Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX demonstrates its world-beating efficiency

Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX demonstrates its world-beating efficiency in real world driving – over 1,000 km on one battery charge and average consumption of 8.7 kWh/100 km

Successful first road trip takes electric vehicle efficiency to a new level.

The VISION EQXX from Mercedes-Benz has now taken to the roads of Europe and has demonstrated its outstanding range and efficiency. Traveling from Sindelfingen across the Swiss Alps and Northern Italy, to its destination of Cassis on the Côte d’Azur, it effortlessly covered more than 1,000 km in everyday traffic, on a single battery charge. The journey started in cold and rainy conditions, and was undertaken at regular road speeds, including prolonged fast-lane cruising at up to 140 km/h on the German autobahn and near the speed limit elsewhere. The battery’s state of charge on arrival was around 15 percent, amounting to a remaining range of around 140 kilometers, and the average consumption was a record-breaking low of 8.7 kWh per 100 kilometers.

The VISION EQXX has thus taken electric vehicle efficiency to a whole new level – in real-life conditions and with independent proof. The long-distance drive was completed with the charging socket sealed and accompanied by an independent expert from certification body TÜV Süd. This officially confirms the effectiveness of the new Mercedes-Benz development approach – thinking holistically about efficiency from the drivetrain to aerodynamics and beyond, down to the tiniest detail, as well as working with even greater inter-functional collaboration and with external partners. This new blueprint for automotive engineering has delivered a new benchmark for electric vehicle efficiency and range, and the technology in the VISION EQXX will be deployed in upcoming series-production Mercedes vehicles.

“We did it! Powering through more than 1,000 kilometers with ease on a single battery charge and a consumption of only 8.7 kWh/100 km in real-world traffic conditions. The VISION EQXX is the most efficient Mercedes ever built. The technology program behind it marks a milestone in the development of electric vehicles. It underpins our strategic aim to ‘Lead in Electric’,” says Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

Ready for the longest road trip since the invention of electric mobility

There’s a reason why road trips have been a cultural touchstone for decades, telling stories from the highway in books, movies and music. The road trip defines freedom, individuality, the very spirit of the automobile and the passing world. Stick a pin in the map – and drive.

The journey to electric mobility is also a road trip; as exhilarating as it is challenging, as unknown as it is certain. For Mercedes-Benz, it is a journey with a clear goal – maximum efficiency through innovation. The VISION EQXX is the product of a holistic approach with innovations in all technical areas that have an impact on energy consumption. “With our successful road trip to the South of France, we’ve shown that efficiency is the new currency. And this success also clearly speaks for our new collaborative development process, incorporating many learnings from the Mercedes-AMG F1 team and its cutting-edge expertise in electric powertrains. The VISION EQXX is the result of a comprehensive program that provides a blueprint for the future of automotive engineering. Many of the innovative developments are already being integrated into production, some of them in the next generation of modular architecture for compact and midsize Mercedes‑Benz vehicles. And the journey continues. With the VISION EQXX, we will keep testing the limits of what’s possible,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Purchasing.

Challenging route profile and varying weather conditions

The VISION EQXX is packed with innovations. This software-defined research prototype is part of a far-reaching technology program that combines the latest digital technology with Mercedes’ pioneering spirit, the agility of a start-up and the speed of Formula 1. The mission in developing the VISION EQXX was to break through technological barriers across the board. To show what is electrically “feasible”, the research vehicle completed a one-day road trip across several European borders: from Germany to Switzerland, on to Italy, past Milan and finally to its destination, the port town of Cassis near Marseille in the South of France.

The route profile – from motorway to mountain passes, including roadworks – and the weather conditions presented the VISION EQXX with a wide variety of challenges. Departing from the Sindelfingen R&D centre near Stuttgart in cold conditions, temperatures from start to finish ranged from 3 to 18 degrees Celsius. North of the Alps there was light rain and further south a gentle headwind blew in the sunshine. The various sections of the route helped document the effect of the many efficiency measures.

