Today’s Drive: First Taste of Mercedes’ C‑Class Electric, Amarok W600 Sticker Shock, and China’s Next Moves

If the car world had a soundtrack today it’d swing between a hushed electric whirr and the bass drop of a tuned ute. I spent the morning sampling Mercedes’ upcoming C‑Class Electric on a short loop, fielding calls about Volkswagen’s pricier‑than‑Raptor Amarok W600, and comparing notes on a wave of Chinese brands planning bigger things for Australia and the UK. Oh, and there’s a Peugeot recall you’ll want to know about. Let’s get into it.

First Drive: 2027 Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Electric — EQ who?

Mercedes is finally binning the alphabet soup. No EQ badges here; this is simply the C‑Class Electric, and it feels like a return to form. The car I drove was an early C 400 EV‑spec example with pre‑production software, and the first thing that struck me was the polish in the basics: pedal calibration that makes stop‑go traffic a non‑event, and steering that’s clean and consistent rather than videogame light. You sit low, you see plenty, and the car shrinks around you the quicker you go. Proper Merc.

It’s quiet in a way that reminds you how boomy some rivals have become. At 110 km/h on coarse‑chip bitumen, there’s a soft rush from the mirrors and little else. Ride quality feels firmly damped rather than floaty; hit a string of sharp joins and the body takes one breath and settles. I tried a few full‑throttle squirts joining the motorway and, while Mercedes isn’t stating final numbers yet, this mid‑spec car pushes you smartly into the seat — think brisk six‑cylinder energy without any gear hunting.

The cabin blends familiar Mercedes cues with new software. The center screen is big, bright, and snappy most of the time; I had one brief hiccup hopping between drive modes, but chalk that up to the pre‑release build. The driver‑assist stack is subtle when you want it to be — the lane keeping doesn’t nag — and happily takes the strain on a long commute. Range? Final figures are coming, but based on the indicated consumption on my loop, a real‑world 300‑mile day on mixed roads looks plausible if you drive like an adult.

• Highlights: taut steering, hush at a cruise, grown‑up ride tuning
• Quirk: pre‑production infotainment occasionally thought about life between menu hops
• Likely variants: rear‑ and all‑wheel drive, with mid‑range “C 400 EV” sitting in the sweet spot
• Who it’s for: folks who want a classic sport sedan feel without the fuss of a big battery boat

At a glance: 2027 Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Electric

• Positioning: electric C‑Class replacement with no “EQ” badge
• Character: calm on the highway, tidy and eager on B‑roads
• Interior vibe: modern Merc tech, physical controls where they matter
• Early verdict: more driver’s car than spec sheet superstar — in a good way

Ute Wars: Volkswagen Amarok W600 asks more than Ranger Raptor

Volkswagen’s new Walkinshaw‑massaged Amarok W600 has lobbed with a price tag that clears Ford’s Ranger Raptor. That alone will set keyboards on fire, but after crawling under one and chatting to the engineers, I get the brief: take the already‑brawny V6 diesel Amarok and make it feel like the hero version — without chasing the Raptor’s Baja‑bro theatrics.

The W600 builds on the Amarok’s 3.0‑litre turbo‑diesel V6 (think strong mid‑range shove and easy towing manners) with local chassis tuning, serious rubber, and the stance to match. Where the Raptor screams weekend dunes, the W600 reads long‑haul tourer that’ll still clamber up a goat track. Will buyers pay Raptor money for diesel torque and Walkinshaw ride polish? Plenty will — especially if they tow, or drive 800 km to the campsite rather than flat‑out across it.

Two quick notes from the driver’s seat: the Amarok’s diesel remains the more relaxed partner if you tow a boat every other weekend, and its cabin tech is easier to live with day‑to‑day. The Raptor counters with outrageous pace and suspension travel that turns corrugations into a rumor. Horses for very different courses.

Road‑Trip Rigs and Sky Rooms: Mercedes Marco Polo camper van update

Mercedes has given its Marco Polo camper a little tree‑line theater: more headroom and a proper window to the sky. The pop‑top now feels airier, and with the extra glass it’s less “coffin with canvas” and more boutique loft. I poked around a demo unit and appreciated the tidier cabinetry and better‑integrated controls — fewer mystery switches, more obvious labeling. If you do Alpine weekends or coastal dawn patrols, this is the sort of small change that makes a big difference when you’re half awake and barefoot.

