Latest news with #S-Class
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Mercedes Vision V is an ultra-luxury van for the well heeled
The next-generation V-Class will have a flagship chauffeur-driven VLS model that redefines luxurious people carriers, says Mercedes-Benz. The opulent four-seat grand limousine is essentially an S-Class van and is due to be launched in 2026. An electrically powered concept version called the Vision V has started a global tour after its world premiere at last month's Auto Shanghai show in China, with its first stopover in Dubai this week. Regular versions of the next V-Class will carry a VLE badge and carry up to eight people, acting as leisure vehicles for families or exclusive VIP shuttles. But the four-seater VLS will take it to the next level with top-shelf exclusivity and an unprecedented immersive, digital experience for one percenters. The Vision V concept car has a luxurious 'private lounge' rear cabin decked out like the first class section of an aircraft. The two-seater rear lounge has a huge 65' cinema screen that can be extended and retracted from the floor, operated via a touchpad in the centre console. The ultra-sized cinema screen with 4K resolution combines with a 42-speaker surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos along with seven projectors in the headliner and floor to transform the interior into a unique immersive space. Passengers can choose seven different worlds of experience: Entertainment; Relax; Gaming; Work; Shopping; Discovery; and Karaoke. An intelligent, switchable glass wall separates the private lounge from the driver's area. The glass can be changed from transparent to opaque, either completely or in sections. 'The Vision V is a luxurious and elegant chauffeur-driven limousine that allows one to pamper themselves in a whole new world of comfort,' says a Mercedes Vans spokesperson. 'Analogue craftsmanship merges with an immersive user experience to create a holistic experience with a cocooning effect.' Aided by illuminated and retractable running boards, passengers enter the luxurious rear sanctum through a large side door that automatically slides open. The rear seating area is exceptionally spacious, with décor that blends elegance with technology. Traditionally crafted materials blend with hyper-modern, tech-savvy design elements. Crystal white Nappa leather and shimmering white silk contrast with large decorative elements made of open-pore burr wood. Display cabinets are set into the dark wood trim along the side walls and ambient lighting creates an individualised and cosy living-room atmosphere. The centre console between the two individual seats is a display cabinet. It has a touchpad for operating the infotainment system as well as a fold-out table imprinted with a high-quality chessboard. The futuristically designed seats can recline into beds, and a fragrance dispenser is housed in an elegant, polished aluminium bottle behind the centre console. The Vision V's design features an illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet and chrome radiator grille with illuminated glass louvres. The headlights have the three-pointed Mercedes star. When the passengers approach the Vision V, they are greeted by a dynamic and artistic light show in all the louvres. The 24' wheels feature illuminated louvres and the large rear window is framed by a light band that serves as a tail light and brake light. It is not known which of these dazzling exterior features will make it into the production model. Mercedes hasn't provided details on powertrains and specifications, but petrol and electric options are expected to be carried over to the next generation.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Actress Kritika Kamra Buys Mercedes-Benz E-Class Worth Rs 79.50 Lakh
Actress Kritika Kamra, recognized for her work in movies, television, and web series, has brought home a brand-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The car is one of the luxury sedans sold in the Indian market and comes at a starting price of Rs 79.50 lakh (ex-showroom). With this price tag, it is the third most expensive sedan in the brand's lineup sold in the Indian market, trailing behind the S-Class and the EQS, excluding models with the Maybach or AMG treatment. The update was shared via social media with pictures of Kritika taking delivery of her new ride. There are other pictures as well, which show the actress' mother performing rituals that are done when something new is bought. These photos also reveal that Kamra has chosen the Obsidian Black colour of the sedan. Besides this, the car is also available in High Tech Silver, Polar White, Nautic Blue, and Graphite Grey colours. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes with three versions: E200, E 450 4MATIC, and E220d. Each variant with a different powertrain. The E 450 gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol that makes 381 hp and 500 Nm. The E200 houses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 204 hp, and the E220D gets a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 197 hp of power. All three engines are paired with a mated to a 9-speed torque converter automatic. It could not be verified which of these powertrains has been chosen by Kritika Kamra. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mercedes-Benz Auto Hangar India Pvt Ltd (@autohangar) The Mercedes-Benz E-Class comes packed with features like reclining up to 36 degrees for rear passengers, extendable thigh support, comfort neck pillows, sun blinds for the quarter glass, and electrically operated blinds. It also gets Mercedes' Superscreen layout, consisting of a 14.4-inch central screen and a 12.3-inch passenger screen along with a 12.3-inch instrument panel. Probably, the aforementioned features, along with German engineering, are the reason why the car is popular among celebrities. It finds a home in the garage of celebrities like Gauahar Khan, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Kusha Kapila, and others.
