Mercedes-Benz News

A new type of battery technology could be about to take over the budget electric car industry. The sodium-ion make-up solves the problem of sourcing expensive and rare materials needed for lithium-iron batteries, while maintaining adequate driving range for smaller EVs.Sodium-ion batteries are further along the full scale commercialisation than solid-state batteries, which have been touted as the holy grail of electric cars, for example. Sodium-ion batteries have less energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries such as Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) and more advanced Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) units, and much less than what is promised from futuristic solid-state cells.The big advantage is the ease of access and relative cheapness of obtaining sodium compared to lithium, which makes them an attractive choice. The difference in energy density means on a large scale, particularly for car batteries, LFP is often a cheaper choice. This is because substantially more sodium-ion battery cells are needed to make up the equivalent in LFP units.  The power advantage is diminishing, with energy density on sodium batteries expected to exceed 180Wh/kg in the near future.This means sodium batteries could be a significantly cheaper, and much more viable choice for car batteries, especially in smaller EVs, which do not require a substantial driving range.One of the other benefits of sodium-ion batteries is they are more resistant to extreme temperatures. This has been an issue in particular for NMC batteries, with multiple instances of these batteries not performing to expectations in unusually hot or cold environments. Mainstream Chinese battery manufacturer CATL recently introduced a sodium battery with an energy density of around 175Wh/kg, which is closer to energy density in lithium alternatives. Bridging the energy density gap between sodium and lithium batteries opens up the potential for sodium chemistry to be the go-to for budget EV carmakers.Sodium-ion batteries are also becoming cheaper to manufacture and could reach cost parity within LFP batteries within the next two years, according to reports out of China.This could be seen as the perfect battery make-up for smaller EVs, which are often already budget oriented, meaning the price of these cars could be brought down further. CATL began commercial production of its sodium batteries last year, and manufacturers are already jumping on board. CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion battery offers a driving range of around 500km, while keeping the extreme temperature benefits of the technology. GAC is expected to utilise a unit from CATL in one of its upcoming EVs, according to a report in Auto News. GAC is one of many brands investing in sodium-ion, with other Chinese rivals such as BYD also developing the technology. BAIC has also been making moves with its battery, which can be fully charged in only 11 minutes. The German government has also put aside 20 million euros for a gigawatt-hour sodium-ion plant, with Mercedes-Benz one of the brands potentially benefiting. 

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the updated range of its GLE SUV.The car has received upgrades to performance and interior design for the latest edition of Mercedes’ high-end SUV. The current GLE on sale in Australia starts from $144,900 (before on-road costs), and is one of the brand’s best-selling models, outselling the C-Class sedan. Its range currently only consists of petrol and diesel, meaning it is likely a PHEV will join the Aussie lineup next. It appears the brand has cut the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine from the lineup, in favour of more electrified options. This will likely result in a substantial price jump for the new cheapest variant of the lineup, the GLE 350d, which was not on sale in Australia previously. There is a revamped six-cylinder petrol engine, which has been refined to add further torque at 560Nm, with a new plug-in hybrid variant spawning out of the engine.The range-topping GLE 580 comes with a juiced up V8 engine, producing 395kW and 750Nm. Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the new GLE will hit Australian showrooms some time in 2027. It is a rival to other luxury large SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Volvo XC90. The Q7 and XC90 sit at the cheaper end of the luxury scale, while the X5 is about $5000 cheaper than the current Mercedes (before on-road costs). On the inside, there is a panoramic digital display across the dashboard, which comprises three 12.3-inch screens. There are also updates for the AMG performance variants of the GLE, which come with petrol and plug-in hybrid set-ups. The PHEV variant offers an increased output of 430kW and 750Nm, which can shift the car from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. 

