Mercedes-Benz News

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

A silver Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster convertible sports car, valued as a $13M car, is parked indoors on a clean, white floor with its top down and front view visible.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 25, 2025

The FBI Just Seized This $13 Million 1-of-6 Mercedes CLK-...

Not exactly the headline you were expecting to see today, or ever. It’s not every day that one of the rarest Mercedes-Benz supercars ever built shows up in a place no collector would expect, yet that’s exactly what happened when the Los Angeles FBI shared images of a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster parked quietly inside a federal impound warehouse. The photos felt almost shocking, the low-slung, open-air GT1 relic sitting under fluorescent lighting, surrounded not by concours spectators but by case files and concrete floors. The circumstances surrounding its recovery trace back to Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic-level athlete whose path took a sharp and unexpected turn into the world of fraud and fugitives, landing him on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. But while the story behind the seizure reads like the outline of a documentary, it’s the car itself that makes the headlines, drawing attention to the now eight-figure collector car Mercedes once built for one of the greatest eras of motorsport. Seeing a CLK-GTR Roadster in any circumstance is unusual, but seeing one in federal custody borders on surreal. Only six examples of the roadster were produced, each essentially a road-legal variant of the GT1 race car Mercedes competed in during the late 1990s. The car carries with it a kind of presence that can’t be replicated. Underneath its body sits a naturally aspirated 6.9L V12, an iconic engine that both delivers impressive numbers and represents an entire era of engineering philosophy. The CLK-GTR belongs to that small family of homologation specials where regulations, ambition, and a bit of madness all come together. Most of these cars disappear into private collections, surfacing only during restoration work or the occasional concours surprise. To see one appear under the banner of a federal investigation feels almost like finding a Rembrandt in the back room of a police precinct. Ryan Wedding’s fall from elite sport to international fugitive is a story in its own, but the presence of the CLK-GTR Roadster offers a different lens, reminding us how these cars move through the world in ways we rarely consider. They change hands quietly, accumulate histories good and bad, and sometimes resurface in chapters no one could have written. Long after the case details fade, enthusiasts will remember the image of that silver roadster in a fluorescent-lit warehouse. Source: Los Angeles FBI Facebook

By Khris Bharath – October 14, 2025

Mercedes-Benz Vision Iconic Concept Revives Classic Elega...

Mercedes has just showcased its bold new Vision Iconic concept. If you weren’t a fan of where Mercedes was heading with its all-electric EQ line with the bean-shaped aesthetic to maximize efficiency, this changes everything. The Vision Iconic marks a clean break from that overly digital, blue-accented design language. We first saw hints of this new direction at last month’s IAA Mobility show in Munich, when the German automaker unveiled the latest all-electric GLC featuring a new grille, which is one of the most iconic and recognizable elements of a Mercedes-Benz. The Vision Iconic takes that idea further, introducing a face that redefines what the German brand’s future will look like. "Inspired by the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s, this show car embodies the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz. Our Vision Iconic is more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, an homage to timeless elegance and a statement for the future." - Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG. A traditional upright chrome grille dominates the front end, a direct nod to classics like the 600 Pullman, the Ponton, and W108 sedans, but it’s now enclosed in smoked glass, ringed with light, and topped by an illuminated standing star. The side profile reveals a long hood along with a coupe-like profile, similar to what we've seen on previous concepts like the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 concept and the Mercedes-AMG Vision Gran Turismo. Inside, you won’t find bucket seats or minimalist screens here. Instead, a deep-blue velvet bench and brass-trimmed details lend an Art Deco lounge-like atmosphere reminiscent of 1930s streamliners. The “Zeppelin” glass dashboard comes to life upon opening the door and houses analog chronograph-style dials with subtle digital displays and a vintage-style four-spoke steering wheel. Another highlight is the elaborate straw marquetry on the floor, which is a decorative technique that dates back to the 17th century and was revived in the 1920s. An innovative feature worth highlighting is the car’s solar paint, a photovoltaic coating that can add up to 7,450 miles of extra range per year under ideal conditions. It’s part of a larger research effort into sustainable materials and renewable-energy integration. Then there’s neuromorphic computing, a system modeled after the human brain that processes data up to ten times more efficiently than current AI chips. It can power Level 4 automated driving, allowing Vision Iconic to handle everything from city traffic, highway cruising, and even autonomous parking at the end of your journey. "Vision Iconic embodies our vision for the future of mobility. With groundbreaking innovations, this beautiful vehicle is a testament to our commitment to making the mobility of tomorrow a reality today." - Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. As for handling, steer-by-wire replaces the mechanical link between wheel and tires, will help improve agility on a long-wheelbase luxury platform while freeing up space inside. The tech pairs with rear-axle steering to make this large grand tourer surprisingly nimble. To complete the concept, Mercedes revealed a capsule fashion collection in silver-gold tones made up of six carefully designed outfits for men and women. This collection mirrors the car’s design cues and pays homage to the ongoing Shanghai Fashion Week, emphasizing its role as a lifestyle statement rather than just a mobility experiment. With the Vision Iconic coupe, Mercedes is finally stepping away from the EQ line’s design language and embracing a richer, more emotional identity that is in line with its heritage. It’s the brand’s clearest signal yet that the next era of electric mobility with the three-pointed star can still feel timeless, glamorous, and unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. View All Mercedes-Benz Cars For Sale Images: 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

