Latest news with #GClass
Gizmodo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Gizmodo
Mercedes-Benz Says Trump Is Holding It Back
Mercedes-Benz has long been a bellwether of elite consumption. Its luxury vehicles aren't just status symbols. They're economic signals, revealing how the world's wealthy are spending. So when Mercedes releases its quarterly sales data, it's worth paying attention. The German carmaker released its second-quarter sales figures on July 8, and they paint a picture that is both reassuring and deeply cautious. The data shows Mercedes-Benz is selling its most expensive cars at a blistering pace in America. Demand for its top-end vehicles, including the AMG lineup and the iconic G-Class, is up 26 percent year-over-year. Globally, its push into electrification is gaining traction, with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales jumping 34 percent in the last quarter alone. And yet, on a global scale, Mercedes-Benz is shrinking. Globally, the company reported a 9 percent decline in sales for the second quarter of 2025. That drop is not due to a lack of interest, far from it. Mercedes blamed 'new global tariff policies' for its decision to slow deliveries and keep dealer inventories low, particularly in the U.S. and China. It's a clear reference to President Donald Trump, now in his second term, who has returned to using tariffs as a central tool of industrial policy. Mercedes and other German automakers have once again been caught in the crossfire of global trade tensions. 'We see good customer demand in the U.S. and Germany for our products, including our top-end vehicles, despite tariffs impacting our global sales in the second quarter,' said Mathias Geisen, a member of Mercedes-Benz Group's board. Translation: the customers are there, but the cars are stuck in the geopolitical pipeline. Between April and June, Mercedes sold 453,700 vehicles worldwide. That figure could have been much higher if not for trade restrictions. Instead, the company is playing defense: slowing shipments, trimming dealer stock, and rerouting global logistics to avoid punitive tariffs. The one bright spot? The U.S. market. America has become Mercedes-Benz's second-largest market globally, and its sales performance there shows no signs of slowing. Top-end vehicles made up more than 14 percent of total Q2 sales. AMG deliveries rose 19 percent. G-Class sales exploded by 56 percent. Mercedes-Benz USA recently invested in a flagship Manhattan dealership and appointed a new CEO, Adam Chamberlain, who sounded an optimistic note: 'We'll unlock the potential of this important market,' he said, emphasizing partnerships with dealers and a new focus on plug-in hybrids. But the gains in America are being offset by struggles in China. Though Mercedes claims it retained its crown as China's top luxury brand, the company described the market as 'highly competitive,' a coded acknowledgment of its ongoing price war with Tesla and local giants like BYD. Beijing's aggressive 'Buy Chinese' policies have further squeezed imported brands like Mercedes, shrinking their foothold. EV performance was a mixed bag. Mercedes said xEVs—battery-electric and plug-in hybrids—made up 21 percent of global sales and 40 percent in Europe. But the company didn't break out battery-only EVs in its release, a likely sign that fully electric adoption is lagging behind expectations. There are some glimmers of hope. The new CLA, an all-electric sedan, was well received in Europe. And Mercedes teased the arrival of an electric GLC model, part of what it calls 'the biggest series of car launches' in company history, planned for the second half of 2025. Still, Q2 paints a picture of an automaker navigating uncertainty. Even as demand grows and new models hit the streets, Mercedes is pulling back for political ones. Trump's protectionist policies are forcing foreign carmakers to rethink not only how they sell, but where, when, and even whether to deliver at all. Mercedes-Benz just confirmed what many feared: politics now drives the global auto business.
