Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[leylandi]

Looks like AMG will be developing their own bespoke EV SUV like they are doing with the EV 4 door coupe. While, they'll probably all receive tepid market reactions given the attitude towards expensive EV's, they will be good showcases for where MB EV (battery and motor) tech is headed, which is pretty exciting.

 

[leylandi]

AMG remains emotional even in the electric age
Mercedes-AMG will also offer an emotional driving experience with the new electric models announced

As has now become known, AMG wants to focus more on emotionality again and offer customers the emotional driving experience they are used to from AMG.

Not only will a new V8 with mild-hybrid drive be launched ( further details can be found here ), but the Mercedes-AMG EQ models must also convey this emotionality to the customer.

The axial flux motor weighs less but has more power and torque

The indescribable performance is guaranteed by the new axial flux motors. Up to three electric motors are installed in the AMG Performance models:

• AMG GT 4-door (based on AMG.EA)
• AMG E-SUV (based on AMG.EA)
• CLA AMG EQ (top performance variant)
• GLA AMG EQ (Top Performance Variant)
• GLC AMG EQ (top performance variant)
• C-Class AMG EQ (Top Performance variant)

AMG with high-performance battery (round cells in oil bath)

Until now, it was known that the axial flow motors with the high-performance battery (round cells in an oil bath) would only be used in the AMG.EA platform. But that is not the case. The AMG Entry Performance models of the CLA, GLA, GLC and C-Class use Mercedes technology. That is, eATS 2.0 with 2-speed gearbox and the Mercedes battery. The AMG Top Performance models, which previously had the slogan "One Man One Engine", will now also get the AMG high-performance axial flow motors, which are produced in the Mercedes plant in Berlin Marienfelde. The AMG Top Performance models will also get an AMG battery (also on the MMA and MB.EA platform).

This ensures that there is plenty of propulsion. The top performance AMG variant of the CLA, for example, will be available to customers in 2026 with 544 hp.

Thanks to the layout of two axial flow machines on the rear axle (one per wheel), you can apply nice torque vectoring to maneuver the AMG with electric drive quickly around corners.

AMG.EA E-SUV, 3 axial flux motors provide plenty of power

V8 Mode creates emotions
Since such an electric motor can impress with massive torque from the basement, but remains very quiet, AMG gives the AMG.EA models as well as the AMG Top Performance models of the MMA (CLA, GLA) and MB.EA platform (C-Class, GLC) a so-called V8 mode.

This V8 mode simulates the typical V8 sound in the interior and exterior via the pedestrian sound module (outside) and the loudspeakers (in the interior).

In contrast to the eATS2.0 drive for the MMA and MB.EA platform, the AMG axial flux motors do not use a 2-speed gearbox. But AMG also programs virtual gear shifts in V8 mode. Although the drive via axial flux motors only has a fixed gear ratio, AMG wants to use virtual gears with a short interruption in traction via the sound module to create the typical V8 burner sound (presumably also with the usual misfire when downshifting).

AMG bleibt auch im Elektrozeitalter emotional

Auch mit den neuen angekündigten Elektromodellen wird Mercedes-AMG ein emotionales Fahrerlebnis bieten - Dank V8 Mode

jesmb.de

 

[fortuner]

I agree. We witnessed the almost decade long deterioration of the brand under Shrimp to finally feel reprieve under Zetsche.

But, I'm not going to write Ola off just yet. I think a lot of the current problems are not MB specific nor self inflicted. The EQ's are products that they were forced to deliver, and we know things like styling were heavily impacted by aerodynamic benchmarks for range requirements. They pushed this too far and they delivered us products that didn't look or feel like Mercedes.

But most of these products would have been conceived, and in many cases substantially progressed, under Zetsche. We will only now start to see the result of Ola's free reign and I hope his 'vision' of a more premium, lower volume brand is true and not just more smoke and mirrors.

My main issue with OLA is

He runs the company based on profit and loss only

He doesn’t have that passion that the legend before him had

He also seems unsure on which route to take the company forward and chops and changes a lot of strategies

I hope that this new changes which they planning and which are long over due are done properly he can make it happen and make his run successful

Main thing he needs to do in the new swing is quality and reliability

 

[Rolf]

The only thing I disagree with is that Mercedes was forced to make the EQ products look like that. They could have done better than that regardless of what the aerodynamic goals were. They've done it in the past.

