CarCast+Edmunds - Mercedes-AMG GT EV, new Kia Seltos and more.

Hamburg is a major city in northern Germany. The host mentions it as the location where he drove the Mercedes S-Class and previewed the new AMG GT EV.

The Mercedes-AMG GT four-door EV is a high-performance, all-electric sedan-style AMG model built around very high power output and a distinctive AMG design language. In this segment, the hosts frame it as a direct competitor to other ultra-fast EV performance sedans like the Porsche Taycan.

“Horsepower” is a measure of engine/motor power, and in an EV context it describes the electric motors’ peak output. The host uses “1,100 horsepower EV” to emphasize how extreme the Mercedes-AMG GT four-door EV’s performance target is.

“Over 150 grand” is shorthand for a price above $150,000, used here to frame the Mercedes-AMG GT EV as a high-cost, high-performance product. It helps listeners understand the intended market tier and why it’s compared to other expensive EVs.

The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s all-electric performance sedan, widely used as a benchmark for EV speed and handling. The hosts use it as the comparison point for the Mercedes-AMG GT four-door EV’s power and positioning.

The Tesla Model S is a premium electric sedan built around battery-electric performance and software-driven features. It’s frequently discussed because Tesla updates its lineup and hardware over time, which can change what options or components are available. In the podcast, it comes up in the context of specific equipment being present or removed.

The Alero is a mid-size car associated with a specific styling era, and the podcast describes its appearance as having a look similar to an early-2000s Oldsmobile. It’s mentioned mainly as a visual comparison and as an example of a car design that didn’t age well. The focus here is on the car’s exterior shape and how it comes across.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 is being discussed here as the top-end performance model in Mercedes-AMG’s lineup, with emphasis on straight-line acceleration. The host quotes a very fast 0-60 time, positioning it against other EV performance benchmarks.

“Zero to 60” is shorthand for how many seconds it takes a car to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 mph. It’s a common straight-line performance metric used to compare acceleration between cars, especially EVs.

“U drags” refers to Edmunds’ drag-racing testing format, where cars are run side-by-side to measure acceleration and top-end pull. It’s used here to rank EVs by real-world test results rather than marketing claims.

“Thermal characteristics” refers to how the battery’s temperature behavior changes under heavy power draw. For EVs, improved thermal management helps the battery sustain high power longer without overheating, which affects both acceleration and charging performance.

“Battery chemistry” is the specific electrochemical makeup of the EV’s cells (the materials and reactions that determine voltage, power capability, and heat behavior). The host ties it to pack design changes, implying the Mercedes uses a new cell approach for better sustained performance.

“600 kilowatt charging” refers to extremely high-power DC fast charging, measured in kilowatts (kW). The segment contrasts it with typical U.S. fast-charger limits and argues that the car can accept roughly double the power if the charger supports it.

“Level three fast charger” is a common U.S. term for high-power DC fast charging (often referred to as DCFC). The host uses it to set expectations for typical real-world maximum power available at public charging stations.

Ferrari is referenced as having unveiled an EV called “Luce,” which the hosts say has been dominating headlines. The mention is more about the news context than technical details in this segment.

The Mercedes-AMG One is a halo hypercar from Mercedes-AMG that’s built around a high-performance hybrid powertrain. In this segment, the hosts discuss it as a brand “halo” project and then pivot to a real auction example with extreme service costs, highlighting how ownership expenses can be part of the experience.

“Service A” here refers to an early scheduled maintenance visit after the car’s break-in period. The hosts use it to illustrate that even routine early service on an ultra-expensive supercar can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Break-in is the early period after a new car is delivered where the manufacturer expects specific driving/operating conditions to help components settle. Here, it’s tied to the “initial after break-in service,” implying that the first service is more involved than later routine visits.

An air filter is the component that cleans incoming air before it reaches the engine’s intake system. The hosts call out the specific air filter cost from the auction listing to show how parts pricing can be wildly high on exotic cars.

An oil filter removes contaminants from engine oil as it circulates through the engine. The hosts mention the oil filter price from the Mercedes-AMG One auction listing to emphasize how maintenance parts can be expensive on high-end cars.

