Hot! Mercedes-Benz, What's Next?

[Merc1]

""under-wheeled, tricycle syndrome""

I can't lol.

M

 

[Merc1]

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4matic+ will soon be available to order.

The 4-cylinder AMG models are being phased out, and the 6-cylinder with 449 hp will soon arrive as the GLC 53 AMG.

The 4-cylinder engines based on the M139 are too loud to comply with the new EU regulations.

Therefore, production of the GLC 43 AMG 4MATIC SUV and Coupé models will cease in the third week of February 2026. The GLC 63 S E Performance 4MATIC+ will be discontinued somewhat later, in the third week of May 2026.

According to spy photos from Lapland, the new GLC 53 AMG 4MATIC+ was seen in a facelifted guise with new headlights featuring the Mercedes pattern daytime running light design. However, the facelift for the GLC itself will not arrive until 2027.

The new GLC 53 4MATIC+ AMG with a refined 6-cylinder engine:

The M256 Evo delivers 449 hp + 23 hp ISG (48-volt mild-hybrid support). Torque increases to 600 Nm. In short-term overboost mode, even 640 Nm is possible.

The M256 Evo features optimized intake and exhaust ports and a revised intake camshaft. It also includes a more powerful 48-volt electric auxiliary compressor. If boost pressure isn't yet available at low engine speeds, the electrically driven compressor assists to prevent turbo lag, before the exhaust-driven turbocharger takes over at higher engine speeds to generate the boost pressure.

The M256 Evo is a further development of the familiar 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline engine. It will meet the EU7 emissions standard.

So if I understand right, the GLC53 will be sold one year in the current, pre-facelift form and then in 2027 the FL version will arrive? I hoping the M256 Evo would get more hp, but oh well.

M

 

[Rolf]

So if I understand right, the GLC53 will be sold one year in the current, pre-facelift form and then in 2027 the FL version will arrive? I hoping the M256 Evo would get more hp, but oh well.

M

The GLC53 will have a power boost of only 28hp over the GLC43 (449 vs 421) but the torque will be noticeably increased from 369lbft (500nm) to 442lbft (600nm) but will have an overboost of 640nm, so should be alot more punchier in the low to midrange. Smoothness, refinement and engine sound will be a whole lot better and it will probably use less fuel.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

The GLC53 will have a power boost of only 28hp over the GLC43 (449 vs 421) but the torque will be noticeably increased from 369lbft (500nm) to 442lbft (600nm) but will have an overboost of 640nm, so should be alot more punchier in the low to midrange. Smoothness, refinement and engine sound will be a whole lot better and it will probably use less fuel.

The M139 was also very boosty. Developed peak torque at like 5000rpm.
The M256 Evo should have a flatter torque band.

 

[Rolf]

Mercedes develops head massage in the headrest – new patent for more comfort in the car

A newly published patent from Mercedes-Benz shows that the manufacturer is planning the next step towards automotive wellness: a head and neck massage directly in the headrest. This would allow Mercedes to sensibly expand the classic massage seat and further perfect the relaxation experience in the car.

Mercedes consistently thinks ahead with massage seats
Massage seats have long been part of the upscale equipment of many Mercedes models. They help to relieve the back muscles, relieve tension and make long journeys more pleasant. So far, however, the focus has been on the back, shoulders and lumbar spine. The new patent from the Stuttgart-based company shows that Mercedes has now also recognized the head area as a decisive comfort factor. The neck and back of the head in particular are under a lot of strain on longer journeys. An integrated head massage could start right there and noticeably increase well-being.

This is how the head massage is supposed to work
According to the patent description, Mercedes plans to install movable massage elements directly in the headrest. These can perform gentle pressure, vibration or rotational movements and specifically stimulate the back of the head and the upper neck area. The movements should be controlled and even in order to achieve a relaxing effect. In contrast to vigorous sitting massages, the focus here is not on muscle work, but on gentle relaxation and stress reduction.

A particularly exciting aspect of the patent is the automatic adjustment to the occupant. Sensors could detect how the head is positioned and adjust the massage accordingly to height, inclination and sitting posture. This would give each driver and passenger an individually tailored massage experience – without complicated settings. This form of personalisation fits perfectly with Mercedes' current strategy of increasingly tailoring interiors to the individual user.

