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Mercedes' latest GLE melds tech with a super-smooth ride
The EQC isn't Mercedes' only tech-heavy SUV launching in the near future. The brand has taken the wraps off a new version of the GLE where the technology matters as much with what you don't notice as what you do. It's billed as the first vehicle to combine a "fully networked," 48-volt active suspension with air suspension, giving it the unique ability to control damping and spring forces at each wheel. It'll not only counteract body roll, but pitching and squat motions. Your passengers should be that less likely to spill their drinks after a bump.
Mercedes self-driving van concept swaps bodies to match its cargo
Self-driving vehicles are useful for hauling both people and cargo, but you can usually only prioritize one of those tasks unless you can afford to buy separate vehicles. Mercedes-Benz might have a solution to the problem: build a machine that can change its role on demand. Its Vision Urbanetic concept van uses a modular body system to switch between people-carrying and cargo duties, with an electric-powered platform underneath.
Mercedes-Benz unveils its first electric SUV
At an event in Sweden Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off its first proper electric vehicle under the EQ brand. The EQC (official name: EQC 400 4Matic) is the automaker's crossover foray into electrified vehicles. With a smooth space-age design, the company calls an "avant-garde electro-look" the EQ is sure to turn heads when it lands on US shores in 2020.
Mercedes teases production electric SUV ahead of September 4th reveal
Mercedes is nearly done with showing off concepts and prototypes for the EQC. The automaker has teased the production version of the electric SUV in a video that promises a full reveal at its September 4th event in Stockholm. While it's only the briefest peek, the clip makes clear that this won't be quite as futuristic as the concept you saw in t2016. The one-piece front section has been replaced with a more conventional arrangement that includes a grille -- unnecessary on an electric car, but likely there to appeal to a customer base that's likely looking for conventional styling cues.
The electric Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow is retro quick
There's no shortage of electric concept cars based on vehicles of the past. But that's doesn't mean I'm any less excited about the Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow. Based on the W 125 Benz from 1937, the single-seater concept car looks like its ready for a driver with goggles and leather helmet.
Soon you won’t need a wake word to talk to your car
Voice assistants typically need a little nudge to listen to your commands. From "Hey, Siri," to "Hello, Google," to "Alexa," they all need to hear something (called a wake word or phrase) before doing your bidding. It's the same in the car. With the MBUX system you have to say, "Hey, Mercedes," to get the car to listen to you. Nuance, the company behind MBUX and a whole host of other automaker voice-assistant systems wants to do better.
Mercedes' new, affordable A-Class sedan is as smart as it is sleek
There's a lot to say about Mercedes-Benz's US-bound A-Class. It's a car of many firsts: The first A-Class model to appear in the US when it hits dealerships later this year; the first A-Class sedan, well, ever (earlier Euro-spec models were glorious hatchbacks). And since we've been dutifully tracking the ways our cars are becoming more like smartphones, it's important to note that this is the first vehicle to feature Mercedes' voice-driven MBUX interface.
Mercedes-Benz will test self-driving cars on public roads in Beijing
Daimler will soon take its Mercedes-Benz self-driving cars to the public streets of Beijing. It's the first non-Chinese company to win a license to test level 4 self-driving vehicles there. Level 4 is the second-highest tier of autonomous driving, in which cars can operate without human input in select conditions. Eventually, you might be able to take a nap while these types of vehicles ferry you around.
Mercedes pulls its plug-in hybrids to prepare for new models
We hope you weren't dead set on buying one of Mercedes' existing plug-in hybrids, as they won't be long for this world. Autocar has learned that Mercedes has stopped producing PHEV versions of the C-Class, E-Class, S-Class and GLE. This doesn't mean that the automaker is dropping plug-ins entirely, as you might have guessed. Rather, it's replacing the whole lot with "third-generation" hybrids that will sell under the company's electric-focused EQ branding.
Mercedes-Benz car subscriptions will start at $1,095 per month
It seems like everyone has a car subscription service, with automakers like BMW, Volvo, Lincoln, Lexus and Mercedes offering up their vehicles Netflix-style. While we knew that Mercedes' plan was set to go live in Nashville and Philadelphia this June, now we know the price of that sweet new ride. According to a report at Bloomberg, the app-based service will come in three tiers in the range of $1,095 to $2,995 per month.
