The AMG GT Black Series is a road-legal race car, as it comes with centre lock wheels, front canards, side exit exhaust, and a huge swan neck rear wing. The AMG GT Black Series is based on the concept ‘Track Sport’ that Mercedes-Benz showcased a while back.

The previous-gen GT Black Series, which was launched in 2020, introduced a flat-plane twin-turbo V8, producing 730PS and 800Nm. As the upcoming GT Black Series sits above it, we can expect some serious performance from it, and maybe no electric assistance, as it will increase the weight of the car. 

Further details regarding the technical specifications and design of both vehicles are yet to be shared.

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The Mercedes-Benz CLA is best remembered as a gorgeous-looking compact luxury sedan and the entry-point to the fascinating world of cars sporting the three-pointed star on their hood. Fast forward to 2026 and we have an all-new CLA that’s far from being ‘entry-level’. It’s also come to our shores as an EV this time, and the German luxury car maker is proudly calling it the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz yet. The car also boasts a claimed range of nearly 800km per charge, putting it right next its own elder siblings, the EQS SUV and sedan. Mercedes-Benz tells us there’s a lot more to the new CLA than just that staggering range though, and I spent a day behind its wheel to find out more.

Let’s talk about the design first, because the CLA was always devised to look good, and the new one takes that thought forward with its curvaceous design. It also boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.21, among the lowest, and made possible by its fully-covered underbody and suspension besides the design, including the closed-off grille, aero-optimised 18-inch wheels and flush door handles. There’s 142 ‘stars’ on the grille, illuminated individually, while the sleek-looking headlamps incorporate the three-pointed star prominently, besides being connected by an LED strip. The car looks even more arresting from the rear thanks to its coupe-esque roofline, pronounced ‘lip spoiler’, integration of the three-pointed star into the tail lamps, and frameless doors. It’s also the first Mercedes-Benz to be underpinned by the new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture, not the fighting league!), which is a skateboard platform and also will be used for future models.

Get inside and the upright dashboard grabs attention quickly. It’s almost like a vertical slab with lots of illuminated stars on the left, and two displays. We only drove the CLA 250+ which comes exclusively in the AMG Line trim and looks sporty with its all-black theme and brushed metal elements. There’s almost no physical buttons, but lots of touch panels, and the turbine-like vents look cool and classy. In fact, the entire cabin feels upmarket, and I really like the floating centre console too. Seats are comfortable and cabin space, especially at the rear, is impressive for a compact sedan. That said, the battery in the floor makes for a slightly ‘knees-up’ seating position, while the sloping roofline cuts into rear headroom. A large panoramic sunroof offers an airy feel, but lack of a sun shade will be a concern in summers. Besides the 405-litre boot you also get a 101-litre frunk, which is very impressive.

The new CLA’s biggest draw is the technology it packs in though. The car uses four supercomputers and is the first product to use the new MB.OS operating system. There’s an Nvidia processor too, and a new ‘MBUX Virtual Assistant’ that’s constantly monitoring the driver to learn about not just his driving but behaviour too! AI tools like Bing, Gemini and ChatGPT all are on standby as well for any and everything you may need on the go, right from the best cafes and restaurants around to how much charge you’ll need to get to a certain place and more. A new MB.Charge app lets you find chargers anywhere, with real-time availability, plan your trip and pay for charging. As for features, the 14-inch touchscreen lets you play games, both front seats are powered, heated and massaging, there’s dual-zone climate control, a Burmester 3D music system, a 360-degree parking camera and Level 2+ ADAS.

The CLA 250+ uses a rear-mounted motor juiced up by an 85.5kWh battery, and is good for 272PS and 335Nm. It is rear-wheel drive and claimed 0-100kmph time is just 6.7 seconds, but acceleration feels more progressive than aggressive. Sport mode is good fun and you also have the speakers play sounds to add to theatrics. There’s a 2-speed gearbox, but no, you cannot change gears! There’s a new, brake-by-wire system and brakes impressive with their progressiveness, though regen levels are now adjusted via the gear stalk, there are no paddle shifters here. The stalk also has the start/stop button now, which takes some getting used to. Acceleration and performance are impressive and the CLA feels quick, sporty and likeable as a driver’s car.

