Latest news with #AMG
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe Review: Where luxury meets everyday thrill
The SUV has become the preferred mode of transportation for many, thanks to its elevated driving position, generous space, and the enticing variety of options on offer — from traditional boxy off-roaders to economical city crossovers and sleek, speedy coupe SUVs. One such example is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, which we recently drove to the limit. Here's our take on the highs, lows, and everything in between of this baby AMG! DESIGN & AESTHETICS The GLC has always been a fine-looking compact SUV, with an aesthetic that may not leave one in rapture but is agreeable to most eyes. This 2nd gen sports a more car-like face with a broader chrome-slatted AMG-specific grille and slimmer LED lights with an incredible 650-metre high beam. The wider wheel arches house the beautiful rally car-style 21-inch multi-spoke black alloy wheels, while the revised rear end features a light bar spanning the width, similar to the new Q5. There's also a lip spoiler and round quad exhaust tips to get motorheads enthused. Despite the abundance of details, it has a cohesive design that exudes the luxury and raciness associated with the coveted AMG badge that many may want parked in their driveway. The side step looks great but is unnecessary, given how relatively low this SUV is. However, the large projected 3-pointed star emblems via the puddle lamps are a nice touch. The interior is a beautiful space to reside in, no matter how long the journey. It's part cockpit, part luxury sedan, and clearly the product of a genuinely creative designer. The highlight is the beautiful, atypical 5-spoke steering wheel with soft leather wrappings and touch controls that actually work. The high-quality plastics, combined with generous servings of carbon fibre and oblong-shaped vents — which are beautifully lit by 64-colour ambient lighting — add richness to the cabin. For the tech-savvy and always-connected folks, there's a 12.3-inch animated, colourful, customisable digital instrument cluster and a large 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment screen, positioned like a slanting iPad on the waterfall centre console. But at this price, they could have offered the Superscreen and soft-closing doors. The leather-and-Alcantara upholstered sport seats up front are truly comfy, while providing the necessary lateral support, and the rear cabin has space for three average adults too. POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE The words A M G evoke memories of thunderous V8s, but the GLC 43 AMG marks a clear divergence. It neither has a V8 nor the predecessor's twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 but a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motor that costs north of Dh400k. This news isn't for the faint-hearted. But wait, there is good news! It has a 48V mild hybrid system that powers an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, helping it produce an outrageous 421 PS and 500 Nm — arguably the most for a production 4-cylinder. It's also paired with a front motor adding 14 PS and 150 Nm. Importantly, it also carries AMG's 'One Man, One Engine' signature plaque. And it drives with real zest. The motor burbles on start-up and as you floor the throttle, it amplifies to a raspy exhaust note, launching you to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds (with Race Start). You can also row your own gears via the 9-speed transmission paddle shifters. And with a playful chassis, it moves like a hot hatch in traffic and around curves. Credit goes to rear-axle steering, all-wheel drive system, and the grip from wide 265-section front and 295-section rear tyres. It does offer an Off-Road mode, but the low-profile tyres and minimal suspension travel mean that it's not an invitation to venture off-road. Furthermore, the suspension delivers a firm ride, but it's never crashy. However, the steering could be a touch lighter in Comfort mode, and the brake pedal, which works the large cross-drilled discs, is very touchy. Indicated fuel consumption was a respectable 12 L/100 km, and since this is a mild hybrid, there's no EV mode. FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY The boot is a good size, with netted and elastic pockets to keep objects in place. Under the floor is a space-saving spare and extra room for knick-knacks. And keeping occupants happy is a powerful 4-zone climate control system with very adjustable air vents. I love the 3D Burmester Surround Sound — the metallic speakers add a premium vibe, and the audio quality is superb. Phone pairing via Bluetooth is quick, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay working seamlessly. Wireless charging is also included, though hidden in the lower centre console where the USB-C ports are. Also, the infotainment screen isn't the quickest, but the user-friendly and colourful design make up for it. Other highlights include a fingerprint scanner that stores your favourite settings, a voice control system activated by 'Hey Mercedes' for infotainment functions, and an accompanying app that lets you start/stop the vehicle, locate it when parked, etc. For safety, you also get Active Parking Assist, a high-resolution 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-centering feature — all very useful in everyday driving. VERDICT For the love of luxury, exclusivity, and speed, Mercedes has crafted a chic compact SUV for the corporate aristocrats. It looks at home at high-profile events and has an interior that makes one feel comfortable, connected, and special. It also has a playful chassis and a raspy exhaust that thrills every time you dip the throttle. However, it stings that a fully kitted-out version nears Dh500k—without the full-fat AMG attributes and a few expected luxuries.
Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Let's do a reign check
The silent, dignified arrival of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been a hallmark of understated luxury. It's a vehicle synonymous with serenity, where the cacophony of the outside world is shut out and passengers are cosseted in comfort. Then, there's the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E-Performance. This isn't merely an S-Class; it's what happens when the engineers of Mercedes's performance division, AMG, are given free rein to infuse a flagship sedan with supercar DNA. Bearing the '63' badge, highlighted in red, is a signal that this 802hp limousine has shed its regal composure for something far more assertive, turning the traditionally rear-seat focused S-Class experience squarely onto the driver. At its core, the S 63 E-Performance is a plug-in hybrid system taken to an extreme. The familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, formidable with its 612hp and 900Nm, is augmented by a rear-axle-mounted electric motor and a 13kWh battery, contributing an additional 190hp and 320Nm. The combined output is a staggering 802hp and a monumental 1,430Nm of torque. Unleashing this power is almost surreal. Despite its considerable 2.5-tonne mass, the sensation under full acceleration is less about forward motion, and more akin to the vehicle warping the very asphalt beneath its tires. The 0-100kph sprint is dispatched in a mere 3.4 seconds, an astonishing feat for a car of this size and stature. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph but with the optional Driver's Pack, you can hit 290kph. Managing this colossal output involves a sophisticated dual-transmission setup: A Speedshift 9-speed MCT for the V8 and a separate 2-speed unit for the electric motor. An AMG S-Class inherently grapples with two contrasting ideologies: Sportscar handling versus limousine comfort. The S 63 E-Performance leans decidedly towards the former. While it features adaptive air suspension, the ride is firm. When faced with a challenging road, however, the AMG pedigree shines through. The 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, complemented by 3-degree rear-wheel steering, endows this long-wheelbase sedan with surprising agility. It turns in keenly and maintains impressive stability through sweeping bends. Yet, in tighter, more technical sections, the laws of physics and its 2.5-tonne mass ultimately assert themselves, limiting how much the handling tech can truly do. Ground clearance, too, demands vigilance over significant speedbumps, even with the air suspension's raise function. Visually, the S 63 signals its intent with clarity. The distinctive Panamericana grille, aggressive bumper designs with large air dams, and the AMG logo replacing the traditional Mercedes-Benz star all contribute to a more muscular aesthetic. Inside, carbon fibre, interwoven with a red thread, adorns the dashboard. The digital instrument cluster offers racier themes, while the central 12.8-inch touchscreen serves as the highly responsive control hub for every facet of the car. Despite its driver-centric focus, the rear cabin remains a thoroughly luxurious space, offering ample legroom, massage functions, and independent entertainment screens. Priced from ₹3.3 crore, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E-Performance occupies a curious niche. It possesses supercar-levels of power and combines it with the undeniable luxury of an S-Class. The S 63, then, is for the individual who demands both extremes – the ultimate in executive transport capabilities and the ability to rip through the fabric of time. It's a statement, an indulgence, and ultimately, a purchase driven not by logic, but by the sheer joy it provides. From HT Brunch, June 21, 2025 Follow us on
Auto Blog
a day ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
This Is What Mercedes Thinks An Electric AMG Should Sound Like
The First Audio Of AMG's EV Mercedes, like other German manufacturers, can sometimes fall victim to a sort of tunnel vision, creating numerous cars that serve the same purpose. But over the last few years, it's been refining its range, and as part of that, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door will soon be culled to make way for an all-electric super sedan. That upcoming super sedan will be a standalone AMG product, and according to a new teaser clip shared by the automaker on Instagram, it will sound not dissimilar to existing AMGs. Indeed, the audio below seems to take plenty of inspiration from cars with internal combustion engines, but its sonic signature is not the only place we can draw parallels with the current Mercedes offering. Will Have Two Offerings Oops! We're unable to load this content right now. View directly on Instagram The new electric architecture will underpin two vehicles – the sedan you see here and, of course, an SUV. These underpinnings are expected to feature next-generation axial flux motors from subsidiary YASA Motors, a technology that BMW is also exploring. As for output, we expect close to a thousand horsepower in the car (if not more, depending on how many motors the EV gets). The current AMG GT 63 S E Performance range-topper only offers 831 hp, but as a hybrid and not an all-electric vehicle, it doesn't need more because it doesn't have loads of weight to lug around. That being said, this new EV will have smaller and lighter batteries than the current crop of Mercedes EQ models. Drawing From The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N When the Ioniq 5 N arrived, many doubted whether Hyundai's all-electric performance crossover could be genuinely engaging to drive, but in the years since, numerous evangelists of combustion have conceded that a simulated engine sound and a system that closely mimics a traditional gearbox's responses can convert the non-believers. However, as the comments section of the post shows, many more refuse to even entertain the idea that an EV could be fun, so Mercedes will have to work twice as hard to prove that this is still an AMG at heart, even if it looks half as sleek as the Vision EQXX concept it draws inspiration from. Its first target will be the astonishingly good Porsche Taycan, and with such a high bar, we expect all the high-tech tricks in the book: active battery management, a highly advanced traction control system, and some adaptive aerodynamic elements. We'll know more before the end of the month, as AMG has previously confirmed a reveal for June. Oops! We're unable to load this content right now. View directly on Instagram About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