Motor 1
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Why the AMG G63 Is Still the Best Thing Mercedes Makes
Close your eyes and whisper "Mercedes-Benz." This incantation likely conjures a stately, stretched-out sedan of some distant vintage. It's probably riding on breadloaf sidewalls and either painted jet black or some gleaming metallic beige. It will not, however, look anything like this: The upright matte-bronze She-Shed parked in my driveway. But in 2025, the G63 is the very best Mercedes-Benz has to offer. It feels of considerable substance and style, the type that used to drape the shoulders of any car that wore the three-pointed star. One time, a friend came by, poked her head in the G Wagen, and simply decreed, "It smells like money!" That old-school attention to feeling seems increasingly rare at a time when the German marque stumbles in search of a modern identity. Don't understand what I mean? Take a look at the EQE . I'm not a fan, and neither are the car's owners, apparently, as many have found their way to the secondary market in short order. You should not confuse a Mercedes with a Chevy commuter The cheapest EQEs have just dipped below thirty grand on the used market, have few miles on the clock, are a couple of model years old, and generally rang up near eighty grand when new with a few options. New ones can barely be given away. Meanwhile, pull up a new tab and find your local Mercedes dealer: G-Class trucks—of which I am a fan—sell at a price of 'Please Enquire.' Whatever figure that enquiry produces, you'll pay it. Or more. Granted, most EVs have depreciated quicker than a ripe peach, but EQE values have dropped like a Steinway in freefall. It was perhaps the least-enjoyable thing I've driven in the past few years (the EQE, not the free-falling Steinway), given the disparity between real-world experience and my expectation of the badge. Photo by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1 Mercedes might be forgiven for their early attempts at a mainstream EV, along with the rest of Zee Germans —only BMW nailed that first round with the i4. But that dilution of core brand attributes, which plagued Mercedes EVs, also stretched to flagship performance vehicles like the C63, which has come in for a raft of criticism from the media, including myself, with a similar attitude taken by prospective buyers. Mercedes, to their credit, have admitted 'they lost some customers' with the car and seem to be considering a course correction , though they've remained unrepentant in other interviews, insisting a lack of C63 sales resulted from a lack of customer education ; Not from building a Mercedes nobody but legislators asked for. C63: An embarrassment of technological riches. Undesirable all the same. Photo by: Mercedes-Benz It doesn't bring me any glee to bring these points back up, because I've made them before. Rather than beat a dead horse, I repeat myself because I simply want Mercedes to find its way back. Because every enthusiast loves Mercedes in some way or another, whether it's for their stodgy Seventies sedans that wore like an old fraying cardigan, or for their hyperbolic approach to performance wherein most Mercedes-AMGs bore at least eight cylinders, a pair of turbos, and enough torque to rip a Sequoia from the earth. There's always been something deeply aspirational about a Mercedes-Benz, and yet the number of Mercedes I desire to own dwindles each year. How to solve that? Borrow some lessons from this G-Class and apply them to every last Mercedes. Photo by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1 Photo by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1 Of course, it's the most despicable auto-writer cliche to mention the cha-chunk of a G-Class's door when you slam it shut against the latch, but here it is again. Combine that audible sensation with the mighty heft of the doors themselves, the force required to depress the door-latch button itself, and the slam it takes to fully latch the door shut… Like a Colt 1911, this vehicle demands all your arm strength to actuate its exterior functions, evoking a rugged utilitarianism. These touchpoints perfectly demonstrate an abstract concept: Quality is communicated through what a driver feels, not how a vehicle looks. So, simply make the EQE's doors feel heavier? No, that's not it. Take this less cliched example: the sunroof slider. Compare the G's slider to a downmarket SUV like the 4Runner that sits in my driveway a lot. Photo by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1 Both the G63's slider and the one in my own 4Runner offer identical functionality. You simply grab a little handle at the leading edge of the slider and move it along a set of tracks until the glass roof is revealed. In the 4Runner, it feels unremarkable. In the Mercedes, it feels almost indescribable. There's that heft again, but this time with a smoothness to the action, like you're sliding a heavy piece of fine china over velvet. I think a team of human beings considered how it should feel to close this shade and made decisions working back from that particular aim. There were cost-cutting measures to consider—after all, the money guys have shareholders' pockets to line—but in the end, even the G-Class's least-used feature feels like money. Photo by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1 The G-Class communicates the abstract idea of 'quality' with every touch point, whereas many other Mercedes—lined with capacitive touch buttons and clicky plasticky trim pieces—signal an indifference toward their driver. Cut-rate Mercedes-Benz will demand cheaper materials, in turn creating a challenge for the designers, engineers, and bean counters. But Mercedes always overcame that challenge with its US products; Generally the less-expensive ones