All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Chery Revives a Land Rover Icon for the Electrified Age

Chery is about to resurrect a nameplate that once helped invent the compact premium SUV—only this time, the badge reads Freelander and the engineering passport says China. Ahead of its official debut on March 31, the first model from Chery’s new Freelander brand has surfaced in the least glamorous way possible: battered and bruised after a crash test. But even through the crumpled sheetmetal, the message is clear—this is a deliberate nod to the original Land Rover formula, reinterpreted for the electrified era.

The heavily damaged prototypes, published by Chinese outlets, still reveal blocky proportions and squared-off lighting signatures that echo the late-’90s original. The front-end graphic, in particular, mirrors teaser imagery released earlier in the week, suggesting Chery isn’t shy about leaning into heritage. Whether that nostalgia translates into credibility remains to be seen, but visually, the connection is unmistakable.

Underneath, things get decidedly more modern. The new Freelander will ride on Chery’s flexible T1X platform, a familiar architecture already doing duty under several of the company’s crossovers. It’s a pragmatic choice—shared bones keep costs down—yet it also signals that this isn’t a ground-up luxury endeavor. Instead, expect a polished mainstream crossover positioned beneath Jaguar Land Rover’s imported heavy hitters.

Powertrain details are still thin, but the first model will arrive as a plug-in hybrid. Chery says it aims to “echo the original spirit” of the Freelander while appealing to tech-savvy Chinese buyers, which likely means a blend of electric range, digital-heavy interiors, and competitive pricing. In other words: less muddy-boots authenticity, more urban sophistication.

Strategically, the Freelander revival fills a gap left by the outgoing Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, whose local production in China is ending this year. The new model will be built at the Chery-JLR joint-venture plant and sold through a dedicated dealer network run by Chery, rather than folded into JLR’s newly separated “House of Brands” lineup. That separation is telling—Freelander is being treated as something adjacent to, rather than directly part of, the luxury portfolio.

For now, the focus is squarely on China, though executives have hinted at possible global expansion. That’s where things get complicated. A Chinese-built Freelander entering Europe could overlap with JLR’s forthcoming entry-level electric SUVs, potentially cannibalizing sales before they’ve even found their footing. From a business standpoint, that makes any Western rollout far from guaranteed.

The original Freelander, launched in 1997, helped pioneer the compact premium SUV segment with its monocoque construction and approachable size. It lasted two generations before giving way to the Discovery Sport in 2015. Nearly three decades later, the formula returns—only now it’s electrified, digitally focused, and shaped by the realities of the world’s largest car market.

If nothing else, the Freelander’s comeback is a reminder that in today’s auto industry, no badge ever really dies. It just waits for the right platform—and the right market—to be reborn.

Source: Autocar; Photos: MyDrivers

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The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Turns Serenity Into a Statement

The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. Instead, it glides into the ultra-luxury conversation with the quiet confidence of something that knows it’s already won. And while the formula hasn’t changed—take an S-Class, stretch it, gild it, and obsess over every millimeter—the latest iteration feels less like an upgrade and more like a philosophical reset.

Mercedes-Maybach’s mission here is clear: redefine the luxury sedan not through brute force, but through serenity. The new car leans heavily into that ethos, blending traditional Maybach indulgence with a digital backbone that’s more Silicon Valley than Stuttgart. At the center of it all is Mercedes-Benz’s new MB.OS operating system, making its Maybach debut and turning the cabin into a rolling tech lounge. It’s not just about bigger screens—though there are plenty—it’s about creating a seamless digital experience that evolves over time via over-the-air updates. Think of it as luxury that improves itself while you sleep.

Visually, the changes are subtle but deliberate. The grille grows by 20 percent, which sounds excessive until you see how delicately it’s handled. Illuminated accents, rose-gold headlamp details, and the optional glowing hood ornament create a ceremonial presence rather than a gaudy one. Even the wheels play along, with floating center caps that stay upright thanks to a ball-bearing mechanism—one of those tiny engineering flexes that Maybach customers will absolutely notice.

Inside, the cabin doubles down on the cocooning effect that has defined modern Maybachs. The MBUX Superscreen stretches across the dashboard like a sheet of glass, surrounded by open-pore wood, ambient lighting, and materials that aim to calm rather than overwhelm. There’s even a leather-free interior option featuring the new Mirville textile, signaling that ultra-luxury can be both indulgent and contemporary. It’s sustainability, but dressed in couture.

Of course, the real show remains in the back. Automatic comfort doors open with a button press, executive rear seats recline into business-class territory, and a refrigerated compartment waits to chill champagne. The silver-plated flutes—because plastic would be barbaric—slot neatly into bespoke holders. It’s the kind of detail that reminds you this isn’t just transportation; it’s curated travel.