• Taller, brighter pop‑top with skylight
• Neater cabin storage and controls for camper kit
• Ideal for: two‑up escapes and week‑long meanders without towing

China Watch: Stratos sports EV for the UK, GAC’s Aussie push, and Jaecoo’s long‑legged J8

UK‑bound: a £50k Chinese EV sports car

Autocar’s dug up a neat one: a Chinese‑built two‑seat electric sports car, the Stratos, is heading to the UK with a circa‑£50,000 target. Details are still unfolding, but the pitch is clear — clean styling, compact footprint, and the sort of pricing that turns a weekend toy into an achievable dream. If execution matches intent, Mazda MX‑5 and Alpine A110 fans might find themselves peeking over the hedge into EV land.

Australia: GAC says “more, and soon”

GAC’s Australian arm has already outkicked its early sales target and is now talking double‑digits worth of new models. Expect a blend of hybrids and EVs aimed straight at the BYD/Toyota corridor. I’ve chatted with a few early GAC owners; the through line is value and generous equipment, with a request for crisper infotainment and more polished dealer experiences. Growing pains, yes — but momentum is real.

Jaecoo J8 SHS: built for the big Aussie detour

CarExpert’s road‑trip angle on the Jaecoo J8 SHS tracks with my own quick stint on rough country seal: it’s the kind of roomy, high‑waisted SUV that soaks up distance without needing a chiropractor at the next servo. The “SHS” hybrid system leans into quiet, low‑effort cruising, and the cabin is pragmatic — big door bins, broad seats, and an easy‑clean vibe. It’s not trying to be a Nürburgring hero; it’s a “drop the kids, swing by Bunnings, head for Bright” kind of companion.

Cupra’s first EV won’t be back in Australia any time soon

Cupra’s Born — the brand’s first EV — remains off the Aussie menu for the foreseeable. Blame a cocktail of supply allocation and market prioritization. It’s a shame; the Born’s playful rear‑drive balance and tidy footprint make it a peach for city‑to‑hinterland life. If you’re Cupra‑curious and EV‑minded, you’ll need patience or a passport for now.

Budget Legend Growing Up: Toyota Probox to finally step out of 2002

Toyota’s Probox — that enduring, boxy, fleet‑spec wagon beloved by couriers and taxi drivers — looks set for a proper next generation. For years you could buy one for the price of a good coffee table; the charm was the simplicity and unkillable nature. The next chapter should drag it into the modern age with safety and connectivity that don’t feel Y2K. Prices will climb with progress, naturally, but the promise is the same: a workhorse that just won’t quit.

Safety Note: Peugeot 2008 recall for fire risk

Peugeot has issued a recall for certain 2008 models in Australia over a potential fire risk tied to an electrical issue. If you own a 2008, get your VIN checked with your dealer and book the inspection — it’s a straightforward fix, and peace of mind is worth the quick visit. While you’re there, ask for a software update check; a few owners I spoke with were overdue and left with snappier screens.

Quick Takes

• Mercedes’ C‑Class Electric feels like a driver’s car first, EV second — and that’s a compliment.
• Amarok W600 charging past Raptor on price will spark debates; diesel torque loyalists won’t mind.
• Marco Polo’s skylight is a small change that makes camping mornings feel special.
• China’s not just sending crossovers anymore — a £50k sports EV is inbound for the UK.
• Peugeot 2008 owners: check that recall, then enjoy the school run with one less worry.

Conclusion

Today felt like a reset in a few directions: Mercedes refocusing the compact luxury EV on the way it drives, Volkswagen betting that refinement and diesel muscle still matter at the top of the ute pile, and a fresh wave of Chinese ambition that’s moving from sensible SUVs to sports cars and serious volume plans. Mix in a smarter camper van and an honest recall, and you’ve got a snapshot of a market that refuses to sit still — which, frankly, is why we love it.

FAQ

• When will the Mercedes‑Benz C‑Class Electric be on sale?
  It’s slated as a 2027 model. Final specs and Australian timing will firm up closer to launch.
• Why is the Amarok W600 more expensive than the Ranger Raptor?
  Local Walkinshaw engineering, premium hardware, and its positioning as a diesel‑torque, long‑distance flagship push it above Raptor pricing.
• Is the Cupra Born coming back to Australia?
  Not in the near term, according to the latest guidance. Supply and market priorities are the main hurdles.
• What’s new on the Mercedes Marco Polo camper?
  Added headroom and a skylight in the pop‑top, plus tidier camper controls and storage.
• Which Peugeot 2008s are affected by the recall?
  Specific build ranges are included. Check your VIN with a Peugeot dealer to confirm and arrange the fix.