Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its VLE luxury people mover, as it seeks to fight back against Chinese rivals in the segment.Several major Chinese brands have recently unveiled their next-generation luxury people movers, some of which will end up in Australia.BYD’s luxury arm Denza has recently introduced its D9 electric people mover to battle the Zeekr 009, while the XPeng X9 is also scheduled for a launch some time this year.The Zeekr 009 has paved the way for more luxury electric people movers to enter the Aussie market, with the trend catching on to some of the segment favourites.An electric version of the Hyundai Staria is on the cards for Australia, as it looks to hunt down the runaway leader of the segment, the petrol and hybrid-powered Kia Carnival.Mercedes-Benz has not provided a firm arrival date for the car, but it is featured on the brand's Australian website, which could indicate the people mover is under consideration.A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia said the VLE is yet to be confirmed for a domestic launch.Considering the price of its rivals, expect a price tag well north of $100K.The brand already offers its diesel V-Class and electric EQV and eVito Tourer people movers Down Under.Like many of these people movers, the VLE gets the latest in lavish luxury equipment.It will come in six- and eight-seat configurations, with electric seat adjustability.There is a 14.0-inch central touchscreen display, along with a 14.0-inch front passenger display and 10.25-inch digital driver display.To add to the glamour, rear passengers get a retractable 31.3-inch screen, which can be used to stream videos or play computer games.There will be two electric motor set-ups available on the VLE.The single-motor variant produces 203kW and is rear-wheel drive, while the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version packs 300kW, shifting the vehicle from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.The 115kWh battery offers a driving range of more than 700km, according to the WLTP testing cycle.Cheaper grades of the VLE will launch next year, featuring an 80kWh battery.The VLE is built on an 800-volt platform and is capable of charging at 320kW, giving it snappy recharge times, with 355km of driving range able to be added in 15 minutes.According to Mercedes, the people mover has a braked towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes.

V8 engines in Australia have been on the decline with increasingly stringent emissions requirements and changes in production and demand.It has seen the recent departure of V8 favourites such as the 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel found in the Toyota LandCruiser.The options are continuing to fade with the next-generation Nissan Patrol ditching its 5.6-litre diesel V8, in favour of a twin-turbo six-cylinder set-up.For those wondering though, here are all the new cars still on sale in 2026 with a V8 engine.  Aston Martin  Aston Martin uses the Mercedes-AMG tuned 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 across most of its range. This includes the Vantage coupe and convertible models, producing 489kW and 800Nm. The engine is also found in the DB12, which is a V8-exclusive model. Previous DB generations have had the 5.9-litre V12, such as the DB9 and DB11.The DB12’s V8 produces slightly more power than the Vantage at 500kW, and has the same 800Nm.Aston Martin’s DBX SUV is the other model to house a V8 engine, which produces 405kW and 700Nm. The juiced up DBX 707 has 520kW and 700Nm. Audi Audi has a petrol V8 in four models, across both its sedan and SUV range. The top-spec limited edition RS6 Avant GT is the most expensive Audi model on sale in Australia, starting from nearly $400,000 (before on-road costs), although even the regular RS6 is a smidge over $250,000.Its 4.0-litre V8 engine produces 463kW and 850Nm, which is the same as in the related RS7.The standard versions of the SQ7 and SQ8 SUVs have lesser power outputs at 441kW/800Nm, while the range-topping RSQ8 Performance produces 471kW/850Nm.  FordFord has three V8 models on sale for its Mustang GT sports car, which all employ 5.0-litre unit, producing up to 347kW and 550Nm.  Bentley  The Flying Spur and Continental GT luxury grand tourers both have V8 power, with the Continental GT, a V8-exclusive. Bentley’s VW-group sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has been given some hybrid assistance in the top-end version of the Continental GT, boosting performance to 575kW and 1000Nm.The ultra high-end Bentayga SUV meanwhile shares its powerplant with the aforementioned Audi models, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo without plug-in assistance producing 478kW/850Nm.BMWBMW has one V8 petrol engine which features in five models on sale in Australia. The M5 adds a plug-in hybrid set-up to its V8, producing 535kW and 1000Nm. The M8 uses the same 4.4-litre engine, but it does not have an electrification, so it 'only' produces 460kW and 750Nm. This V8 is also found in several performance-oriented SUVs from BMW’s line-up, such as the X5, X6 and X7, as well as the full-size XM, which also employs a plug-in hybrid set-up. It was recently reported BMW has plans to continue its production of V8 engines in the carmaker’s Hams Hall facility in the United Kingdom, with North American demand continuing to be strong despite emissions laws closing in around the world. Mercedes-Benz The 4.0-litre V8 engine continues to be available on several Mercedes-Benz models, such as its luxury limousine S-Class and Maybach. It gets a plug-in hybrid twist on the ballistic GT63 SE, taking figures to a staggering 620kW and 1400Nm. The petrol-only GT63 has the same 4.0-litre engine, producing up to 450kW and 800Nm.Mercedes’ latest generation C63 sedan only features a twin-turbo hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder set-up, which has proved an unpopular swap compared to the previous V8. Like BMW, Mercedes also employs its V8 across high-end variants in its SUV range. Land Rover Land Rover installs two V8 engines, which feature as part of its Defender and Range Rover line-ups. The biggest V8 on offer is a 5.0-litre example, producing up to 368kW and 610Nm in the top-spec Defender model. There is also a 4.4-litre hybrid unit found on many of the P-Series and Sport Range Rover variants, with a maximum of 467kW and 750Nm. Lamborghini Lamborghini has one V8 engine, which is available on its Temerario coupe and its Urus SUV. It is a 4.0-litre example, producing up to 588kW and 950Nm. Ferrari  Ferrari offers a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine on its Roma and Roma Spider two-door sports cars. Both cars have 456kW and 760Nm.The SF90 Stradale has a bigger 4.0-litre unit, which gets the assistance of a plug-in hybrid system to produce 574kW and 800Nm.Nissan The Nissan Patrol 4WD currently on sale in Australia comes with a 5.6-litre V8 (298kW/560Nm), but that is about to change with the next-generation model.The incoming Patrol will launch in late 2026 with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 replacing the V8. 

