Category: Car presentations

We drove the Subaru Uncharted 4E-experience: a stylish 4WD that leaves you electrified…

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Subaru has always been a brand which we admired. Its 4WD know-how, its legendary boxer engines—all this has stolen our hearts for decades. We have driven them as (long-term) test cars, put them through their paces on indeed, uncharted terrain many times. And they always left us impressed. But times are changing, and the boxer engine has to go eventually, as we need a cleaner world. Indeed, the hybrid models will not be built beyond 2027.

So, Subaru now goes electric, and we must admit, after having tested this 343-hp FWD Uncharted 4E-xperience, it certainly is electrifying. By going electric, Subaru relies here on a formidable partner: Toyota. Indeed, their C-HR+ serves as the technical base for the Uncharted. Both cars are built on Toyota-led e-TNGA/electrification hardware. Subaru engineers brought, however, their own touch: the car should handle, feel and drive like a true Subaru. And indeed, it truly does. We will come back to this in detail below.

To sum it up: Subaru engineers’ role was mainly application engineering, AWD/vehicle-dynamics tuning, validation, and Subaru-specific integration.

Interior

The dashboard reflects the current Subaru design language also found in the latest Solterra. We liked the position of the digital instrument display very much, i.e. further towards the windscreen and higher up. It is completely in line with the driver’s view, and the Subaru stylists have flattened the steering wheel rim somewhat, so one has an undisturbed view of the instruments in the cluster.

The finish is top-notch, the front seats are also excellent, stemming, it seems, from Lexus…

At the back, the sloping roofline of the Uncharted limits headroom somewhat for the tallest, but it is still more than adequate for 3 adults.

At the centre is a large 14-inch touchscreen with intuitive menus. Of course, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has two large smartphone charging docks on the centre console. We were glad to see analogous HVAC controls below the touchscreen, with two large dials for temperature settings for the driver and front passenger. The seating position behind the wheel was ideal for us.

We also loved, of course, the 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with subwoofer and 8 channel amplifier, and we would say, always invest in a good sound system in your EV, as its uncanny smooth silence will always be ideal for you to enjoy the finest music.

Driving

The joy of driving is rediscovered in this 343-hp EV. The acceleration performance is absolutely stellar, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a short 5 seconds. Top speed is sensibly limited to 160 km/h. We found the handling of this just over 2-tonne Subaru nimble and dynamic. Indeed, the Subaru engineers did their homework. The fine-tuning for ride/handling balance, body control, steering feel, and Subaru “driver confidence” character is top-notch.

This is likely the clearest Subaru engineering fingerprint: the different damping/steering/ESC calibration versus the C-HR+, where it should be remembered that the suspension architecture, wheelbase, and hard points are shared anyway, so the tuning freedom for the Subaru engineers was limited.

Then, let’s not forget, there is the X-MODE / off-road behaviour. Also a Subaru forte, embodying calibration of throttle, torque split, brake-based traction, and hill/loose-surface behaviour.

The Uncharted is also excellent at speed, with well-dampened noise and unerring stability.

Of course, in urban and busy traffic, there is also the Subaru Eyesight suite of digital safety guards, and a 360° camera is standard throughout the Uncharted range.

With such abundant power available, you are well advised to choose the more sedate “eco” mode and choose a proper regeneration level when you want to achieve some creditable consumption figures. The 4E-experience version has the 77 kWh battery, and with an average WLTP consumption of 15,6 kWh/100 km, the corresponding range is a quite reasonable 495 km.

Charging is very much in line with class standards. AC charging is possible at 22 kW, DC (fast) charging is up to 150 kW. In combination with battery preconditioning, you can charge the battery from 10 to 80 % in just under 30 minutes.

Steering is sensitive and precise, brakes are evidently up to the task.

Practicality

Luggage space is set at 403 L in normal configuration, 1.323 l with rear seat backrests down. There is no “frunk” or front luggage space available. Interesting is that in the 4WD configuration, you can tow up to 1500 kg, when you opt for the front wheel drive versions only up to 750 kg is allowed.