M

Yes especially as they brought out the good looking EQS concept and the production car look pathetic in comparison. They should have done some customer clinics to gauge interest of the styling before they launched the EQ models. The previous target of 20,000 EQS per year has never been achieved or come close.

These are production numbers from 2021 to 2024 of the EQS which pales next to the over 70K S-class sold every year.

• 2021: 1,470 units (443 in the US and 1,027 in Europe)
• 2022: 14,146 units (7,054 in the US and 7,092 in Europe)
• 2023: 6,805 units (US only)
• 2024: 6,431 units (US only)

 

[Rolf]

AMG remains emotional even in the electric age
Mercedes-AMG will also offer an emotional driving experience with the new electric models announced

As has now become known, AMG wants to focus more on emotionality again and offer customers the emotional driving experience they are used to from AMG.

Not only will a new V8 with mild-hybrid drive be launched ( further details can be found here ), but the Mercedes-AMG EQ models must also convey this emotionality to the customer.

The axial flux motor weighs less but has more power and torque

The indescribable performance is guaranteed by the new axial flux motors. Up to three electric motors are installed in the AMG Performance models:

• AMG GT 4-door (based on AMG.EA)
• AMG E-SUV (based on AMG.EA)
• CLA AMG EQ (top performance variant)
• GLA AMG EQ (Top Performance Variant)
• GLC AMG EQ (top performance variant)
• C-Class AMG EQ (Top Performance variant)

AMG with high-performance battery (round cells in oil bath)

Until now, it was known that the axial flow motors with the high-performance battery (round cells in an oil bath) would only be used in the AMG.EA platform. But that is not the case. The AMG Entry Performance models of the CLA, GLA, GLC and C-Class use Mercedes technology. That is, eATS 2.0 with 2-speed gearbox and the Mercedes battery. The AMG Top Performance models, which previously had the slogan "One Man One Engine", will now also get the AMG high-performance axial flow motors, which are produced in the Mercedes plant in Berlin Marienfelde. The AMG Top Performance models will also get an AMG battery (also on the MMA and MB.EA platform).

This ensures that there is plenty of propulsion. The top performance AMG variant of the CLA, for example, will be available to customers in 2026 with 544 hp.

Thanks to the layout of two axial flow machines on the rear axle (one per wheel), you can apply nice torque vectoring to maneuver the AMG with electric drive quickly around corners.

AMG.EA E-SUV, 3 axial flux motors provide plenty of power

V8 Mode creates emotions
Since such an electric motor can impress with massive torque from the basement, but remains very quiet, AMG gives the AMG.EA models as well as the AMG Top Performance models of the MMA (CLA, GLA) and MB.EA platform (C-Class, GLC) a so-called V8 mode.

This V8 mode simulates the typical V8 sound in the interior and exterior via the pedestrian sound module (outside) and the loudspeakers (in the interior).

In contrast to the eATS2.0 drive for the MMA and MB.EA platform, the AMG axial flux motors do not use a 2-speed gearbox. But AMG also programs virtual gear shifts in V8 mode. Although the drive via axial flux motors only has a fixed gear ratio, AMG wants to use virtual gears with a short interruption in traction via the sound module to create the typical V8 burner sound (presumably also with the usual misfire when downshifting).

AMG bleibt auch im Elektrozeitalter emotional

Auch mit den neuen angekündigten Elektromodellen wird Mercedes-AMG ein emotionales Fahrerlebnis bieten - Dank V8 Mode

jesmb.de

This is what I was hoping from AMG all along that when they make the EV shift they would still have simulation sounds of a petrol V8 engine piped into the speakers, like Hyundai does with the Ioniq 5N. Good move by AMG.

 

[Merc1]

Yes especially as they brought out the good looking EQS concept and the production car look pathetic in comparison. They should have done some customer clinics to gauge interest of the styling before they launched the EQ models. The previous target of 20,000 EQS per year has never been achieved or come close.

These are production numbers from 2021 to 2024 of the EQS which pales next to the over 70K S-class sold every year.

• 2021: 1,470 units (443 in the US and 1,027 in Europe)
• 2022: 14,146 units (7,054 in the US and 7,092 in Europe)
• 2023: 6,805 units (US only)
• 2024: 6,431 units (US only)

Just think what their sales would have been if they had been hot products. The EV crowd clamoring over a Mercedes is so far just a fantasy. I personally think the EQ cars biggest problem is their pricing. They're just too expensive for what you get. I think if they had been priced more moderately they would have sold better, well that an terrible front fender seam that makes it looks like a botched accident repair.

