smarter – Engine Icon https://engineicon.com Latest car news and advice blog Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:07:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://engineicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cropped-ME_favicon-1-32x32.png smarter – Engine Icon https://engineicon.com 32 32 Mercedes-AMG SL to be recalibrated; will be softer, smarter, yet still seriously fast https://engineicon.com/mercedes-amg-sl-to-be-recalibrated-will-be-softer-smarter-yet-still-seriously-fast/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:30:15 +0000 https://engineicon.com/mercedes-amg-sl-to-be-recalibrated-will-be-softer-smarter-yet-still-seriously-fast/

The Mercedes-AMG SL is about to rediscover its roots. The performance wing of the German auto giant is reworking the SL into a more traditional open-top grand tourer, clearly separating it from the sharper, coupe-focused Mercedes-AMG GT.

Arriving with a mid-cycle facelift next year, the changes go deeper than just styling. While the SL and GT currently share much of their DNA, Mercedes-AMG is now dialling up comfort and refinement, inspired in part by the positive reception to the ultra-luxurious Maybach SL.

2026-mercedes-maybach-sl-680-monogram-series53

Inside, the updates bring the SL in line with Mercedes’ latest tech-forward direction. Expect a revised cabin featuring the brand’s new MB.OS infotainment system, paired with a sharper, more responsive central display. Subtle tweaks to materials and finishes aim to elevate the sense of luxury, while a redesigned steering wheel and updated interface promise a more intuitive driving experience.

The shake-up is significant in the engine department. Everything will be mild hybrid. The entry-level SL 43 and its 4-cylinder engine are on the way out. In its place comes a new SL 53, powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six pushing around 449 bhp. Higher up the range, V8 models are evolving too, switching to flat-plane crankshafts for improved efficiency and compliance with stricter Euro 7 emissions norms.

mercedes-amg-sl-63-se-performance-2024 (1)

Power isn’t taking a hit, though. The SL 55 is expected to produce over 530 bhp, while the SL 63 could push close to 650 bhp. A flagship Maybach version will sit at the top.

Source: Autocar UK

Source link

]]>
The 2026 MG4 arrives with smarter tech and better batteries https://engineicon.com/the-2026-mg4-arrives-with-smarter-tech-and-better-batteries/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:07:59 +0000 https://engineicon.com/the-2026-mg4-arrives-with-smarter-tech-and-better-batteries/

On April 15, SAIC officially pulled the covers off the new 2026 MG4. This popular hatchback is getting ready for its big public party at the Beijing Auto Show. The car might look familiar to fans of the brand, but it packs a lot of new surprises under the metal.

The 2026 MG4 keeps the familiar look that made the original model a hit. It still has the pointy headlights and the black bumper at the bottom that gives it a sporty vibe. If you look closely at the front, you will see a small blue light. This is not just for show. It tells people outside the car when the computer is helping the driver. On the side, the car keeps its “floating roof” look, which makes the top part of the car seem like it is hovering. To freshen things up, MG added a new set of 17-inch rims.

2026 MG4 - source: Car News China
2026 MG4 – source: Car News China

Inside the cabin, the changes are even bigger. MG is offering two new interior colors called Yacht Blue and Midnight Purple. These colors make the car feel more like a lounge than a standard commuter vehicle. The dashboard looks very clean because the air vents are hidden from view. A 15.6-inch central touchscreen with a high-quality 2.5K resolution sits in the middle of the dash. The driver also gets an 8.8-inch digital screen to show speed and battery levels.

One of the coolest updates is the new Doubao 3.0 smart assistant built into the car. You can talk to it normally, and it will understand what you need. Even better, it has four-zone voice recognition. This means if someone in the back seat asks to change the music, the car knows exactly who is talking. The AI can open the sunroof, change the air conditioning, or find a nearby restaurant just by listening to your voice.

2026 MG4 - source: Car News China
2026 MG4 – source: Car News China

Comfort is a big deal in the 2026 MG4. The front seats come with a massage feature that hits eight different points on your back. They are also heated and ventilated, so you stay comfortable whether it is hot or cold outside. The person in the front passenger seat even gets an electric leg rest. This is a feature you usually only see in very expensive limousines. People in the back are not forgotten, either. The rear seat cushions are 22.5 inches long, giving passengers plenty of support for their legs on long trips.

