“We’re moving from a mechanical world of combustion engines to a world which is electric, digital and autonomous,” says Schäfer. “It’s happening at different speeds and being driven by regulations and geopolitics. We wish for stable regulations but this is not something we have. So the answer is flexibility. “The ultimate proof is the customer’s… Continue reading How new technology is shaping the future of Mercedes-Benz
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
The inside story behind the wild hydrogen-powered Lexus buggy
Yamaha brought its vast experience of producing lightweight off-roaders, with Lexus adding hydrogen combustion technology and access to more sustainable materials. The biggest change is to the YXZ1000R’s 998cc direct-injection inline three-cylinder engine. The original runs on petrol, but for the Lexus the Yamaha unit has been converted to run on compressed hydrogen fuel, using… Continue reading The inside story behind the wild hydrogen-powered Lexus buggy
Mercedes-Benz priming 21 new cars for next two years
Not long after, the CLA Shooting Brake wagon will be revealed. It will make its debut in electric form but the petrol variant will follow in late 2025, sharing drivetrains with the CLA saloon. Another major launch in 2025 will be the followup to Mercedes’ first production EV, the EQC SUV. Its replacement will be… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz priming 21 new cars for next two years
Why are car makers displaying ads on the touchscreen?
Jeep has had quite the few weeks. Initially things went rather well for it, because it convinced Harrison Ford to star in its Super Bowl half-time commercial, which not surprisingly was received very fondly. Ford teased himself about his name being Ford and teased Ford itself for copying the Wrangler with the Bronco. You can imagine… Continue reading Why are car makers displaying ads on the touchscreen?
Porsche Macan Turbo Electric
Platform-sharing can make the interiors of different cars look and feel disappointingly similar – take the Volkswagen Group MEB models and the various Stellantis cars. This is clearly something Porsche and Audi have aimed to avoid. The eagle-eyed might spot that the Macan and Q6 share their column stalks, their pedals and their placement, and… Continue reading Porsche Macan Turbo Electric
Mercedes-Benz GLE
This car’s broad array of powertrains lends it the configurability to suit a range of different roles and briefs, and makes it quite a versatile choice. You can have simple, everyday, longer-distance efficiency for a reasonable price in the GLE 300d, or that bit more torque for effortless towing, hauling, climbing and motorway driving from… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz GLE
Kia working on baby ‘EV1’ as Renault Twingo rival
Kia “definitely needs” an entry-level model to broaden the appeal of electric cars, according to company president Ho Sung Song. Speaking at the brand’s second EV Day event, Song confirmed that the company is “internally studying” what an entry-level model would look like – be it a city car to sit below the upcoming EV2 and… Continue reading Kia working on baby ‘EV1’ as Renault Twingo rival
Kia EV2 concept previews £25k SUV due next year
The Kia EV2 will arrive next year as one of the brand’s smallest and most affordable electric cars yet. Previewed by the EV2 concept, the small SUV will be priced from around €30,000 (£25,000), positioning it as a rival for the Renault 5 and Renault 4 siblings and the Vauxhall Corsa Electric. Technical details remain under wraps, but the… Continue reading Kia EV2 concept previews £25k SUV due next year
Kia PV5 revealed as electric van for diesel Ford Transit money
The Kia PV5 has been unveiled as an electric van for less money than a diesel Ford Transit Custom, at €30,000 (equivalent to £25,000, excluding VAT). The first in a new line of models dubbed Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs), it will be followed by a larger PV7 due in two years, aimed squarely at the… Continue reading Kia PV5 revealed as electric van for diesel Ford Transit money
Kia EV4 saloon is Tesla Model 3 rival with 391 miles of range
The new Kia EV4 will attempt to dethrone the Tesla Model 3 when it arrives later this year, priced from €37,000 (£30,600) and offering ranges of up to 391 miles. Little changed from the concept shown in 2023, the EV4 shares its underpinnings with the smaller EV3. It will be offered with both hatchback and saloon bodies, with… Continue reading Kia EV4 saloon is Tesla Model 3 rival with 391 miles of range