Mercedes-Benz has raised concerns over the European Union’s revised vehicle emissions targets, citing fears over market instability and demand fluctuations, according to reports.Chief Executive Officer Ola Kallenius recently spoke at a conference, where he said the EU’s new plan could cause the same issues as the previous proposal.Kallenius’ comments come after reports the EU is proposing to scrap its 100 per cent mandatory CO2 reduction by 2035, in favour of a 90 per cent target.Under the December 2025 proposal, carmakers would need to ensure 90 per cent of all new vehicles sold are zero-emission.Kallenius said that while the reduction to a 90 per cent target looks like a relaxing of regulations, other hidden legislative demands will ensure similar pressure remains on carmakers.For example, the EU will place expectations around low-carbon steel and synthetic fuels, making up for the 10 per cent shortfall.“Ninety per cent must not turn into a hidden 100 per cent,” he said.The proposal states that seven of the 10 per cent reduction will be accounted for by the use of low-carbon steel, but Kallenius raised concerns about the viability of achieving this.“I know the market for green steel and how unrealistic those expectations are,” he said.He also said the rules could trigger a collapse in demand and distort the market.In addition to Kallenius’ concerns, the CEO of the German giant manufacturer said brands need to be given more time to meet emissions requirements.Manufacturers are still subject to tightening CO2 requirements before 2035, but the EU has been extending the compliance windows for these.For the latest round of compliance, brands will be tested over an average three-year period between 2025 to 2027, as opposed to single-year assessment, as in Australia.Kallenius said this period should be extended to five years.In Australia, brands recently discovered their National Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) fate, with Mercedes-Benz in a strong position, having accumulated no liabilities for the 2025 period.As in Europe, emissions standards in Australia will continue to tighten in the coming years.

Which car brands have the most models on sale in Australia?