Conclusion

The Subaru Uncharted offers zest, performance, and this not only in its top version by the way, combined with excellent workmanship and very pleasing style. It is of course, reliable, as it is based on the Toyota C-HR+, but with added personality and character thanks to Subaru’s finetuning. It comes with  a generous 8 year unlimited mileage guarantee too… so if you go for individuality and character in a smooth and stylish package, this is the EV car for you…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Photographer’s notes:

All the photos here in this test were made by my trusty Canon Powershot G9 X. It is so popular and well used that the battery lid has broken, and I use a ’60 vintage flash mount bracket screwed in the tripod mount to hold the camera together.

This little one I have now about 10 years, but its small size, big one inch sensor and the fast F 2-4.9 zoom lens 28-84 mm equivalent makes it such a nice camera to use.

You have also touch screen mode, just touch your finger on the screen, it will focus on the subject spot where you touch it, and also immediately make the photo. I did not think I would use it much, but I do! This cute Canon is handy, slips in your bag smartly, and looks very nice too! To add to the style, I use a bag of the same colour as the camera…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Kia Seltos Hybrid and K4 Hybrid make their European premiere…

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The beststeller Kia Seltos goes now hybrid too…

On the Paris Mondial de l’Auto 2026, Kia introduced its Seltos Hybrid to the European market.

The globally quite succesful Seltos is now already in its second generation, and strengthens Kia’s SUV line-up in the very competitive and and fast-growing C-SUV segment. Indeed, the Seltos is Kia’s second best-selling model globally.

The Seltos Hybrid is Kia’s first model to feature an e-AWD system, enabling precise torque distribution, improved traction and enhanced stability. The model further expands Kia’s European hybrid offering, providing customers with additional choice alongside models including the Sportage, Niro and K4.

The e-AWD system lets an electric motor drive the rear wheels, when under slippery road conditions 4WD is necessary…

New Kia K4 Hybrid makes also its European motor show debut…

The 2026 Paris Motor Show marks the European motor show debut of the new Kia K4 Hybrid, ahead of the scheduled start of production on 15 October 2026.

The new hybrid powertrain completes the line-up with a 1.6-litre GDI engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a combined output of 154 PS.

Available in Hatchback and Sportswagon body styles, the new variant combines the K4’s design with enough room inside, and last but not least advanced technology with a full hybrid powertrain, further broadening Kia’s electrified offering in the European C-segment.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Celebrating 140 years of the good Mercedes star with a world tour visiting 140 places…and Belgium!

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Exactly 140 years after Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile, three new Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloons set off on a journey around the world on 29 January 2026: Bertha, Carl and Gottlieb, named after the pioneers of individual mobility, Carl and Bertha Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. On 17 October, the four-wheeled globetrotters returned safely to where their intercontinental journey began – the Mercedes-Benz Museum. See the photo here above.

Over the course of nearly nine months, they covered more than 65,000 kilometres, averaging around 450 kilometres per day. Bertha and Gottlieb travelled from time to time in parallel to reunite again on the road across 55 countries on six continents. The journey involved a total of 67 border crossings, the clocks had to be reset 28 times and the climate control systems in the S-Class vehicles regulated the temperature across 13 climate zones. The ‘140 Years. 140 Places.’ tour was among Mercedes-Benz’s most ambitious activities.

Of course the tour also visited Belgium. You see here Bertha and Gottlieb in front of our royal palace in Brussels…

But it was also a good occasion to photograph the travelling S classes along the Mercedes that made a hit in the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps! This was the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, affectionately known as the “Red Pig” (Rote Sau). It didn’t take the overall victory but achieved a sensational class win and second place overall, a result that put the then-young AMG tuning company on the map.

The birth of AMG…

In 1971, AMG founders Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher entered this  modified luxury sedan. Despite weighing 1,635 kg (already 195 kg lighter than the production version), the car’s immense power on the long straights of the old 14.8 km Spa circuit allowed drivers Hans Heyer and Clemens Schickentanz to compensate for its thirst for fuel and heavy tire wear . While many faster, lighter cars retired, the reliable Mercedes survived the night and crossed the finish line in second place overall.

The original “Red Pig” was eventually sold to … Matra for aircraft tire testing and was later destroyed, so it no longer exists . However, its legacy is secure: this single race transformed AMG from a small engineering firm into a globally recognized performance brand . Mercedes-AMG has since built exact replicas to honor the car, and its spirit lives on in the modern AMG lineup.