“Nickel and dime” is an idiom meaning to charge many small extra costs rather than one clear total. In the context of supercar ownership, the hosts criticize the idea of being billed for lots of individual items instead of having a bundled plan.

Residual value is the estimated value a car is expected to have later (often at lease end or resale). When residual values “aren’t good,” it usually means the market expects the car to depreciate faster, which raises the effective cost of ownership.

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is a more sloped, coupe-like variant of the Cayenne SUV, and “Cayenne Coupe EV” indicates an electric version. The host groups it with other EVs Porsche planned, then contrasts that with Porsche’s later decision to re-emphasize gas models.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the brand’s flagship luxury sedan, typically known for cutting-edge comfort tech and high-end interior design. The host says they sat in it and calls the cabin “masses of screen,” setting up a discussion of its modern digital/ambient interior approach.

Backlit screens and dials are illuminated from behind so the display stays bright even in dark conditions. In cars, heavy backlighting can be distracting at night because it competes with the road view and can cause glare or visual overload.

Climatization refers to how the car heats or cools the cabin to reach a set temperature. The host is using it to say the system takes some time/effort to get comfortable, especially in a screen-heavy interior where the controls and feedback are different than older setups.

A “14 inch central screen” is a large infotainment/display panel mounted in the middle of the dashboard. The host notes it moves/curves toward the driver, which changes how information is presented and can increase the sense of being surrounded by screens.

Integrated air vents are HVAC outlets built into the dashboard design rather than being separate, standalone grilles. The host praises this because it makes the climate-control area look more purposeful and less like exposed, low-quality plastic.

A passenger screen is an in-cabin display aimed at the front-seat passenger (or sometimes rear passengers) rather than the driver. It’s typically used for media and convenience features—like controlling audio and climate—while still being connected to the car’s broader infotainment system.

“Cockpit oriented” describes an interior layout where the driver’s area and controls dominate the seating position and screen sightlines. When the cockpit is set up this way—or the car is physically large—the passenger may be too far from the main display, which can drive the move toward dedicated passenger screens.

A rev counter (tachometer) shows engine speed in revolutions per minute (RPM). The host describes Ferrari’s “GT cars” display approach as using the rev counter and speed to make the passenger feel more “terrified,” implying it’s a driver-focused performance cue.

An infotainment system combines information and entertainment in the car—typically navigation, media, smartphone integration, and settings. In this segment, the host notes the passenger screen “works like the standard infotainment system,” meaning it’s mostly an interface for apps and controls rather than a way to change core driving behavior.

Rear infotainment screens are displays mounted for rear-seat passengers, typically used for media playback, web/app access, and sometimes climate or audio control. The segment contrasts these with passenger screens and highlights how connected features are increasingly available to passengers in the back seat.

Battery pack design refers to how the EV’s battery modules are packaged within the vehicle structure—affecting weight distribution, floor height, and crash protection. The hosts connect the pack’s layout to the cabin’s “sit low” feel, implying the packaging helps create a lower seating position.

Bucket seats are contoured seats designed to hold you in place with higher side bolsters, reducing lateral movement. The hosts mention “two bucket seats” to describe a low, sporty rear seating layout and how that changes the feel of the cabin in an EV.

A “liftback” is a body style where the rear hatch lifts upward and the trunk opening is integrated with the back glass. It’s often used to describe practical EVs and hatch-based designs because it can provide easier access to cargo compared with a traditional sedan trunk.

“Fake propulsion sound” refers to the artificial audio EVs generate to mimic the feel of engine noise. Because EVs don’t have a traditional exhaust note, automakers use speakers and synthesized sounds to create a more familiar or more exciting auditory experience.

The Mercedes-AMG GTR is a high-performance AMG track-focused model, and here it’s referenced as the source of the recorded V8 sound. The key point is that Mercedes is using audio sampling from an existing real engine experience to drive the EV’s artificial sound design.

