publications leave out entirely. A great many of these cars are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts a review and a real asking price side by side. For Mercedes-Benz news today, and the luxury car market news around it, start here.

A silver Mercedes-Benz station wagon glides along a winding mountain road under a clear blue sky, with lush green hills in the background, just as Mercedes-AMG reveals pricing for the new E 53 HYBRID Wagon.

By Khris Bharath – September 12, 2025

Mercedes-AMG Reveals Pricing for the 2026 E 53 HYBRID Wagon

There is a new long-roof performance car coming to America, and it is not a crossover or an SUV. For those who thought the era of high-performance luxury wagons was over, AMG is making the case that there is still room for one done right. This is the 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 HYBRID Wagon, set to arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year. We first reported on the (W214) E 53 AMG Wagon, back in April this year, but Mercedes has finally announced U.S. pricing for the performance wagon variant, a starting MSRP of $93,350, which is about $15k more than the E-450 4Matic All-Terrain wagon and $5k more than the E 53 AMG sedan. For that sub-100k price tag, what you’re getting is truly a unique blend of big power, efficiency, practicality, and top-rated dynamics that most SUVs simply can’t match, a format that few brands are even attempting in the American market in 2025. Under the skin is where this car earns its AMG badge. Now unlike the outgoing E 53, this new model is a plug-in hybrid and at its core sits a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, now tuned to 443 horsepower up from 429 horsepower in the previous generation. Paired with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, the system generates 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Engage RACE START, and output climbs to 604 horsepower, dropping the 0-60 mph run to as quick as 3.8 seconds. For perspective, those numbers put it in the ball park of most high performance sports cars and on par with the last-gen V8-powered E 63 S Wagon. Clearly, then, Mercedes hasn’t held back on the hardware. Standard across the range are active rear-axle steering and adaptive damping, both designed to make a 4,800-pound wagon feel far more nimble than its size suggests. Braking comes courtesy of AMG composite discs, and the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package swaps in larger units, red callipers, active engine mounts, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. Top speed in typical German fashion is capped at that gentleman’s agreement figure of 155 mph. But opt for that Performance Package and the limiter can be lifted, for a 171 mph top speed. Interestingly, considering this is a hybrid, the E 53 can reach speeds of up to 87 mph on electric power alone. Speaking of the hybrid, the system employs a 28.6 kWh (21.2 kWh usable) battery, giving this wagon up to 41 miles of all-electric range. DC fast charging at 60 kW and AC charging at 9.6 kW make topping off straightforward, whether at home or on the road. What that means is daily commutes can be handled without ever having to wake the inline-six, but you still have AMG firepower on tap when you want it. Visually, the E 53 looks every bit a modern AMG. Classic E-Class proportions are enhanced by wider arches, an illuminated grille, and quad exhaust tips that strike a balance between refinement and aggression. Inside, the E 53 Wagon delivers the level of luxury you would expect at this price point. Heated power front seats, a Nappa leather AMG steering wheel with integrated controls, and the 17-speaker Burmester 4D system come standard. The Edition 1 model for 2026 raises exclusivity further with MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey paint, AMG graphics, 21-inch forged wheels, and unique interior details. Also, this E Wagon's biggest appeal is the trunk volume, coming in at 16.2 cubic feet of space ( about three cubic-feet more than the sedan), with all seats in place, comparable to most large SUVs. The hybrid's battery pack eats into an otherwise capacious trunk, that would other wide offer 21 cubic-feet. This launch wont replace the fire-breathing V8-powered E 63 Wagon as the competition Stateside, is still alive with Audi’s revamped RS6 Avant and the (G60) BMW M5 Touring. Also, Porsche has already stepped away from gas wagons, leaving AMG free to carry the torch for performance estates in America. Now, whether you want the balance of electrification and performance now, or wait it out for the inevitable V8 powerhouse, the folks over at Affalterbach are ensuring that wagons remain firmly on the map for enthusiasts who want more than another SUV. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Images: Mercedes-AMG

A Mercedes-Benz EQS electric sedan with "Solid State" graphics on the side, highlighting its solid-state battery and impressive 749-mile range, drives on a highway lined with trees in the background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 10, 2025