Daily Maverick
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Maverick
Sweeping vehicle recalls hit SA — from airbag ruptures to brake failures and battery fires
South African car owners are urged to check their vehicles after 7,000 recalls were announced by the National Consumer Commission this week. Seven brands are affected by the South African vehicle recalls, including Jeep, Chrysler, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW and Volvo. Issues range from rupturing airbags and battery fires to defective brakes and seatbelts. While recall notices are not unusual, these stand out for breadth and the continued fallout from the long-running Takata airbag scandal that has triggered more than 100 million global recalls since 2008. Based on publicly available sales data, the recalls could affect more than 7,000 vehicles on South African roads and are likely to be more due to incomplete reporting on premium brands such as Mercedes-Benz. What is being recalled, and how many cars this could affect in SA: Takata's legacy: Jeep and Chrysler Stellantis South Africa confirmed the recall of two models: Jeep Wrangler (2014-2016) Chrysler 300C (2014-2016) The problem? Defective front passenger airbags manufactured by the now-defunct Takata Corporation. The airbag inflator may rupture under normal deployment pressure, sending metal shrapnel through the cabin. The risk: 'serious injury or death', according to the supplier. Estimated SA sales Jeep Wrangler: about 1,800 units Chrysler 300C: about 1,500 units Consumers are advised to book an immediate replacement at any authorised dealership. While most affected models are nearly a decade old, many remain on the road, and the risk persists with every drive. Citroën's quiet danger Also linked to Takata inflators, the Citroën C4, DS4 and DS5 models (2009-2016) are being recalled. The rupture risk here applies to both driver and passenger airbags, with similarly catastrophic outcomes if the inflator bursts. Estimated SA sales About 1,500 units. The recall covers vehicles distributed over an eight-year period, long enough for second- or third-hand owners to be unaware they're driving a risky vehicle. Mercedes-Benz: brakes under pressure Mercedes-Benz South Africa is recalling: CLA (C118, 2020-2023) S-Class (W223, 2020-2023) The CLA's issue lies in the rear brake hose length. Improper fitting may cause contact, wear and eventually leakage. The flagship S-Class, meanwhile, may suffer front brake fluid leaks in hot or humid environments after prolonged use. No confirmed SA sales data is available. However, both models remain key parts of Mercedes' upper-segment offering and are likely to number in the thousands. Audi's EV fire hazard Audi SA has recalled 46 units of its high-performance electric sports car, the e-tron GT, covering vehicles produced from October 2021. The problem lies in high-voltage battery modules with 'technical irregularities' that may lead to overheating and, in the worst case, spontaneous fire. 'Acute fire hazard… severe or fatal injuries… significant property damage,' reads the formal recall language. It's an ominous signal for EV safety debates, especially as e-tron GTs retail north of R3-million. VW Polo Sedan: seatbelt shortcomings Volkswagen is recalling 905 Polo Sedans sold nationally from April 2025 onward. The rear seatbelt latch plates, it says, were 'produced with insufficient hardness'. In a collision or hard braking, they may fail to restrain occupants properly, increasing the risk of injury. In March 2025 alone, 423 Polo Sedans were sold, suggesting a fast-growing roll-out of potentially defective units. VW has urged owners to visit any authorised dealership to have the component inspected and replaced. Volvo XC90: battery overheating risks Volvo SA is recalling 27 units of its flagship XC90 (2020-2022), citing a fault that could cause the high-voltage battery to overheat when fully charged. In a worst-case scenario, this may lead to a 'thermal event' – industry-speak for internal battery fire. While the numbers are small, the reputational risk for premium EV brands such as Volvo remains significant, particularly in a competitive SUV segment. Safety in the shadow of legacy tech At the core of several of these recalls is the long tail of the Takata airbag crisis – an industrial failure that continues to endanger lives nearly two decades later. Despite global awareness campaigns, many drivers remain unaware that their vehicles even carry the risk. Newer vehicles are not immune. As EV adoption grows, high-voltage