An excerpt from the trip log:

Up to 140 km/h on the motorway – low drag and rolling resistance pay off

The first leg from Sindelfingen to the north-eastern border of Switzerland runs along Autobahn 81. At times, the VISION EQXX sliced through the wind at speeds of up to 140 km/h. With its low c_d value of 0.17, it gives the wind virtually nothing to grab hold of. This world-beating figure for a road-legal vehicle results from the intelligent interaction of many individual measures. It starts with the basic shape of the body, cradling the smooth-surfaced dome of the greenhouse as it flows elegantly like a water droplet towards the rear. Equally beneficial to the aerodynamics are the small frontal area of 2.12 m² and the reduced rear track. Because this is 50 mm narrower than at the front, the rear wheels roll in the slipstream of the front wheels. The active rear diffuser, which automatically deploys at 60 km/h, provides better airflow and thus contributes significantly to the reduced drag.

The technology vehicle gains further efficiency benefits from its tyres, with their extremely low rolling-resistance rating of 4.7. Bridgestone developed these specifically for the VISION EQXX in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. By way of comparison, the current EU tyre label requires a figure of 6.5 for the top rating in Class A. The EQS uses tyres with a rolling resistance of 5.9, which is significantly lower. With the VISION EQXX, Mercedes-Benz is now going one step further. A striking feature is the size of the new tyres. The dimensions 185/65 R 20 97 T mean they have a large diameter and a narrow tread. The specialist Turanza Eco tyres combine two innovative Bridgestone technologies that enable a higher range: ENLITEN technology reduces both rolling resistance and weight by up to 20 percent. The ologic technology reduces tyre deformation while driving, in part through a more tensioned belt section. In addition, the transition from the tyre to the wheel rim was optimized in cooperation with the Mercedes-Benz aerodynamics team.

Over the mountains – the lightweight dividend

The VISION EQXX’s special features also include its carefully thought-through lightweight construction, which has a particularly positive effect on uphill climbs. Any keen cyclist knows why it’s always the same kind of rider out in front on mountain stages. The heavier, more muscular sprinters are always staring at the taillights of the wiry featherweights on the uphill slogs. The decisive factor is the power-to-weight ratio. It’s not about sheer performance in the sense of “faster; higher; further” but about endurance and lower energy consumption.

This is exactly what the VISION EQXX demonstrates impressively on the approach to the Gotthard Tunnel heading for Italy. On the section between Amsteg and Göschenen, there’s a 14-kilometers uphill stretch with a gradient of up to five percent. It is here, where every gram of extra weight eats up energy, that the VISION EQXX scores sustainable points with its unladen weight of only 1,755 kilograms.

The lightweight design concept of the VISION EQXX is comprehensive – from the materials used to innovative bionic structures that deliver a favorable power-to-weight ratio. Examples of this are the sustainable carbon-fibre-sugar composite material used for the upper part of the battery, which is also used in Formula 1, and the BIONEQXX rear floor, manufactured using an aluminum casting process. The light metal structural component replaces a much heavier assembly of several interconnected parts. It has gaps in places where structural strength is not required, thus saving material. This innovative design approach results in a weight saving of up to 20 percent compared to a conventionally manufactured component.

A large part of the weight efficiency is also due to the dedicated electric chassis with lightweight F1 subframe and aluminum brake discs. Another is the battery. At 100 kWh, the power storage unit developed specifically for the VISION EQXX has almost the same amount of energy as the battery of the EQS, which is already a global benchmark among electric cars currently on the market. However, it has 50 percent less volume and is 30 percent lighter. The outcome is that the compact battery, measuring just 200 x 126 x 11 cm, is also comparatively light at 495 kilograms and fits in a compact car. The electric drive was developed in cooperation with the experts from Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

Back down the hill – recuperation is the name of the game

After the Gotthard Tunnel, the road goes downhill for a very long way. This is where the VISION EQXX makes the most of the situation in its own way. While the golden rule of the professional cyclist is to go full throttle downhill to make up time, the VISION EQXX does the unthinkable and regenerates its energy reserves. In electric cars, this is called recuperation, the recovery of braking energy. In this discipline, too, the VISION EQXX sets new standards thanks to its highly efficient electric powertrain.

The VISION EQXX can use the recuperation effect on any type of gradient and during every braking maneuver, thus extending its range. A positive side effect of this electric braking is that the mechanical brakes are barely used. This makes it possible for the first time to use new types of aluminum brake discs that weigh significantly less than their steel counterparts.

Solar roof – energy snack in sunny Italy

The VISION EQXX gets a hearty energy snack around midday in the Po Valley near Milan – not at the charging station, but via its fixed solar roof. The 117 solar cells feed the 12-volt battery, which supplies power to auxiliary consumers such as the navigation system. The added value is measurable through the load this removes from the high-voltage battery, displayed by the onboard computer. Overall, the solar booster increases the range by more than two percent – which adds up to a good 25 kilometers on a journey of over 1,000 kilometers.