There is good news for those wanting to splash out on a new luxury car.The Australian government has signed a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union that removes the five per cent import tariff that was slugged on all vehicles built on the continent.Australia has not removed the Luxury Car Tax (LCT), which was believed to be a big part of the drawn out negotiations, but it has sweetened the deal for European-soured EVs.The LCT on European cars has been raised to $120,000, up from roughly $91,000.These two measures will slash thousands off the price of some electric cars, with the coming BMW iX3 likely to be about $10,000 cheaper than expected.There has been no movement on the LCT for petrol, hybrid or diesel powered vehicles, with those machines hit with the 33 per cent tax on every dollar over the roughly $80,000 threshold.These measures could entice other carmakers to bring their electric cars to Australia, which may have previously been considered too expensive.Head of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Tony Weber said this was a win for Australian new car buyers.“The removal of the tariff is a positive outcome for Australian consumers and brings European vehicles in line with those imported from other major markets such as China, Japan, Korea and Thailand,” said Weber.Weber called for the removal of the LCT altogether.“The change to the Luxury Car Tax is incremental and leaves in place an outdated measure that no longer reflects the structure of the Australian automotive market.“Luxury car taxes were first introduced in Australia nearly 40 years ago to protect a domestic manufacturing industry which no longer exists. It serves no clear purpose other than raising revenue and continues to impose unnecessary costs on consumers,” said Weber.

China is dominating Australian new-car sales, but it’s also not alone, with a handful of legacy brands bucking the trend to somehow grow their sales in the face of BYD, Chery and GWM’s continued ascent.

Is the ‘uncool’ people mover on the verge of a renaissance?New arrivals and rising sales suggest the once daggy family transport could become the new battleground in the Australian market.While large, seven-seat SUVs remain the preferred option for Australian families, people mover sales were up 9.2 per cent in 2025 and have started 2026 with a surge, a whopping 41.1 per cent jump on last year.While the Kia Carnival remains the undisputed champion of people movers, accounting for approximately 80 per cent of its market, there is a new wave of more premium rivals that are catering to a specific audience looking for spacious and luxurious travel.The Chinese brands are, unsurprisingly, leading this charge, as people movers are a much more popular choice in its native market. The likes of the Zeekr 009, LDV Mifa, GAC M8 PHEV and upcoming Denza D9 are all offering space and premium features for both family and business buyers.These add to the likes of the Lexus LM, which is available with an opulent four-seat layout, as well as the Mercedes-Benz Vito and V-Class, giving buyers more choice.Meanwhile in the more family/fleet-orientated segment of the market, the Carnival competes against the Hyundai Staria, new Ford Tourneo and Volkswagen’s new-generation Multivan and Caddy.And, if that’s not enough, there are the all-electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz and Mercedes-Benz EQV to expand the appeal of the people mover even further.So what makes people movers so popular, especially the Carnival?According to Roland Rivero, Kia Australia’s head of product planning, it’s the simple fact they are bigger and more practical than a seven-seat SUV for families that need the space.“I think our dealers do a pretty good job of conveying that while there might be a high desirability of an SUV, because everyone has got one… but for most families a Carnival is a better proposition,” explains Rivero.“For a family, fundamentally a Carnival does a better job.”The combination of more interior space, especially in the third row and a practical boot, as well as the sliding rear doors, are the standout areas where a people mover has the edge over an SUV, says Rivero.“For the most part dealers are able to convey the benefits of the Carnival over an SUV, unless the buyer has a need for four-wheel drive,” he said. “It’s probably the marketing that has driven that SUV popularity.”Rivero added: “Those that discovered the benefits of a people mover, those who have a family, realise quickly how good it can be.”Speaking to CarsGuide in August 2025, Zeekr Australia boss Frank Li admitted he was surprised by the initial slow uptake for the 009 given its popularity in overseas markets but expressed confidence in its long-term prospects.“Before actually, we valued the Australian market very much as well, but you know previously we only had two models and that is quite a niche segment in Australia,” Li explained.“Even though 009 performance is very good – it’s brilliant in south east Asia, like Hong Kong, Malay Thailand, we’re dominating this segment in this market – but the Australian market is obviously not a traditional people mover market. We believe that slowly, slowly our customers will love 009, but that takes time.”The more premium end of the market is a growing space for these more luxurious people movers, and it’s a key reason why Denza (BYD’s luxury sub-brand) is going to launch the D9 in Australia.Paul Ellis, spokesperson for Denza, said the brand’s move into the market is less about attracting fleet buyers and instead a more corporate audience, smaller operators that do luxury transfers and upmarket hotels, as well as families looking for space and comfort.“They’re a niche product, but within that niche there is quite a lot of demand for them,” Ellis told CarsGuide.

