Latest news with #MarkusSchäfer
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Mercedes-Benz changes its mind again: A-Class staying until 2028
Reported back in March as being discontinued next year, a new claim from Germany is that Mercedes-Benz has extended the lifecycle of the current A-Class by another two years to 2028. Change of plan First announced in 2022 as being on the chopping block, the current W177 A-Class, which received its one and only update two years ago, will become the longest-lasting generation yet, based on the latest claims. Supposedly part of Benz's range reduction strategy announced two years ago, in which it aimed to lower complexity by cutting its product portfolio from 33 to 14 models, the A-Class will now seemingly live on alongside the new CLA until before the end of the decade. 'It's not our goal to be a competitor of the volume producers. That's not what the Mercedes-Benz brand stands for. So stay tuned as far as our product portfolio is concerned,' Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius told Britain's Autocar in 2022 about the same time as the A-Class' pending demise. In a related statement, Mercedes-Benz's chief technology officer Markus Schäfer told Italy's quattoruote: 'We need models that work all over the world, including China and the USA. I know that the hatchback is the favourite in Europe, but it was not part of the plans and we had to make choices, even difficult ones.' Why the U-turn? Largely believed to be replaced by the incoming junior G-Class, called g-Class that will also succeed the B-Class, GLA and GLB, Mercedes-Benz production head Jorg Burzer hinted that ongoing demand had been the reason for the decision to continue with A-Class production for the additional two years. This is according to Automotive News Europe's German outlet, Automobilwoche, in which the executive also confirmed the end of the B-Class by next year as still being on the cards. As such, production will move from Germany to Hungary for the A-Class' final two years, hinting that another series of updates could soon be applied on top of those rolled-out two years ago. Recap Locally, the A-Class range spans six models, two hatches and four sedans, priced from R813 124 for the A200 Progressive, to R991 046 for the A200d AMG Line Sedan. In addition, the current AMG based models including three derivatives range from R1 173 973 for the A35 Sedan, to R1 457 119 for the A45 S hatch. This article first appeared in The Citizen. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Mercedes-Benz changes its mind again: A-Class staying till 2028
Three-pointed star's entry-level model will continue in production two years longer than initially planned reportedly as a result of ongoing demand. Mercedes-Benz A-Class has had its its lifecycle prolonged by another two years. Image: Mercedes-Benz Reported back in March as being discontinued next year, a new claim from Germany has alleged that Mercedes-Benz has extended the lifecycle of the current A-Class by another two years to 2028. Change of plan First announced in 2022 as being on the chopping block, the current W177 A-Class, which received its one and only update two years ago, will become the longest lasting generation yet based on the latest claims. Supposedly part of Benz's range reduction strategy announced two years ago, in which it aimed to reduce complexity by cutting its product portfolio from 33 to 14 models, the A-Class will now seemingly live on alongside the new CLA till before the end of the decade. ALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz makes it official: Current A-Class will be the last 'It's not our goal to be a competitor of the volume producers. That's not what the Mercedes-Benz brand stands for. So stay tuned as far as our product portfolio is concerned,' Mercedes-Benz CEO, Ola Källenius, told Britain's Autocar in 2022 about the time as the A-Class' pending demise. In a related statement, Mercedes-Benz's Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer, told Italy's quattoruote, 'we need models that work all over the world, including China and the USA. I know that the hatchback is the favourite in Europe, but it was not part of the plans and we had to make choices, even difficult ones'. Why the U-turn? Largely believed to be replaced by the incoming junior G-Class, called g-Class that will also succeed the B-Class, GLA and GLB, Mercedes-Benz Production Head, Jorg Burzer, hinted that ongoing demand had been the reason for the decision to continue with A-Class production for the additional two years. Current B-Class will still be discontinued next year. Image: Mercedes-Benz This, according to Automotive News Europe's German outlet, Automobilwoche, in which the executive also confirmed the end of the B-Class by next year as still being on the cards. As such, production will move from Germany to Hungary for the A-Class' final two years, hinting that another series of updates could soon be applied on top of those rolled-out two years ago. Recap Locally, the A-Class range spans six models, two hatches and four sedans, priced from R813 124 for the A200 Progressive, to R991 046 for the A200d AMG Line Sedan. In addition, the current AMG based models including an three derivatives from R1 173 973 for the A35 Sedan, to R1 457 119 for the A45 S hatch. ALSO READ: Not so fast: Mercedes-Benz A-Class renewed until 2026