This Is What Mercedes Thinks An Electric AMG Should Sound Like
Mercedes, like other German manufacturers, can sometimes fall victim to a sort of tunnel vision, creating numerous cars that serve the same purpose. But over the last few years, it's been refining its range, and as part of that, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door will soon be culled to make way for an all-electric super sedan. That upcoming super sedan will be a standalone AMG product, and according to a new teaser clip shared by the automaker on Instagram, it will sound not dissimilar to existing AMGs. Indeed, the audio below seems to take plenty of inspiration from cars with internal combustion engines, but its sonic signature is not the only place we can draw parallels with the current Mercedes offering. The new electric architecture will underpin two vehicles - the sedan you see here and, of course, an SUV. These underpinnings are expected to feature next-generation axial flux motors from subsidiary YASA Motors, a technology that BMW is also exploring. As for output, we expect close to a thousand horsepower in the car (if not more, depending on how many motors the EV gets). The current AMG GT 63 S E Performance range-topper only offers 831 hp, but as a hybrid and not an all-electric vehicle, it doesn't need more because it doesn't have loads of weight to lug around. That being said, this new EV will have smaller and lighter batteries than the current crop of Mercedes EQ models. When the Ioniq 5 N arrived, many doubted whether Hyundai's all-electric performance crossover could be genuinely engaging to drive, but in the years since, numerous evangelists of combustion have conceded that a simulated engine sound and a system that closely mimics a traditional gearbox's responses can convert the non-believers. However, as the comments section of the post shows, many more refuse to even entertain the idea that an EV could be fun, so Mercedes will have to work twice as hard to prove that this is still an AMG at heart, even if it looks half as sleek as the Vision EQXX concept it draws inspiration from. Its first target will be the astonishingly good Porsche Taycan, and with such a high bar, we expect all the high-tech tricks in the book: active battery management, a highly advanced traction control system, and some adaptive aerodynamic elements. We'll know more before the end of the month, as AMG has previously confirmed a reveal for June. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The Drive
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
This Is How Mercedes Thinks an AMG EV Should Sound
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Mercedes just dropped a teaser for a new all-electric AMG model. This brief video clip not only gives us our first look at what AMG has planned for its new, all-electric platform, but our first listen . Seriously. And if you're confused by the uninterrupted squeal of tire noise, hang in there for the twist. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mercedes-AMG (@mercedesamg) There's admittedly not much to see on this still-camouflaged prototype (and if it's pure CGI, it's a convincing effort), but its basic form is recognizable. The teaser itself openly acknowledges that this is on the company's new electric architecture, which would narrow it down to one of the two models expected to ride on sedan and an SUV. We can pretty safely rule out the latter here. We also believe this new platform will take advantage of Benz's latest powertrain tech, including more compact batteries and axial flux motors. As for the sound? Hmm. Where to start… The 'engine' note itself is perfectly pleasant, but there's more going on here than just noise—there are audible 'shifts' being simulated here. Sure, there are EVs out there with multi-speed gearboxes, but even those function more like old-school overdrive features than the many-geared automatics found in modern gasoline cars and trucks. What we're seeing here is more akin to what you'll find in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, where it's included as a driver engagement feature—and a surprisingly fun one, at that. But there's still one lingering question: is this going to be an 'exhaust' sound, or merely something piped into the cabin. The clicks audible with each shift sound an awful lot like paddle shifters to us, and why would you need to hear that from the outside? Given the mixed reception to EVs making uncharacteristic noises, Mercedes could be taking a conservative approach. While this would be at the precise opposite end of the spectrum from Tesla's Boombox and the inevitable Terrance & Phillip sideshow that followed, it may simply be too much fakery to woo whatever sliver of the car buying public an EV would appeal to if it simply sounded like it had a V8. In any event, we shouldn't have to wait too long to find out. This is meaty as teasers go, so we expect an official unveiling in the not-too-distant future. Got tips? Send 'em our way at tips@