The throttle feels progressive and overall, there’s an engaging feel from behind the wheel. More importantly, the CLA boasts a claimed range of 792km and will do over 500km per charge in the real world, even with spirited driving. The 800V architecture helps you charge at speeds of up to 240kW and a range worth 400km is possible with just 20 minutes of charging. That said, 240kW chargers are still quite limited in the country! Mercedes-Benz has increased ground clearance and also tweaked the suspension for India, which means the CLA clears speed breakers easily and offers a good ride, which adds to its appeal.

Overall, there’s a lot to like about the new CLA and it feels like a quantum leap from the EQC, which was the first electric Mercedes in India, launched in 2020. Given the equipment levels, I’m expecting the CLA to retail at around ₹60 lakh ex-showroom onwards. That said, the features, range, performance and overall feel certainly have the new CLA feel very attractive, and I’m expecting it to click with young, tech-savvy buyers.

The post 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

The India-spec V-Class is available only in an extra-long wheelbase avatar, with a wheelbase of 3430mm and a length of 5370mm. At the front, it gets an illuminated grille with star motifs, LED headlamps with DRLs, and sporty bumpers. It also features air suspension, roof rails, 18-inch dual-tone wheels, a split tailgate, and numerous chrome inserts.

Before stepping into the new V-Class, you are greeted by electrically powered sliding doors. On the inside, you get two first-class memory seats with calf support, massage function, heating, and ventilation. The third row has ventilated captain seats with Isofix mounts, which can be removed. Seating configuration can change as the seats are mounted on rails, with rear seats facing each other or forward. Features like climate control, ADAS, dual 12.3-inch screens, seven airbags, a 360° parking camera with blind spot assist, and lane keep assist are also available.

The new V-Class comes with two powertrains: a 2.0-litre diesel producing 237PS and a 2.0-litre petrol mild-hybrid producing 231PS plus 20PS boost from the electric motor. Both mated to a nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox for hassle-free driving.

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The design is evolutionary — why mess with something that is already iconic? While the headlamps and tail lamps are new, the overall silhouette is instantly recognisable, which is what the customers are known to prefer. The roofline spies into the trunk lid in a graceful arc, which suits the luxury liner just fine. There’s a larger grille, which is illuminated, as well as an illuminated hood ornament. The headlamps sport some new tech — ‘Digital Light twin-star headlight system’, which features adaptive ultra-range high beams and partial-beam technology.

The W224 S-Class packs 4MATIC AWD as standard across the entire model range and comes with many engine options, namely two diesels, three petrols, and two hybrids. These are as follows — the S 350 d and S 450 d with a 3.0-litre in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine pumping out 310PS/650Nm and 367PS/750Nm, respectively; the S 450 and the S 500 with a 3.0-litre straight-six producing 381PS/560Nm and 449PS/600Nm, respectively; the S 580 with a 4.0-litre V8, which now sports a new flat-plane crankshaft, and develops 537PS/750Nm; and finally, the S 450 e and the S 580 e, pairing the straight-six with a new electric motor and with combined outputs of 435PS/680Nm and 585PS/750Nm, respectively.

Mercedes-Benz has also given the new S-Class a proper, standalone instrument cluster, and the rest of the infotainment system is now called a ‘Superscreen’ instead of the single-piece unit it was, dubbed the ‘Hyperscreen.’ There’s a mention of a supercomputer controlling all aspects of the vehicle, and the 4th generation of the MBUX system. This generation now uses AI from Google and Microsoft to enhance the communication between the vehicle’s virtual assistant, the vehicle, and its occupants (honestly, we are not sure what Mercedes-Benz means by the communication between the virtual assistant and the vehicle itself; the possible interpretations are endless).

We expect the S-Class to reach our shores later this year. It will go up against its traditional rivals, the BMW 7 Series (the Audi A8 is no longer sold in India), and will also rival the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera, though the latter two are essentially in a different category. 

The post The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Has Been Unveiled first appeared on Turbocharged.

On the outside, the facelift introduces new three-pointed star LED headlamps paired with a revised front grille. The updated S-Class will continue to offer multiple powertrain options, including a new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged petrol engine, while retaining technologies such as AIRMATIC air suspension and 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Inside, the cabin is set to receive updates inspired by the Mercedes-Benz EQS and feature the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System.

The S-class is set to be unveiled globally on January 29, 2026. We expect the facelifted S-Class to be launched in India in 2026. Upon its launch, it will compete against the Audi A8, Maserati GranCabrio and the BMW 7-Series. 

