All posts by Francis Mitterrand

EV

Škoda Elroq RS Matt Grey Limited Edition

Škoda Auto has pulled the wraps off a striking new version of its all-electric SUV, the Elroq RS, now available in an exclusive Matt Grey finish. Limited to just 800 units, this special edition not only previews the brand’s future design direction but also marks a bold step into the world of premium matte paint finishes.

A New Expression of “Modern Solid”

The Elroq RS limited edition debuts Škoda’s Modern Solid design language in its most expressive form yet. The new Matt Grey body color immediately catches the eye, enhanced by glossy black details on the door handles, side mirrors, and rear roof spoiler. It’s a bold, dynamic look that amplifies the RS model’s already athletic proportions and electric performance credentials.

“We’ve been toying with the idea of matte paint for a while,” says Veronika Straškrabová, project manager for the Elroq model family. “We’re pleased that the first car painted like this from Škoda Auto’s Czech production plants is the Elroq RS in Matt Grey. Only 800 units will be produced in this limited series.”

The paint project was overseen by Maria Kertzscher, a color and trim specialist at Škoda, who emphasizes the complexity behind getting a matte finish just right. “Not every color works with a matte finish. We started with Graphite Grey, which is already visually striking, and retains its vibrancy even with the matte layer applied,” she explains. “The goal was to make the car look sporty, standout—even a bit aggressive. And we succeeded.”

Performance That Backs the Looks

The Elroq RS doesn’t just look the part—it delivers serious performance too. Powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, it produces a robust 250 kW (340 hp) and can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. Despite these thrilling numbers, it retains the hallmark practicality expected of an RS-badged Škoda: usable range, comfort, and everyday functionality.

Official figures cite combined power consumption at 16.2 kWh/100 km with zero local CO₂ emissions, making it not only fast but also environmentally friendly.

The Craft of Going Matte

Behind the sleek exterior is a careful process of experimentation and quality control. Matching the matte paint across materials—especially between metal body panels and plastic components like bumpers—requires precision. “Colour matching is essential for delivering premium quality,” says Kertzscher. “It’s not just about how the color looks, but how consistent it appears across every part of the vehicle.”

Once considered a niche trend, matte finishes have steadily gained mainstream appeal—not just in automotive, but across design industries. Smartphones, fashion accessories, and now cars are embracing the understated sophistication of matte surfaces.

“I think matte finishes will become more common,” says Kertzscher. “And I hope the Elroq RS won’t be the last Škoda to wear one.”

A Collector’s Electric SUV

Škoda has yet to announce precise delivery dates, but the expectation is that these 800 matte-clad Elroq RS models will be claimed quickly—especially given the growing demand for unique, high-performance EVs with design distinction.

If the Matt Grey Elroq RS is a preview of what’s to come from Škoda’s electric future, then it’s a future that looks bold, fast, and anything but dull.

Source: Škoda

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Škoda Elroq RS Matt Grey Limited Edition
News

Mercedes-AMG GT EV Prototype Spotted Testing in the Alps

Just days after Mercedes-AMG wowed audiences with the reveal of the AMG GT XX concept, the future of high-performance electric mobility is already taking shape in the real world. Spy videographers have captured a camouflaged prototype—believed to be the production version of AMG’s upcoming all-electric four-door supercar—silently prowling the Alpine roads in Europe.

Despite the heavy patterned wrap disguising its finer details, the prototype clearly shares its silhouette with the GT XX concept. The familiar fastback profile and aggressive stance make an immediate impression, while telltale elements like the bold grille and circular taillight motifs peek through the disguise. Notably, the headlights appear to have undergone a revision for production, now featuring a tri-star signature pattern reminiscent of Mercedes’ iconic logo.

But this isn’t your typical whisper-quiet EV. Even though the car hasn’t been seen pushing its limits on corners or straightaways, one unexpected element stood out to those nearby: sound. Unlike most electric vehicles, this AMG GT emits a synthetic but engine-like hum while idling—an aural cue that was teased during the concept’s unveiling and designed to add emotion to the driving experience. While this prototype’s soundtrack doesn’t mimic a classic V8 growl, insiders suggest it’s still a work in progress.

Under the skin, performance expectations remain sky-high. The GT XX concept boasts a staggering 1,340 horsepower delivered via three axial-flux electric motors—two at the rear axle and one at the front. This tri-motor setup, paired with an advanced 800-volt electrical system and direct-cooled cylindrical battery cells, promises blistering acceleration and fast-charging capability. Although it’s unclear whether the production model will retain the full power output, it’s likely to feature a similar drivetrain architecture.

Set to challenge heavyweights like the Porsche Taycan, the production AMG GT EV is poised to become a formidable contender in the luxury electric performance segment. While official pricing remains under wraps, expect it to enter the market in the six-figure range, with direct competition aimed squarely at Porsche’s $101,395 benchmark.

With a formal debut anticipated later this year, Mercedes-AMG’s electric future is not just conceptual—it’s already in motion.

Source: CarSpyMedia via YouTube

News

BMW M5 Prices Are Climbing—But the Touring Craze Shows No Sign of Slowing

BMW enthusiasts may want to act fast if they’re eyeing the brand’s iconic M5. According to a new report, prices for the high-performance sedan and its newly introduced Touring variant are set to rise starting next month. The increase, reportedly $2,400 across both models, will bring the 2026 M5 sedan’s base price to $121,900 and the long-roof Touring to $123,900—both before destination and gas guzzler taxes.

Once those additional fees are factored in—$1,175 for destination and $2,600 for the gas guzzler tax—the M5 sedan will ring up at $125,675, while the Touring will command $127,675.

Despite the hike, BMW’s M5 isn’t the model seeing the steepest price jump in the lineup. The X5 M and X6 M Competition are reportedly increasing by $2,500, while the Z4 sees a $1,000 bump. Still, it’s the M5 Touring that continues to capture the spotlight, especially in the U.S.—a market that, until now, had never received the performance wagon.

Since its debut, the 2025 M5 Touring has seen demand exceed even BMW’s internal expectations. Originally, the automaker projected that two-thirds of M5 buyers would opt for the sedan. But production numbers had to be revised after consumer interest shifted heavily toward the Touring, resulting in a 50-50 production split between the two body styles.

BMW M boss Frank van Meel recently confirmed the surprising trend, stating in an interview that U.S. demand for the Touring variant has actually surpassed that of the sedan. That surge in enthusiasm could have ripple effects beyond the M5. BMW is reportedly weighing whether to finally bring the coveted M3 Touring to the American market—a move that enthusiasts have long been pleading for.

For now, it’s clear that even with rising prices, the allure of a high-performance BMW wagon is strong—strong enough, perhaps, to reshape the brand’s product strategy in the U.S.

Source: CarBuzz