“V8 engine noise” is the characteristic sound produced by a V8 engine’s firing pulses and exhaust. In this segment, Mercedes uses recordings of that V8 sound as the basis for the AMG GT EV’s artificial audio.

“Synthetic gear changes” are artificial sound and/or behavior cues that simulate shifting in an EV. Since EVs typically use a single-speed reduction, these cues are added to make acceleration and drivetrain changes feel more like a multi-gear car.

“Fake noise” in an EV context refers to artificial sound design—often called sound synthesis—used to provide audible cues that would normally come from an engine. The host is arguing that the sound should be believable rather than random squeaks and rattles.

All-wheel drive (AWD) means power is sent to both the front and rear axles, improving traction and allowing stronger acceleration. In EVs, AWD is often implemented with multiple electric motors, which can also help with control and launch behavior.

A tri motor setup is an EV configuration using three electric motors—typically one on the front axle and two on the rear axle. This can improve traction and torque delivery, and it also enables more precise control of how power is distributed during acceleration.

“GT 55” is a trim/variant designation being discussed for a high-performance EV lineup. The host says it shares the same battery and overall setup as the higher “GT 63,” with the difference being power output.

The EPA rating is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standardized estimate of an EV’s driving range. The host is contrasting this official number with real-world expectations, noting that some brands tend to exceed EPA figures in testing.

The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is a high-performance variant of Porsche’s electric 4-door sports car. The host is comparing it in a drag-race scenario, focusing on launch strength and overall acceleration/handling character.

The Lucid Sapphire is Lucid’s high-performance EV, known for strong acceleration and a driver-friendly feel despite being extremely quick. The host contrasts its ease of driving fast with the Taycan’s more “handful” character.

“Hyper screen/super screen” refers to a multi-display dashboard setup that combines a large driver display and a large infotainment/passenger-oriented screen into a single, highly integrated visual experience. In this segment, the hosts criticize it for being standardized in the S-Class, arguing it reduces the more traditional, elegant interior design cues.

A “driver’s display” is the screen positioned primarily for the driver’s information—typically speed, navigation, and vehicle status. In this segment, it’s part of the new S-Class multi-screen layout that replaces the older vertically oriented screen design the hosts preferred.

A “vertically oriented screen” describes a display mounted in a tall, portrait-like orientation, which can make it feel more like a traditional instrument cluster. The hosts say the S-Class used to use this style and that it contributed to an elegant, stately interior feel.

Heated seatbelts are a comfort feature where the seatbelt webbing includes heating elements to warm the belt for cold-weather driving. The hosts mention it as a positive change in the new S-Class, even while they dislike the new screen layout.

A “36 inch screen” refers to an unusually large in-cabin display size, typically used to create a wide, tablet-like infotainment and driver interface. The hosts mention it as part of a recently tested vehicle (the “GD”), emphasizing the trend toward very tech-heavy interiors.

This appears to be a humorous way to describe a very large, high-resolution infotainment display (the “6K” implying high pixel density). The point in context is that Mercedes-Benz is adding big-screen tech across models, including the S-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a mix of comfort, technology, and performance options. It’s frequently compared to other Mercedes models because of how features and screens are packaged at different price points. In the podcast, the GLE is referenced in a discussion about screen size and tech, contrasting it with the S-Class.

A mild hybrid is a hybrid powertrain where the electric motor can assist the engine, but it can’t fully drive the car by itself like a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid. The goal is usually better efficiency and smoother torque delivery, such as helping you get moving.

Twin turbo refers to an engine using two turbochargers to increase airflow and boost power. Using two turbos can help improve responsiveness and broaden the power band compared with a single turbo setup.

A straight six (inline-six) is an engine layout with six cylinders arranged in a single line. Inline-sixes are often praised for smoothness and strong low-to-midrange torque characteristics.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. In this discussion, the V8 is positioned as the preferred option because it delivers a more dramatic sound and effortless power compared with the six-cylinder choices.

An electronic speed limiter is a control system that caps the vehicle’s maximum speed to protect the car and meet regulations or engineering targets. The host describes hitting it while cruising, which is why the car seemed to keep “going like” but wasn’t actually accelerating further.