Mercedes-Benz has released pricing for its Maybach SL680 luxury large convertible coupe. The SL680 will start in price from $463,900, before on-road costs, making it one of the most expensive cars in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. Maybach variants have usually been reserved for ultra-luxury limousines, such as the S680, but this takes a different line, focusing on a more sporty experience. It lines up as a direct rival to the Bentley Continental GT convertible, which also is powered by a V8, starting from $504,700, before on-road costs. It will also be an alternative to the electric-powered Rolls-Royce Spectre, starting from $800,000 (before on-roads). The SL680’s 4.0-litre V8 produces 430kW and 800Nm, which is more than the Continental GT.The car comes as standard with an all-wheel drive system and is capable of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds. It gets a sweeping exterior design, and with 50 paint choices, as well as 21-inch wheels in two options, the second of which is a multi-spoke design costing $12,900.It has polished interior elements, including silver chrome trim and illuminated door sills, along with a wood and leather steering wheel. There are Napper leather seats, which are heated and ventilated, as well as a premium 17-speaker Burmester audio system, which can output 1220 watts. It also gets all the accessories you would expect as standard like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and wireless phone charging. It also features Mercedes’ augmented reality navigation system.As you would expect, this high-end Mercedes has some seriously pricey options aside from the aforementioned wheels.For $16,900, the car can be fitted with a Mercedes-Maybach pattern on the bonnet and for an extra $24,300 the whole car can be finished in an exclusive paint. The SL680 adds to the Mercedes Maybach range, which already includes versions of the S-Class limousine, as well as the EQS and GLS SUVs.2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL680 pricing Australia 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL680 engine and efficiency2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL680 standard featuresOther standard features include: Head-up display64-colour ambient lightingHeated wood and leather steering wheelSilver chrome trim elementsIlluminated door sillsHeated and ventilated front seats with massage function 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL680 safetyThe Mercedes-Benz SL680 has not been crash tested by ANCAP.Standard safety features: Adaptive cruise controlLane keep assist360-degree cameraLane change assistSteer assistMemory parking assist2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL680 warranty All Mercedes-Benz models are covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. 

Mercedes-Benz has announced sharp drive-away pricing for a limited edition variant of its popular GLC mid-size SUV. Pricing will start from $89,000 (drive-away), until the 30th of April, and is limited in numbers according to the brand. This is a special version of the GLC 200 known as the ‘Avantgarde Edition’, not to be confused with the base ‘Avantgarde’ variant.This deal makes the GLC 200 more price competitive with some of its key mid-size SUV rivals, including the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.The Avantagarde starts from $90,200, before on-road costs, so the deal on the Avantgarde Edition represents a solid saving for buyers, but it comes with some compromises. The Avantgarde Edition swaps 19-inch alloy wheels for 18-inch ones, with the car's lower sills and side-steps also getting a less flashy design. It is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 150kW and 320Nm. Like its rivals, the car comes with all-wheel drive as standard.On the inside, the Avantgarde Edition keeps much of the gear found in other models, including an 11.9-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display. There are also power-adjustable front seats, which have a memory function. The GLC-Class was Mercedes-Benz’s most popular model in 2025, topping the sales numbers of other big hitters in the line-up such as the the GLA-Class compact SUV. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition pricing Australia2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition engine and efficiency2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition standard featuresOther standard features include:Metallic paintAutomatic climate controlPower seats with memory functionKeyless entry and start2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition safetyThe Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class received a five-star ANCAP safety rating.Standard safety features2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition dimensions2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition warranty and servicingThe Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.Mercedes-Benz offers three-year, four-year and five-year capped price servicing plans GLC models, with intervals occurring every one year or 25,000km. Capped-priced servicing plans:

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed details of a limited run version of its C300 mid-size sedan designed to combine the sporty character of an AMG enhanced model with a high-end luxury specification.The new Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line Plus Edition includes the normally optional ‘Night Package’ (high-gloss black elements on the radiator grille, exterior mirror housings, beltline trim strip and window surrounds), additional AMG styling elements (including an AMG spoiler lip) and unique 19-inch AMG ‘5-twin-spoke’ alloy wheels.Offered in Australia in “limited numbers only”, the edition also includes ‘metal-structure’ trim on the centre console and dashboard.These additions come on top of standard C300 features like an ‘AMG Line Interior’ (electric sports front seats with heating and memory, dual-zone climate control and synthetic leather upholstery).An 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are joined by wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as wireless smartphone charging.There’s also ‘Agility Control’ suspension incorporating dual-chamber dampers to progressively adjust for optimal ride and handling balance.2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class price Australia2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine/powertrain and efficiency: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered with five powertrain choices. The C200 is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, mild-hybrid, turbo-petrol engine sending 150kW/300Nm to the rear wheels through a nine-speed auto transmission.The C300 features a 2.0L turbo-petrol four producing 190kW/400Nm, the C350e’s 2.0L plug-in hybrid combination delivers 230kW/550Nm and the AMG C43’s 2.0L turbo four is quoted at 310kW/500Nm with ‘4Matic’ AWD.The flagship Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance winds up the 2.0-litre four to pump out a prodigious 500kW (670hp)/1020Nm, going to all four wheels via nine-speed multi-clutch transmission.Claimed combined cycle fuel use for the C200 is 6.9L/100km rising to 7.3L/100km for the C300 with a 66-litre fuel tank in both models. The C350e’s official figure drops to just 1.5L/100km (although that number’s based on keeping the battery constantly charged) with a 50-litre tank.The Mercedes-AMG C43 is rated at 9.1L/100km and the full-fat Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance sits at a relatively modest 6.1L/100km, both with a 66L fuel tank.All models require a minimum 95 RON ‘premium’ fuel.Maximum braked trailer towing capacity is 1800kg for the C200, C300, C350e and C43 while the C63S E Performance is a no-tow zone. 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class standard features: 18-inch alloy wheelsKeyless entry & startAMG Line Interior11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen12.3-inch digital instrument displayPanoramic sliding sunroofRain-sensing wipersSynthetic leather trim (leather on high grades)Heated front seatsHead up displayPower bootlidCruise controlActive Parking Assist360-degree camera viewLED headlights (with adaptive high-beam)Ambient interior lightingDual-zone climate control air-conditioningLeather-trimmed steering wheelDigital radioReversing camera2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class colours: Standard:Polar WhiteObsidian Black MetallicGraphite Grey MetallicSodalite Blue MetallicHigh-Tech Silver MetallicSpectral Blue MetallicSelenite Grey MetallicOptional: Opalite White bright metallicPatagonia Red bright metallic2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class safety:The Mercedes-Benz C-Class scored a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from assessment in 2022.  Adult occupant protection - 91 per centChild occupant protection - 90 per centVulnerable road user protection - 80 per centSafety assist - 84 per cent2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class warranty and servicing: The C-Class is covered by Mercedes-Benz Australia’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (with roadside-assist included). Three-, four- and five-year service plans are available for C-Class models. 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class dimensions:Overall length for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 4751mm, width is 1820mm and height is 1437mm with a 2865mm wheelbase. Boot space with rear seat up is 455 litres (C350e PHEV - 315 litres) with the split-folding rear seat able to liberate additional volume.

Australia’s free trade agreement with the European Union (EU) appears to be only a matter of time, according to reports and it could have some serious implications for the domestic car industry. The Luxury Car Tax (LCT), which has been in place for more than 25 years, has been one of many key points of discussion in negotiations with the EU. A new car imported from another country that exceeds a fuel efficiency of 3.5L/100km is subject to a 33 per cent tax on every dollar more than $80,567 in price. For vehicles with fuel efficiency 3.5L/100km or less, the tax does not kick in until $91,387. While European luxury vehicles are impacted by many other factors that contribute to their higher prices, such as import costs to Australia and other fees and taxes, the LCT is a significant component of its price. European luxury cars in Australia are priced at a significantly higher point compared to other markets. Removal of the LCT could increase the affordability of cars from major manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as many models under the Volkswagen banner.The LCT was originally designed to protect Australia’s domestic car manufacturing industry from imported alternatives, but Australia stopped producing cars in 2017.It is worth more than $1 billion to the Federal Government each year, with European manufacturers a large contributor, meaning its abolition for Europe brands would need to be enticing.Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell and the EU commissioner's joint statement said talks were “constructive and positive”, allowing “the two sides to converge positions on a range of issues.”"Good progress was achieved in narrowing gaps on a small number of outstanding matters," the statement read. Whether the future of the LCT was one of those issues is unknown but the continued rumours regarding the potential for its abolition indicate the agreement is working towards that end. 