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Bangkok Post
THE MOST POWERFUL AMG YET
Mercedes-AMG has previewed its future electric flagship with the Concept GT XX, a 1,341bhp technical tour de force showcasing a radical design, an advanced new technical layout and a motorsport-inspired cockpit. This fully operational four‑door machine features a new 1,341bhp tri‑motor electric drivetrain and an oil‑cooled 114kWh cell‑to‑pack battery capable of charging at up to with the Mercedes‑Benz Vision EQXX, the precursor to the third‑generation CLA that was unveiled in 2022, the GT XX serves as a technology demonstrator for what will become the heavily anticipated successor to the GT 4‑Door Coupé and the most powerful AMG yet. Given its billing, AMG plans to undertake various record attempts with the prototype ahead of a planned launch next year. Mercedes' chief technical officer, Markus Schäfer, said the upcoming production model will target a 0–100kph time of less than 2.5sec and a potential top speed of 358kph. "With the EQXX, we pushed limits on efficiency, range and charging -- and it led directly to the new CLA," added Schäfer. "With the GT XX, the aim is to do the same on the performance side: test the edge, then bring that innovation into production." DESIGN The GT XX is the first model built on the new electric car platform. Its battery pack is integrated into the chassis to boost torsional rigidity and crash protection. The body is constructed from a mix of aluminium, steel and carbon fibre composites. It also introduces a completely new look for AMG. While at first previewing the upcoming successor to the GT 4‑Door Coupé, it also shows what is to come in the performance arm's electric future. It includes elements first seen on the Vision AMG of 2022, such as the long bonnet, cab‑back profile and tapering rear end. "Some might see it as a sports car, others as a grand tourer," said Schäfer. "It merges both worlds. But the most important thing is it must evoke desire." Its most striking design element can be found up front, where AMG's Panamericana grille has been reshaped into a more concave, oval form with 10 vertical strakes. This is flanked by recessed headlights and a deep splitter. Elsewhere, the bonnet features functional vents to extract heat, the windscreen is steeply raked for improved aerodynamics and the roof receives a defined central channel. Along the flanks, frameless doors with flush handles and compact aero mirrors reduce drag, while the side sills are sculpted for airflow management. At the back, notably, the concept is missing a rear window. Below, six small round tail‑lights are joined by a 730‑LED light panel that can display an array of messages. An airbrake spoiler deploys under heavy braking or at high speed, working in tandem with a large carbon fibre diffuser. Aerodynamic efficiency extends to the 21in alloys, which feature active blade sections -- five per wheel -- that open to aid brake cooling and close at speed to reduce drag. All of this combines for a drag coefficient of 0.19, which, if carried over, would make the production model one of the slipperiest cars on sale. The 0.19 figure is not as low as the EQXX's record‑breaking 0.17, but Schäfer said the brief for the GT XX was to give precedence to downforce and cooling over outright drag reduction. To compensate, a complex underfloor aerodynamic package is designed to generate a venturi effect, contributing to what AMG describes as "exceptional aerodynamic balance". At 5,204mm long, 2,130mm wide and 1,317mm tall, the GT XX is 150mm longer, 61mm wider and 130mm lower than the current, V8-engined GT 4‑Door Coupé launched in 2018. These dimensions are expected to carry over into the production car, which will be built at Mercedes‑Benz's Sindelfingen manufacturing facility in Germany. By way of comparison, the Porsche Taycan is 4,963mm long, 2,144mm wide and 1,379mm tall. The vivid Sunset Beam orange paint is a nod to past Mercedes research prototypes and concepts including 1970's C111 and the more