battery faults are fast becoming the next frontier of automotive safety risk, with thermal events now drawing as much concern as fuel tank ruptures once did. What to do if you're affected Visit the official National Consumer Commission (NCC) site or contact your vehicle manufacturer's website recall checker. Book your car into an authorised dealership immediately – repairs are free under consumer protection law. Don't wait for symptoms. Several of these faults present no visible warning before catastrophic failure. Sales figures were compiled using data from MarkLines, AutoTrader, and manufacturer disclosures. As the NCC tightens its consumer safety oversight, it's clear that whether your vehicle is 10 years old or 10 days old, recalls remain a serious, often silent, risk. In an age of AI-assisted vehicles and battery-powered drivetrains, it turns out that the smallest component – from a latch plate to a hose fitting – can be the most dangerous. DM
The South African
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
Six car brands recalled for safety flaws, including VW Polos
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has confirmed the recall of several car models in South Africa due to dangerous safety defects. Volkswagen Polo Sedans are among the affected vehicles. Stellantis South Africa is pulling Jeep Wrangler and Chrysler 300c models manufactured between 2014 and 2016 because of faulty Takata airbags. 'The passenger airbag inflator may rupture during normal airbag deployment events due to excessive internal pressure,' said Stellantis. In such cases, 'metal fragments could strike vehicle occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death.' Citroën models C4, DS4, and DS5 built from 2009 to 2016 face a similar risk. 'There is a potential for metal fragments to detach and strike occupants,' confirmed NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba. 'This could lead to severe injuries or fatalities.' Mercedes-Benz is recalling CLA and S-Class models over defective brake hoses. The CLA's rear axle hoses may wear down and leak, while S-Class vehicles produced from 2020 to 2023 may experience leaks in hot and humid conditions. The company warned that in both cases, braking performance is at risk. Audi South Africa has identified a major fire hazard in its high-voltage battery packs. Forty-six Audi e-tron GT units are being recalled due to 'irregularities in some cell modules,' which could cause overheating. 'The battery may overheat and pose an acute fire hazard,' the manufacturer warned. 'This could result in severe or fatal injuries and significant property damage.' Volvo has also joined the car recall list. Twenty-seven XC90 vehicles (model years 2020–2022) face overheating battery risks. According to Volvo, 'the risk, in worst-case scenarios, is a thermal event — essentially a fire hazard.' Volkswagen of South Africa has recalled 905 Polo Sedans sold from 2 April 2025 due to defective rear seatbelt latch plates. The company admitted, 'There may be a reduced protective effect during a crash, which increases the risk of injury for passengers.' Acting NCC Commissioner Thezi Mabuza urged affected drivers to act immediately. 'These defects are not minor — they present life-threatening risks. Consumer safety is non-negotiable,' she said. All repairs or part replacements will be done free of charge. 'This is a clear reminder of why product recalls matter,' added Mabuza. 'The cost of ignoring them could be far greater than just a trip to the dealership.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Did you buy a VW Polo in 2025? It's among six car brands recalled over safety defects
The cars being recalled are Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300c, Citroen C4, DS4, and DS5 models, Mercedes-Benz CLA, S-Class, Audi, VW Polo Sedan and Volvo XC90 The cars being recalled are Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300c, Citroen C4, DS4, and DS5 models, Mercedes-Benz CLA, S-Class, Audi, VW Polo Sedan and Volvo XC90. Pictures: iStock Different suppliers in South Africa have notified the National Consumer Commission of seven car brands that they are recalling because of various faults on them. The cars being recalled are Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300c, Citroen C4, DS4, and DS5 models, Mercedes-Benz CLA (118), S-Class (model series 223), Audi, VW Polo Sedan and Volvo XC90. The faults in the car can cause severe injuries. Therefore, consumers are required to visit their nearest authorised dealership to have them checked out. ALSO READ: Tribunal fines car repairer R100 000 for being 'dishonest and contemptuous' Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Chrysler 300c NCC said Stellantis South Africa, a subsidiary of the global automaker Stellantis is recalling the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Chrysler 300c models due to a defect in the Takata airbag. 