The technical specifications of the 1971 “Red Pig” were extraordinary for a touring car of its era: the Engine: a 6.8-liter M100 V8,  was enlarged from the production 6.3-liter unit. Its power was 428 hp (315 kW), combined with a massive torque of 620 Nm.

It would sprint from 0–100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, top speed being over 265 km/h… rather sensational then…

But back to the present: we will soon test the new C Class for you, the C 400 4Matic AMG Line Electric. Stay tuned!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The 2 CV concept: the unique philosophy of “La Deuche” lives on…

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In our age cars are becoming bigger an heavier, and it was in the cards that with the mobility challenges we face nowadays, creative minds would return to the core values where the original 2 CV has always stood for: affordability, lightness, practicality, versatility and of course originality which appeals to humanity.

Indeed, the starting point was not to recreate a 2 CV, but to imagine the small electric car of the future – practical and desirable, bringing some “joie de vivre” – bringing pleasure and excitement in your everyday short journeys.

Of course, the Stellantis Group has a solid strategy behind it: To bring about a new generation of small electric cars, in line with the new European E-Car regulations, positioned between the Ami and the C3, to offer greater freedom of movement without compromising on character.

Indeed, to launch a model manufactured in Europe, with a target starting price of around 15,000 euros, to help make electric mobility accessible to as many people as possible.

Therefore the design choices take into account mass production and ease of repair: flat surfaces and direct air intakes beneath the windscreen (which however have been sadly abandoned in the light of present safety regulations we hear) , bumpers separated from the bodywork and replaceable independently…

Make no mistake, the 2 CV is modern: it is “cool” through its styling, its on-board comfort and all the practical features for everyday use, re-imagined in the spirit of the 2 CV to make life easier for its occupants.

Pierre Leclercq, head of design Citroën and his team stress that the design of the 2 CV aims to breathe new life into an icon, not by copying it, but by reinventing its design language to ensure it is fully rooted in the present day.

You can tell what they mean when you look at the exterior: an instantly recognizable silhouette, with the unique proportions and curves of the 2CV, but using tauter lines and generous volumes to convey greater energy. Round headlamps are set apart from the bodywork, conveying an expressive LED signature, a sculpted, sweeping bonnet.

Just look further at the vertical windscreen, the curved and flowing roof, rounded wings and taut flanks; contoured door handles, tapered indicators on the C-pillar, 18-inch steel wheels inspired by the 2 CV, and Michelin tyres bearing the Heritage logo and the Citroën chevrons. Just wonderful…

A distinctive roofline accentuated by a black tailgate extending down to the bumper, just like on the first-generation 2CV, which had originally a canvas instead of a metal boot lid. There are LED lights on either side of the tailgate, three horizontal stripes, a short overhang, a visible tailgate handle and a number plate displaying the 2CV’s nicknames in different countries.

With 3.76 m, the 2CV is also shorter than its iconic predecessor, no small feat!

The interior plunges you in a world of joie de vivre: no traditional dashboard, but a cylinder to which the following are attached: a single-spoke steering wheel, a single control lever, a paddle-shift gear selector and a Citroën Smart Vision display which prioritises essential information within the driver’s field of vision.

An 8-inch square ‘phygital’ touchscreen, with graphics inspired by comic books.

Your eyes meet the “Radioën”, a detachable radio that doubles as a speaker and accompanies occupants both inside and outside the vehicle.

We show you here some photos, and we hope we can have a written interview with Pierre Leclercq soon!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Renault shows in Paris the “voiture à vivre” with its E-Space concept car…

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Renault has always had a keen eye for everyday practicality when designing its cars. And it is no surprise that in its ambition to create voitures à vivre, it brings a concept car to the forthcoming Paris Motor show: the E-Space Concept, which is Renault’s contemporary vision of travel and family mobility in the electric age.

With E-Space Concept, Renault is rebooting the spirit of Renault Espace, a model first launched in 1984 that has left its mark on automotive history.

More than 40 years on, E-Space Concept is a future-focused vision of the original, true to the approach that has always set Renault apart: innovating for the benefit of people, human emotion and the in-car experience.

Space Concept embodies the brand’s futuREady strategy: reinventing the automotive experience by placing user needs and the in-car experience at the heart of the design process. This Renault E-Space Concept is a spectacular car, 4.70m long with bodywork in an elegant shade of black rubé.

