Latest news with #MercedesAMG
Car and Driver
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Mercedes-AMG to Drop Four-Cylinder for Inline-Sixes and V-8s
Mercedes-AMG is preparing to phase out the plug-in hybrid powertrain that uses the M139 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Acknowledging that the four-cylinder "failed to resonate" with customers, the automaker's performance division will move forward with inline-six and V-8 engines. The four-cylinder PHEV setup is currently found in the C63 sedan and the GLC63 crossover, but has faced criticism from fans of the V-8 engines found in previous iterations of these AMG models. Mercedes-AMG is transitioning away from the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain and back towards the inline-six and V-8 powertrains more traditionally associated with the brand. That isn't to say that AMG had a change of heart concerning the merits of the four-cylinder powertrain, but rather that the automaker is responding to customer criticisms. "Technically, the four-cylinder is one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car. It's also right up there on performance. But despite this, it failed to resonate with our traditional customers. We've recognized that," a source at Mercedes told Autocar. The report says that the 671-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain will be phased out of the current C63 and GLC63 models, and that the M139 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine could also be dropped from other AMG models such as the SL43 in favor of an inline-six. We also know that AMG is moving forward with a new-generation V-8 engine, which will be used in 48-volt hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications. C/D also spoke with AMG chief Michael Schiebe at the reveal of the AMG GT XX electric concept car. Although Schiebe would not confirm the demise of the four-cylinder hybrid setup, when asked about this powertrain he said, "we need to cater to the demands of customers." He emphasized a "two pillar" strategy for AMG going forward, including the continuation of combustion engines such as the new V-8 and the new electric platform called that will underpin the production version of the XX concept sports sedan and an electric SUV variant to follow. AMG Hybrids Are Here to Stay Although the four-cylinder may be on its way out, Schiebe did say AMG remains committed to plug-in hybrids. "There are a lot of advantages of combining electric motors with combustion engines," Schiebe said. "We want to offer different kinds of drivetrain opportunities on the combustion side to our customers, so they can choose for whatever purpose they want to use the car." Mercedes-AMG M139 four-cylinder in the AMG C63 S E Performance Much of the criticism of the C63 and GLC63's powertrain was focused on the lackluster sound when compared with the symphony of a V-8. The M139 drew our ire for sounding "reedy" and "buzzy" in our test of the current C63. The C63's hybrid system also brings the car's curb weight up to nearly 5000 pounds, meaning it didn't provide a meaningful performance boost over its V-8 predecessor despite offering significantly more horsepower. Not long after the debut of the C63, which arrived in the U.S. for the 2024 model year, there were murmurs about the V-8 returning to this model as soon as 2026. AMG wouldn't confirm exactly when the four-cylinder will be phased out, telling Autocar that it will remain in production for the time being before "eventually" being replaced. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio
Geeky Gadgets
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
The Electric Future of Mercedes AMG: GT XX Concept Breaks Cover with 1,360 HP
The Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX is a groundbreaking electric vehicle that showcases the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and technology. This sleek four-door coupé is powered by three state-of-the-art axial flux motors, which collectively deliver an astounding peak output of over 1,000 kW (1,360 hp). The innovative axial flux motor technology, developed through a collaboration between Mercedes AMG and YASA, offers unparalleled power density, compactness, and efficiency, setting a new standard for electric drivetrains in the automotive industry. In addition to its innovative propulsion system, the Concept GT XX features an innovative high-voltage battery system with direct-cooled cylindrical cells. This advanced battery design ensures sustained high performance, rapid energy absorption, and exceptionally fast charging capabilities. With just a five-minute charge, the vehicle can recover enough energy to provide approximately 400 kilometers of driving range (based on the WLTP standard), redefining convenience and practicality in the realm of electric mobility. A Glimpse into the Future of AMG While the Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX is currently a concept vehicle, it serves as a preview of the brand's future direction in the