recent One‑Eleven. The heart of the GT XX is its tri‑motor drivetrain: two axial‑flux motors at the rear, with a third up front that can decouple under light loads to reduce mechanical drag. Combined output is 1,341bhp, which is sent to all four wheels via a fully variable 4Matic+ system. These motors, created by Mercedes-owned UK manufacturer Yasa, which also supplies Ferrari and Lamborghini, will be used by all electric AMGs and the most powerful Mercedes-Benz models. Electricity is drawn from the 114kWh oil‑cooled cylindrical‑cell battery, which has been developed in partnership with AMG's Formula 1 powertrain division in Brixworth, Northamptonshire. According to AMG, oil immersion offers greater surface area and more efficient heat transfer under sustained load than conventional liquid cooling. Operating at "more than" 800V, the battery theoretically supports DC charging at up to 850kW, although no public chargers currently offer such capacity. AMG has not yet quoted a WLTP range, but it says the GT XX can recover around 400km of range in five minutes. "Three years ago, 300kW charging on the road was unthinkable," said Schäfer. "Now it's reality. We're already seeing 480kW stations in China. 1000kW parks will come." The GT XX uses a double‑wishbone front and multi‑link rear suspension set‑up, combined with adaptive air springs. It also features the active roll control and rear‑wheel steering systems set to be adopted by its production sibling. AMG claims a 50:50 weight distribution. SOUNDTRACK AMG says it has gone to great lengths to retain the emotional appeal that remains a draw of today's V8-powered models. For example, an eight‑speaker exterior sound system -- mounted in the headlight housings -- mimics acceleration sounds. "AMG is about more than just performance," said Schäfer. "It's about emotion -- how a car sounds. We believe an electric AMG can still deliver that experience." Inside, the cabin mixes luxury saloon cues with GT3 race car elements. Dual digital displays (10.25in and 14in) dominate the dash, while the steering wheel is inspired by the AMG One. Illuminated orange piping echoes the car's high‑voltage cabling, and seats feature 3D‑printed ergonomic inserts. Swathes of experimental materials adorn the interior, with biotech leather alternatives made from recycled GT3 tyres, protein‑derived bio‑silk door pulls and a visible-from-the-inside carbon fibre roof with no headliner. Even the floor uses recycled material, here printed in a chequered‑flag pattern. The GT XX's production model will be joined by a closely related SUV, scheduled for UK launch in 2027 and conceived to take on the upcoming electric Porsche Cayenne. Nevertheless, its unveiling comes as several performance car makers scale back their electric model plans. Ferrari has reportedly delayed its second electric model until at least 2028 due to weaker than expected orders, although it still plans to unveil its first purely electric model in October. Lamborghini, Porsche and Maserati have also postponed or cancelled forthcoming electric models. Autocar
Auto Blog
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
How Mercedes-AMG Will Bring Classic V8 Feel To EVs
AMG will take a page out of Hyundai N's book Despite electric vehicles breaking all kinds of speed records, they've generally failed to match the driving engagement of their gas-powered counterparts. Mercedes-AMG realizes this, and will be taking quite extreme measures to engineer a more engaging emotional character into future performance EVs. That's what Mercedes Group tech chief Markus Schäfer told Autocar at the launch of the stunning new AMG Concept GT XX, and the production version of this car could be the first recipient of these new technologies, but what are they? 0:09 / 0:09 When will Toyota build an EV with its simulated manual transmission? Watch More Simulated Gearchanges And V8 Vibrations On The Way Source: Mercedes-Benz We've seen simulated gearchanges before: Hyundai's N e-Shift system in the Ioniq 5 N successfully mirrors the shifting feel of a conventional dual-clutch transmission. And, while the tech initially sounded gimmicky, most of us who have driven the Ioniq 5 N deem the e-Shift system to be genuinely fun. Mercedes-AMG will look to implement a similar system. 'How does the car feel in terms of noise, in terms of sound level, in terms of the vibration, in terms of the gearshift? It has to touch the emotional side of you,' said Schäfer. 'And if it doesn't, it doesn't do the job. This is what AMG cars do, and that's exactly what we transferred piece by piece into this AMG GT XX.' Besides these simulated shifts, speakers in the headlights of the GT XX will mimic the sound of an AMG V8, and Mercedes-AMG published a video of the car that confirms the use of simulated shifts. Quite how the AMG team will simulate the vibrations of an ICE car remains to be seen. 