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

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 03, 2025

Historic Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Sells For A Record-Breakin...

RM Sotheby's auctioned the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R for $53.9M, making it the most valuable Grand Prix racing car ever sold at auction. As the automotive world continues to evolve with an infinite number of new cars, classics continue to shine as they preserve a significant era in motoring. The coveted examples often come with massive premiums that buyers are willing to pay, even well into the eight-figure mark. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen just secured its place in history as the most valuable Grand Prix racing car ever sold at auction, fetching a jaw-dropping $53.9 million at RM Sotheby's exclusive event in Stuttgart. The legendary Silver Arrow, once driven by icons like Juan Manuel Fangio, wowed collectors worldwide, leading to a heated bidding war before the hammer finally dropped. Originally donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965, its sale will now support the museum's restoration efforts, guaranteeing the preservation of motorsport roots. Photo: Maximilian Balazs (Photo signature of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: D849962) Being one of the most advanced racing machines of its era, the W 196 R brought together cutting-edge engineering with a streamlined body and a 2.5L straight-eight engine that helped Mercedes-Benz succeed in Grand Prix racing. Its historical significance, along with its overall rarity, made this auction event a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors. The sale took place in the same room where RM Sotheby's set the all-time record in 2022, auctioning the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR "Uhlenhaut Coupé" for $138 million. Photo: Maximilian Balazs (Photo signature of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: D849897) Mercedes-Benz Heritage CEO Marcus Breitschwerdt described the auction as "thrilling," highlighting how rare it is for a Silver Arrow to enter private ownership. With its record-breaking sale price, the W 196 R joins an elite club of the most sought-after cars in history. View all RM Sotheby's inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory https://www.youtube.com/live/sU8pvvbdcYU Source: Mercedes-Benz