high-performance electric vehicle segment. The innovative technologies showcased in this concept car are set to enter series production in 2026, signaling a significant shift in AMG's approach to performance engineering. Although pricing details for the production model have not yet been disclosed, it is expected to cater to the premium sports car market, offering a compelling blend of innovative technology, luxurious amenities, and unrivaled performance. The availability of the production version of the Concept GT XX will likely coincide with the expansion of Mercedes-Benz's high-performance charging network. This strategic move will ensure that customers can fully leverage the vehicle's rapid charging capabilities, making long-distance travel more convenient and accessible than ever before. A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Technology Beyond its innovative drivetrain and battery technology, the Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX introduces a host of other groundbreaking innovations. The vehicle features luminescent paintwork, which enhances nighttime visibility and adds a futuristic touch to its already striking design. The headlights incorporate integrated speakers, allowing for unique sound emission and creating an immersive sensory experience for both the driver and onlookers. At the rear of the vehicle, a 3D-pixel MBUX Fluid Light Panel provides real-time communication capabilities, allowing the car to display dynamic messages and graphics. This feature not only enhances the vehicle's visual appeal but also opens up new possibilities for interactive communication between the car and its surroundings. Inside the cabin, the Concept GT XX showcases a purist cockpit design, featuring dual LCD displays that provide essential information to the driver. The interior also incorporates innovative materials, such as LABFIBER, a biotechnology-based leather alternative derived from recycled racing tires. This sustainable approach to material selection reflects Mercedes AMG's commitment to reducing its environmental impact without compromising on quality or performance. Pricing and Availability While the Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX is currently a concept vehicle, its innovative technologies are set to enter series production in 2026. Pricing details for the production model have not yet been disclosed, but it is expected to cater to the premium sports car market. Availability will likely coincide with the expansion of Mercedes-Benz's high-performance charging network, ensuring customers can fully leverage the vehicle's rapid charging capabilities. Specifications Powertrain: Three axial flux motors delivering over 1,000 kW (>1,360 hp) peak output Three axial flux motors delivering over 1,000 kW (>1,360 hp) peak output Battery: High-voltage system with direct-cooled cylindrical cells High-voltage system with direct-cooled cylindrical cells Charging: 400 km range (WLTP) in approximately 5 minutes 400 km range (WLTP) in approximately 5 minutes Top Speed: Over 360 km/h Over 360 km/h Drivetrain: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive Aerodynamics: Drag coefficient of cd=0.198 Drag coefficient of cd=0.198 Interior: Purist cockpit with dual LCD displays and innovative LABFIBER materials Purist cockpit with dual LCD displays and innovative LABFIBER materials Wheels: 21-inch active Aero Wheels with moving aero-blades Pushing the Boundaries of Performance and Design The Mercedes AMG Concept GT XX is a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. With its innovative drivetrain technology, advanced battery system, and host of groundbreaking features, this concept car sets the stage for the next generation of electric sports cars. For enthusiasts and industry observers alike, the Concept GT XX offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of electric mobility. It demonstrates how performance, sustainability, and innovative design can coexist harmoniously, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of high-performance electric vehicles. As Mercedes AMG continues to refine and develop the technologies showcased in the Concept GT XX, it is clear that the brand is poised to redefine the electric sports car segment. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability, Mercedes AMG is set to shape the future of the automotive industry, one groundbreaking vehicle at a time. Source Mercedes Benz Filed Under: Auto News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Auto Express
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Big plans for the Lotus Emira with hybrid tech on the cards