Innovative eATS – powerful, frugal, enduring

The electric drive unit in the VISION EQXX – consisting of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics – was developed together with the F1 specialists at HPP, and has a peak output of 180 kW. Thanks to the torque available from the first rev of the motor and the very low aerodynamic and rolling resistance of the VISION EQXX, its full potential is barely tapped during the entire trip. Much more important than top performance are other factors. Just like the battery, the electric drive unit is compact, lightweight and highly efficient. Its average efficiency in this application is 95%. That means 95% of the energy from the battery ends up at the wheels.

This goes hand-in-hand with further efficiency benefits such as the reduction of losses in the drivetrain. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz have succeeded in reducing the total losses in the drivetrain (motor, inverter and transmission) by 44% compared to an e-drive that is not based on this project. This makes a big different to the bottom line, with one percent more efficiency bringing two percent more range. This effect is further amplified by the battery of the VISION EQXX, thanks to its remarkable energy density of almost 400 Wh/l and particularly high operating voltage of more than 900 volts. And on the topic of high voltage: The VISION EQXX marks the first use of this technology, which proves itself throughout the entire journey. With not a single problem such as line overheating, everything is well under control. There are further efficiency from the active cell balancing. It ensures that energy is drawn evenly from the cells during the journey, which increases the usable energy and thus the range even more.

Efficient thermal management system – passive powertrain cooling is all it takes

Since the electric drivetrain generates little waste heat thanks to its high efficiency, passive cooling is sufficient throughout the journey. The cooling plate in the underbody uses the airflow to ensure even cooling. This aerodynamically highly efficient solution increases the range by 20 kilometers, while the c_d value remains unchanged at a low 0.17.

Even on the ascent to the Gotthard Tunnel, the air shutters remain closed. The air control system would only open an additional air-path if there was an increased demand for cooling the electric drive or for climate control inside the cabin on hot days or if the heat pump was running on cold days. The air-path then connects the high-pressure zone at the front of the vehicle with the low-pressure zones along the top of the bonnet. This enables highly efficient thermal management with minimal air resistance. With the shutters open, the c_d value would increase by only seven points (0.007).

Efficiency assistant – actively helping to save energy

Whether e-drive or combustion engine, the amount of energy a motor consumes in practice ultimately depends a great deal on driving style. In Switzerland, Italy and France, “pedal to the metal” is not an option anyway, thanks to speed limits and attentive law-enforcement officers. However, the VISION EQXX also proves to be an intelligent sidekick, assisting the driver like a co-pilot with tips on the best possible driving style. The efficiency assistant provides information on energy flow, battery status, topography and even the direction and intensity of wind and sun.

The UI/UX features an all-new, one-piece display that spans the entire width of the interior. Elements of the user interface support seamless interaction between the driver and the vehicle. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI) that mimics the way the human brain works. In the VISION EQXX, Mercedes-Benz takes a radically new UI/UX approach. A game engine takes UI graphics to a whole new level. The UI shows how real-time graphics open up new digital possibilities by reacting instantly to the driver’s needs and bringing the real world into the vehicle.

Finale in France – crossing the finish line with around 140 kilometres of remaining range

Shortly before crossing the finish line in Cassis, the VISION EQXX gathered energy once more through recuperation. After 11 hours and 32 minutes of driving time, it ended its 1,008-kilometers road trip with a remaining range of around 140 kilometers. This means it could have set off again for a jaunt along the Mediterranean coastline without recharging.

The VISION EQXX has unequivocally proven the real-world potential of outstanding efficiency for electric vehicles. This first road trip to Cassis is a watershed moment on a much bigger journey that is far from over. There’s a lot more to come.

VISION EQXX: the most important facts at a glance

#MissionAccomplished: more than 1,000 km with a single battery charge in real everyday traffic allows for relaxed long-distance journeys.

#EnergyWizard: efficiency-enhancing measures lead to an outstandingly low consumption of 8.7 kWh per 100 km.

#AeroChamp: outstanding work in aerodynamics and exterior design enables a benchmark drag coefficient of 0.17, which has a particularly positive effect on fuel consumption at high speeds on the motorway.

#RollingEfficiency: tyres with a significantly lower rolling resistance than the class A required by the EU tyre label and improved aerodynamic geometry, combined with lightweight magnesium wheels, provide more range.