Mercedes-Benz EQS Sets 749-Mile Solid-State Battery Record

The EQS stretched its EV capabilities with a record-breaking, single-charge trip. While the EV world promises big savings and a lesser environmental impact, it's hard for some to completely change the way they travel because they fear it won't keep up with the wants and needs of a daily commuter. Some automakers are pushing the boundaries to put range anxiety to rest and pave the way for the future of electrified motoring, all for the good of consumers. Mercedes-Benz is making waves in the EV world with the announcement of an unbelievable long-distance test. A lightly modified EQS equipped with a lithium-metal solid-state battery covered 749 miles from Stuttgart, Germany, to Malmö, Sweden without a single charging stop. This real-world drive proves that solid-state batteries can perform in everyday driving conditions. Impressively, the EQS still had 85 miles of range left at the end of the trip. The technology behind this milestone combines Formula 1-inspired engineering from Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) with cutting-edge cells from U.S.-based Factorial Energy. Surpassing the Vision EQXX's Stuttgart–Silverstone route record, Mercedes-Benz is highlighting the potential of solid-state batteries to revolutionize EV performance. This record-setting drive is part of a broader real-world validation program, including digital simulations and extensive testing in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and Sindelfingen. Mercedes deliberately pushes its vehicles across public roads and diverse climate zones to test and evaluate performance, efficiency, and durability under real conditions. The Stuttgart-to-Malmö route added a long-distance scenario to this testing, accelerating the roadmap toward future production models. The EQS followed highways A7 and E20 through Germany and Denmark, optimized using Mercedes' Electric Intelligence system. Planning accounted for traffic, landscape, and energy needs for heating and cooling, all without relying on ferries. The drive's success is an example of how next-generation solid-state EV batteries could soon make charging stops a rare concern while bringing the everyday usability of electric vehicles to a whole new level. All Mercedes-Benz EQS For Sale Source: Mecedes-Benz

By Khris Bharath – September 08, 2025

Beyond the All-electric GLC: Mercedes-Benz at IAA 2025

Mercedes-Benz showed up at the IAA Mobility 2025 with a lot more than just a new electric SUV reveal. CEO Ola Källenius used Munich’s stage to paint a broader picture of where the brand is headed. While the 2026 GLC with EQ Technology took the spotlight on opening night, Mercedes used the opportunity to also throw light on its future strategy across several verticals across 40 upcoming models, including performance models, entry-level luxury, a comeback of a fan favorite, and even vans. Let's kick things off with CLA. The German automaker is expanding the CLA family with two new versions. The all-electric CLA Shooting Brake, which combines a sleeker wagon bodystyle with added cargo space, while a hybrid CLA offers a middle ground for drivers who aren’t ready to go all-in on electric just yet. Over in Europe, wagons like the Shooting Brake still carry weight with families who want space without moving into SUV territory. The CLA will now offer three distinct options: gas, hybrid, and electric, across two body styles, something that most rivals don’t offer. The 1,341-horsepower CONCEPT AMG GT XX also made an appearance, fresh off its record-setting run at Nardò. We’ve already covered its 25 endurance records in detail, but its presence in Munich reinforced Mercedes-AMG’s strategy. The car previews AMG.EA, a performance EV platform headed for production in 2026. For you, the message is that AMG’s electric cars won’t just be fast for a lap—they’re being engineered for range and durability, too. The van segment rarely makes headlines, but Mercedes brought it up in Munich with the VLE prototype. It’s an all-electric van designed to blend MPV practicality with limousine comfort, seating up to eight. The production version will hit the showrooms in 2026 on a new modular van platform. Speaking of vans, the Metris remains popular for luxury builds in the U.S., and we got an exclusive look at the Vision V Concept during Monterey Car Week last month, hinting at what Mercedes has in store for its Van models, which is something you’d want to know if you run a high-end shuttle service or manage a large family fleet. Mercedes also highlighted its MANUFAKTUR personalization program at Studio Odeonsplatz. Visitors can browse paints, leathers, and embroidery samples while seeing a bespoke S 63 E PERFORMANCE come together. On the technology side, Mercedes opened up test drives of MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO, an SAE Level 2 system for urban point-to-point driving. It’s set to launch in China this year and the U.S. in 2026. The company also demonstrated DRIVE PILOT, its SAE Level 3 conditional automation system already approved in Germany. At up to 59 mph, it lets you hand over control in traffic while legally engaging in secondary tasks. Finally, Mercedes officially confirmed that the G-Class Cabriolet is coming back. As we previously reported, it will be available in the United States, and this time, it will be a four-door, a move that should broaden usability without losing the open-air feel. The last version left the lineup in 2013, and its return shows that Mercedes isn’t ignoring lifestyle models even as it continues to expand its EV portfolio. Taken together, the Munich announcements show Mercedes covering multiple fronts. For fans of the three-pointed star, the takeaway is this: expect more variety, more personalization, and more advanced driver assistance in Mercedes’ upcoming U.S. lineup in 2026. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

A red Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV, featuring EQ Technology, drives on a highway with hills and trees in the background under a clear sky.