Formula 1 yoke-style steering wheels in cars will be been banned in China after government testing found them not only more difficult to use but potentially more dangerous in accidents, according to a report.Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and several other carmakers will have to revert to traditional style round steering steering wheels from 2027 in China, after it was found yoke steering wheels could present unnecessary hazards.Chinese publication Autohome reports that China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has drawn up draft legislation banning the yoke steering wheels.According to the government findings, yoke steering wheels risk concentrating too much force on the driver in a collision compared to round steering wheels which diffuse the force over a larger area.Airbag deployment was also found to be potentially more hazardous on yoke-style steering wheels compared to rounder ones.Finally it was also seen that yoke-style steering wheels were more difficult to use in environments that required larger steering inputs such as urban areas with tight turns or manoeuvring in spaces requiring constant changes of direction such as parking.While yoke steering wheels in cars aren’t new, there has been a resurgence led by some brands such as Lexus in its RZ small SUV and Tesla in its Model S and X over the years to add a futuristic look and feel to their vehicle cabins. The upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS will also be offered with a yoke -style wheel, too.Yoke steering wheels are used in Formula 1 due to their compact dimensions in cramped cockpits along with putting vehicle controls under the driver’s fingertips for instant reactions.The yoke steering wheel works perfectly in Formula 1 where steering is calibrated specifically for a track. On a public road, however, which presents a wide variety of steering inputs, the yoke steering wheels can be more challenging for a driver and may represent a safety risk.The Chinese ruling, which when passed will mandate all cars from next year to have circular steering wheels, could force the hand of other car makers to follow suit. And with Australia now seeing more and more Chinese brands or China-sourced vehicles coming to Australia it’s unlikely they’ll arrive with anything other than traditional circular steering wheels either.

Mercedes-AMG’s avowed passion for small capacity turbo-petrol four-cylinder engines in some of its most high-profile models appears to have cooled with the arrival of the new GLC53 powered by a stonking ‘twin-charged’ 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder.Highlighting the new engine’s “high-revving character” and “powerful, sonorous sound”, AMG has clearly responded to the lukewarm reception its undoubtedly powerful but relatively low-key 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines have received since the C63S E Performance launched globally in late 2022.Replacing the four-cylinder GLC43 and (for now, the) GLC63S E Performance, the new GLC53 is powered by a revised version of the 3.0-litre in-line six used in the E53 sedan featuring an exhaust gas turbo and an electric auxiliary compressor as well as a switch from full plug-in support to mild-hybrid assistance via a 48V starter-generator in the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission.Undoubtedly designed to prioritise the combustion part of the hybrid equation, mods include a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports, a new intake camshaft and a larger volume intake system as well as an upgraded intercooler. As a result, the new five-seat SUV hot rod produces 330kW (442hp) from 5800-6100rpm and 600Nm (640Nm on overboost) from 2200-5200 rpm.For reference, the outgoing GLC43 is rated at 310kW/510Nm with the GLC63 AMG S E-Performance pumping out a staggering 500kW/1020Nm.The GLC53’s integrated starter-generator provides a short-term boost of 17kW/205Nm, at the same time facilitating “recuperation, gliding and the almost imperceptible restarting of the engine during the start-stop function”.Drive goes to all four wheels via a “fully variable” AWD system including an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential. Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is a rapid 4.2 seconds.The (steel) suspension tune includes a specific spring-damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping via separate valves for rebound and compression. Rims are 21-inch shod with Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV rubber (265/40 fr - 295/35 rr) and braking is by ventilated discs (390 fr - 360 rr) with four-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear. The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic is currently priced at $147,500, before on-road costs, and Mercedes-Benz Australia told CarsGuide the GLC53 is due to land locally in the fourth quarter of this year.