#ElectricDrive: the radically new drive concept developed by Mercedes-Benz achieves a benchmark efficiency of 95% from battery to wheels.

#PassiveCooling: innovative passive drivetrain cooling via a cooling plate in the underbody.

#BionicEngineering: advanced digital tools enable innovative lightweight designs that increase efficiency and range.

#SolarPower: ultra-thin roof panels feed the battery system and provide up to 25 km of additional range.

#SoftwareDriven: software-driven approach is the key to success in achieving efficiency targets and a fast development process, including a sophisticated battery management system.

#GlobalResponsibleLeadership: with the VISION EQXX, Mercedes-Benz is stepping up the pace to “Lead in Electric” and “Lead in Car Software” and to set standards for sustainable mobility.

VISION EQXX: the trip log in figures

Start	Sindelfingen, April 5^th, 2022, 7:00 a.m.
Arrival	Cassis, April 5^th, 2022, 7:02 p.m.
Travel route	Sindelfingen, Gotthard Tunnel, Milan, Cassis
Driving distance	1,008 kilometres
Total travel time/movement	12 hours and 2 minutes/11 hours and 32 minutes
Average speed	87.4 km/h
Maximum speed on motorway	140 km/h
Average consumption	8.7 kWh per 100 km
Battery charge level on arrival (SoC)	around 15%
Remaining range on arrival	around 140 km

VISION EQXX: the most important technical data at a glance

Energy content of the battery	kWh	< 100
Rated voltage	volts	> 900
Energy consumption	kWh/100 km (miles/kWh)	8.7 (7.1)
C_d value		0.17
Front face	m²	2.12
Power	kW	180
Wheelbase	mm	2,800
Length/width/height	mm	4,977/1,870/1,350
Unladen vehicle weight	kg	1,755

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC: Exclusive Luxury Arrives In India

Mercedes-Benz, the country’s largest luxury carmaker recently broke into the ultra-luxurious SUV segment with the introduction of the first-ever SUV in its Maybach range of vehicles. The pinnacle in refinement and comfort, Mercedes-Maybach represents ‘Ultimate Luxury’ in its most contemporary, purest form. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC sets a new benchmark in India’s luxury SUV segment and is unmatched with its exquisite offerings.

Apart from being the first Maybach SUV, the GLS Maybach 600 will only be the second Maybach model rolled out in the Indian market, following the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.

Launching this ultra-luxury SUV in India, Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, commented, “We are excited to introduce the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC to India. The Maybach brand represents the pinnacle of luxury and this SUV will elevate customer experience to an unmatched level. It blends classic old-world charm and supreme comfort with the most cutting-edge technology to redefine the luxury experience on wheels. Luxury motoring with an SUV in India is reimagined with the introduction of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC. We are now glad to hand over these SUVs to discerning customers who have expressed exceptionally high interest in this fine model that rewrites expectations in the luxury SUV segment.”

“We have witnessed a strong demand for our products as we see the hope and aspiration of our customers remain unbroken. With this positivity, we look at restarting and ramping up our business in phases, in sync with the unlocking of different markets. Our 2021 product strategy remains on track and we expect further uptick in demand, especially for top-end products. The market outlook also remains positive at this point and we continue to stay optimistic. Our customers can expect more product introductions across segments in the coming months.” Mr Schwenk added.

Shanghai Auto Show: The blaze of electric vehicles

The Shanghai Auto Show is underway in all its glory. Despite the pandemic, major automobile manufacturers worldwide showcased their latest and upcoming vehicles that feature some of the most cutting-edge technologies. Here are some of the best electric cars that stole the spotlight:

Audi A6 e-Tron:

German giant Audi is no stranger to electric vehicles and already has a sizeable array of EVs under its belt. It showcased the A6 e-Tron concept, built off of Audi’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE). It features a Sportback design and is equipped with 22-inch wheels. It is expected to be equipped with two electric motors that will deliver 350kW of power and 800Nm of torque.

Polestar 1 Special Edition:

Geely owned EV performance brand of Volvo Polestar displayed the Polestar 1 hybrid electric and the all-electric Polestar 2. There was also a 2021 Special Edition in matte gold that stole the spotlight. Its body is made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, and its engine is supplemented with two electric motors. The machine gives out 619hp of maximum power and 1000Nm of peak torque.

