Design round-up: Mercedes-AMG GT 4 door coupé; Stellantis announce small, affordable E-Car; Volvo evolves driving technology

New Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door coupé 

The biggest story of the week is the reveal of the new electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door coupé. The long, low-slung front hood, steep windshield and rear diffuser make up the vehicle’s sporty feel. An AMG-specific grille is made up of vertical slats in a concave shape that can be illuminated. The light signature is also made up of a centrally positioned Mercedes illuminated star and headlights with star-shaped DRLs.

The hood has taken inspiration from motorsport, with two pronounced power domes and – when viewing from the side profile – you can see flared fenders emerge from the low front and the flat, elongated greenhouse tapering towards the rear sitting on top of muscular rear shoulders. 

The interior continues the German marques love affair with screens – a 10.2-inch instrument cluster and 14-inch multimedia monitor which merge into a single unit. The centre console also has three haptic driving-dynamics rotary controllers that are angled towards the driver. 

Full release here. 

Denza Chopard Z9GT one-off 

Designed to commemorate the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, BYD Group’s tech-oriented brand Denza revealed a one-off edition of the Z9GT. 

The vehicle was produced in collaboration with Swiss luxury house Chopard, which can be seen through amethyst stone garnished interior trims, violet gemstones set within the cockpit controls and the Chopard ‘C’ embroidered into the headrests and carpet. 

Caroline Scheufele, artistic director and co-president of Chopard said: "We believe that true luxury lies in emotion and detail. With this exceptional collaboration, we have transformed the Denza Z9GT into a moving piece of jewellery, where every element reflects our passion for craftsmanship and our pursuit of beauty." 

Full release here. 

Volvo tests Google cameras in the EX60 

Volvo and Google have demonstrated Google Gemini vehicle camera integration in the EX60, giving Gemini the ability to see and understand its surroundings from the perspective of the car in real time.

This technology allows the driver to ask for more information about road signs, making sense of lane markings or parking restrictions. 

This test currently only provides an early look at how AI can aid driving experiences.

Full release here. 

Renault Niagara 

Renault has revealed the name of its new pick-up – Renault Niagara, designed for Latin America. This builds on the current Renault range in Latin America, including the Boreal and Kardian. 

This production vehicle is set to be revealed on 10 September 2026 and will naturally be inspired by the Renault Niagara concept revealed in 2023. 

Full release here here. 

Stellantis announces E-Car project 

Stellantis have revealed plans for a “groundbreaking” small, affordable electric car.

Production is planned to start in 2028, with the vehicle set to meet customer demands for small vehicles. 

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa commented: “Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly. Stellantis is answering their call with exciting new models for multiple brands. Production is expected to start in 2028 in our Pomigliano (Italy) plant.” Good luck, lads.

Full release here. 

People news 

Katharina Rott has joined the interior design team at Kia Europe as a junior designer. CDN met Katharina earlier this year at her Pforzheim University BA showcase.