M

 

[Jonathan19]

So AMG E63 with a V8!

From @liucunyi_starandcar on Instagram

 

[fortuner]

From @liucunyi_starandcar on Instagram

 

[klugscheisser87]

What’s new?
The pudding design follows the doubtful inspiration from mid XX which has been lost in translation with every nightmarish reinterpretation of the panamericana grille.

If they would have balls they would use more edgy design language as it fits way better to their sedans. Looking back at their heritage and take the inspiration from the 80’s and 90’s where the design was reduced to its essence and pronouncing it’s strong presence.

For the SUV lineup they should have follow the EnerG-Force concept to make it a proper alternative for the Range Rover lineup. Nowadays we would have already a second gen of SUV collection with evolutionary but coherent design.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

The previous target of 20,000 EQS per year has never been achieved or come close

This was the revised target. The original target at the launch of the EQS was 45000.

 

[Akrapovicowns]

https://www.motor1.com/news/751544/mercedes-admits-huge-screens-not-luxury/

“In a candid interview with ABC News, the man in charge of design at the three-pointed star conceded that "screens are not luxury." Gorden Wagener knows that cramming as many displays into a dashboard is not even a novelty nowadays, as "every car has a big screen." Bear in mind that this comes from the company's Chief Design Officer, who made a big deal about the 56.0-inch, triple-display "Hyperscreen" in cars like the EQS.”

At least they recognize the obvious. About time. That being said, what are they going to do about it remains to be seen.

 

[GTA45E]

The M178 LS2 has no problems at all with torque and power. It comfortably spits out 850Nm from 2000-6000rpm and 734hp in the GT Track Series; and over 800hp in the Aston Martin Valhalla.

If I'm not wrong the M176/7/8 was based on the M133. This new one might be based on the M139, so yeah they'll probably use the e-turbos to juice it up. I can't imagine what kind of ungodly power such a thing would be capable of.

Or alternatively, it could be a downsized 3L V8 based on the M252, but the timelines don't really make sense for that to come out so early.

Emissions regs will probably rob us of some fun, but alas.

Yes, i realize those power figures for the M178 used in the GT Black-Series. I was just stating the basics of a NA flat-plane V8 hi-rev nature which is needed to get the power down.
The M177/8 being based on the M133 4-banger, two M133s fused. The M139 has several improvements over the M133
The M252 is a no-go for sure. The M252 4-cylinder and is the baby sister of the Mercedes M256 I6 engine. (Its basically the M256 with two pistons removed.)

Autocar hinted that this flat plane V8 is heavily based on the existing V8 engine.

Flat-plane V8s typically have a higher pitched race car-like sound compared to the cross-plane V8s, so this is going to change the character of the upcoming C63 and E63.
Edit, I am throwing in this short of flat plane V8 sound vs cross plane V8.

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[leylandi]

M176 was introduced with the first generation AMG GT. Later the M133 was released.

 

[Ozy]

What’s new?
The pudding design follows the doubtful inspiration from mid XX which has been lost in translation with every nightmarish reinterpretation of the panamericana grille.

If they would have balls they would use more edgy design language as it fits way better to their sedans. Looking back at their heritage and take the inspiration from the 80’s and 90’s where the design was reduced to its essence and pronouncing it’s strong presence.

For the SUV lineup they should have follow the EnerG-Force concept to make it a proper alternative for the Range Rover lineup. Nowadays we would have already a second gen of SUV collection with evolutionary but coherent design.

I actually think the new drawing resembles the general edgy lines of the 124 and the G-force more than any other concept recently. All their designs were rounded, smooth lines, the sharp headlights, the more rectangular grill, the sides of the hood are all more edgy and sharp, purely based on this nothing of a photo they might have a chance to do something original.

 

[fortuner]

So a new EV E in 2027 but no test mules ?