By Khris Bharath – September 07, 2025

Mercedes-Benz GLC With EQ Technology Debuts: 483 HP, 443 ...

Mercedes-Benz has been selling the GLC in big numbers for years, so when the company says it has re-engineered the mid-size luxury SUV from the ground up as an EV, it's worth paying attention. The GLC, of course, introduced a decade ago, has been the German brand’s global bestseller last year with 64,163 units sold in the U.S. alone, a 58 percent jump year over year. It again leads the pack through much of the first half of 2025 with strong sales, and that track record is why this electric version matters so much. It also comes at a moment of heightened competition in this highly lucrative segment for automakers, as the GLC EV arrives hot on the heels of BMW’s all-electric iX3, which debuts the Neue Klasse era, unveiled a few days ahead of the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany. While BMW showcased the iX3 first on Friday, Mercedes has been teasing its new GLC for several weeks now. We saw the redesigned illuminated grille over a month ago, then the interior with its 39.1-inch Hyperscreen just yesterday. Now, with the full reveal staged for Munich, Mercedes has put all the pieces together. One of the big highlights is the design, in line with the brand’s Sensual Purity design language, first seen on the next-gen CLA concept. The new GLC debuts Mercedes’ updated front end, with a boxier illuminated grille and three-pointed star, framed in chrome with 942 pixelated LED dots laid out in horizontal slats that convey width. Mercedes says this will become the new face of all its upcoming electric models, an attempt to carve out a recognizable and traditional identity as the brand transitions away from combustion. What you make of this new front-end is subjective, but compared to earlier EQ designs, it’s more upright and stately. The Digital Light micro-LED headlights with the three-pointed star motif are another upgrade, offering 50 percent more efficiency and a broader beam that swivels dynamically with cornering. The rear features a distinctive blacked-out panel with four circular LEDs that house more three-pointed stars. When it comes to performance, Mercedes will offer multiple electric GLCs. The GLC 400 4MATIC packs a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup with 483 horsepower and 596 pound-feet of torque, good for 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The GLC 300+ runs a single rear motor making 369 horsepower and 372 pound-feet, hitting 60 in 5.9 seconds. Both employ a 94 kWh battery pack on the new MB.EA platform with an 800-volt system, with charging maxing out at 330 kW, adding about 160-188 miles in 10 minutes. European WLTP range tops out at 443 miles, with EPA estimates closer to 376 miles for the AWD version. For comparison, the gas-powered GLC 300 4MATIC makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet from its 2.0-liter turbo four. It’ll hit 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and return 25/32 mpg city/highway. Its range with a 17.4-gallon tank is around 490 miles, but it can’t match the EV’s torque or towing ability. The GLC 400 4MATIC is rated for 5,291 pounds of towing, whereas gas models max out at 3,500 pounds, so the EV is the stronger choice if towing matters. However, you will have to consider the impact of towing on the overall range. Mercedes also lets you reserve charging spots at some stations through its MB.CHARGE app. You’ll also get bidirectional charging, meaning it can power your home or even send energy back to the grid if you have the right setup. Adaptive air suspension borrowed from the S-Class and rear-axle steering should make it feel smaller in tight spaces. Off-road, a transparent hood view stitches camera feeds together to reveal obstacles, paired with a TERRAIN mode that adapts steering, drive, and brakes for gravel. The new One-Box braking system blends regen and friction seamlessly, recovering energy in over 99 percent of stops. If you live in colder weather, you will appreciate the standard heat pump, which uses waste heat to warm the cabin efficiently. Step inside, and the big highlight is that aforementioned, pillar-to-pillar 39.1-inch Hyperscreen that stretches across the dash. It uses more than 1,000 LEDs and patent-pending backlight tech that can dim in zones, keeping critical info visible without glare. Temperature and climate changes even trigger color flashes in the vents. Above, the optional SKY CONTROL panoramic roof can switch between clear and opaque in nine zones. At night, 162 illuminated stars turn the ceiling into a light show. The infotainment runs on MB.OS, Mercedes’ new AI-driven operating system, with chips capable of 254 trillion operations per second. Over-the-air updates should keep it fresh. Practical touches include up to two wireless charging trays, tactile hard-key controls, and a vegan-certified cabin. The seats carry AGR ergonomic certification, and Mercedes has reintroduced rollers and rockers for volume and cruise control after criticism of haptic-only inputs. Wellness features go further with ENERGIZING Comfort programs that now integrate with 3D and 4D animations. Also, as an EV, the wheelbase has now increased by 3.3 inches, freeing up an extra 1.8 inches of rear legroom and nearly two inches of rear headroom. Cargo capacity is up to 20.1 cubic feet, opening to 61.4 cubic feet with the seats down. You also get a front trunk with 4.5 cubic feet of storage. The gas-powered GLC 300, meanwhile, offers 19.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.5 with the seats folded, and no frunk. Safety is equally ambitious: the MB.DRIVE suite ties together 10 cameras, 5 radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors into an MB.OS, with all active safety systems standard and updates available later via over-the-air software updates. So if you’re shopping midsize luxury EVs, the GLC looks like a solid contender. Compared with BMW’s iX3, the Mercedes offers more range and space, though the BMW should undercut it on simplicity and price, expected to start at $60,000. Compared to Audi’s Q6 e-tron, which starts at $63,800, the GLC leans into comfort, while Audi shares its bones with the Porsche Macan Electric, underpinned by the versatile PPE platform. Volvo’s EX60, due soon, will compete on sustainability, but likely most won’t match the GLC’s towing or rear-axle steering. Mercedes hasn’t announced U.S. pricing, but expect the base model GLC 400 4MATIC to start north of $70,000. Finally, it’s also worth remembering why European automakers keep pushing EVs even as U.S. demand has slowed. Strict emissions rules at home and the rise of Chinese brands like BYD and Nio make electrification non-negotiable. For Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, the fight isn’t just with Tesla now, as it's now about holding ground against a new wave of competition. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