An “unrestricted” section refers to a road segment where there’s no general posted maximum speed limit, allowing vehicles to reach very high speeds. In context, the host uses it to explain how the car’s speed limiter behavior became noticeable at around 155 mph.

A V12 is an engine with twelve cylinders arranged in a V shape, typically used in high-end performance and luxury applications. The host says there’s “no V12 now” except for a special Mercedes-AMG/Maybach S-Class context, implying the V12 has been restricted to a niche variant.

A long wheelbase means the distance between the front and rear wheels is extended, typically to improve rear-seat space. In chauffeur-focused luxury sedans, it helps create a more comfortable ride and more legroom for passengers.

“Diesel gate” refers to the Dieselgate scandal, where automakers were found to use software that could detect emissions testing and adjust behavior to pass regulations. It changed how people viewed diesel emissions compliance and led to major recalls, investigations, and legal fallout.

“CDI” stands for Mercedes-Benz’s diesel direct-injection system. It indicates the engine uses direct injection to deliver fuel straight into the combustion chamber, which can improve efficiency and combustion control.

A regular hybrid (non-plug-in) uses an electric motor and battery, but the battery is charged through driving and regenerative braking rather than by plugging in. The hosts say this hybrid setup is “weird” because it doesn’t match the performance-focused hybrid formula they expected.

The Kia Seltos is a compact crossover that’s being discussed here as a value-focused alternative in the $25,000–$30,000 range. In this segment, the hosts compare its positioning and features to larger Kia models, emphasizing how the Seltos can feel more upscale than its price suggests.

The Kia Telluride is a larger three-row SUV, and the hosts use it as a reference point for design and interior tech. Here, they’re specifically saying the new Seltos borrows a similar “style” and infotainment approach from the Telluride.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric pickup, and the host mentions it to illustrate how they personally don’t use in-car video apps. The point is less about specs and more about real-world usage of infotainment features in an EV.

In car design talk, “proportions” refers to how the sizes of key elements—like wheel diameter, overhangs, and lighting placement—relate to each other. The hosts are saying the Seltos looks right because the Telluride design language was scaled so the wheel and lighting proportions don’t make the car look awkward.

The Chevrolet Trax is a small crossover SUV positioned for value-focused buyers. It’s often discussed alongside other compact crossovers because it competes on affordability and everyday usability. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of comparing how different small SUVs fit certain preferences.

The Hyundai Kona is a compact crossover SUV that’s positioned as a practical, smaller alternative in the SUV market. It’s often discussed because it can be offered in different trims and powertrain options, and because styling and packaging can appeal to different buyers. The podcast mentions the risk of going “too far in the other direction,” suggesting the Kona may not fit every preference compared to another choice being considered.

In this context, retune means adjusting vehicle calibration—especially ride and handling settings—so the car matches the target market’s road conditions and customer expectations. The hosts specifically connect it to suspension feel, saying US/Europe setups are typically firmer than Asia setups.

Shocks and dampers are the components that control how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds after hitting bumps. Changing their calibration is a common way to make a car feel softer or firmer without changing the whole suspension design.

Adaptive air suspension is a suspension system that uses air springs and sensors to automatically change ride height and damping behavior. The hosts mention it in relation to the Mercedes S-Class, implying that even with adaptive hardware, the software tuning can differ by market.

The Honda S500 is a small, classic sports car model that’s known for its lightweight, enthusiast-oriented character. In the podcast, it’s brought up because the host is discussing naming differences for a Mercedes model, noting that the S-Class is called S500 in one market. The mention is about the name “S500” rather than the Honda car’s role in the Mercedes context.

The EX60 is referenced as a Volvo model in the podcast, suggesting a Volvo EV or new model designation being discussed after the host’s time in Europe. Model names like this often come up when brands roll out new technology and lineup changes. The conversation implies the host saw Volvo’s presentation and is connecting the “EX60” name to what was shown.