The Emira is a strong performer for Lotus, accounting for more than 5,000 of the brand's 12,000 sales in 2024. The firm has just announced the V6 Turbo SE with a revised manual gearbox to boost precision, suspension adjustments to improve ride and handling, and a tweaked cooling system that trims weight, plus Racing Line editions with yellow pinstripes and high gloss black wheels. Advertisement - Article continues below But with Lotus slowing down plans for an all-electric, mid-engined sports car, the firm is investigating how to electrify its existing two-seater. 'Everything's possible; we could squeeze [a hybrid] in,' Lotus Europe CEO Matt Windle told Auto Express. Expect a very different approach from the 'hyper hybrid' system bound for the Eletre SUV and Emeya saloon, which packs a 2.0-litre turbo engine with high-power standalone electric motors on the front and rear axle. Given the packaging constraints of the 4,412mm-long Lotus where every millimetre counts, the Emira is more likely to mirror the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura by shoehorning an electric motor generator between the engine and transmission, boosting power and harvesting some energy for a modest battery. There's no word yet on which of the Mercedes-AMG-sourced turbocharged 2.0-litre or Toyota-supplied 3.5-litre V6 could get the hybrid treatment. The very different characters of the four-pot and V6 make for the key customer choice at the moment, because both SE models pack 400bhp. Why, we asked Matt Windle? Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below 'We didn't want to derate any of the power,' grins the sports car boss. 'We could have done that but the main driver for the engines was gearbox application, [not] power.' The four-pot comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission for ultra-fast changes (and the fastest 0-62mph time of 4 four seconds flat), whereas the slightly slower V6 comes with a manual or six-speed torque converter. The Emira is available in GT4 racing spec, with more power from the V6, a sequential racing 'box and enhanced aero. Is this a template for stripped out, roadgoing Emiras following the blueprint of Porsche's 718 Cayman GT4? 'We're pretty much at the power we can be on those engines,' counters Windle – until the hybrid comes on stream. An open-top version is likely to filter through in time: the chassis was developed with sufficient stiffness for a spider version, like the classic Elise. An open Emira would sell well in the vital US market, where Chinese imports of the Eletre SUV and Emeya saloon are non-starters due to tariff barriers. Given that sister brand Volvo has a factory in South Carolina, could Lotus use it to assemble the big EVs in the States? 'At the moment, there are no plans for production over there,' says the European boss. Tell us which new car you're interested in and get the very best offers from our network of over 5,500 UK dealers to compare. Let's go… Find a car with the experts 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' 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 …
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Mercedes-AMG Recalls Most of Its $2.8M Hypercars Over Fire Hazard
Mercedes-Benz Recalls Are Few, But Important Recalls aren't something you usually associate with Mercedes-Benz. The brand has maintained a relatively clean track record in recent years, with only occasional hiccups, such as the recent issues with the high-end GLE and GLS SUVs involving potentially detached trim panels that could become road hazards. But while those models are made in the thousands and often share parts with less expensive offerings, the situation becomes far more serious when it involves a $2.8 million, hand-assembled hypercar. 0:00 / 0:09 2025 Audi S3 vs Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: the executive decision Watch More That's exactly the case now, as Mercedes-AMG is issuing a global recall for the AMG One, a car best known for packing Formula One tech into a lap record-setting, road-legal package. The Problem Isn't With the Complex Engine According to Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), nearly 80% of all AMG One units are affected – 219 out of the 275 produced, to be exact. The issue has nothing to do with the car's complex 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid V6, which is adapted from Lewis Hamilton's F1 power unit. Instead, the concern lies at the rear of the car: the active spoiler system. The spoiler is hydraulically operated, and several cars appear to be missing a critical component, which is a small pin or locking mechanism meant to keep the hydraulic line secured. Without the pin, there's a risk of hydraulic fluid leaking. That's especially dangerous in a mid-engine car, where lines run near extremely hot components. If flammable fluid escapes in the wrong place, a fire is probable. The cars affected were built between December 2022 and May 2025, with most units delivered in Germany and a smaller number scattered globally. Source: Mercedes-Benz 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. Some AMG Ones Were Already Burned to the Ground The fix is straightforward. Mercedes-Benz will inspect the spoiler's hydraulic system, check if the pin is present and secure, and install one if needed. The job takes about 90 minutes per car. The KBA has stated there are no confirmed fire incidents tied directly to this defect. However, if you could recall, a couple of AMG Ones have already gone up in flames – one just a few weeks ago in Germany, and another during transport in the UK back in 2023. In both cases, the exact cause of the fires remains murky. The German unit reportedly burned roadside, while the UK incident involved a prototype or incomplete car in a trailer that was destroyed. Investigators haven't officially connected these incidents to the hydraulic issue. Source: Mercedes-Benz About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Mercedes-AMG E53: Here's My Brutally Honest Review