View from inside a luxury Mercedes showcasing a modern dashboard with a 39-Inch Hyperscreen, digital displays, and brown leather interior, plus an illuminated Mercedes emblem visible outside.

By Khris Bharath – September 06, 2025

Mercedes Shows All-Electric GLC with 39-Inch Hyperscreen ...

Mercedes-Benz has been on a roll these past few months. Besides a stunning lineup of automobiles at Monterey Car Week, they staged an American showcase for the Vision V concept in California. Last week, they set a new EV world endurance record at Nardò with their Concept AMG GTXX. About a month ago, they revealed the new grille design that will define the next-generation GLC and future models from the three-pointed star. Now, just ahead of IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, the company is peeling back the curtain on the interior of the all-new electric GLC. At its heart sits the new MBUX Hyperscreen, which stretches from pillar to pillar to 39.1 inches. Running on Mercedes’ next-gen MB.OS software, this is the largest display ever fitted to a Mercedes and a clear evolution from the EQS Hyperscreen. If you recall, the older version stitched three displays under a single panel, while this one appears a lot more seamless and brighter. With more than 1,000 LEDs and patent-pending matrix backlight technology, the screen can dim in zones, so critical info stays legible without washing out everything else. For night driving, that should make a difference. Mercedes reshaped the cabin around this digital centerpiece. A sculptural trim element visually unites the console and instrument panel, accented by ambient lighting along the lower edge. A new hard-key control strip, including the hazard switch, sits below the screen that will thankfully keep essential functions tactile. Up to two wireless charging trays, substantial cupholders, and galvanised vents show attention to the practical details you’ll use daily. Climate changes even trigger a quick flash of color in the lighting and vent illumination, a subtle way of confirming your input. Customization, too, goes deeper than before. The Hyperscreen motifs are paired with new high-resolution ambient styles that shift from calm to intense, cool to warm, and even technical to emotional. The instrument cluster, control elements, and lighting coordinate to create a single seamless experience. Combine that with uncluttered door panels, metallic speaker grilles, wood metallic trim, high-end leather seating, and the GLC feels both minimalist and immersive. So how does this next-gen Hyperscreen stack up against rivals? BMW’s iDrive 9 features a curved display with improved widgets and voice commands, but it doesn’t offer the same level of seamless integration across the dash. Audi’s tried-and-tested Virtual Cockpit remains one of the best driver-focused digital clusters in the industry, yet its scope is narrower and is mostly centered on instrumentation rather than the whole cabin experience. With MB.OS, Mercedes is betting on total immersion, where screen, lighting, and controls all work in unison. It is also worth noting that Mercedes’ broader MB.OS strategy goes beyond the GLC. The next-generation CLA will be the first car to debut with native integration of Microsoft Teams and 365 Copilot, turning the system into a true productivity hub. While we can’t confirm if the next-gen GLC will get the feature yet, it’s clear Mercedes is laying the groundwork for cars that double as workspaces. Mercedes has also teased the return of the G-Class Cabriolet, so Munich won’t be short on headlines. Expect more announcements in the coming days. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