 

[leylandi]

Passenger car and Formula 1 engineers team up as solid-state battery road tests begin

• Safer, lighter, more efficient and 25% longer range in the first vehicle: the solid-state cell chemistry means higher energy density and weight reduction, with improved driving efficiency and cell safety.
• Mercedes-Benz, together with Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) based in Brixworth, UK, developed and patented a new and innovative solid-state battery pack.
• Mercedes-Benz integrated the solid-state battery, with cells from U.S.-based solid-state battery leader Factorial Energy, into a slightly modified EQS.
• Road tests with the new solid-state battery in a “1,000 km” EQS test car started in February 2025.

Mercedes-Benz engineers from the road and racetrack and Factorial cell engineers have worked together on delivering an all-new solid-state battery test program, which has brought the first car powered by a lithium-metal solid-state battery to the road. Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), a 100 % subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz Group specialising in industry-leading Formula 1 technologies, and the Mercedes‑Benz Center of Competence for Battery Systems designed and developed a completely new and innovative battery system. In addition to its prowess on the racetrack, HPP is capable of rapidly transferring F1 technologies and know-how into high-performance automotive projects.

After intensive testing on various test benches, the prototype solid-state battery was integrated into an EQS at the end of 2024. The all-electric car from Mercedes‑Benz was slightly modified to fit the solid-state battery and was equipped with all accessories to operate it. The first laboratory vehicle tests were already conducted in Stuttgart at the end of 2024 to prepare for the road tests that started in February 2025.

“Developing an automotive-scale solid-state battery underlines our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re therefore excited to announce that we’ve started road testing with a prototype vehicle equipped with this advanced technology. We will gain crucial insights into possible series integration of this cutting-edge battery technology.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement

The technology
Solid-state batteries are a promising technology in electric mobility. They use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, which enhances cell safety and allows for the use of new anodes like lithium metal, thus significantly outperforming conventional lithium-ion cells. They also enable next-level energy densities, in combination with a lithium-metal anode. The solid-state technology has the potential to increase the gravimetric energy density for vehicle batteries up to 450 Wh/kg at the cell level and thereby increasing the driving range. Gravimetric energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a battery cell per unit mass. This metric is crucial for evaluating the efficiency and performance of battery cells, especially in applications where weight is a critical factor, such as in electric vehicles. Solid-state battery technology reduces the battery weight while improving cell safety.

“Being the first to successfully integrate lithium metal solid-state batteries into a production vehicle platform marks a historic achievement in electric mobility. This breakthrough demonstrates that solid-state battery technology has moved beyond the laboratory and into real-world application, setting a new benchmark for the entire automotive industry. Our collaboration with Mercedes-Benz proves that the future of electric vehicles is not just a vision, but a reality we're delivering today.”
Siyu Huang, CEO and Co-Founder of Factorial Energy

Together with the motorsport experts from HPP, the Mercedes‑Benz Center of Competence for Battery Systems developed a prototype solid-state battery with cells from Factorial that can be integrated into a car for on-road testing. The solid-state battery from Mercedes‑Benz features an innovative floating cell carrier, for which a patent has already been granted. When the battery charges, the materials expand, and when it discharges, it contracts. The volume change in solid-state cells refers to the expansion and contraction of the materials inside the battery during charging and discharging. To support the cells during these volume changes, the Mercedes‑Benz solid-state battery is equipped with pneumatic actuators that interact with the cell volume change during charging and discharging, which affects the battery's performance and lifespan.

The solid-state battery in the EQS-based vehicle allows for up to 25 % more driving range compared to the same battery weight and size of a corresponding standard EQS battery. Further weight and energy efficiency is achieved through passive battery cooling. The development vehicle is expected to have a range of over 1,000 km (620 miles). For comparison: with a battery capacity of 118 kWh, the current EQS 450+ (energy consumption combined: 19.9–16.3 kWh/100 km | CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)[1] already offers a range of over 800 km (497 miles).

Over the next few months, Mercedes-Benz will further test the solid-state battery and its overall performance in an electric vehicle with extensive laboratory and road tests.

Mercedes-Benz joined forces with Factorial in 2021 to develop a new generation of battery technology. In the summer of 2024, Factorial delivered lithium-metal solid-state battery cells with the company’s proprietary FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state platforms to Mercedes‑Benz, which marked the first lithium metal solid-state battery B sample shipment to a global OEM.

 

[kiki voinea]

Yes, i realize those power figures for the M178 used in the GT Black-Series. I was just stating the basics of a NA flat-plane V8 hi-rev nature which is needed to get the power down.
The M177/8 being based on the M133 4-banger, two M133s fused. The M139 has several improvements over the M133
The M252 is a no-go for sure. The M252 4-cylinder and is the baby sister of the Mercedes M256 I6 engine. (Its basically the M256 with two pistons removed.)

