Automotive
The Audi Aicon is something to look forward to
It will arrive sooner than expected
Ever since we were kids, we’ve always thought of the future having self-driving or flying cars thanks to the movies we watched. For Audi and the Aicon concept, that reality might come sooner than we think. At least for the self-driving part.
The Audi Aicon was introduced back in 2017 but it’s over at this year’s CES that we got a glimpse of the company’s take on the future of transportation. The vehicle is capable of level five autonomous driving, meaning it can get from one point to another without any help from humans in navigation. It also promises to offer about 700 to 800km of range on a single charge which is double the usual range of most electric vehicles today.
For a concept vehicle, it still looks like a fairly normal car — only more fluid and sleeker in design. Its windshield stretches to the top and all the way to the back. This, plus the wide unobstructed windows, provide passengers a better view outside.
What would likely catch your attention next are its front and back ends. The mesh-like grille is populated by lights that display information and warnings for pedestrians (think Cars but with digital eyes for conveying certain expressions).
Inside, the absence of a steering wheel is compensated by a wide panel that acts as the dashboard. And when we say wide, we mean wiiide. This touch panel extends all the way to the doors so one could easily navigate through the menu when the seats are reclined all the way back.
There’s an onboard personal assistant named PIA (Personal Intelligent Assistant) which you can ask questions to, like about a nearby restaurant or your next destination. Although it has a more interesting feature called the Gaze Selection. Basically, it’s a hands-free approach at navigating through the interface’s menu using only your eyes. Simply look at a certain menu tile for a few seconds to select it — almost like controlling the menu with just your mind.
It’s true that the Audi Aicon is not the first to show off a level five autonomous driving system. Having lights that communicate to pedestrians isn’t a new idea either. What makes this worth looking forward to is that it will be ready for mass production sooner than we think.
Audi has confirmed that they will be mass producing autonomous vehicles by 2021 and that’s already in two years. So even if we’re bound to head towards a sea of self-driving cars in the future, Audi is expected to be one of the firsts to offer this technology on a commercial level.
Automotive
Mercedes-Benz holds a Welcome Home campaign to celebrate 140 years
Get freebies and discounts from now until the end of July.
Mercedes-Benz has been an important part of Filipino car culture. Stylized as the “Chedeng,” the brand’s cars are still worthy choices today. Now, to celebrate their 140th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz is launching the Welcome Home Campaign, offering treats and discounts for Filipino drivers.
From now until the end of June, new Mercedes-Benz owners can get an exclusive 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen Replica. The limited-edition replica represents the history of brand’s innovations in the motoring space.
Similarly, until the end of the month, interested customers can start their Benz journey for downpayments as low as PhP 140,000. Discounted prices, however, will go on until the end of July:
| MODEL |
Original Price |
Discounted Price |
CLA 200 Progressive |
PhP 3,990,000 |
PhP 3,490,000 |
C 180 Avantgarde |
PhP 3,990,000 |
PhP 2,990,000 |
GLB 200 AMG Line |
PhP 4,590,000 |
PhP 4,090,000 |
GLC 200 4MATIC |
PhP 5,190,000 |
PhP 4,690,000 |
EQB 250+ Electric Art |
PhP 4,290,000 |
PhP 4,090,000 |
EQE 300 Electric Art Sedan |
PhP 5,590,000 |
PhP 3,990,000 |
EQE 350+ AMG Line Sedan |
PhP 6,290,000 |
PhP 4,690,000 |
EQS 450 4MATIC AMG Line Sedan |
PhP 9,990,000 |
PhP 7,490,000 |
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC |
PhP 5,719,000 |
PhP 5,519,000 |
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC |
PhP 5,719,000 |
PhP 5,219,000 |
If you already own a Chedeng, Mercedes-Benz will show some love by offering special aftersales initiatives throughout the campaign period. Additionally, there will be more roadshow activations happening the entire year to showcase the latest in the Benz lineup.
Finally, if you have a Chedeng story of your own, Mercedes-Benz is inviting long-time fans to share their stories on social media by tagging the official Mercedes-Benz Philippines account and using the hashtags #Chedeng and #140YearsofInnovation. Featured users can win exclusive Benz merchandise.
Computex 2026
Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026
Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions
Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.
These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.
Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.
The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.
Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.
It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.
Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.
The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.
For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.
Automotive
This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank
The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.
BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.
The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.
Battery built for safety and distance
The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.
The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.
The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.
This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
A digital sanctuary
Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.
To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.
Uncompromising performance
While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.
Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.
Price, availability in the Philippines
The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.
Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.
A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.
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