'The AMG is also an emotional experience from an acoustic standpoint, from noise and vibration harshness, and that's exactly what you should expect in this car as well,' said Schäfer of the GT XX. 'You can expect everything that you have today in the V8, V12 race-oriented AMGs [in this car].' 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. AMG Should Be Wary Of Prioritizing Tech Over Engagement 2025 Mercedes-AMG C63 — Source: Mercedes-AMG In the current C63, GLC 63, and SL 43, Mercedes-AMG turned to four-cylinder hybrid power instead of the six- or eight-cylinder mills one would expect to find in these cars. All are quick and technically advanced, but they lack the exciting engine note and immersive building of power in the engines that came before. Such has been the icy reception to this four-pot, that AMG is already working on a plan to replace it. The performance division must now apply these learnings to its next generation of EVs. It's obvious that most enthusiasts are not blown away by high-tech features unless they enrich the driving experience. Hyundai has shown us this can be done in the Ioniq 5 N, but that's also a younger performance sub-brand that doesn't have the weight of expectation and history behind it that AMG does. Still, we're glad to hear that Mercedes-AMG is focusing on the driving experience, not just straight-line speed and outrageous outputs. It was this same switch in strategy that turned AMG into a true BMW M rival in the 2000s and 2010s. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
How Mercedes-AMG Will Bring Classic V8 Feel To EVs
Despite electric vehicles breaking all kinds of speed records, they've generally failed to match the driving engagement of their gas-powered counterparts. Mercedes-AMG realizes this, and will be taking quite extreme measures to engineer a more engaging emotional character into future performance EVs. That's what Mercedes Group tech chief Markus Schäfer told Autocar at the launch of the stunning new AMG Concept GT XX, and the production version of this car could be the first recipient of these new technologies, but what are they? We've seen simulated gearchanges before: Hyundai's N e-Shift system in the Ioniq 5 N successfully mirrors the shifting feel of a conventional dual-clutch transmission. And, while the tech initially sounded gimmicky, most of us who have driven the Ioniq 5 N deem the e-Shift system to be genuinely fun. Mercedes-AMG will look to implement a similar system. "How does the car feel in terms of noise, in terms of sound level, in terms of the vibration, in terms of the gearshift? It has to touch the emotional side of you," said Schäfer. "And if it doesn't, it doesn't do the job. This is what AMG cars do, and that's exactly what we transferred piece by piece into this AMG GT XX." Related: Five Crazy Features of the Concept AMG GT XX We Hope Make It To Production Besides these simulated shifts, speakers in the headlights of the GT XX will mimic the sound of an AMG V8, and Mercedes-AMG published a video of the car that confirms the use of simulated shifts. Quite how the AMG team will simulate the vibrations of an ICE car remains to be seen. "The AMG is also an emotional experience from an acoustic standpoint, from noise and vibration harshness, and that's exactly what you should expect in this car as well," said Schäfer of the GT XX. "You can expect everything that you have today in the V8, V12 race-oriented AMGs [in this car]." In the current C63, GLC 63, and SL 43, Mercedes-AMG turned to four-cylinder hybrid power instead of the six- or eight-cylinder mills one would expect to find in these cars. All are quick and technically advanced, but they lack the exciting engine note and immersive building of power in the engines that came before. Such has been the icy reception to this four-pot, that AMG is already working on a plan to replace it. The performance division must now apply these learnings to its next generation of EVs. It's obvious that most enthusiasts are not blown away by high-tech features unless they enrich the driving experience. Hyundai has shown us this can be done in the Ioniq 5 N, but that's also a younger performance sub-brand that doesn't have the weight of expectation and history behind it that AMG does. Still, we're glad to hear that Mercedes-AMG is focusing on the driving experience, not just straight-line speed and outrageous outputs. It was this same switch in strategy that turned AMG into a true BMW M rival in the 2000s and 2010s. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