Solid-state is often viewed as the holy grail of electric-vehicle battery technology.It promises to offer unprecedented driving ranges, faster charging and a safer overall set-up. Solid-state differs from other more conventional EV batteries because it uses a solid mechanism to transfer energy. Conventional batteries, such as lithium-iron, often contain a gel or liquid electrolyte to do so.It enables far greater energy density than other batteries.With the technology developing and brands edging closer to production, here is a look at some of the latest developments.CheryChery appears to be the brand with the most advanced solid-state strategy, having already announced two models which will feature the technology.The first was announced in December 2025, called the Exeed ES8, with its solid-state battery having a drive range of 1000km. It is scheduled to launch this year in China.More details were recently revealed about Chery’s second model, the Exeed Liefeng, with its Rhino S solid-state battery packing 600Wh per kilogram, bumping up the driving range of 1500km.While the Exeed brand name remains a China-exclusive premium arm of Chery, there is potential for it to make its way to Australia. Chery Australia COO Lucas Harris said he wants to have Exeed models Down Under. “I really like the Exeed product, and I think they make some really cool, really high end, actual luxury specification vehicles,” Harris told CarsGuide. “If I could make a wish tomorrow and it would come true, that would probably be what I would ask for.”BYDBYD is another brand considering solid-state batteries.In early February, it was reported the brand was targeting small-batch production of its batteries by 2027.There are limited other details on BYD’s solid-state battery, with no vehicles confirmed to be installed with it. It is expected it will use an oxide-based chemistry which is viewed as having greater commercial viability than sulphide electrolytes. This is down to easier manufacturing and benefits such as faster and safer charging. FAWFAW (First Auto Works - one of the oldest car manufacturers in China) has taken a different approach to solid-state, with its ‘hybrid’ solid-state battery. This is not to be confused with a traditional internal-combustion and electric-motor set-up. Hybrid refers to the make-up of the battery itself. As mentioned above, most solid-state batteries have a mechanical separator that has liquid qualities.FAW’s battery is different, because the mechanical separator substance is a slurry, meaning it is semi solid-state. The battery has a capacity of 142kWh, with an energy side of 500Wh per kilogram and a driving range of more than 1000km.The brand has installed this battery into a car, but there is no news on potential full-scale production.Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz unveiled a prototype solid-state powered version of its EQS sedan in September 2025, which travelled 1205km on a single charge.The car completed a journey from Stuttgart in Germany to Malmo in Sweden without a charging stop, and still had more than 130km of range left when it arrived.Chief Technology Officer Markus Schafer said Mercedes-Benz is targeting production of the battery by 2030. “Our goal is to bring innovations like this into series production by the end of the decade and offer our customers a new level of range and comfort,” Schafer said in a statement.SAICSAIC is another manufacturer targeting a 2027 launch date for its solid-state battery.It has reportedly completed its production line, with sample production beginning late last year.SAIC has stated the battery will have an energy density of 400Wh per kilogram.There is no news yet on whether the battery has been fitted to a car yet or when we might see go into full production.SAIC-owned MG has fitted a semi solid-state battery to its new-generation MG4 in China, but we are unlikely to see it in Australia.ToyotaToyota is aiming to launch a car with a solid-state battery in 2027-2028.The brand has teamed up with mining company Sumitomo Metal Mining to mass produce solid-state battery components.The partnership will produce cathode material needed to make the batteries.Toyota first announced its solid-state plans in 2021, but has not yet produced a prototype.CATLCATL is the world's biggest electric car battery maker, and is expected to have small scale production of its solid-state batteries in 2027.The battery is sulfide-based and its energy density is 500Wh per kilogram.Large scale production is not anticipated until 2030.ConclusionWhile brands, particularly from China, are stepping up their push towards solid-state batteries, it remains a technology in its infancy. There is still substantial opposition to the technology, including from some of the world’s largest automakers such as General Motors (GM). Other battery technologies are also showing promise, which could spell challenges for the development of solid-state.GM has been investigating the potential of silicon alternatives. Silicon graphite blend batteries store more lithium ions to achieve greater battery density, and is rumoured to be closer to commercialisation than solid-state.In addition to BYD's solid-state initiatives, the carmaker recently unveiled its all-electric Denza Z9 GT with 1036km of driving range. It uses a traditional 122kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, which might be on its way to Australia.It should be noted that this figure was established using lenient CLTC testing as opposed to more stringent methods such as WLTP.Solid-state remains an exciting future technology in the EV space but, development and production expenses, other battery solutions and technology improvements mean it is still up in the air as to whether we will see it on a commercial scale.

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?