The new MG4 gets a smart driving system from Horizon Robotics. It gives the car “Level 2 Plus” abilities. This means the car can help with driving on the highway. It can stay in its lane, change lanes when you use the turn signal, and even overtake slower cars on its own. The car is also great at parking. It can find spots at low speeds and park itself in “dead-end” roads where space is very tight.

Interior of the 2026 MG4 - source: Car News China
Interior of the 2026 MG4 – source: Car News China

When it comes to power, the MG4 has plenty of it. The single electric motor produces 120 kW, which is about 161 horsepower. It also has 184 lb-ft of torque, which helps the car pull away from stoplights quickly. Buyers can choose between two main battery sizes. The 42.8 kWh battery lets you drive about 272 miles on a single charge. If you need more, the 53.9 kWh battery goes up to 329 miles. There is even a semi-solid-state battery version that can travel 317 miles.

Charging is a breeze as well. Thanks to the 3C fast charging support, you can go from a 30% battery to 80% in 18 minutes. For those who enjoy driving, the steering has been improved with a dual-pinion system, making it feel more connected to the road compared to older systems. The MG4 has been a huge success so far, selling over 10,000 units every month in China. With all these new upgrades, it looks like that success will continue for a long time.

Via

Source link

]]>
Leapmotor B10 gets smarter with new software update https://engineicon.com/leapmotor-b10-gets-smarter-with-new-software-update/ Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:18:36 +0000 https://engineicon.com/leapmotor-b10-gets-smarter-with-new-software-update/

Electric cars are changing faster than ever. Usually, if you want new features in your car, you have to buy a new one. But Leapmotor is showing that EVs can get better while they sit in your driveway. Only six months after the Leapmotor B10 first hit the streets, the company has released a major software update, sending new tools directly to the car using the internet, and proving that this young car brand is serious about keeping its technology fresh.

The biggest news in this update is the arrival of “One-Pedal” driving. This feature lets drivers speed up and slow down using only the gas pedal. When you lift your foot, the car uses its electric motor to brake and turn that energy back into electricity for the battery, making driving in heavy traffic much easier. It also helps the car go a little further on a single charge.

Leapmotor B10
Leapmotor B10

Drivers who love their phones will also be happy. The Leapmotor B10 now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can connect your phone with a wire or through a wireless connection. This way you can use your favorite maps, music, and messaging apps directly on the car’s big screen. Before this update, drivers had to rely on the car’s built-in systems, which were not always as easy to use as the apps on a smartphone.

Leapmotor also listened to people who wanted a faster computer in their car. A new “Quick Start” feature helps the infotainment system turn on much quicker when you get inside. No one likes waiting for a screen to load when they are in a hurry to leave. The company also added a split-screen view for the navigation. This means you can see your map on one side of the screen while controlling your music or looking at car settings on the other side.

Leapmotor B10
Leapmotor B10

The steering wheel buttons are now more useful, too. Owners can pick which shortcuts they want on the buttons. For example, you can set a button to quickly turn on driver-assist tools or change how the car feels when you drive. These small changes make the B10 feel more personal and easier to manage while you keep your eyes on the road.

Safety received some attention in this update as well. The car’s Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering Control now work better when the road turns. The car will slow down more naturally as it enters a turn, which feels much safer for the people inside. The car also has a better system to remind you if a person or a pet is still in the back seat after you park.

Leapmotor B10 gets smarter with new software update

If you are new to this model, it is a small SUV that packs a lot of value. The Leapmotor B10 is 14.83 ft long, 6.2 ft wide, and 5.45 ft tall. It has a wheelbase of 8.99 ft, which gives it plenty of room inside for a family. In most markets, the price starts at around $39,000 for the Style trim and goes up to about $43,000 for the Design trim.

The car comes with two different battery sizes. The smaller 56.2 kWh battery offers a range of about 224 miles. If you need to go further, the 67.1 kWh battery can travel up to 270 miles on a full charge. Both versions use a rear-wheel-drive motor that delivers 160 kW of power. This is enough to get the car from 0 to 62 mph in 8 seconds flat. Charging is also quite fast – you can go from 30% to 80% battery in about 20 minutes at a DC charging station.

Leapmotor B10
Leapmotor B10

Owners do not need to visit a mechanic to get these new features. The software started rolling out in early February 2026. Drivers will see a message on their dashboard when the update is ready for their specific vehicle. They just need to tap a few buttons on the screen to start the installation.

Source

Source link

]]>