Alongside E-Space Concept, Renault will be exhibiting two other concept cars: Renault 8 Gordini Concept and Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept.

The Renault 8 Gordini Concept has totally stunning looks and features and we will come back on this concept car also soon in these columns.

The same goes for the Renault 4 JP4x4 Concept, previewed at the 2026 Roland-Garros French Open tennis tournament, this Renault 4 concept car  is a fresh take on the Plein Air (1969) and JP4 (1981) versions of the original Renault 4. Also soon more about this iconic “quatre” soon!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the Lancia Ypsilon Ibrida: combining character and panache with economy..

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The Lancia Ypsilon has pleased us already when we drove it in the all electric version, but of course we were also curious to drive it with a  trusted combustion engine combined with electric propulsion: the Ibrida.
Indeed, this version has the well known 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol unit producing 100 hp, paired with a 21 kW electric motor integrated into a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, for a combined system power of 110 hp or 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque. Technically it’s a mid-hybrid—halfway between mild and full hybrid, although the manufacturer dubs it as a mild hybrid.

The Ypsilon hybrid system runs on 48 Volts, and the battery is very small indeed, 0,43 Kwh.
It performs well, but in town it needs a very sensitive right foot and a very smooth driving style to reveal the qualities of its hybrid system and take full advantage of it. More about all this further below.

Design: Distinctive and elegant.

The new Ypsilon certainly attracts attention, and not only from connoisseurs. Of course, part of that is rarity—you don’t see many about—but credit also goes to its genuinely successful styling. The illuminated front signature is modern and distinctive, while the rear respectfully channels the brand’s historic design language: circular LED lights with a “Y” motif inside, a nod to the iconic rally and racing Lancias. 

Also deserving praise are the modern wheel designs, the rear door handle, which some might find awkward to use, but we liked it.

Interior: Original and comfortable

The new Ypsilon measures 4.08 metres and seduces with an original cabin. Bronze accents, a well-drawn dashboard, and comfortable, beautifully upholstered alcantara seats create an upmarket, premium ambience. We liked the tasteful patterns on the dashboard panels, the bronze finishes of ventilation openings and the surrounds of the elegant centrally placed “tavola”.

Highlights include the digital instrument cluster and a large central display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment, is ok, with a physical “L” button, summoning a shortcut screen with all the main functions, we found a good idea.

Indeed, a central “table” separates the front seats and serves as a rest for objects, a wallet, or a phone. It is a hallmark of the car’s cabin, and we  think it’s brilliant.

On the road with the Ypsilon Ibrida: full of panache, but needs a delicate experienced hand (or rather foot) in town…

The car DOES run on electric power alone, and when you drive with anticipation and a very smooth right foot, maintaining constant speeds, it is very well possible to drive your town trip for up to 79 % on electric power. When you drive/coast at small throttle openings, the transition between the engine and battery power is smooth and imperceptible.  However, when you push the accelerator pedal more deeply, the 3-cylinder petrol engine makes its torque immediately felt when it sets in.

The photo below amply shows what we mean: we drove the Ypsilon for almost half an our over 6 kilometers in very congested urban traffic, which resulted in a consumption of 5,5 liter/100 km and not less than 79% of the distance being driven under silent and silky smooth E-power. It is the Lancia art of driving, we would say, and it is very refined and also quite rewarding not only for your wallet!

According to WLTP standards, the combined fuel consumption is between 4.5 – 4.6 L/100 km. Indeed, we succeeded on a smooth Sunday drive on country roads to achieve an average consumption of 4,1 liters/100 km. Our average consumption hovered between 5 and 6 litres/100 km. CO2 Emissions, according to WLTP, are between 102 – 105 g/km (varies by trim/wheels).

On the open road, the engine is virtually inaudible and silky smooth, which makes the car an excellent motorway cruiser, one of the best we found in the B segment, not in the least because or the Ypsilon’s very good sound insulation. Listening to the well performing sound system, we were able to hear every single note of Beethovens 4th piano concerto when cruising at the 120 kmh legal limit on the motorway. Overall performance leaves nothing to be desired. It will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in merely 9,3 seconds and the top speed is a good 190 km/h. Indeed, Lancia driving remains a sporting pleasure…

The six speed auto box is alert and smooth, and in Sport mode will hold the gears much longer, so you can enjoy the pleasant throb of the 3 cylinder engine.