A moment of nostalgia Staring at the misty green metallic 2025 Mercedes AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ sedan in the fading light of a summer's day in mid-state New York, I'm almost getting verklempt. You see, I own this car's father—or perhaps it's more accurate to say grandfather, the mighty 2005 E55 AMG. Exactly two decades ago, that supercharged, no-nonsense beast was the fastest sedan in the world, and with its 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, it could look at a Ferrari 550 Maranello and simply smirk. The E53 is right at home in both town and country. — Source: Marco della Cava Back in its day, my 2005 E55 AMG was a world beater, so how will this E53 compare? Today, our silver E55 AMG, which we bought with 36,000 miles in 2013, has around 126,000 miles on the clock and thousands in upkeep receipts, but it is still a wonderfully capable, safe, communicative, and entertaining machine to unleash on unsuspecting supercar owners. To say our two twentysomething boys adore it would be a grand understatement. Sure, the E55's 0 to 60 dash of 4.5 seconds pales in comparison to today's 2-second EV-and-ICE-powered blasts, but it's as swift as most mortals need a car, let alone a practical four-door with a truly massive trunk, to be. In 2005, the Mercedes E55 AMG was one of the fastest cars on the planet. — Source: Marco della Cava The E53 features tech and touches that the old E55 could only dream about All that to say, this brand new AMG E53 had some big emotional shoes to fill as I slipped its black fob into my pocket and hit the keyless start button. Over the next four days, I would come to appreciate the many technological advancements inherent in any car cobbled together in 2025, while also mulling what might have been lost in the process of turning an automotive hammer into a four-wheeled spaceship. Design lines that say 'sports sedan' are marred only by one addition Parked in an empty lot just off the New York State Thruway, the AMG E53 offers a lot to take in. From a distance, let's call it 25 feet, it's a marvelous design that combines true four-passenger practicality with enough taught design lines to set itself apart from Euro-peers such as the Maserati Ghibli, Audi A6, and Porsche Panamera. The AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ hits the road. — Source: Mercedes-Benz The nose is particularly arresting, with its large gaping mouth and three-pointed star emblem, and its various scoops, ducts, and spoiler cladding are a tactful balance between purposeful aero and boy-racer excess. One nit here: I could do without the small wing on the trunk, as it likely doesn't add much downforce at normal driving speeds and detracts from one of the most special aspects of many AMGs, namely their very stealthy dual nature. For example, with our E55, you're not sure if I'm in an E350 until I've mashed the pedal and vanished. That's giddy fun, and a rear spoiler just telegraphs that surprise away. A sedan with truly room for four adults is welcome these days With room for four large adults, the AMG E53 offers no compromises as a sports sedan. — Source: Marco della Cava Inside, this press car came with a rather unsubtle two-tone leather, grey with black, that also detracts from the car's multiple personalities. The seating is sporty, which means on the firmer side, perhaps perfect for track time but less so on long highway cruises. You get the belabored point here: I adore cars that confuse you a bit, whose appearances suggest understated elegance while hiding Jekyll-and-Hyde fearsomeness. But let's talk about the back seats. Praise Mercedes for not making this area an afterthought. In fact, there's more than plenty of room to host two large adults and even three medium-sized ones in a pinch. That's in contrast to, for example, another stunningly designed sedan, the Porsche Taycan, whose rear seat passengers risk bruised knees if the front passengers are six-footers. Best to spend time reading the manual before sitting behind an E53 wheel It's worth spending time with the AMG E53 manual before you take to the road, given the myriad of features. — Source: Marco della Cava For drivers, the cockpit of an AMG E53 is a serious place to be. The purposeful three-spoke steering wheel features the usual array of buttons and even touch-sensitive controls (for example, to make music louder, you slide a finger up that tab) that can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance. That