An orange CONCEPT AMG GT XX Mercedes-Benz sports car is parked on an empty, sunlit asphalt surface with clear skies, ready for an exhilarating drive around the world.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 28, 2025

How The CONCEPT AMG GT XX Drove "Around The World In 8 Days"

This is how AMG set an incredible EV record. Mercedes-AMG is set to shake up the already competitive, impressive, and rapidly innovating landscape of performance-oriented EVs, with manufacturers across the globe taking full advantage of electric power to make some of the most exciting performance cars when it comes to acceleration and immense torque figures. However, the new CONCEPT AMG GT XX from Mercedes-AMG is showcasing groundbreaking performance in a different way, having gone “around the world in eight days” when it set 25 total long-distance records by traveling 24,901 miles in less than eight days on the legendary Nardò test track. The vehicles that participated in the test maintained a running speed of 186 mph for the 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes, and 7 seconds that the journey took, setting records, including one for the longest distance covered by an electric vehicle in 24 hours, a record that was broken fourteen times by the pair of vehicles. The feat required incredible innovations in the engineering and design of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX, which will make appearances in production vehicles using the upcoming Mercedes-Benz AMG.EA electric performance platform as soon as next year. With three axial flux motors powering the vehicles with a direct-cooled battery, it was that very technology that allowed the CONCEPT AMG GT XX to withstand the intense trial of being driven at such high speeds for such a long time. In addition, integrated cooling, advanced aerodynamics which help support cooling, and a smart operating strategy contributed to the record run, as well. Other captivating technology added to the futurism of the amazing achievement, including the use of an augmented reality racing helmet, ergonomic 3D seat pads, and biotechnology-based materials. The drag coefficient of the car was a scant 0.19, the wheels use carbon fiber elements to further enhance aerodynamics, a newly developed Alpitronic charging station provided the fast and effective charging needed for the run, and Michelin developed a new tire, the Pilot Sport 5 Energy, tailor-made to handle traveling the circumference of the Earth at 186 mph. With an incredible amount of painstaking effort and innovation, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX represents Mercedes-AMG’s ability to push performance EVs even further into the future. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

Two orange sports cars—Mercedes-AMG GTs—speed on a racetrack at night; below, a team poses with the cars at Nardò, alongside a close-up of a man in racing gear celebrating their 24-Hour Distance World Record.

By Khris Bharath – August 25, 2025

Mercedes-AMG GT XX Shatters 24-Hour EV World Distance Rec...