Volvo XC40 Recharge:

Planning on selling only battery-electric vehicles by 2030, Volvo took the next step towards that direction with the XC40 Recharge. Although the company did not reveal many details, it also confirmed that its following EV would be the C40.

Mercedes-Benz EQB and EQS:

Further solidifying its EQ lineup, German automaker Mercedes-Benz showcased the EQB and EQS EVs. The EQB is a compact eSUV that bears a striking resemblance to the GLB. It is expected to be equipped with rims up to 20 inches in size. The company is yet to reveal its powertrain details. The EQS, on the other hand, is a fully electric luxury sedan. It will be available in two models, including the EQS 450+ that gets a 329hp engine and the EQS 580 4MATIC with a 516hp engine.

Volkswagen ID.6:

VW’s next in line in the ID series is the ID.6 that will be available in two versions. The ID.6 CROZZ will be manufactured in North China, while the ID.6 X will be made in the south. It is expected to be a seven-seater and will be offered in four configurations.

Mercedes-Benz to up the ante in India with the AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe!

Mercedes fans are in for a real treat soon! Considering the electric revolution that is taking the world by storm, the world’s oldest manufacturer has decided to step up the game in India. Mercedes-Benz is hence going to create yet another exciting chapter for all AMG fans in India- with the introduction of the first-ever ‘AMG 53’ model series in India.

Mercedes-Benz is expected to offer the GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe as one of the most stylish SUVs in its lineup. You can expect the AMG-specific radiator grille that will immediately set the SUV apart. The SUV should also get the Mercedes star in a double ring, flanked by slim headlamps and a striking “A-wing” in the front apron.

The rear should also get a prominent diffuser with a trim strip in silver chrome. The signature AMG exhaust system with two round twin tailpipe trim elements is bound to be present, while Mercedes-Benz will offer further individualization options in the AMG Night package. This package should offer heat-insulating dark-tinted windows, along with the front splitter, front apron trim, diffuser, and outer air inlets, mirror caps, window frames, and exhaust tailpipe trim elements in a black finish.

The new GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is expected to be powered by a 3 litre, inline-6-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine that should make 435BHP of maximum power and 520Nm of peak torque. It will be mated to a 48V hybrid electric system that, along with the EQ Boost starter-alternator, should provide an additional boost of 22hp and 250Nm of temporary power.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe will be the first AMG 53 series launched in India, strengthening the brand’s formidable GLE portfolio even more. Mercedes-Benz India will open the bookings of the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé, from 8th September 11:00 am onwards. The stylish SUV Coupe will be launched in India by Santosh Iyer, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing on 23-September, 2020.

Mercedes-Benz goes all touchscreen with the new MBUX

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the next generation of its in-car user interface system, the MBUX. It will debut in the 2021 S-Class and features a new interface. The German luxury carmaker has powered the MBUX with a new hardware suite that adds multiple features and functions across the car. The hardware suite includes a 320GB SSD, 16GB of RAM and 50 percent more processing power over its predecessor.

Some of these features include a pseudo-3D display technology behind the steering wheel, new personal profiles that the driver can access via a fingerprint sensor, facial recognition or voice commands. The hardware also improves the “Hey Mercedes” voice recognition system. The new MBUX minimizes the use of physical buttons and encourages the use of voice commands and quick access shortcuts.

Mercedes-Benz will debut the new MBUX with the 2021 S-Class. The luxury sedan will be equipped with a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with haptic feedback, in a portrait orientation. The screen rises from the centre console, unlike the usual dashboard embedded position. It is easily accessible to the driver as it is placed just beside the steering wheel. Mercedes-Benz has also made the overall interaction sleeker by reducing 27 “hard keys” in the new S-Class.

Users can now save personalized preferences in the new MBUX, which include settings like seat adjustment, interior lighting colour, and their favourite radio station, among others. These personal profiles can be enabled or disabled with the new security features and can also be loaded in other Mercedes-Benz cars that feature the new MBUX.

Drivers get access to a large, rounded rectangular floating display. It is the car’s fully digital instrument cluster offers the driver a chance to customise the colour, layout, and overall presentation of information like speed, power output, and driver assistance features.

Sajjad Khan, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, CASE says, “Our overarching goal is to offer the utmost in comfort, personalization and convenience for our customers. A system that is more detailed, thoughtful and individual than ever before. So I would even call it My MBUX. Through even more ease-of-use, our customers gain extra time and added value. This goes beyond just displays and voice control. My MBUX now becomes the spinal cord, or even the central brain of the vehicle.”

