Author: Lukas Schneider

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new electric GLA in Warsaw, marking the first time the compact SUV enters the market as a battery-electric model before its combustion-engine counterpart. The new lineup, scheduled to arrive in November, offers up to 657 kilometres of WLTP driving range and DC fast-charging speeds of up to 320 kilowatts. The automaker is launching three battery-electric variants initially, while hybrid versions are expected to follow in early 2027. Prices begin at €48,599 for the entry-level GLA 200, making it Mercedes-Benz’s most affordable electric SUV. Three Variants Built on 800-Volt Architecture The new GLA is based on Mercedes-Benz’s…

BMW is reportedly developing a fully electric i4 Cabrio based on its Neue Klasse platform, expanding its battery-electric lineup with a convertible model expected to arrive in 2028. According to BMW Blog, the new model, internally codenamed NA3, will replace the outgoing i4 Gran Coupé as part of the automaker’s next-generation electric vehicle strategy. The convertible is expected to feature four seats and a traditional fabric soft top while benefiting from the dedicated electric architecture introduced with BMW’s Neue Klasse platform. https://evmagz.com/bmw-to-begin-gen6-battery-production-at-south-carolina-plant-in-december/ Neue Klasse Platform to Support Electric Convertible Unlike the current i4, which is built on BMW’s mixed-architecture CLAR…

Mercedes-Benz will become the first automaker in Europe to use Hydro Circal recycled aluminium in series vehicle production, introducing the material in its next generation of large electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing. The aluminium supplied by Hydro contains at least 75% post-consumer recycled content, compared with approximately 25% in the recycled aluminium currently supplied to the automaker. https://evmagz.com/mercedes-benz-expands-hungary-plant-and-starts-production-of-electric-c-class/ Higher Recycled Content for EV Production The recycled aluminium is produced using scrap recovered from end-of-life vehicles, buildings and infrastructure. Mercedes-Benz said sourcing recycled material closer to its manufacturing operations helps shorten regional supply…

Porsche AG has reached an agreement with its general works council on a broad restructuring program that will eliminate an additional 5,000 jobs by 2035 while committing €2.1 billion in investment across its key German sites. The measures come ahead of the automaker’s planned launch of its “Sportwagenschmiede 35” strategy in October and are intended to improve competitiveness following weaker financial performance, lower sales in China, U.S. tariff pressures and heavy investment in vehicle electrification. https://evmagz.com/report-porsche-production-chief-albrecht-reimold-expected-to-leave-early/ During the first half of 2026, Porsche’s operating margin declined to 7.8%, well below the company’s historical profitability levels. Workforce Reduction and Investment Commitments…

Volkswagen has opened orders for the entry-level version of its all-electric ID. Polo, introducing the new ID. Polo Trend at a starting price of €24,995 across several European markets. The new variant delivers on Volkswagen’s previously announced target of offering the electric compact from around €25,000, following the initial launch in April when the model range began with the higher-priced Life trim. https://evmagz.com/volkswagen-begins-production-of-id-polo-and-cupra-raval-affordable-bevs-in-spain/ Entry-Level Model Joins ID. Polo Lineup The ID. Polo Trend is now available for configuration in Germany and other European markets, including France and the Netherlands. The entry-level model comes equipped with a range of standard features,…

Volkswagen has opened pre-sales in Germany for a new 125 kW full hybrid powertrain that will be offered in the Golf and T-Roc, expanding the company’s hybrid vehicle portfolio with a system that does not require external charging. New Full Hybrid Powertrain The hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter TSI evo2 petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.6 kWh (gross) battery pack. https://evmagz.com/volkswagen-opens-german-orders-for-id-cross-entry-price-starts-at-e34025/ Together, the powertrain delivers 125 kW, produces 309 Nm of torque, and enables the Golf Hybrid to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Unlike plug-in hybrid vehicles, the battery is charged entirely on board…

