Tag Archives: mercedes

Tuning

Carlex Rose Vintage based on Mercedes G-Class

Since its introduction in the early 1970s, the G-Class has attracted the attention of many, even those who were not fans of this type of vehicle. The latest generations are increasingly attractive and tuners often use them in their projects. One such model was presented by Carlex Design, Rose Vintage.

Carlex Design is one of the few companies that creatively makes cars better than factory ones. Rose Vintage is just a continuation of the Vintage project that started in 2024 with the Carlex G-Vintage model. This example is painted in Pink and may not appeal to everyone.

The car is equipped with a unique body kit that includes a chrome bumper, a new radiator grille, wider wheel arches, a new rear bumper, and the Carlex logo instead of the Mercedes logo. The lower part of the body is painted in a delicate pink shade, while the upper part is white. It is mounted on a set of chrome rims with pink covers and tires with white side stripes in a retro style.

The interior is upholstered in pink leather, which perfectly matches the exterior. The leather covers the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, door panels and even the trunk. The ceiling is the same color but made of Alcantara, while the armrest has two white lines.

When it comes to the powertrain, it is not known if there have been any changes. As a reminder, the Carlex G-Vintage is powered by a 4.0-L V8 twin-turbo engine with 805 hp (600 kW) and 752 lb-ft (1,020 Nm) of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all wheels.

Source: Carlex Design

Gallery:

Carlex Rose Vintage based on Mercedes G-Class
Hybrid

2025 Mercedes E53 Hybrid 4matic+ with 603 HP

Mercedes revealed a powerful version of the E53 Hybrid model with better aerodynamic solutions and a muscular look. It is the first version of the E-Class W214 based on AMG performance.

At first glance, the E53 Hybrid 4matic+ is equipped with an illuminated AMG grille, larger air intakes on the front bumper, 11 mm wider front fenders on both sides, side gills, a reinforced chassis, a sport-tuned adjustable suspension, a high-performance braking system with larger brakes, a rear axle steering system, four tailpipes and a lip spoiler, which differentiates the model from other AMG Line packages. There’s also a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels, and you can get 20-inch alloy wheels or 21-inch forged wheels.

Of course, for those who want something more like black chrome or carbon fiber, Mercedes has also prepared the optional AMG Exterior Night Package (I and II) and the AMG Carbon Exterior Package.

Inside, the adjustable AMG sports seats are upholstered in Artico man-made leather and microfiber with red stitching, while the AMG performance steering wheel is covered in Nappa leather. The dashboard and door panels feature illuminated gray open-pore ash wood trim. AMG performance seats are available as an option.

E53 Hybrid 4matic+ is powered by a 3.0-L 6-cylinder engine (443 hp/330 kW) in combination with an electric motor (161 hp/120 kW) for a total power of 604 hp (450 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G gearbox. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

It is equipped with a 28.6 kWh battery that has a usable capacity of 21.22 kWh, enabling a range of 101 km, WLTP. Thanks to the 60 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes.

Source: Mercedes

Gallery:

2025 Mercedes E53 Hybrid 4matic+ with 603 HP
News

EU introduces additional tariffs on vehicles from China

In September 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is launching an investigation into the privileged position of electric vehicles produced in China due to subsidies. The investigation showed that the Chinese government subsidized cars exported to Europe in various ways, and in response the EU is considering the introduction of additional tariffs.

For a long time, Europe was looking for a way to protect domestic producers. Some suggested joining forces against the Chinese, such as the head of the Renault Group, Luca de Meo. It seems that the temporary decision on additional tariffs is the EU’s first move to protect domestic producers.

According to Automotive News Europe, the temporary tariff rates would apply from July, and European importers must report imports of Chinese electric vehicles through customs registrations. This means that retroactive customs clearance is inevitable.

The investigation also showed that imports from China increased by 14 percent (177,839 vehicles) compared to 2022, and if it continues, it is not doubtful that it could negatively affect employment and overall production. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the EU said it was disappointed by the decision and that the increase in imports was a reflection of the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Manufacturers are trying to resist the increasingly rapid Chinese conquest of the European market, and one of the ways is to continue producing cars with internal combustion engines. In February, Luca de Meo stated that Europe is facing major challenges and that the alienation and disorientation of the European automotive industry will lead to a structural trade deficit for Europe. He also warns that the phase-out of internal combustion engines, which is planned for 2035, could mean a decrease in the competitiveness of the European car industry. According to him, ICEs have been a protective barrier for Europeans for years, and now with the development of electric cars and the increased need for batteries, that protection is disappearing because the Chinese control 75 percent of global battery production.

Mercedes and Škoda have already announced that they will not give up ICE as long as there is demand. Other companies are expected to follow this path as well.

Source: Automotive News Europe