When you lift the throttle and you drive with anticipation, it is well possible to accurately judge the amount of regeneration you get at any given speed, and one pedal driving is easy once you get the hang of it all..

Suspension: dynamic and comfortable

The suspension is well calibrated,  offers a very comfortable ride, combined with precise steering and good stability. In this respect, the Ypsilon scores very high indeed. It’s a delight to steer on winding roads, and yes, sporting pleasure is to be had…

Space and Practicality

With a  2.54-metre wheelbase, the Ypsilon offers decent front-seat room. In the back, a taller adult has sufficient legroom, but headroom is rather tight. Two USB-C ports are  a good thing, and the 352-litre boot is impressive.

State of the art driving assistance

On this front, there’s little to fault: a comprehensive, well-calibrated ADAS suite, with Lane Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Speed Limiter and an efficient parking Assist. We liked also the smoothness of the easy to use adaptive cruise control, and we used it very much indeed on our Belgian roads with draconian and often too restricted speed limits everywhere. Also the calibration of the steering  assistance is just right.

Conclusion

The new Lancia Ypsilon Ibrida convinces with pleasant styling and endearing driving manners. 



Within the Stellantis range, it offers a more personal alternative, and overall scores high in the B segment . Given a learning curve on how to understand and use the hybrid drive train, its driving smoothness and frugality is all yours to enjoy too…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Photographers’ notes: the professional quality of Fujifilm bridge cameras…

The photos shot on this test are taken by my trusted Fujifilm FinePix S100FS, a camera which I bought second hand in 2022 for…59 Euros in totally pristine condition  (!). Its design dates back to…2008, and it is a so-called bridge camera with an excellent Fujinon 28-400 mm (35 mm equivalent) lens.

The fact is, Fuji took the design of its bridge cameras totally seriously, with a decent sensor size and a superb lens, with a delightfully smooth manual zoom command. You have understood it: this is a camera which delivers totally professional results, despite its age. Just have a look at the photos of our test car above, which are even reduced in size to adjust for web publication. The photos of the camera itself are shot with my Xiaomi smartphone and the photo of the dashboard with the urban consumption are taken with my Apple iPhone.

Back in 2008, FujiFilm had put its latest, eighth-generation, Super CCD HR technology into the S100FS. This uses octagonal photo-sites that are designed to maximize light collecting efficiency. This, combined with clever noise reduction algorithms, helped to produce excellent results still according to today’s standards, as you can admire here…As said, Fujifilm’s bridge cameras were – and still are –  of a totally different league…The second hand aftermarket did not discover this at the time I bought this camera, hence the purchase price for which you can only buy a lens shade...

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Renault hypnotizes Paris with a limited top edition of its Rafale…

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Renault marks its presence on the Paris Motor Show with a special edition of its Rafale flagship model, called ’hypnotic’. 

Built in just 1,500 numbered units, this limited edition takes the style cues of Rafale hyper hybrid E-Tech 4×4 300 hp Atelier Alpine. 

It has an exclusive satin-finish forest black paintwork, gloss black detailing, a specific interior and premium features as standard.

A ’hypnotic’ character both inside and out…

This flagship Rafale has a darker front end with a black grille, 21-inch satin-finish alloy wheels, a gloss black roof trim and boot spoiler

and last but not least a black ’Atelier Alpine’ badge.

A cabin of exceptional quality…

Showcasing the unique character of this limited edition, Renault Rafale hypnotic features special materials and finishes. These distinctive details create an environment that is sporty, sophisticated and also high-tech, with:

Upholstery mixing titanium black Alcantara® and black textured coated fabric, with blue, white and red top-stitching and a backlit Alpine “A” logo. Also an individually numbered plate.

Front and rear door panels with gloss black inserts and blue, white and red top-stitching and a titanium black Alcantara® trim strip on the  upper dashboard, black door compartments matched with a black carpet

To deliver an experience on a par with its positioning, Renault Rafale Hypnotic is expanding the range of standard features. It has the following extras:

The Solarbay® opacifying glass roof, a heated windscreen, head-up display.

A limited edition of 1,500 numbered examples…

Renault will open orders for the limited-edition Rafale Hypnotic on Thursday 1 October 2026 in 14 European countries: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Belgium, Austria, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Greece.