Porsche has appointed Christian Friedl as its new Executive Board Member for Production, effective 1 September 2026, succeeding Albrecht Reimold. Separately, reports by German media suggest the automaker is reassessing the pace of its future electric vehicle programme under Chief Executive Officer Michael Leiters. Porsche confirmed reporting by Handelsblatt that Reimold will step down on 31 August, several months before his contract was due to expire in early 2027. Friedl to Lead Production Christian Friedl, 49, currently heads Porsche’s Corporate Quality division and has held several management positions within the company’s production organisation. https://evmagz.com/report-porsche-production-chief-albrecht-reimold-expected-to-leave-early/ He will assume responsibility for production…

Mercedes-Benz has reportedly suspended production of its China-exclusive CLA L electric sedan at its Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC) joint venture, amid signs of weak market demand for the long-wheelbase model. The reported production pause was first published by German automotive outlet mb passion, citing industry sources. Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed the report or disclosed any reason for a potential halt in production. https://evmagz.com/mercedes-benz-launches-electric-glc-suv-in-china-to-strengthen-ev-portfolio/ Sales Reportedly Miss Expectations According to the report, disappointing sales are believed to be the primary reason behind the production pause. Industry sources indicated that only 627 units of the CLA L were sold during…

A new study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (Fraunhofer ISI) has found that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Germany became significantly more affordable between 2020 and 2025 when adjusted for inflation and vehicle specifications, despite an increase in average list prices. The study, based on more than 100,000 data points covering six vehicle segments from small cars to luxury models, identifies Germany—Europe’s largest automotive market—as an indicator of broader trends across the region. https://evmagz.com/te-says-eu-tariffs-shifted-ev-imports-but-chinese-brands-continue-to-expand/ The researchers found that the apparent rise in average electric vehicle prices largely reflects…

Mercedes-Benz will unveil the third-generation GLA at the end of July, introducing an electric-first version of its compact SUV as part of the company’s broader transition to next-generation vehicle platforms. According to Automobilwoche, citing company sources, the new GLA will continue to be produced at Mercedes-Benz’s Rastatt plant in Germany despite uncertainty surrounding the site’s future amid the automaker’s ongoing cost-reduction efforts. https://evmagz.com/mercedes-benz-reports-50-increase-in-global-ev-sales-during-second-quarter/ Electric Version to Launch First The next-generation GLA is based on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), the company’s new platform for compact electric and hybrid vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is scheduled to premiere the model on 29 July, with…

Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Cross, the fourth and final model in Volkswagen Group’s new family of all-electric compact vehicles, as the automaker strengthens its presence in the growing electric SUV segment. The new model, which will launch this autumn with prices starting at around €28,000, joins the ID. Polo as one of Volkswagen’s key electric vehicle launches this year. Positioned as an electric alternative to the T-Cross, the ID. Cross combines compact dimensions with SUV styling and increased interior space. New compact SUV expands MEB+ electric lineup Like the Volkswagen ID. Polo, Cupra Raval and Škoda Epiq, the ID.…

Porsche will end global production of the combustion-engine Macan at the end of July, completing the model’s transition to an all-electric lineup despite the petrol-powered version continuing to outsell its battery-electric counterpart during the first half of 2026. The move follows Porsche’s earlier decision to discontinue sales of the internal combustion engine (ICE) Macan in Europe at the beginning of 2025 after updated European General Safety Regulation (GSR2) requirements would have required significant changes to the model’s electronic architecture. Rather than redesign the outgoing platform, the automaker chose to phase out the model, a decision that will now apply worldwide.…

Mercedes-Benz has completed the expansion of its manufacturing plant in Kecskemét, Hungary, and has begun production of the new all-electric C-Class at the site. The automaker also confirmed that the upcoming compact G-Class will be produced exclusively at the Hungarian facility. Following the expansion, the Kecskemét plant has become Mercedes-Benz’s largest manufacturing site in Europe within its global production network. The facility’s footprint has increased from 200 hectares to 440 hectares through an investment of approximately €1 billion. The expansion includes new body and assembly halls, a second press shop, a paint facility and a battery assembly plant designed to…