The MBUX has the capability of creating a three-dimensional impression of the objects on the screen. It can do so with the help of facial recognition cameras and something that Mercedes-Benz calls an “auto-stereoscopic display”. The screen of the MBUX is a combination of standard LCD display and “a special pixel structure and a controllable LCD aperture grille” that makes the driver’s left and right eyes see “different pixels of the LCD.”

Updates to the MBUX software include recognition of up to 20 different commands triggered by saying “Hey Mercedes” as well as support of 27 languages. The S-Class is also expected to feature as many as three screens in the rear that will be connected to the infotainment system in the front. This will allow passengers in the back to share content between the screens along with selecting or changing the navigation route. Mercedes-Benz is expected to unveil the new S-Class in September 2021.

Car Brands That Redefine Luxury

Automobiles have long been a symbol of wealth, with even the simplest of cars being the objects of pride. Over the years, the industry has evolved from limited and niche brands to full-blown luxurious pieces of art. While cars became available to the public and hence lost their exclusivity, car brands rose to make their products even fancier, even better and even costlier.

Luxury cars have always been kept apart from the general category, as a castle separates the king from his people. They have also been called special names– ‘auto di lusso’ in Italy or ‘voiture de luxe’ in France, both meaning luxury cars. The Germans call them Oberklasse which directly means “upper class”.

Many car brands across the world manufacture models across multiple segments. Automobile giants like Volkswagen and General Motors even have plants worldwide. In order to segregate the luxurious cars from the mass-produced models, many car brands often choose to sell their luxuries under a different banner. This has led to Toyota forming Lexus and Nissan forming Infiniti, among others. Even popular brands like Citroen, Ford and Geely have DS, Lincoln and Volvo respectively.

However, car brands have always competed to extend their luxuries to as many segments as possible, creating further division in luxury cars.

There are entry-level luxury cars, also known as Premium compacts. These became popular in the mid-2000s after European manufacturers introduced a cheaper alternative to their bigger luxury cars. Some models in this category are the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X2, Lexus CT2000h and the Volvo C30. These cars might be smaller than their executive siblings, but they’re at par in luxury.
Then come the compact luxury cars that are also smaller than their executive siblings and can also be called compact executive cars. It includes Alfa Romeo’s Giulia, Tesla’s Model 3 and the Infiniti Q50, among others.
The Executives are bigger than the prior two and act as a gateway to ultra-luxury. Executive car is a British term for an automobile larger than a large family car. Jaguar XF and Volvo S90 are some examples in this segment.
Germany’s Oberklasse segment and Europe’s F-segment are reserved for full-size luxury sedans. Most of them are flagship models of the company and feature the newest technology that the car brands have to offer. Also called luxury saloon or luxury limousine, these include the BMW 7 Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Lexus LS and the Porsche Panamera, among others.
The Ultra-luxury segment is reserved for the elite, with all cars costing well above the Rs 10 crore mark. Here car brands offer models that will focus primarily on offering as much luxury as possible,making almost each piece unique to its owner. Names like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Maybach 57 and the Bentley Arnage are enough to tell people one thing: You got deep pockets.

These are the car brands that will help you redefine luxury. Each car falling under this segment has not only been manufactured to carry its passengers, it has been made to set standards of luxury and style.

AMG C 43 Coupé – Review | Wild Thing

It’s not every day that one gets to climb into an AMG-powered Mercedes-Benz. For the uninitiated, Mercedes-AMG is a special division within the German manufacturer which makes specially tuned versions of standard Mercedes-Benz cars. It goes without saying then that is a recipe for some properly exciting stuff. We recently got our hands on the most affordable AMG money can buy in India to find out just has AMG-ish it is!

Design

As the name suggests, the C 43 gets coupe styling, which makes it look quite distinctive from the sides and rear. From the front, however, one can mistake it for a regular C-Class. However, that perspective changes completely once look at the ride height, which is noticeably lower than the standard car. On the sides, the frameless doors and sloping roofline give the C43 a touch of immense class. When you get to the back though, the four exhaust tips take that look a much meaner setting. From the outside, at any given angle, the C 43 AMG will get eyeballs from almost everyone on the road.