Daimler may be the next automaker embroiled in a diesel scandal
VW might not be the only German car maker that has to deal with a full-fledged diesel emissions scandal. To start, Germany has ordered Daimler to recall Mercedes-Benz Vito diesel vans for allegedly cheating on emissions tests limiting nitrogen oxide output. The company has met with officials and now has until June 15th to offer a solution. However, these may be just one part of a broader problem.
Here maps helps the Mercedes S560 tackle sharp corners
As the car approaches a sharp bend on a back road in Northern California, the $155,000 (starting at $99,900) Mercedes-Benz S560 slows down of its own accord. I guide it through the corner with a bit of help from lane keep assist. Then, as the vehicle exits to a straightaway it accelerates back to the adaptive cruise-control speed setting until it encounters another switchback.
Mercedes shows off its EQC electric SUV prototype
Mercedes really, really wants you to know that its EQ electric cars will soon become a practical reality. The automaker has shown off heavily camouflaged prototypes of its EQC SUV with word that the production model is on track to launch in 2019. Test mules already endured "tough" winter conditions in northern Sweden between January and March, while upcoming trials will check its powertrain and suspension. It won't be a gentle summer for the EQC, as Mercedes is subjecting it to a heat stress test in Spain.
Maybach Ultimate Luxury EV brings its own tea service
If an automaker wants to succeed in China, they need to electrify their cars. The country has strict EV plans and for anyone looking to buy a car in a city like Beijing, going electric means not having to apply for the license lottery to own a car. So it's no wonder that Maybach (the ultra-luxury arm of Mercedes) unveiled a concept crossover built specifically for the country's ultra-rich that's all electric.
Mercedes eSprinter's range is meant for deliveries, not road trips
Mercedes' eSprinter van is designed as a purely commercial vehicle. Need more proof? Once it goes on sale, it'll have a pair of battery options, but neither will get you further than 93 miles, according to Electrek. While that sounds nightmarish if you're hoping to take a long jaunt on the highway, delivery vehicles typically spend their time in the city making short trips. Top speed can also be limited to 50 MPH to eke out extra range, otherwise it's capped at 75 MPH. The van's 84 kilowatt electric motor produces 300 Newton meters (221.3 lb.-ft) of torque.
Mercedes has a luxury car subscription service, too
Last month, car brands fell over themselves announcing new luxury vehicle subscription services. Latest but not least, Mercedes has added its own part-rental, part-concierge service to the list. A pilot program will begin in Nashville and Philadelphia this June.
Mercedes prepares electric equivalent to its S-Class luxury sedan
Mercedes-Benz is joining the ranks of car manufacturers working on hyper-luxurious EVs. In a chat with Autocar, the company's large car division leader Michael Kelz promised an electric car "at the level" of the high-end S-Class sedan. The exec unsurprisingly isn't providing many details, but confirmed its EQ S name (the company had trademarked the badging earlier) and noted that it wouldn't share the S-Class' underpinnings -- the conventional car just can't accommodate a pure electric design. We'd expect the EQ design language to find its way into this model as well.
Mercedes' ridesharing ViaVan service comes to London
Add another company to the list of transportation services filling Uber's London-sized void. Mercedes-Benz and Via have launched their jointly owned ViaVan service in Zones 1 and 2 of the city, giving Londoners a "ride-pooling" option that bridges the gap between plain ridesharing and mass transit. The allure, as you might guess, stems from the low cost that comes with multi-passenger rides -- for a limited time, rides into and out of Zone 1 will cost a relatively low £3 (about $4). You just have to accept that ViaVan will choose nearby pickup and drop-off points rather than offering a lift at your exact location.
See all the wild cars and concepts from the Geneva Motor Show
The Geneva Motor Show got 2018 off to a good start for car lovers, with an unusually large number of vehicle launches. We've already seen the more technical and electric models, like the Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo, the Polestar 1 from Volvo, Audi's e-tron and the 1,914-horsepower Rimac Concept Two EV. But many other automakers, including Ferrari, Aston Martin, BMW and Mercedes, launched new vehicles and concepts with crazy designs, loads of technology and more horsepower than ever. Without further ado, here are the best of the rest.
Mercedes' futuristic headlights are no longer just a concept
Mercedes has been testing smarter headlights, and now it appears they're no longer just a concept. Daimler announced today that these futuristic headlamps will be available in top of the line Mercedes-Maybach S-Class vehicles.