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Currently, this number is set to 2.5 lakh imported cars for all brands combined, but is subject to change. Additionally, for this reduction to apply, the import price of these individual units must not be less than 15,000 Euros (₹16.16 lakh), and must be imported from anywhere within the 27 nations that are part of the European Union. Interestingly, a similar deal already exists between India and the UK, making the Volkswagen Tiguan (along with other models imported from the UK) significantly cheaper than its CBU version.

It was also affirmed that this import duty will be lowered to 10 percent within five years, making imported cars from the EU much more affordable than ever before in India and simultaneously allowing an ease of market access for European manufacturers like BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz, all of whom have set up manufacturing units in India. This will be particularly beneficial to premium marques like Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini, who do not prefer to manufacture abroad.

Sources also clarified that for at least the first five years, this reduction in import duty will be exclusively applicable on ICE cars, and not on EVs. This way, the government aims to protect the domestic EV manufacturers like Tata and Mahindra from international market competition. Five years from now, similar reduction in import duty may be applicable on Europe-imported EVs as well.

This may have a major effect on the Indian automakers, since the potentially lowered prices may compel domestic manufacturers to upgrade their models currently in the market. Alternatively, this might also lead to an overall drop of car prices across the Indian market to allow for competitive pricing. For the enthusiasts, it marks quite a remarkable moment for their savings to be finally put to use.

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The design has not changed much, except for the lights. This generation also received wireless smartphone connectivity, which is now commonplace, even in more affordable cars. One of the cool features on the GLA is the park assist system, which utilises the cameras from the 360° view system to scan for available parking spots, and then guides the car in where the ECU supplies the steering input and the driver, the throttle and brake.

Soaking of throttle and brakes, the GLA 200 has the familiar 1.3-litre, in-line, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol, producing 163PS and 250Nm. This takes the petrol GLA to 100kmph from a standstill in 8.7 seconds (claimed). However, the diesel model comes with 190PS and 400Nm, resulting in a claimed 0-100kmph time of 7.5 seconds, partly thanks to the 4MATIC AWD system. The 1.3-litre is one of the more refined engines out there, and it was quite difficult to make out whether it was running or not, unless I glanced at the tachometer. 

The start-stop system is not very intrusive, but the fuel economy is not what one would expect from a 1.3, which I feel is the effect of the 1,570kg kerb weight, necessitating a need to keep the turbo spooled to progress at a moderate pace.

On the move, the GLA behaves predictably, though like other models based on this platform, it lacks sound insulation that’s usually expected with cars bearing the three-pointed star. The sporty suspension, coupled with 18-inch Pirellis, endows the GLA with excellent handling characteristics, and high-speed stability is top-notch — a hallmark of cars hailing from Stuttgart. The ride is quite stiff, though, a trade-off for the sharp handling. While the acceleration is brisk, the braking is nothing short of exemplary.

So, is the GLA 200 worth considering? In isolation, definitely. It is the perfect entry point to the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, priced at ₹49.72 lakh ex-showroom. It comes with a compact footprint to deal with congested cities, while offering enough punch to make it fun, and enough ground clearance for the occasional excursion into unpaved roads. However, in the presence of the GLA 220d 4MATIC, which costs just ₹1.14 lakh more, with a price of ₹50.86 lakh ex-showroom. The diesel has the same level of refinement but significantly better performance as well as off-roadability, in case someone ever needs it. Thus, if one is in the market for the GLA, the diesel remains the better buy by a mile.

Words: Sayantan De
Photography: Saidatta Naik

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It is not often that a car gets called unique just because of an engine, but the new Mercedes-Benz E 220d is the perfect candidate for such an accolade, at least in its segment in India. Why so? Well, it is currently the only luxury saloon in its segment to come with a diesel engine option. Now, the E-Class is celebrating thirty years in India, and Mercedes-Benz has always offered a diesel engine in the E-Class. So what makes the E 220d unique? We recently drove it, and here is what we uncovered.

Design, features, space and comfort

In terms of aesthetics, features, luxury and comfort, the E 220d is identical to its petrol-powered twin, the E 200. The exterior exudes luxury but in a subtle way. And since we only get the long-wheelbase version of the E-Class, the overall silhouette and proportions are just right and elegant. One unique feature worth mentioning is the three-point star tail lamp layout that makes the E instantly identifiable. On the inside, it continues with the same EQ-inspired cabin, loaded with tech including the MBUX Superscreen, powered seats with memory function, four-zone climate control, wireless charging pads, well-countered seats wrapped in leather, a panoramic sunroof, reclining rear seat backrests, and more. In fact, the list is so extensive that we would need a whole page to list them.