Mercedes-AMG has achieved something monumental. Its recently unveiled CONCEPT AMG GT XX drove the equivalent of a lap around the Earth, 40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles), in 7 days, 13 hours, 24 minutes, and 07 seconds. Two prototype GT XXs lapped the 12.68-kilometer (7.88-mile) gruelling Nardò ring in southern Italy 3,177 times, averaging more than 5,300 kilometers (3,293 miles) a day, most of it sitting at 300 km/h (186 mph). We first touched on the GT XX back in late June, when Mercedes pulled the wraps off its bright orange four-door concept. With 1,341 horsepower and a top speed of 223 mph, this futuristic all-electric super sedan is the most powerful AMG ever built, and a clear signal of where Affalterbach is headed next. Back then, the story was design, technology, and ambition. But now, Mercedes has backed it up with real-world hard data, running the car flat out for more than a week to prove the AMG.EA platform’s endurance, and that it is indeed real, production-bound hardware. The standout figure is this new 24-hour record: 5,479 kilometers (3,405 miles). For context, the XPeng P7 held the previous record at 3,961 kilometers (2,461 miles) and Xiaomi’s YU7 Max managed 3,944 kilometers (2,450 miles). The GT XX edged them out 1,500 kilometers (932 miles), which is a 38 percent jump. Both AMG prototypes that took part finished the run within 25 kilometers (15 miles) of each other, showing repeatability, not chance. Inspired by the Vision AMG Concept, the GT XX features three axial flux motors, two at the rear and one up front. Compact and lightweight, these motors are three times more power-dense than conventional EV units. Developed with Mercedes-owned YASA in the UK, production involves 100 specialized steps, 65 of them brand new to Mercedes, with 30 patents filed. The battery is equally radical: 3,000+ cylindrical NCMA cells cooled directly with non-conductive oil for real-time thermal control. The result? No power drop-off even under punishing eight-day loads, and charging happens at 850 kW / 1,000 amps, good for 400 kilometers (249 miles) in just five minutes. Michelin handled the tires, while Alpitronic supplied the charging gear. Several GT drivers rotated in two-hour stints, joined by Mercedes-AMG F1 driver George Russell, who said the motors responded with Formula 1 precision. “As an F1 driver, I'm used to pushing technology to its absolute limits – the CONCEPT AMG GT XX really impressed me. The axial flux motors respond as immediately and precisely as a Formula 1 drivetrain, but with an endurance that I have only ever experienced with combustion engines. This technology will revolutionise the driving experience, both on the racetrack and on the road.” - George Russell, Mercedes‑AMG PETRONAS F1 team driver Ambient temperatures reached 35°C (95°F) on the track, yet both cars kept running without failures. That matters because it suggests AMG’s new platform won’t just deliver peak numbers; it can sustain them. Mercedes isn’t chasing records for publicity alone. The AMG.EA platform that powered the GT XX goes into series production next year, forming the backbone of the German performance brand’s next wave of models. Infrastructure may lag, since the world doesn’t yet have 850-kW chargers, but the hardware is already built for it. View All Mercedes-Benz For Sale Source: Mercedes-AMG

A futuristic silver Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept minivan with large wheels is parked on a cobblestone street in an upscale urban shopping area.

By Michael Van Runkle – August 12, 2025

Mercedes-Benz Vision V Preview: A New Concept For Van Lux...