In Belgium, a price of €60.500 is set. The first vehicles will be delivered in late 2026.

High-tech plug-in hybrid technology from the ‘Atelier Alpine’.

Behind its design, Renault Rafale hypnotic embodies the high-tech of the Renault Rafale hyper hybrid ETech 4×4 300 hp Atelier Alpine. 

The plug-in hybrid powertrain combines an ICE with three electric motors to deliver 300 hp of power, while maintaining efficiency for everyday use with a range of up to 105 km in all-electric mode. 

The sport-tuned chassis developed by the engineers of Alpine Cars combines four-wheel drive, “4Control Advanced” four-wheel steering and self-adjusting smart suspension with a camera for predictive control. State of the art, we would say..

Needless to say that we hope to drive this impressive flagship beginning next year! 

Stay tuned…

Hans Knol ten Bensel 

New Opel Astra GSE Line makes debut at Paris Motor Show 2026

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The new all-electric everyday sports cars Opel Mokka and Corsa GSE  and  are now available since a few days, and Opel is already following up quickly, bringing the GSE experience to other models – with the latest Astra debuting the new trim. The compact class bestseller made in Rüsselsheim will be on display as the Astra GSE line  at the Paris Motor Show for the first time.


 With the new trim, customers can opt for the GSE design while retaining a full choice of powertrains. GSE stands for ‘Grand Sport Electric’ by the way. The new GSE Line, which will replace the existing GS trim from spring 2027, gives the Astra an even sharper look, and can be combined with battery-electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid powertrains, as well as conventional internal combustion engines.


 There is even more soon: after the official launch of the Astra GSE Line in spring 2027, Opel will introduce a very special variant with an output of 206 kW (280 hp) and additional highlights later in the year!

We would say, fasten your seat belts, and have in the meantime a look at the photos here…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung: your dream performance car with the good star…

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Mercedes makes our hearts beat faster with a highly limited “Mythos Series” model, handcrafted in Affalterbach. A 646 hp (475 kW) AMG 4.0litre V8 biturbo engine and rear-wheel drive makes us smile…

Your eyes are spoiled with a unique wide-body, a newly developed coil over suspension and extensively engineered aerodynamics.

Weight reduction was also paramount: the car is not less than 170 kg lighter.

Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The story began in Affalterbach…

The MercedesAMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung began with a simple question: How can a CLE be developed even further towards maximum driving dynamics? Yet this was not driven by a traditional product development brief, but by an idea born within the AMG engineering team.

A small group initially began by building a prototype. The goal was not a collection of individual performance upgrades or a conventional special edition. Instead, the vehicle was completely re-imagined as a complete performance system.   

AMG 4.0Litre V8 Biturbo Engine with 646 hp…

Let the star roar, we would say. At the heart of the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung stands the extensively enhanced AMG M177 EVO 4.0litre V8biturbo engine. Its output of 646 hp (475 kW) is reflected in the model designation itself. Maximum torque stands at 850 Nm and is available across a broad engine speed range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. The engine’s flat-plane crankshaft reduces rotating masses, improves revving characteristics and promotes exceptionally responsive throttle response, further supported by dedicated engine mapping. 

To ensure thermal stability even under extreme loads, the V8 engine features three separate cooling circuits: a high-temperature circuit for the engine itself, and two low-temperature circuits for charge-air and transmission-oil cooling as well as the 48volt components.

Of course there is a bespoke high-performance exhaust system featuring increased flow capacity and a sound signature engineered with a strong emotional focus.

Rear-Wheel Drive for this dramatic handling under power.

The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system of the donor vehicle has been removed entirely, with the CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung transmitting its power exclusively to the rear axle. 

This completely changes the car’s dynamic character. An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential optimizes torque distribution between the rear wheels through variable locking action as required. 

AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G Transmission for those lightning fast changes.

The standard AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission has been retained, and justly so, as it is absolutely superb.

The torque-converter transmission can execute multiple downshifts in rapid succession to access the engine’s full performance almost instantaneously. The transmission’s overall character can be tailored via AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, which offers a range of drive programs with specific drivetrain settings.

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 custom-made Launch Control system has also been specifically adapted to the rear-wheel-drive layout. The Mythos bolide accelerates from a standstill to 200 km/h in 11.4 seconds. Top speed is 310 km/h. Need we say more?