goes ditto for the circular steering wheel knobs that grant control over the car's myriad suspension and performance settings. It's worth a read up on all that before hitting the road to max out on this car's serious capabilities, all of which make my E55 seem like a frighteningly fast Fred Flintstone-mobile. Obviously, it's 2025, so analog gauges of any kind are verboten. The screens front and center do all the communicating now. Yes, sorry, the sweep of a digital tach just doesn't compare with an old-school needle racing up to a painted red line, but that ship has long since sailed. Deal with it. Yes, the AMG E63 is a sedan of a different stripe and price The AMG E53 mates an inline six with electric power to deliver nearly 600 hp. — Source: Mercedes-Benz Mercedes AMG aficionados will know that for some years now, the flagship sedan has usually carried the name E63, not 53. That remains the case. The 2025 AMG E63 E Performance is a completely different beast than its little brother in many respects, from its price (loaded, it'll easily crest $220,000) to performance (a turbocharged V8 coupled with electric motors takes horsepower and torque to the 1,000 range, and 60 mph comes in 2.6 seconds). The good news here is that those who want far more than a basic Mercedes four-door can park a bona fide AMG in their garage for far less money without feeling like they're driving something that pales in comparison. For just over $100,000, the AMG E53 packs a lot of dazzle per dollar Fully charged, the AMG E53 can run on electrons only for up to 42 miles. — Source: Mercedes-Benz Our test car started out at $88,000, which includes a 3-liter in-line six cylinder – a Mercedes hallmark for decades now – that is turbocharged and augmented by a plug-in hybrid engine that combines for 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. The car's electric battery can provide at full charge upwards of 42 miles of travel without waking up the gas engine, while also assisting said powerplant to an mpg efficiency of up to 59. No small thing with gas prices refusing to drop anytime soon. Also standard on this E53 was AMG Ride Control, which grants the driver access to a range of damper settings, from comfort to very firm. Additionally, it features rear axle steering to improve turn-in and the company's 4Matic+ four-wheel-drive system for enhanced security in inclement weather. True track demons have a special E53 package waiting for them The interior of the AMG E53 is both sporting and high-tech. — Source: Mercedes-Benz The usual complement of safety features is standard as well, including active brake assist and blind spot assist, as well as high beam and parking assist. However, a few items quickly drove the car's final price tag to $108,300, including the special two-tone leather interior, cross-spoke 21-inch rims, upgraded seating and trim, and the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, which offers a higher top speed, Race Start mode, and an enhanced exhaust sound. This is an AMG after all, so why not load up on racing fare? The E53 is ready to deliver whatever on-road experience you want Among the many luxury touches in the AMG E53 is the Burmester stereo. — Source: Mercedes-Benz So, at about half the cost of a loaded AMG E63, is the AMG E53 half the sedan? Not by a long shot. Time behind the wheel of this car, both during hours on a highway and winding farm-country roads, reveals that the car possesses the same dual nature as my E55, and even more so. Where the old AMG from 20 years ago toggles between aggressive and angry, the AMG E53 is capable of truly deception. Keep everything in auto mode and you'll simply float to your destination accompanied by your favorite music wafting across the excellent Burmester stereo system. But dial in performance-mode settings and put your foot in it, and there is no mistaking the E53's connection to that storied AMG racing heritage. Final thoughts Parked in front of a traditional Ukrainian church in the Catskills of New York, the AMG E53 cuts a dashing figure. — Source: Marco della Cava For just over $100,000, there are a number of great four-door vehicles one could mull over, either in sedan, crossover, or SUV form. For those who still enjoy being closer to the pavement, sedans are the only way to go, and in that realm, one is hard-pressed to find a more versatile vehicle on the market. Sure, my 2005 E55 feels a tad more like a caged beast than its 2025 counterpart, and perhaps would have more genetic connections to the current E63 hypersedan. But frankly, it's just fantastic to know that for true drivers, there remains a car out there that can both satisfy the wanna-be George Russell in you while also taking the kids to school and the grandparents to that recital. So long live this Mercedes and all those wonderful wolves in sheep's clothing. All due respect to the growing legion of robocars, but machines like the AMG E53 make driving the joy that we all know it can and should be. About the Author Marco Della Cava View Profile