About half the time when I land in Europe for automotive media launch programs, a Mercedes-Benz Metris or V-Class picks me up from the airport. Diesel engine chugging away, stiff suspension sending every last bump in the road straight to my spine, seats that barely recline– at least the air conditioning works, so I don’t overheat after 20 hours of air travel on the typically short trip to a nearby hotel. Fleet taxis like these represent a perfect application for electric vehicle adoption, thanks to smooth driving dynamics, repeated short journeys interspersed with downtime for charging, and the packaging made possible by skateboard battery layouts. No wonder Mercedes-Benz envisions a global market, and earlier this year, it debuted an all-electric concept van dubbed “Vision V” in Shanghai. Now, Vision V arrives in the USA for Monterey Car Week 2025, and Mercedes offered select media a chance to preview the concept in Los Angeles the week before. Staged above Dodger Stadium, north of Downtown LA, the van served as a true design exercise, with functional features but not yet ready for journalist driving impressions. So of course, I climbed aboard to fiddle with as many of the screens and seats and nifty tech solutions as possible, while stillknowing that plenty will change – or vanish entirely – by the time the eventual series version reaches production in 2026. Concept Meets Reality Surprisingly, Mercedes reps on hand insisted that the Vision V very strongly resembles what will come to reality. If so, that design will definitely inaugurate a newly futuristic styling era for vans. An enormous chrome grille dominates the nose, surrounded by 190 illuminated louvers that resemble tiny black-and-white piano keys, as well as another 200 stretching across the recessed headlight bar, complete with tri-star motifs. Above, an illuminated Benz badge givesway to dual bulges on the “hood” despite the complete lack of an internal combustion engine. The sides and roofline then swoop backward dramatically. Note the lack of rails for a sliding door or two, for which Mercedes instead invented a nifty hinging system that retracts entirely into the underfloor—both to clean up the exterior styling but also to improve aerodynamics. At the rear, that aero theme continues with 450 more illuminated louvers at the crisp edge of a subtle roof spoiler that’s complemented by a chrome lower diffuser. By Michael Van Runkle By Michael Van Runkle By Michael Van Runkle None of the aero elements prioritize downforce, because the Vision V is certainly not a supercar nor a traditional performance vehicle. Instead, performance in this case means range – but Benz declined to share just how good of a coefficient of drag the slick design produces. Which, in turn, suggests how serious the changes to the overall form on the way to a finished production van might be, even if the total exterior dimensions will reportedly measure only fractions of an inch different for everything other than height. From afar, the design certainly helps to minimize the impression of size: I’d have never guessed the length comes in at a substantial 18 feet, anyway, on a wheelbase of 139 inches. That’s over a foot of wheelbase more than a current S-Class, for context, but under eight inches of added length overall thanks to smaller overhangs past the wheels. Luxury is Tech, Tech is Luxury By Michael Van Runkle The eventual production versions will skip the infamous EQ naming structure, despite riding three or four inches taller than the Vision V, and will be known as the VLE and VLS. This positions similarly to the GLE and GLS, with the former as more of a people hauler that can seat up to eight, and the latter an executive limousine jam-packed with creature comforts and tech as seen on the concept. I climbed inside to put a hand on the white Nappa leather and feel the open-pore wood elements of the retro-futuristic aesthetic. Chess pieces in a clear cubby to my left and fine glassware for beverages disappeared from my mind, however, once a massive 65-inch screen unfurled from beneath the floor. Mercedes calls this rear passenger compartment a “private lounge” and the tech features “interactive worlds.” So the huge screen can obviously play movies and TV shows, while offering a gaming controller setup, online shopping, and even karaoke via a microphone. A camera hidden into the molding in the ceiling above the screen also allows for video chats– as a further commitment to work-life continuity that Mercedes made possible with a recent Microsoft Teams partnership. But there’s also a calming fireplace mode that drops the screen lower, so that flames become visible beneath the curvature between the floor and pedestal. By Michael Van Runkle By Michael Van Runkle Up to 42 speakers, including in-seat exciters, and seven digital projectors further increase the immersion into an inescapable digital world, though I actually enjoyed a digital detox more by reclining the surprisingly comfortable seats as far as possible. These cross-cylindrical pads will likely not survive to production, but actually provide a pillowy level of support that works well whether upright or in a nearly flat sleeping mode—great for catching up on shuteye after a long flight while the chauffeur drives, or alternatively while plugged in at a charging station. So far, the Vision V’s EV range and charging stats remain a mystery. Mercedes declined to specify battery capacity, other than a range target of 300 miles. The skateboard battery will run on an 800-volt architecture; however, to improve charging speeds, and will come in both front- wheel-drive (for efficiency) and 4Matic layouts. Whether that means a single, dual, tri, or quad-motor system also went unanswered. I can confirm that the vans will use rear-wheel steering to further optimize the skateboard battery’s low center of mass and suspension to make driving as similar to a normal car as possible, rather than a Spartan delivery van. And in the USA, Mercedes plans to use NACS charge ports to enable access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, as on the new electric CLA-Class. By Michael Van Runkle By Michael Van Runkle Rear-wheel steering should improve maneuverability in tight European city streets, which helps both fleet drivers and private buyers alike. And the Vision V’s front cockpit looks almost as comfortable as the rear, despite the inability to recline the two seats nearly as far. But plenty of high-tech inclusions hint at a market not just dedicated to the chauffeur and taxi driver. For Mercedes, that means a ton of screen, or the infamous three “Superscreen” displays that stretch all the way across the dash. But luxury touches throughout include the similar seats, metal throttle and brake pedals, and glass cases in the doors that match the rear’s—for holding sunglasses, this time, not champagne flutes. Separating the rear passenger compartment from the front, an expansive liquid-crystal pane of glass can switch from clear to opaque in milliseconds. The same goes for the side windows, while the roof gets a full canopy shade. And the roof even features 168 solar cells, which can charge at rates up to 539 watts. Converting that to as much as 3.44 kilowatt-hours on a sunny day means that the roof alone might contribute to low double-digit range increases without ever plugging into a charge station – enough for many drivers who only commute short distances to and from work. Can the Vision V Revive Van Life in the USA? Can the Vision V Revive Van Life in the USA? To my eye, the Vision V caters less to a private buyer, and barely even to the American market. Here, luxury hired cars will probably switch over from ubiquitous Escalades to GM’s own massive EV, the Escalade IQ. The more widespread acceptance of chauffeured vans in both Europe and Asia seems more ripe for the Vision V to succeed. I also left the preview surprised at how little the Vision V prioritized autonomous driving capabilities, in the era of Waymo and Zoox, and Tesla’s “any day now” Robotaxi. Mercedes arguably leads the industry with the only Level 3, or truly hands-free, driving system available on the market as an option on the S-Class and EQS since model year 2024. The fact that this concept van even includes a steering wheel, therefore signals that perhaps Mercedes still viewsfull autonomy as far enough in the future that it’s still worth developing a whole new vehicle platform in the interim period. Suffice to say, the Vision V raised as many questions as any typical concept car—or even more, given the unique nature of a futuristic electric van. Regardless of exactly how much of the design and technology eventually survives to the production VLE or VLS, I fully expect to get picked up in an electric Mercedes van for those airport transfers starting regularly just next year. View All Mercedes-Benz Metris For Sale Images Source: Michael Van Runkle, Mercedes-Benz