never felt anything less than a Mercedes-Benz. Even the beat-up diesel E-Class taxi you hailed in Skopje still rode like a Mercedes. The sedan's synthetic seats held up for a half-million miles with some occasional care and didn't feel cheap so much as intentionally hard-wearing. Budget Mercedes haven't felt that way since at least 2013, when the marque made its biggest play toward the mass market with CLA . Photo by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1 Photo by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1 Alongside BMW's 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' Mercedes's 'The Best or Nothing' credo sits atop the pile of automotive taglines. It's an idea so concise and so attractive, it still lures me to the brand. This G63 still speaks to that idea in an honest way, even if you're cynical about the Kardashian types who buy the truck and park them in front of boutiques you can't shop in. But the Kardashians do prove something that Merc should remember; Americans buy cars that move them emotionally, not the one that looks the most clever on a piece of drafting paper. It's why we love the G63's bombast, an old-school E-Class's stodgy adherence to ultimate quality, and the SL's drug lord menace. Vehicles like the EQE and C63 felt like equations where you have to work backward to find the value of 'x', instead of structures supported by a core brand identity. Photo by: Kyle Kinard / Motor1 With a deeply unsure legislative climate, I sympathize with product planners at any company. Navigating the changing winds of world governments is difficult when product planning moves at a glacial pace. But if you simply stick to your guns and build a car that feels like The Best or Nothing—at every price point—it doesn't matter which direction the trade winds blow. People will follow in your wake. More On Mercedes-AMG Mercedes-AMG's New Super Sedan Revealed: Insane Power, V-8 Noises AMG's New V-8 Will Be Around for as Long as People Want It, Says CEO Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Express
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology 2025 review: ambitious but flawed
Mercedes' attempt to make an all-electric G-Class has been largely successful. It has the presence, the quality and the performance – whether that's on or off road – to honour the legendary model. With poor efficiency, average on-road refinement and a high price tag, it remains a difficult car to recommend and while impressive, the EV powertrain can't match the character of the V8 model. Advertisement - Article continues below The Mercedes G-Class is a true icon, with unmistakable looks mixed with real off-road ability, helping it to secure half a million sales throughout its 45-year history. During that time the G-Class has transitioned into something of a fashion accessory for the rich and famous, but now we're welcoming the biggest change to the model yet, with the first all-electric version. It initially seemed like the electric G-Class was going to be called 'EQG', following on from Mercedes' other EQ-branded EVs, although a recent nomenclature strategy change switched it to the far more clunky 'G 580 with EQ Technology'. Having driven one in the UK for a week or so, we noticed most people referred to it as the 'electric G-Class', which is what we'll do here. While the electric G-Class might have an entirely different powertrain to the internal combustion-engined model, what it does share is astronomical pricing. The diesel G-Class will set you back just over £140,000 with the hot V8-powered G 63 coming in just under £190,000. The electric G-Class splits the two, at £154,870, and comes in just one trim level: the G 580 with EQ-Technology AMG Line Premium Plus. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View G Class View G Class View G Class View G Class Another element the electric G-Class shares with its petrol and diesel counterparts is styling. This is in keeping with Mercedes' statement of 'G-Class first, EV later', so the characterful boxy proportions are retained, along with plenty of details that mark the retro-styled G-Class out from more contemporary-looking luxury SUVs. Advertisement - Article continues below Given there's no big engine requiring cooling air behind that bluff front end, the grille has been blanked off to improve aerodynamic efficiency, along with a subtly tweaked front bumper, air vents in the wheelarches and a raised bonnet. All electric G-Classes get 20-inch wheels as standard and at the back there's a squared-off shell for the charging cables, but you can specify a spare wheel case for a more traditional G-Class look, although this hinders rear visibility a little more. Even with those aerodynamic measures, the electric G-Class is not exactly efficient – another trait it shares with the fossil fuel-burning models. Despite a colossal 116kWh battery, there's a maximum range of 280 miles (just 14 miles more than a Vauxhall Corsa Electric). Regularly tap into the 579bhp produced via the four electric motors on each corner and you'll struggle to see north of 200 miles between top-ups. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Unless you're quite tall, you'll have to use the side steps to jump into that elevated cabin and once you're up there, you're met with a truly exceptional interior. While the electric G-Class might be at the upper end of Mercedes' model line-up, it uses a twin 12.3-inch screen layout on the dash, rather than the cinematic 'Hyperscreen' or new 'Superscreen' set-up with their much larger displays. Given the angular, more rugged design language of the G-Class, we think this is the correct decision and the MBUX infotainment itself remains a joy to use. Advertisement - Article continues below To make sure there's no mistaking you're in anything other than a G-Class, there's plenty of character from the upright windscreen, passenger grab-handle, prominent bonnet lights and commanding driving position. While the swathes of carbon-fibre surfacing might not to be everyone's taste, there's no denying the G-Class is seriously well screwed-together inside. However, some frustrating elements from other Mercedes models are present, such as the fiddly haptic buttons on the steering wheel and sometimes unresponsive mouse pad on the centre console. Despite the electric G-Class's significant size, the retro design (just like the ICE versions) hinders practicality. The cabin feels cosier than you'd expect in the front and legroom is rather tight in the rear, given the car's size. The boot capacity is quoted at 620 litres, 20 down on the petrol and diesel versions, thanks to a floor that's slightly higher. But it's still a massive loading area that has a vast opening thanks to that side-hinged rear door. The electric model certainly has the look and feel of the regular G-Class nailed down and despite the difference in powertrain, Mercedes has worked hard to give its EV a similar driving experience to its siblings. Weight is even greater than the V8 model – being 445kg heavier, at 3,085kg – although it doesn't really feel any more lumbering and heavy than the combustion-engined cars. Quick inputs on the fairly vague steering will upset the G-Class' balance, but body roll is kept in check to a respectable degree, and the big Mercedes doesn't baulk too much under hard braking and acceleration either. Ride quality is good, thanks to bespoke coil springs and adaptive damping set up to control the extra weight – a Range Rover or even a BMW iX will filter out bumps and rough roads more successfully, however. Around town the electric G-Class does feel its size and weight, with the occasional jarring over potholes and the not-insignificant 13.6-metre turning circle. Thankfully, visibility is wonderful and the retro lights on the bonnet mean you can position the big Merc on the road easily. Mercedes had to take measures to refine the electric G-Class with plastic coverings around the A-pillars and above the windscreen. But it's not quite worked out, because the silent powertrain actually gives more prominence to tyre roar and wind noise in particular, thanks to that flat windscreen. Model: Mercedes G 580 with EQ Technology Price: £154,870 Powertrain: 4x electric motors, 116kWh battery Power/torque: 579bhp/1,164Nm Transmission: Single-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 4.7 seconds Top speed: 112mph Range: 280 miles Max charging: 200kW 10-80% in 32 minutes Size (L/W/H): 4,873/2,187/1,969mm On sale: Now Interested in a Mercedes G-Class? Compare prices for this luxurious SUVs and its rivals with our Find A Car service... Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Email BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal BYD and Octopus Energy team up for 'all-inclusive' EV deal Octopus' 'Power Pack Bundle' includes a leased BYD, a wallbox charger and charging all for less than £300 per month New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels New Skoda Epiq baby SUV could be a Tardis on wheels The new Skoda Epic will sit below the Elroq and Enyaq in the brand's ever-expanding SUV range and is set to offer plenty of space despite its compact … New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date New Volvo EX60 electric SUV: latest details and confirmed reveal date The upcoming, all-electric Volvo XC60 alternative is designed to 'keep learning and evolve with time'
Auto Blog
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Mercedes-Benz Offers Fans the Ultimate Off-Road G-Wagen Experience
The Mercedes G-Wagon is a legendary vehicle The Mercedes G-Wagon has a loyal following, and since 2020, Mercedes-Benz has been offering the most dedicated and passionate G-Class enthusiasts a unique, action-packed program featuring their favorite boxy 4x4s. At the G‑Class Experience Center near its factory in Graz, Austria, fans can experience what it's like to drive a G-Wagon in situations other than traversing city streets, daily commutes, mall parking lots, and the valet areas behind velvet ropes at high-end restaurants. Mercedes is more than eager to show its loyal fans what the G-Wagon is capable of at the absolute limit, whether it be on extreme slopes of up to 35 degrees, experiencing one-wheel traction, deep mud, or on the infamous Iron Schöckl's 100% gradient. 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Since Mercedes introduced the experience in 2020, eager fans worldwide were quick to fill every slot when it offered the experience every year. However, this year, Mercedes‑Benz is expanding its fan-favorite G‑Class customer programs with new challenges and more unique experiences. A summer camp for G-Wagon fans This year, Mercedes is offering loyal fans of the G-Class SUV the chance to have some new experiences related to their favorite boxy off-roader, including the opportunity to embark on a curated adventure that shows the luxury 4×4's capabilities in a challenging new environment. These new G-Class-related experiences are the first to take place away from the G‑Class Experience Center in Graz. Dubbed the G‑Class Expedition Desert Edition, 20 enthusiasts in various G-Class vehicles will trek across the mountains and deserts of Morocco over the course of five days. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. In essence, Mercedes is offering an off-roading luxury summer camp centered around the G-Wagon, which kicks off with a welcome dinner and a night at a 5-star hotel in Marrakech before setting off on a 504-mile (811 km) off-road journey across Morocco the next morning. Here, drivers will rock across the stunning Atlas Mountains, where they'll climb up to 9,186 feet (2,800 meters), traversing scenic passes, rocky trails, water crossings, and the kind of rugged terrain that G-Classes are made for. After a night at a hotel near Dades, drivers continue the trip on the Anti-Atlas range toward the Merzouga Desert. Enthusiasts will get to eat lunch at Gara Medouar, a crater made famous by the James Bond film Spectre, before heading off to a private desert camp in time for a spectacular sunset over the dunes. On day four, it's full desert mode. Guests will drive as part of convoys while they play in the sand and eat each other's dust. The journey wraps up in Errachidia with a charter flight back to Marrakech and a final farewell dinner to cap off this wild off-road escape. The G-Wagon Experience, part II In addition to the Morocco experience, this year, Mercedes is offering G-Class fans an extended and more challenging version of the G‑Class Experience. Dubbed the 'Private Coaching' package, G-Wagon fans get an extended look at what makes the legendary off-roader over the course of two days. After spending a night at a hotel in Graz following the usual G-Class experience program, drivers will get to experience the legendary Schöckl test track. For the first time, drivers will tackle the nearly 3.5-mile (5.6 km), 4,470-feet-high (1,445 meters) course that's been putting every G-Class through its paces for over 40 years alongside dedicated instructors. Mercedes calls it the Nurburgring Nordschleife for off-readers, where full-on thrills can be found when the asphalt gives way to gravel, then nothing but raw terrain. Drivers will navigate their G-Wagons on 60% gradients, 40% inclines, knee-high ledges on one or two wheels, deep ruts, hollow paths, and will even have to squeeze past massive trees and sheer drops. Final thoughts According to Mercedes-Benz, these events will only be around for a limited time and won't be cheap. The two-day 'Private Coaching' G-Class Experience is only available until November and will cost 9,950 euros (~$11,465) for two people. It includes two nights with breakfast at a partner hotel in Graz, 'culinary highlights' at the G‑Class Experience Center, and a welcome dinner in Graz's city centre. For the Mercedes-Benz Morocco Trip, just six events are planned from October to November. The cost is 14,990 euros (~$17,283) per spot, which includes five nights of accommodation, meals, and a charter flight from Errachidia to Marrakech. Mercedes is going all-out when it comes to giving its fans a taste of what the brand is about. It goes beyond a booth at an auto show, a brand activation, or a pop-up; granted, you do have to pay a hefty penny to experience these things. Perhaps this could open up opportunities for Mercedes to conduct a 'world tour' and allow fans to experience the G-Wagon in different environments around the globe. For instance, I'd like to see a G-Wagon drive near the Arctic Circle, but I guess it all depends on the proximity to a decent hotel. About the Author James Ochoa View Profile
Auto Blog
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Failure of the Electric G-Class Could Spark Something Better
Good things will likely come out with the unfortunate flop of the G-Class with EQ Technology. Mercedes Confirms 'Little G' Is Coming For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is introducing a smaller version of the G-Class go-anywhere SUV as confirmed earlier this year, following rumors that had circulated for years. According to the German marque, this move aligns with its plans to counter its recent sales dip – and we agree, because who doesn't want a small SUV that's easier to maneuver in both trails and urban settings? Mercedes-Benz stopped short of divulging more details about the upcoming 'Little G,' though reports hinted at electrification – a full-electric baby G-Wagen following the footsteps of the G-Class with EQ Technology. However, recent developments, particularly the lackluster demand for the electric G-Class have affected its roadmap, spelling a win for lovers of ICE. Electric G-Class Is A Flop, Admits Merc Execs According to Mercedes-Benz executives who spoke to the German newspaper Handelsblatt, the battery-powered G-Class is a flop, with one unnamed executive saying that 'The car is sitting like lead at dealers; it's a complete flop.' Other people who wished to remain anonymous admitted that buyers want ICE-powered G-Class, either with a six-cylinder or the mighty V8. Numbers back those declarations. The German publication released the sales numbers for Europe and found that only 1,450 units of the electric G-Class were sold by the end of April, paling in comparison to its diesel and gas-powered counterparts at 9,700 units sold so far. There are many reasons for this sales flop. The G-Class with EQ Technology is significantly pricier than its combustion-powered counterparts, plus it has a disadvantage in practicality and functionality due to the use of an electric powertrain. Mercedes Hints at Launch Timing for Compact G by 2030 The same publication has reported that the low sales volume of the G-Class BEV is making the automaker reconsider its plans for the smaller G-Wagen. Contrasting with previous reports, Mercedes-Benz is now considering putting combustion engines in the upcoming model. However, given the stringent emission requirements in Europe, we expect the Baby G to have some form of electrification, akin to what the automaker employed in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA. This will, of course, offset the penalty of having an engine by the end of the decade. Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce the smaller G-Class by the end of the decade, so we'll know more concrete information in the years to come. About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