Discreet wellness instead of a strong massage
Due to the limited installation space in the headrest, no intensive deep massage is to be expected. Instead, Mercedes apparently deliberately relies on subtle, calming stimulation that works in the background and does not distract from driving. Especially on long motorway journeys or in rush hour traffic, this function could provide noticeably more relaxation. In combination with seat heating, air conditioning, ambient lighting and existing massage programmes, this creates a holistic wellness concept in the vehicle.

The patent clearly shows where the modern vehicle interior is headed. Cars are increasingly seen as a mobile retreat in which comfort, health and well-being play an increasingly important role. The head massage in the headrest would be another building block of this development and would once again position Mercedes as an innovation leader.

Will the head massage soon be in series production?
As with all patents, it remains unclear whether and when this technology will actually be used in production vehicles. Many ideas initially serve to secure future developments. Nevertheless, the patent underlines the importance of Comfort innovation and ergonomic Design at Mercedes-Benz.

If the head massage in the headrest actually finds its way into future models, it would further sharpen the brand's premium claim. One thing is already clear: the competition for the most comfortable driving experience does not end with the seat – but increasingly begins with the head.

Mercedes entwickelt Kopfmassage in der Kopfstütze – neues Patent für mehr Komfort im Auto

Mercedes-Benz entwickelt laut Patent eine Kopf- und Nackenmassage in der Kopfstütze. Die Innovation könnte Fahrzeugkomfort und Wellness im Auto neu definieren.

mbpassion.de

 

[Merc1]

The march towards the W224 is starting and/or this will be in the E-Class EV next year.

M

 

[Rolf]

The march towards the W224 is starting and/or this will be in the E-Class EV next year.

M

I hope Mercedes go all out with new patents and luxury features that will make their debut on the new E-Class EV and W224 S-class.

It would be really cool if they have switches and ambient lighting built into the wood and aluminium trim panels. Most of all no piano black plastic lol.

 

[Pagani]

I don’t know if we want to hold our breath for the W224. Wasn’t it said that the W223 would get a second facelift in 2029? That supposedly would feature an electric version?

 

[Serpens]

I don’t know if we want to hold our breath for the W224. Wasn’t it said that the W223 would get a second facelift in 2029? That supposedly would feature an electric version?

The electric S-class is going to be a completely separate vehicle still riding under the S-class name. This time around it will be an S-class in every sense.

The next-gen S-class is real but is not a clean sheet design, meaning yes it will trace its origins to the MRA2 platform.

 

[leylandi]

 

[leylandi]

 

[Uygar]

Looking a bit funky.

 

[Merc1]

I really hope the VLE has been transitioned via engineering. It needs to go from merely being a van with some luxury touches to an actual luxury product.

M

 

[Uygar]

Sigh. I saw the “crossover and minivan styling” and exited immediately. A-Class is one of the best looking premium hatchbacks, shame that it’s gonna become something like that.

 

[Esp5]

Something similar to where the new Audi "A2" is headed; it seems they both saw something there.

 

[Uygar]

BMW better don’t go that route with the next generation 1-Series, if there will even be one.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

I mean a mini-minivan is exactly what the B-class was. So if they're making an EV B class, that is what it'll be.
And tbh, I really quite liked the B class. We had one. It was a really practical and comfortable car. Huge luggage space, and could comfortably fit 5 adults.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I really hope the VLE has been transitioned via engineering. It needs to go from merely being a van with some luxury touches to an actual luxury product.

M

There is little room for optimism when it comes to Mercedes and launching new luxury products.

 

[Merc1]

There is little room for optimism when it comes to Mercedes and launching new luxury products.

I think you’re severely jaded my friend.

M

 

[Rolf]

Its a pity the VLE will be another Mercedes with a light bar in between the 2 headlights but at least it has more rectangular shaped lights rather than the ugly amoeba lights on the CLA. I hope the grill will be bold and a massive classic chrome rimmed Mercedes grill with the 3 pointed star on the hood. This thing needs to stand out on the road looking like a boss Mercedes.

The interior and the driving behavior is what this car needs to excel in and be brilliant. Full on S-class style multi chamber Air Suspension as standard and multi reclining, multi adjustable, heavy padded and with pillowed headrests in the style of the S-class rear seats with a massive screen for the entertainment. The materials used on the dash and the rest of the cabin needs to be on an upper level and not far off that of the E class and S class.

It needs to be the S class or E class of people carriers and show the Chinese competition such as Zeekr and Lexus the way a people carrier should drive and be top notch luxury.