Volkswagen Group Chief Executive Oliver Blume is facing growing opposition to a proposed restructuring plan after the company’s Supervisory Board and Works Council reportedly raised concerns over measures aimed at reducing costs and improving long-term competitiveness. According to German media reports, Blume presented a strategic roadmap for the group through 2030 during a recent Supervisory Board meeting. The proposal reportedly outlines additional cost-cutting measures, including potential plant closures and workforce reductions. Reports indicate that the plan did not secure majority backing during an initial Supervisory Board vote, setting the stage for further discussions over the company’s restructuring strategy. Cost-Cutting Plan…

Mercedes-AMG has expanded its electric CLA lineup with the introduction of the all-electric CLA 45 4MATIC+, a high-performance model that features a three-motor drivetrain and will be offered in both saloon and Shooting Brake body styles. The new model is the first in the CLA family to use three axial-flux electric motors, with two mounted on the rear axle and one on the front axle. Mercedes-AMG said the configuration delivers a peak system output of 500 kilowatts (kW) and continuous output of 450 kW, providing a maximum torque of 1,759 Newton metres. Power is distributed through the AMG Performance 4MATIC+…

Mercedes-Benz Group reported a sharp increase in global electric vehicle deliveries during the second quarter, with battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales rising despite continued weakness in the Chinese market. The company delivered 63,000 battery-electric vehicles worldwide between April and June, representing a 25% increase from the first quarter of 2026 and a 50% rise compared with the same period last year. Of the total, 52,900 were passenger cars and 10,100 were vans. Across all vehicle categories and powertrains, Mercedes-Benz sold 511,900 passenger cars and vans during the quarter, up 2% year over year. Electric Vehicles Account for Larger Share of Sales…

Audi has reaffirmed its plan to introduce the A4 e-tron in 2028, with the all-electric midsize model expected to become one of the Volkswagen Group’s first high-volume vehicles built on the company’s next-generation Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). According to GoAuto, Audi Board Member for Technical Development Rouven Mohr said there was “no need to correct” the previously reported launch schedule, indicating the automaker remains on track despite earlier reports of development challenges. A4 e-tron to Debut Next-Generation Platform The A4 e-tron is expected to be the first Audi model to fully utilize the capabilities of the SSP platform, which is…

Mercedes-Benz is facing production challenges as it ramps up manufacturing of its new electric GLC at its Bremen plant in Germany, with supply shortages affecting output and extending delivery times for customers, according to a report by German business daily Handelsblatt. The disruptions have been linked to shortages of battery packs and wiring harnesses, limiting production of the electric SUV despite what the company has described as record early demand. Handelsblatt Details Supplier Bottlenecks Mercedes-Benz began ramping up production of the electric GLC in May, building the model on a flexible production line alongside hybrid and internal combustion engine variants.…

Volkswagen is reportedly evaluating plans to introduce vehicles developed for the Chinese market into Europe, including the possibility of manufacturing some of those models at underutilised European factories as it seeks to improve production efficiency and reduce costs. According to a report by Handelsblatt, the proposal forms part of broader transformation measures being considered by the automaker as it responds to weakening demand and excess manufacturing capacity in Europe. Volkswagen has not commented on the reported plans. Two-Pronged Strategy Under Review The report says Volkswagen is examining two possible approaches. The first would involve importing selected China-developed models directly into…

BMW has unveiled the all-electric iX5, introducing a battery-powered version of its long-running X5 SUV for the first time as the automaker continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup. Production of the iX5 is scheduled to begin in August at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, manufacturing plant, with the vehicle serving global markets. Up to 845 km of Driving Range The iX5 is powered by a 141 kWh battery and will initially be offered as the iX5 60 xDrive. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers 425 kW of combined output and 805 Nm of torque, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0…