A white Mercedes-Maybach S 680 luxury sedan is parked near the water with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background on a cloudy day, highlighting this limited edition model’s elegance.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 12, 2025

New 1-of-25 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Emerald Isle Revealed

Mercedes-Benz celebrates coastal California beauty with a stunning Maybach sedan. The Mercedes-Maybach lineup has taken a celebrated, and iconic name that has earned a reputation for ultra-luxury in automotive history and pop culture alike, and transformed it with the introduction of not only luxury sedans with cutting-edge technology and engineering, but also SUVs, electric vehicles, and sporty roadsters, as well. However, it’s the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, the V12-powered flagship ultra-luxury sedan from the Mercedes-Maybach lineup, that is the subject for its latest unique and exclusive creation: the new Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Emerald Isle. Inspired by the stunning natural beauty of Pebble Beach and the Monterey area of California, the new S 680 Emerald Isle is debuting just in time for the highly anticipated and prestigious Monterey Car Week. The vehicle is limited to only 25 units, it’s exclusive to the United States, and it’s coming to Mercedes-Benz dealerships in fall 2025. The immediate eye-catcher regarding the new S 680 Emerald Isle is its unique two-tone paint, taking inspiration from the cypress trees and white sand beaches seen in the area and pairing MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Mid Ireland Green Metallic with MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic. The interior, meanwhile, features hand-stitched Nappa leather upholstery in MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Light Brown, which is specific for the edition, paired with a Nappa leather headliner that includes its own quilted diamond pattern like the seats. The four-seat configuration allows all passengers the ultimate Maybach luxury experience, while both special badging throughout and a bespoke fragrance inspired by the natural environment of coastal California help highlight the unique, ultra-exclusive special edition. Already based on an incredible ultra-luxury sedan, the new Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Emerald Isle is a masterpiece of ultra-exclusive Maybach excellence coming just in time for Car Week. View All Mercedes-Maybach S 680 For Sale Image Source: Mercedes-Benz

A group of ten people in white shirts and jeans stand around a black Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV marked "600,000" inside an automotive factory.

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 05, 2025

Mercedes-Benz's G-Class Production Reaches 600,000 With A...

Few SUVs carry a legacy quite like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. What started as a rugged, military-bred 4x4 has evolved into a modern symbol of luxury and status backed by track-inspired performance from the specialists at AMG. Since 1979, the big-box off-roader has stuck to its unmistakable silhouette and go-anywhere attitude, building a cult following that stretches from military bases to Malibu. Now, the G-Class's legacy reaches a major milestone as Mercedes-Benz just completed its 600,000th chassis. Its latest one, a fully electric G 580, rolled off the line in Graz, Austria. While the G 580 trades its gas engine for zero-emissions power, it keeps everything fans love: the ladder frame, three locking differentials, and an iconic upright stance still recognizable on Rodeo Drive as on a rocky trail. Of course, it wouldn't be a G-Class celebration without a look back at its heritage. Mercedes-Benz has never been shy about the model's backstory, and recent limited editions, like the STRONGER THAN THE 1980s tribute, highlight just how much nostalgia there is. That 500,000-unit version sparked such a wave of enthusiasm that Mercedes followed it up with even more retro-inspired versions. And given how the G-Class combines modern tech with old-school charm, it makes sense that it keeps growing without losing its soul. Whether you're into the raw off-road feel of the early W460s or prefer a fully kitted-out AMG version with quilted leather and 20-speaker audio, there's a G for you. Another part of the G-Class's success? Personalization. Mercedes has relied on letting owners spec their dream builds through its MANUFAKTUR program, which lets you choose from over 20,000 paint colors and a near-infinite number of interior combinations. Nearly every one that rolls out today has at least one bespoke touch, and most have several. That attention to detail reflects just how far the G-Class has come, from a utilitarian workhorse to a high-end statement piece that can still out-climb most SUVs on the market. With 600,000 and counting, the G-Class isn't slowing down anytime soon. View All Mercedes-Benz G-Class For Sale Source: Mercedes-Benz

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