On the inside, Mercedes-Benz has infused their usual touch of brilliance. All the buttons feel tactile and well-engineered and there’s a general sense of controlled madness within the cabin. It starts off with the AMG-spec steering wheel which feels chunky to hold and is beautifully well-contoured. It does feel a little heavy to operate but that only adds to the C 43’s colossal feel. Both the front seats getting a heating option and can be adjusted to one’s specific need.

The air vents are inspired by Mercedes-Benz models of yore and the centre console at a whole feels perfectly compact. The look is finished off at the centre with a classic analogue watch, which again is that touch of elegance from the house of Mercedes-Benz. One downside on the inside is the space at back, which is slightly cramped. The infotainment system gets a large 10.25-inch display screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay but sadly isn’t a touchscreen. Other than these small niggles, it’s hard to fault the C 43 in terms of design. In fact, it looks quite dynamic without losing out on its understatedness.

Powertrain, Drive & Handling

This where the Mercedes-AMG C 43 really reels you in, or rather, puts you back in your seat. Flooring the throttle isn’t really an option if there isn’t an open stretch of road ahead of you. The C 43 packs a massive punch and one must be prepared to take the impact of acceleration. In terms of numbers, it gets a 3.0-litre, V6 Biturbo which produces 390 hp of power and 520 Nm of torque. This massive engine comes mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, called the ‘AMG Speedshift TCT’.

However, we feel that a conventional gearbox mounted in the centre would’ve been a more suitable option, rather than the one mounted behind the steering wheel, like an indicator stock. Furthermore, It has a claimed 0-100 km/hr time of 4.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250 km/hr! Those are some impressive figures, given that the C 43 weights a little over two tonnes.

Nevertheless, the C 43 feels solid all around and feels like it can handle itself with an amazing level of panache. Naturally, it comes with five driving modes, namely Individual, Comfort, Sports, Sports + and Slippery. Note – The Slippery mode is wetter conditions and not for drifting about like a mad man, which is what we falsy got excited about at first. That aside, the C 43 delivers on its promise of performance, with aplomb.

Verdict

If you’re out looking for a performance car that puts a smile on your face and makes a definitive statement without compromising on power; the C 43 is certainly worth your consideration.

Specifications

Engine: 2996cc, V6 Biturbo petrol
Power: 390 hp
Torque: 520 Nm
Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic

Price: 75 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)

Mercedes Benz India launches AMG C43 Coupe

Mercedes Benz India today introduced the much anticipated AMG C43 Coupe for enthusiasts in the country. With an additional 23bhp under the hood, Mercedes Benz AMG C43 Coupe is a facelift version to the outgoing generation and is priced at ₹ 75 lakh India. Imported as a complete CBU, the two-door coupe is based on Mercedes C-Class platform however in this avatar, it adorns an aggressive exterior look, interiors are sporty and the performance is certainly something one should take note off.

Up against the likes of Audi S5 Coupe and BMW M2 Competition, 2019 Mercedes Benz AMG C43 Coupe gets a new AMG radiator grille in comparison to the outgoing version. Its coupe-like silhouette is the striking point out here and so is the sharp overall exterior design. While the rear stands to provide a pair of circular tailpipes having a gloss chrome finish with a boot lip spoiler coming in the same body colour as the vehicle itself. To give it more substance, the AMG C43 Coupe comes equipped with 19-inch AMG inspired alloy wheels. Plus the customer has the choice of opting for the AMG styling package that provides an aggressive front splitter, side skirt inserts and flics in the rear bumper.

As for the interiors, the updated 2019 Mercedes AMG C43 comes with an all-black cabin. Finely crafted, the seats, door panels and dashboard bear Dinamica microfibre finished in black leather with red stitching on top. Then, of course, there are AMG inspired seats alongside the steering wheel that comes wrapped in Nappa leather with touch control buttons and a heads up display. Plus it is provided with a 12.3-inch full digital display that offers threedifferent moods of style Classic, Sport and Supersport.

Now to the most important part, Mercedes AMG C43 Coupe can do a standstill 0-100kmph in just 4.7 seconds. With a restricted top-speed of 250kmph, AMG C43 Coupe comes fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 engine under the skin that produces a maximum power output of 385bhp. This, when compared to the 2018 Mercedes Benz AMG C43 Coupe, produces 23bhp more and now has an improved torque figure of 520Nm. Propelling the wheels of this performance coupe is a 9G automatic transmission that comes matted to AMG Performance 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive System.