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 31, 2022

2023 Mercedes-AMG ONE Officially Revealed: A 1,049 HP Hyp...

At long last, the automotive world’s legendary three-pointed star sits at the front of a modern hypercar. Mercedes-Benz has proven its racing and motorsport prowess for decades, with its incredible racing teams and AMG performance house that dominates roads and tracks all across the globe. After 55 years of AMG, which was first established all the way back in 1967, the time has come for Mercedes-AMG to enter the hypercar ring. It’s a fiercely competitive space where brands show off the absolute best they can offer on four wheels when it comes to luxury, performance, technology, and the most cutting-edge engineering and innovation, and thankfully, Mercedes-AMG’s racing experience has quite a lot to offer to the new Mercedes-AMG ONE. A new hybrid hypercar, the AMG ONE brings to the road technology that has helped Mercedes-AMG dominate Formula 1. Four electric motors and a 1.6-liter V6 engine combine to give the Mercedes-AMG ONE 1,049 horsepower, and the top speed has to be limited to an incredible 219 mph. Mind you, that 1.6-liter is a real F1 engine, although it has been modified. Together with a monocoque, carbon bodywork, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive, active aero and more technology, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is going to be a fearsomely dynamic and powerful vehicle. The electric motors serve plenty of functions, with one integrated into the turbocharger to reduce lag, one connected to the crankshaft, and the final two driving the front wheels, and while the Formula 1 engine can’t rev quite as high as its racing counterpart, it gets up to an incredible 11,000 rpm. With six driving modes including an all-electric mode, optional magnesium wheels with optional carbon covers for aerodynamics, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and carbon ceramic brakes, the Mercedes-AMG ONE is poised to be an incredible and impressive car in any crowd, being at heart an F1 car built for both the road and track. In fact, the active aero system in the Mercedes-AMG ONE features a Drag Reduction System (DRS) just like the Formula 1 car it took knowledge and inspiration from. While the Mercedes-AMG ONE is a no-nonsense, racing-ready hypercar with F1 ethos, it isn’t completely Spartan. There are shifting lights mounted on the steering wheel, but also Nappa leather surfaces and a cutting-edge infotainment system, as well as electric windows and air conditioning, making the Mercedes-AMG ONE a car just as ready for everyday usability as it is to tackle apexes and chicanes. With luxury, performance, and style like we’ve never seen before, the new Mercedes-AMG ONE embodies the definition of a hypercar. Mercedes-AMG ONE pricing has not been announced, but it's rumored to be set over $2 million. As far as production goes, just 275 examples are planned although they are all already spoken for. View All Mercedes-AMG GTs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2021

The SUV the Ultra-Rich are Buying: Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

You might think AMG builds their most exclusive rides, but they can't deliver anything close to Maybach. Named for a brilliant engineer, your driver will appreciate the attention to detail. While it does share a few parts with the normal GLS, the 3rd row of seating is taken up by massive massaging buckets that have the ability to fold flat. With so many options related to comfort, the automaker has included a wireless tablet to have all systems within easy reach. Borrowing power from the G63, you will have 550 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. It's enough to reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds thanks to help from the EQ system. Choosing between 22" or 23" wheels comes down to personal preference, they will ride smooth regardless thanks to E-Active body control. More leather and wood than you ever thought possible is along for the ride, and each passenger has their own climate zone. Every Maybach has offered incredible features, and this one even has a traffic light viewer. If you don't feel like keeping your eyes glued to the lights, the car zooms in on them and put them on the navigation screen. Instead of the ride control having a comfort mode, Maybach mode also softens the engine and steering responses to keep you disconnected from the world outside. Not wanting to park it for the Winter, Drake actually fitted his with a snow plow for year-round fun. View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Mercedes Maybach GLS 600s For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 23, 2021

Wicked 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 Wagon Gets XPEL STEALTH Tre...

Presented by XPEL - If you're looking to protect your car's paint, there's no better way of doing that than with one of XPEL's products. They offer a wide range of solutions that will keep your car looking as clean as it was the day you bought it. They also offer XPEL STEALTH, which is perfect for those who either have a matte, magno, frozen or frosted finish. What's more, this solution can give a glossy car a new, matte look. Gotham Auto Works recently had a client request that their new 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 be wrapped entirely with XPEL STEALTH and the results are amazing. To start the process, Gotham Auto Works fully washed, prepped and decontaminated the AMG wagon's exterior surfaces-- they even dismounted the wheels to ensure everything was spotless. " width="680"> Once cleaned up, they went to work sizing and plotting out the XPEL STEALTH treatment for the body. In total, it took the team about 45 minutes to complete this step. Once complete, it was time to to begin installing the film. While it only took Gotham Auto Works 45 minutes to get everything ready, the entire installation process took about three to four days. After every panel was protected with the XPEL STEALTH film, Shane Danahy captured the AMG wagon in the photos and video found in this article. If you're looing to keep your car's paint safe, you have to check out XPEL and their paint protection solutions. Click the button below to learn more. Visit XPEL.com Photo and Video Credit: Shane Danahy

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 03, 2020

"The Time Capsule Collection" By CURATED Features Five Eu...