'According to the supplier, the passenger airbag inflator may rupture, due to excessive internal pressure, during normal airbag deployment events. 'In the event of an inflator rupture, metal fragments could strike the vehicle occupants, which may result in serious injury or death.' The cars the supplier is recalling were sold from 2014 to 2016. Those who have purchased the cars are requested to visit the nearest authorised dealership for a repair or replacement of the airbag. Citroen C4, DS4 and DS5 Stellantis South Africa is also recalling the Citroen C4, DS4 and DS5 models sold from 2009 to 2016. The issue with these cars is that the driver's and passenger's airbag inflators may rupture during the airbag deployment phase. 'The potentially high energetic deployment of the inflator may lead to metal fragments detaching from the bursting inflator, and these parts could fly in the direction of the driver or occupants in the vehicle, capable of causing serious injury or possibly death in a worst-case scenario.' Mercedes-Benz CLA and S-Class Another supplier recalling cars is Mercedes-Benz AG South Africa. NCC said the models that are being recalled are the CLA (118 platforms) and the S-Class (model series 223). The supplier told NCC that 'the length of the brake hoses on the rear axle might not have met the specifications.' The brake hoses of the rear axle might come into contact with surrounding components, chafe over time, and subsequently cause brake fluid to leak. 'According to the supplier, this will result in reduced braking performance in one of the two brake circuits, thereby increasing the risk of an accident due to brake fluid loss.' The supplier said the brake hose issue in the CLA models is the same issue as the one with the S-Class models. 'The brake hoses may gradually start to leak in hot and moist areas after an extended operating period.' As a result, the brake fluid could leak out, impairing brake power in one of the two brake circuits, increasing the risk of an accident. The models with this issue were produced between 2020 and 2023. ALSO READ: Product recall: Toys from Takealot, Toys R Us and e-bike batteries pulled over choking, fire hazards Audi E-Tron GT Audi South Africa is recalling Audi E-Tron GT produced on and after 27 October 2021 due to a high-voltage battery. 'This is caused by some individual cell modules of the high-voltage battery that may display technical irregularities. 'The high-voltage battery may overheat, resulting in an acute fire hazard, with the associated risk of severe fatal injuries to people inside and or outside the vehicle, as well as significant property damage,' according to the supplier. Audi told NCC that 46 affected cars were sold nationally. Those who bought the cars after 27 October 2021 are required to visit any Audi SA-approved Dealer for checking and, if necessary, module replacement. VW Polo Sedan Volkswagen of South Africa is recalling VW Polo Sedan sold nationally from 2 April 2025 onwards. VW told NCC that the latch plates for the rear seat belt were produced with insufficient hardness. Therefore, in the event of powerful deceleration (accident or hard braking), 'there may be a reduced retention or protective effect and related increased risk of injury.' There are 905 Polos with this issue. Those who purchased the car during the period must contact an approved Volkswagen dealer for a check and, if necessary, replacement of the affected components. Volvo XC90 The seventh car brand to be recalled is Volvo. Volvo Car South Africa is recalling the XC90 model produced between 2020 and 2022. Volvo told the NCC that there is a potential issue with the high-voltage battery. 'According to the supplier, the issue may cause overheating of the battery cells when the battery is fully charged. In a worst-case scenario, this overheating in the high-voltage battery could lead to a thermal event.' There are 27 affected XC90 cars. Therefore, it is recommended that consumers visit their nearest authorised agents or dealerships for inspection and, as necessary, replacement of defective components. NOW READ: Did you buy a Mercedes-Benz GLE? The supplier wants them back