The main talking point about an E-Class has always been the rear seats, and the E 220d does not disappoint. The reclining rear seats offer ample head, knee, and legroom, and if you want more room, you can move the front passenger seat from the rear. However, there are no infotainment controls at the back, which should have been included. Moreover, there are no ventilated seats at the front. But in terms of comfort and luxury, the rear seats remain among the best in the segment.

Engine, ride quality and handling

Comfort and luxury are hallmark features of the E-Class, and what makes the E 220d unique is its 2.0-litre diesel engine, which churns out 197PS and 440Nm, mated to a nine-speed transmission. Being a diesel motor, the chatter does make its way into the cabin, but once on the go, it fades away just like the scenery around. Refinement levels, though, could have been better. But once you start driving, the E 220d moves effortlessly, and the nine-speed automatic gearbox is quick through the cogs, allowing you to cruise smoothly. And when you need to overtake a truck or two, it kicks down quickly to swiftly pass the traffic. The suspension setup, too, is just right, providing ample cushioning on broken roads to keep the communication between you and the road undulations to a minimum. However, when you push it around corners, the lack of horsepower becomes apparent.

The E 220d is mainly a mile muncher, and the large 66-litre fuel tank allows you to cover over 800km on a single tank. In terms of handling, the suspension setup is on the softer side, providing good comfort and excellent ride quality, but it is not for enthusiastic driving. The well-weighted steering communicates well; however, push it hard into a corner and you feel the suspension’s lack of enthusiasm.

Overall, the new diesel E-Class feels great to drive if you don’t crave corners. It features all the hallmarks of comfort and luxury in a tech-laden cabin, plus a long range. At a price of ₹80.4 lakh ex-showroom, the E 220d’s diesel powertrain makes it a worthy contender for your cash and a unique addition to your garage.

Read about the Mercedes-Benz E200 here

Read about the Mercedes-Benz E450 here

The post 2025 Mercedes-Benz E 220d First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

Words Abhay Verma | Photography Saidatta Naik

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the default choice for luxury car buyers for long, and its long wheelbase version has only made the sedan more desirable. And while the new generation E-Class has set fresh benchmarks already, the option of the more powerful E 450, with a 3.0-litre, straight-six, turbocharged petrol engine under its hood is yet another gamechanger potentially. Mercedes-Benz made a smart move by announcing prices for the E 450 last year itself, and admittedly, it’s the version I was looking forward to drive, given the engine’s outputs of 381PS and 500Nm – that’s AMG territory. And with a claimed 0-100kmph acceleration time of just 4.5 seconds, the E 450 is certainly capable of smoking performance cars too!

The E 200, the base petrol version, impressed with its ride comfort, features and luxury, but did leave me wanting for more firepower. And it’s the want for more power that the E 450 addresses (it’s also equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system), besides carrying forward all the traits and features of the new generation E-Class that make it so desirable. That said, the E 450 comes with the AMG Line package that should help you distinguish it, but despite the additional dose of sportiness the car still looks more luxury sedan than a performance one. The AMG Line package comes with different bits like a more aggressively styled front bumper, AMG wheels – shod with higher profile rubber in the interest of a good ride quality – and dual, trapezoidal exhaust tips finished in chrome. 

The cabin remains unchanged and feels supremely luxurious thanks to its layout, choice of materials and ultra-low NVH levels. The ‘superscreen’ housing the three displays – including the 14.4-inch primary touchscreen besides the 12.3-inch displays for the driver and the front passenger screen – takes up most of the real estate. Most functions are now ‘touch-only’, even the air-conditioning vents can be adjusted via the display, though thankfully, unlike the Porsche Taycan, you can still adjust and move them manually. The ‘selfie’ camera boasts excellent resolution but sits atop the dashboard, meaning only front occupants can use it. 

While the experience at the front, especially behind the wheel is as luxurious as it gets, it’s the rear bench that truly pampers, like we saw in the E 200. Seats are supremely plush and it’s easy to forget you’re sitting in a car when you close your eyes. The seat back reclines from 24 degrees to 36, and given the acres of legroom and kneeroom in front, stretching out to feel like you’re in the business class seat of an aircraft is easy. The ‘Chauffeur Package’ adds the ease of moving the front passenger seat ahead to make even more space. Of course, there’s no dearth of features to pamper you – electrically operated sun shades and a rear sun blind, 4D Burmester music system with Dolby Atmos, dedicated climate control, a wireless charging pad, fast charging USB ports and more. 