CURATED is excited to offer an unparalleled five-car, single-owner collection of incredible European Icons. Listed for sale individually, each vehicle forms part of ‘The Time Capsule Collection’ and has been lovingly preserved to an exceptional standard by a passionate collector from new. All the cars have unique factory specifications and liveries. The collection is arguably the best example of low mileage 1980s and 1990s automobiles Curated has had the opportunity to represent. View CURATED Inventory Headlining the collection is one of the most iconic Mercedes-Benz AMG examples produced. This unique Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC is potentially the most documented and well-preserved example of an original AMG 6.0 4V in existence. Purchased new in 1987 and shipped direct to AMG Westmont. In its original Black paint over Palomino hides the car is complimented by the original AMG 6.0 4V engine, penta-wheels, styling package and suspension. All AMG options are documented from new. Source: Albert Manduca The collection also features three low mileage Lamborghini icons. The 1988 Lamborghini Jalpa is believed to be the last Jalpa produced for North America and the only example produced in Nero over Nero with White Piping and White optioned Silhouette wheels. A stunning and unique combination ordered by the original owner. This incredible example still wears its original Pirelli P7R tires and has only 3,200 miles. Source: Albert Manduca 1 of 60 produced for the world, the 1990 Lamborghini LM002 America is finished in stunning original Bianco Perlato paint over Red hides. Documented 1,200 original miles that are represented by its original Pirelli “Sand Lip” tires. A time capsule LM002, that still has the factory plastic seats cover and factory delivery keychain affixed to the ignition key! Source: Albert Manduca The 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th has just over 2,600 miles and is in striking Nero Tenebre over Cream leather. Accented by Black piping, the interior still smells new and all of the contours and foam are in excellent condition. Source: Albert Manduca Concluding the collection is the 499-mile 1991 Lotus Esprit X180R. 1 of 20 produced for the world. The Esprit X180R were produced as road-legal homologation cars for Lotus to compete in the IMSA Supercar Championship. The Esprit X180R was the last factory-built race car with a full roll cage that was Street Legal and sold new in the United States. Source: Albert Manduca “These outstanding cars represent some of the most iconic Automobiles of the 1980s and 1990s in arguably the best condition and preservation, we have seen.” said John Temerian of Curated. “Not only are they in incredible condition but they are complete with original tools, records, books, documents and more! It’s truly an honor to represent cars of this caliber.” Inquire about the "Time Capsule Collection" by contacting CURATED at (855) 796-7704. View CURATED Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – October 23, 2020

2021 BRABUS Rocket 900 Price & Specs Revealed

Yesterday we received a few camouflaged teasers. All we could tell is that BRABUS has been up to something big. Exactly one year ago they released an 800 horsepower version of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S sedan. It was a smash it thanks to 738 lb-ft of torque along with the finest leather you will ever touch. The new 2021 BRABUS Rocket Widebody has been revealed as a finely sculpted masterpiece. Saving the best for Friday, BRABUS just sent us all the data on their latest supercar. First off, only 10 will be made. The exclusivity is due to their hand-built stroker engine. After receiving new 4.0-liter V8s from AMG, BRABUS' master engine builders craft a forged 4.5-liter using their own crank, rods, pistons, etc. Because the car retains the 4MATIC AWD system, it needs meaty tires. The fronts are 295/30/21 and the rears are 335/25/22 Pirelli P-Zero. That's 12" of rubber on each rear wheel- Fruit by the foot! " width="680"> On top of each engine is a plaque from the builder, with a dyno graph engraved into titanium. It displays 900 horsepower and 921 lb-ft of torque. Because they don't want to snap the rear axles, torque is electronically limited to 775. Not only does this allow the transmission to live a happy life, but an under-stressed engine also hasn't a worry in the world. Top speed is limited to 205 mph. All ten cars will have the BRABUS Masterpiece leather interior, double-stitched by hand in a diamond quilted pattern. This goes for the seats, doors, floors, floor mats, and everything else. Because they reserve Rocket name for unprecedented performance, we have a suspicion this car is not for amateurs. Their forged one-piece 21" wheels have carbon fiber air deflectors that we've seen on hypercars like the McLaren Speedtail. Combined with the massive cooling intakes, this car will undoubtedly be impressive. You will reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds on your way to 186 mph in 23 seconds. The car is 1" lower and 3" wider for better aerodynamics, so reserve yours now before these 10 become centerpieces for BRABUS fans around the world. Pricing starts around $515,000, or the equivalent of €435,800. Click the button below to learn more. Browse BRABUS For Sale

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