Under the hood, the new Maybach balances tradition with electrification. Mild-hybrid six- and eight-cylinder engines lead the charge, while a plug-in hybrid promises around 100 kilometers of electric range. And yes, the V12 survives in select markets, because some customers still want their serenity powered by twelve meticulously balanced cylinders. The goal isn’t speed—it’s effortless motion. Even the AIRMATIC suspension now uses cloud-shared road data to anticipate bumps before you feel them.

The tech push continues with advanced driver assistance, a new computing architecture, and an AI-powered virtual assistant capable of holding conversations and remembering preferences. In other words, the car learns you, then adapts. It’s luxury shifting from static opulence to dynamic personalization.

Customization remains the final frontier. Through the MANUFAKTUR program, buyers can choose from more than 150 exterior colors and over 400 interior shades, along with bespoke materials, stitching, and finishes. Nearly every Maybach leaving the Sindelfingen plant will be unique, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to individuality.

In the end, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class doesn’t try to reinvent the luxury sedan with theatrics. Instead, it refines the formula with quiet precision—more comfort, more intelligence, more personalization. It’s less about arriving and more about the experience between departures. And in a world increasingly obsessed with speed and spectacle, that calm confidence might be the most luxurious thing of all.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

News

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Returns From the Brink—Now With Hybrid and Electric Punch

The compact car that refused to die is getting a second wind. After flirting with cancellation and nearly becoming collateral damage in Mercedes-Benz’s march upmarket, the A-Class is set to return for a fifth generation in 2028—this time packing hybrid and fully electric powertrains while sticking stubbornly to its hatchback roots. And yes, it’s still not a crossover.

Originally slated to bow out around 2025, the current A-Class survived thanks to slower-than-expected EV adoption and the enduring appetite for premium compact cars. Now, Mercedes is preparing an all-new model built on the same Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform underpinning the latest CLA, bringing with it a future-proof mix of internal combustion and electric propulsion.

Despite whispers of a radical reinvention, the next A-Class won’t morph into an MPV-style oddball or pseudo-SUV. Instead, Mercedes appears to be playing it safe—“traditional in form but modern in detailing,” according to insiders. Think evolution rather than revolution. The hatchback silhouette stays, though the driving position inches upward to compensate for the higher floor required by EV battery packaging. Mercedes insists that doesn’t make it a crossover, and they’re sticking to that line.

Visually, expect the brand’s latest shark-nose front end, a sloping roofline, framed doors (unlike the frameless CLA), and a conventional tailgate. Subtle wheel-arch cladding and slightly increased ground clearance may appear, not to chase off-road credibility but to disguise the EV’s taller stance. The result should be familiar, but sharper—more athletic sneakers than hiking boots.

Inside, the focus shifts toward practicality and broader appeal. Mercedes is targeting both younger buyers and those who once gravitated toward the now-defunct B-Class. Easier entry, improved visibility, and possibly a sliding rear bench are all on the table. Seating remains for five, with a cabin expected to grow thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider tracks enabled by the MMA platform.

Underneath, the new A-Class splits its personality. Electric versions will run rear-wheel drive as standard, while combustion models stick with front-wheel drive. Both will offer optional all-wheel drive. The EV lineup is expected to start with a 221-hp single-motor variant, climbing to a 349-hp dual-motor setup, with high-performance AMG versions rumored to approach a wild 500 hp. That’s hot-hatch territory redefined.

Battery options reportedly include a 58-kWh LFP pack and a larger 85-kWh NMC unit, both supported by an 800-volt architecture for faster charging. Meanwhile, mild-hybrid gasoline models will use a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder in outputs ranging from roughly 154 to 209 horsepower—bread-and-butter numbers for the segment, but likely delivered with improved efficiency.

Chassis hardware sticks to familiar territory: MacPherson struts up front and a new five-link rear suspension, with the possibility of a torsion-beam setup on lower-end models. Translation: Mercedes is aiming for comfort with just enough composure to keep enthusiasts interested.

One lingering question: will it still be called the A-Class? There’s talk of a new badge—possibly CSA—to align with Mercedes’ three-letter naming scheme. But regardless of the letters on the hatch, the mission remains the same: keep Mercedes competitive in the premium compact space without sacrificing identity.

The A-Class nearly became history. Instead, it’s evolving—electrified, slightly taller, but still unmistakably a hatchback. In an era where everything grows into a crossover, that alone feels like a small rebellion.

Source: Autocar