Autocar hinted that this flat plane V8 is heavily based on the existing V8 engine.

Flat-plane V8s typically have a higher pitched race car-like sound compared to the cross-plane V8s, so this is going to change the character of the upcoming C63 and E63.
Edit, I am throwing in this short of flat plane V8 sound vs cross plane V8.

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

With all the regulations , filters , bulky exhausts , etc , any modern car sounds like crap right now....

 

[MercFan]

I agree. We witnessed the almost decade long deterioration of the brand under Shrimp to finally feel reprieve under Zetsche.

But, I'm not going to write Ola off just yet. I think a lot of the current problems are not MB specific nor self inflicted. The EQ's are products that they were forced to deliver, and we know things like styling were heavily impacted by aerodynamic benchmarks for range requirements. They pushed this too far and they delivered us products that didn't look or feel like Mercedes.

But most of these products would have been conceived, and in many cases substantially progressed, under Zetsche. We will only now start to see the result of Ola's free reign and I hope his 'vision' of a more premium, lower volume brand is true and not just more smoke and mirrors.

Under "Shrimp" I witnessed one of the best S-classes in terms of interior quality - W221. And I witnessed a decline in interior quality in 222 and an even greater decline in 223 under Z.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Shrimp is without doubt the worst thing to happen to MB in 3 decades. When the losses incurred as a result Chrysler debacle are all measured including the billions of dollars in expenses, damage to the brand, damage to the capital resources of the company, etc. you can't but conclude his tenure was an absolute failure. It was estimated the whole ordeal cost Mercedes up to $30billion dollars and when Zetsche took the helm Mercedes was some 10 years behind BMW in terms of production efficiency. Shrimp is the only ex CEO of Mercedes to not be offered a place on the advisory board.

Wolfgang B and Zetsche oversaw much of the Mercedes turn around in quality. They were brought back from Chrysler for this purpose. Wolfgang specifically was put in charge of the W221 quality control preproduction and at roll out.

The W221 was a critical vehicle for MB trying to restore its reputation after the W220 pre FL and they were quite clear quality was the focus as opposed to innovation.

Those were different times in the automotive world, and the W222 and W223 are still as good as it gets with interiors as this price point. They also offer levels of refinement, tech and safety beyond anything the W221 offered.

 

[GTA45E]

A baby g-Class is on the way with retro vibes. Also, the EV E-Class is said to have a classic look. @Merc1, you got your wish.
Maybach S-Class coupe could also be on the way.

A Baby ‘g-Class’ with Retro Vibes

One of the most interesting announcements was the confirmation of a smaller off-roader that will use a lowercase “g” in its name to distinguish it from the rest of the G-Class family.
The teaser indicates that the new model will have a compact footprint while maintaining the boxy stance and ample ground clearance of its larger sibling. In fact, its design pays even greater homage to the original 1979 G-Class, thanks to its pronounced bumpers and short wheelbase.

Although Mercedes didn’t share details about its underpinnings, rumors suggest the baby g-Class could be fully electric. However, it remains uncertain whether it will use a ladder-frame chassis like the traditional G-Class or switch to a unibody design.

Another major announcement was the upcoming fully electric E-Class sedan, which is expected to replace the EQE while being sold alongside the gas-powered E-Class. Mercedes revealed a teaser silhouette that hints at a shift from the rounded shapes of its current EVs to a more classic, angular design. The company promises a “status-oriented” wheelbase, improved noise insulation, and advanced driver assistance systems, including L2++ and L3 Highway capabilities.

More: Mercedes May Be Bringing Back AMG And Maybach S-Class Coupes

Mercedes is also preparing a facelifted version of the S-Class. The flagship sedan will receive styling and technology updates, along with expanded customization options through the Manufaktur label. The powertrain lineup will continue to feature diesel, gas, and hybrid variants. Notably, the V8 and V12 engines will still be offered, although the 12-cylinder model will be restricted to select markets.

Looking further ahead, the next generation of the S-Class, expected to arrive towards the end of the decade, will be available in both ICE and BEV versions.

-->> https://www.carscoops.com/2025/02/m...electric-e-class-and-more-v8-and-v12-live-on/