Precise handling and braking guaranteed …

The suspension has likewise been specifically optimized. It features a steel coil over suspension system jointly developed by Mercedes-AMG and KW automotive. The setup enables exceptionally precise tuning to suit driving style, circuit characteristics, individual preferences and intended use.

At the heart of the suspension is four-way adjustable damper technology with independently configurable low-speed and high-speed rebound and compression settings. This allows the chassis to be tailored precisely to a wide range of driving requirements. 

At the front axle, internally ventilated and perforated ceramic brake discs measuring 420 x 40 millimeters are paired with six-piston fixed calipers and long-fiber technology. At the rear axle, internally ventilated and perforated ceramic brake discs measuring 360 x 32 millimeters are combined with single-piston floating calipers. 

Much carbon-fiber paired with the wide-body design.

Numerous series-production components have been replaced by solutions specifically developed for demanding road and track use.

A key element of the concept is its significantly wider stance. To achieve this, the bodyshell has been reinforced and widened. The result is an additional 60 millimeters of vehicle width at both the front and rear. The wider track enhances stability, increases cornering potential and allows the use of exceptionally wide wheels and tyres. 

Carbon fiber is used for the widened front fenders with integrated air outlets, the redesigned front apron with large cooling air intakes, the side sill panels, the bonnet with central cold-air intake, the roof and the newly developed rear apron with diffuser.

The aerodynamics of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung have likewise been developed with driving dynamics as the primary objective. The front diffuser, fender louvers, underbody measures and rear wing form a fully integrated aerodynamic package.

A Limited Collector’s Car- aimed for the track.

For use on closed circuits with ESP switched off, AMG TRACTION CONTROL allows drivers to individually tailor the level of support provided when managing the engine’s considerable output, without ESP stability interventions. 

Specifically calibrated for the MercedesAMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung, AMG TRACTION CONTROL allows wheel slip at the driven rear axle to be preselected across nine stages. 

The interior of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung follows the same unwavering focus on lightweight construction and driving dynamics. The rear seats and acoustic insulation materials have been removed.

Ultra-lightweight high-end racing bucket seats with pronounced lateral support are fitted as standard, along with a roll-over bar that increases torsional rigidity and further enhances driving dynamics. 

The MercedesAMG CLE 646 Spezialanfertigung is the second model in the highly exclusive MercedesBenz Mythos Series, dedicated to exceptionally rare collector vehicles produced in strictly limited numbers.

Following the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, limited to just 250 examples worldwide and featuring an open two-seat configuration without a roof or windscreen, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 646 “Spezialanfertigung” now joins the series as a road-legal vehicle limited to only 30 examples, with an uncompromising focus on racetrack performance. 

A formidable car, and just enjoy the accompanying photos!

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The Renault 5 E-Tech, already an EV bestseller, improves even more…

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The Renault 5 E-Tech electric range is even more attractive with greater efficiency, range and versatility right from entry-level, along with new colours and features.

Both the 40 kWh Urban Range and 52 kWh Comfort Range versions gain technical and aerodynamic upgrades to achieve new WLTP ranges of up to 315 and 430 km respectively.

Equipped with both an AC charger and a DC charger, a new version of the Five in entry-level trim is making its debut, with an 80 kW / 110 hp motor and a 36,5 kWh LFP battery for a WLTP range of up to 305 km.

Depending on the version, Renault 5 E-Tech electric will be available in new body colours, including Flame Red, a new Warm Titanium finish for the wheels, new wing and roof decals, and new upholstery color, as well as upgrades to onboard technology.

Sales hit…

Renault described the R5 as a major contributor to its EV growth, and one would expect it to finish in 2026 at around roughly 80-90,000 European registrations.

Industry experts say that based on estimated European sales figures this year until late summer, the R5 sells at roughly 3½ times the volume of the R4.

Remarkable, as we know that both cars run on the same Renault Ampere EV architecture. We find the R4 cute enough, and Renault launched for the summer an 4 E – Tech Plein Sud version, with an opening soft roof of class-beating dimensions. Almost one square metre in size, offering the widest opening on the market for an unparalleled feeling of traveling in the great outdoors.

We are keen to have a test spin of both cars soon…

Hans Knol ten Bensel