The Volvo EX30 is a compact electric Volvo crossover built around a heavy software/infotainment experience. In this segment, the host highlights that many vehicle functions are controlled through the central screen, which made the system feel unusable during their one-year road test.

The Volvo EX60 is an upcoming/introduced electric Volvo that, in this discussion, is positioned as a more polished software experience than the EX30. The host says it uses a Snapdragon processor for many vehicle functions, which helps the system respond faster and handle over-the-air updates more effectively.

A Snapdragon processor is a high-performance mobile computing chip family used in many consumer devices. In a car, using a Snapdragon-class processor typically means the infotainment and vehicle software can run faster, respond quicker, and support smoother updates.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates are software updates delivered to the car wirelessly, without visiting a dealer. For EVs and modern infotainment-heavy cars, OTA updates are often used to fix bugs, improve responsiveness, and add features after purchase.

The Tesla Model Y is a mainstream electric crossover/SUV that has become a benchmark for range, charging practicality, and pricing in the EV market. Here it’s used as the reference competitor for the Volvo EX-60’s target buyer and price band.

The Mercedes GLC is a compact luxury SUV line, and in EV discussions it typically refers to the GLC’s electric variants. Here it’s included in the competitor list for the Volvo EX-60, signaling the EX-60’s target shoppers in the luxury crossover EV market.

The Cadillac Optiq is a Cadillac crossover positioned as a newer, more compact option in the brand’s lineup. The podcast mentions it alongside other models and notes its approximate pricing, which is typical when discussing where it fits in the market. It’s brought up as part of a comparison of modern crossover offerings.

The BMW iX3 is BMW’s electric version of the X3-based crossover, positioned as a compact luxury EV alternative. In this segment it’s named as one of the direct competitors to the Volvo EX-60 in the same general price and size category.

The Cadillac Lyriq is Cadillac’s electric luxury SUV, competing in the same broader EV crossover space. It’s mentioned here as part of the set of vehicles the Volvo EX-60 is expected to go up against.

The Suzuki X-90 is a small, distinctive vehicle from Suzuki that’s known for its unusual styling and compact proportions. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a car that “needed to work,” implying it had to overcome challenges to be successful. The discussion is using the X-90 as an example of a model that had to prove itself.

The Volvo XC60 is a mid-sized luxury SUV that’s often treated as a key model for Volvo’s mainstream luxury lineup. It’s discussed because it represents a balance of size, comfort, and practicality in Volvo’s SUV range. In the podcast, it’s described as the “hardline” mid-sized luxury SUV segment where Volvo is aiming its buyers.

“EV market in decline” refers to a period where overall electric-vehicle sales growth slows or reverses, often due to pricing, incentives, charging infrastructure, or consumer demand shifts. The hosts use it as context for why the Volvo EX-60 launch is an important test case despite broader headwinds.

The Rivian R2 is Rivian’s upcoming smaller, more affordable electric vehicle intended to expand Rivian’s lineup beyond its current larger models. In this segment it’s referenced as part of the wave of EV competition in the $50k–$60k range.

A transaxle is the integrated drivetrain unit that combines the transmission (gear reduction) with the axle(s) that deliver power to the wheels. In EVs, the “transaxle price” comment is used to argue that major drivetrain components can be a large cost driver, so EVs in this price band aren’t necessarily “crazy money.”

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that blends everyday practicality with BMW’s driving-focused character. It’s often discussed because buyers compare it to other mid-size luxury SUVs based on comfort, tech, and how it drives. The podcast notes that the X3 can be “polarizing,” meaning some people like its style/feel while others don’t.

The host is critiquing an “overt brand” design approach—where a vehicle’s styling aggressively advertises the marque through prominent logos and visual identity. The underlying idea is that some branding strategies can make a car feel like it’s “trying too hard,” rather than letting the design speak for itself.

The Volvo XC90 is a mid-to-large luxury SUV that’s known for its family-friendly space and premium features. It’s often discussed when Volvo introduces new technology or design directions. In the podcast, the host references the original tech presentation for the XC90, implying it was an early showcase of what Volvo planned to bring to the model.