Comfort and luxury aside, it’s the 3.0-litre straight-six engine that I’m itching to talk about. A mild hybrid system offers an additional 23PS over the engine’s 381PS, though there’s so much shove on offer at any given point in time that you really don’t care about the additional 23 horses. A big difference as compared to the go-faster AMGs that it is as quick as, is the way the E 450 accelerates and builds speeds. There’s a silky-smooth feel to its performance with barely any hint of aggression, which is at the core of the E-Class experience. Then there’s the rather quiet and restrained exhaust note, which belies the strong engine performance. It thus masks its intentions very well, but the E 450 packs in serious performance, and pressing down hard on the gas pedal is grin inducing. 

In-gear acceleration is very impressive too, irrespective of the speeds you’re doing, thanks the engine’s fat torque spread. With the E 450, you’re thus sure to raise a few eyebrows on the streets with your acceleration, every time you press down on the throttle. The 9-speed automatic adds to the car’s likeable feel with its alacrity, especially in Sport mode, while ensuring you barely notice gear changes in Comfort mode. And with 4MATIC doing its thing, staying in control is all too easy, be it when going fast around bends or hurtling down a highway at triple digits. 4MATIC does a brilliant job of transferring the engine’s power to all four wheels in a metered manner, but you can still get the big E to hang its tail out in a controlled and very likeable way to discover its sporty edge, should you choose to turn ESP off. In a nutshell, this is the E-Class in its most potent form yet, sans an AMG badge of course. 

The E 450 is priced at Rs 92.50 lakh ex-showroom, which makes it a steal, if you’re looking for an irresistible mix of luxury and performance. That’s because it offers loads of performance effortlessly, while ensconcing you in great comfort and is easily ‘the’ E-Class to buy. 

The post 2025 Mercedes-Benz E 450 First Drive Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

Pune: India’s largest luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz today achieved a historic milestone with the rollout of its 200,000th locally produced car, from its manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. Dr. Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management, rolled out the 200,000th Mercedes-Benz in India, an EQS SUV, in the presence of Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Vyankatesh Kulkarni, Executive Director & Head of Operations, Mercedes-Benz India.

Growing momentum of Local Production: Mercedes-Benz India’ accelerated production figures underline a compelling growth story: from 50,000 cars in the first 19 years (1995-2014) to 150,000 units in just a decade’s time (2015-2025). Most remarkably, the company produced a record 50,000 cars in just over last two years. These milestones demonstrate the rapid evolution of India’s luxury car market and the increasing aspiration for a Mercedes-Benz among Indian customers.

Mercedes-Benz India’s manufacturing facility has achieved several notable distinctions, including the first market to produce a Mercedes-Maybach (S500) outside Germany in 2015. The plant has also been at the forefront of the luxury electric mobility transition, commencing local production of the EQS 580 Sedan in 2022. Mercedes-Benz also become the first manufacturer to start the localization of a second BEV in India, with the local production of the EQS 580 SUV. Reinforcing its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz India production facility has been 100% powered by green energy since 2022.

With a comprehensive portfolio of 11 locally produced luxury models, Mercedes-Benz offers Indian customers the widest range of ‘Made in India’ luxury vehicles. The company has demonstrated its longterm commitment to the market with the highest investment by any luxury automotive manufacturer in India, totalling INR 3,000 crores, including a fresh investment of INR 200 crores in 2024.

The manufacturing milestone is complemented by Mercedes-Benz’s extensive retail presence—the largest amongst luxury carmakers in India—with over 100 luxury touchpoints spanning more than 50 cities. This unparalleled network ensures that the craftsmanship and technology of these locally produced vehicles are accessible to customers across the country, with standardized luxury experiences and service excellence regardless of location. The combination of local production capabilities and an extensive retail network allows Mercedes-Benz to deliver personalized luxury experiences while addressing unique market requirements with greater agility.

The production milestone reinforces Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Made in India, for India’ strategy, combining global quality standards with products tailored to the preferences of Indian luxury customers. As Mercedes-Benz continues to strengthen its manufacturing footprint in India, this achievement marks a significant chapter in the company’s journey of shaping luxury mobility in the country.

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