Electric Cars

An extraordinarily rare 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, representing the very last unit produced in its limited series of 75, is poised to achieve an auction price surpassing $6 million. This exclusive vehicle, distinguished by its unique features and low mileage, is drawing considerable attention from collectors worldwide.

RM Sotheby's will be presenting this remarkable supercar for auction between November 26 and December 3, 2026. The vehicle, which rolled off the production line in December 2009, has accumulated a mere 32.9 miles since its manufacture, making it an almost pristine example of this highly coveted model. The SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is renowned for its open-top design, lacking a traditional windshield, side windows, or roof, a design choice that underscores its extreme performance orientation.

Under the hood, the Stirling Moss houses a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine, generating an impressive 650 horsepower. This powertrain enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 mph. Production of these specialized vehicles, a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, spanned from June to December 2009, with this particular chassis marking the culmination of that production run.

This specific vehicle possesses an illustrious history, having been originally delivered to the Royal Family of Kuwait, who maintained ownership until 2024. Its journey then led it to its current consignor, reflecting a remarkably short chain of ownership for such a valuable and scarce automobile. Furthermore, it features factory-fitted customizations that set it apart even from its rare siblings. It sports a unique Fire Opal Red exterior, a color applied to only a handful of Stirling Moss examples and never precisely replicated elsewhere within the production.

The interior continues the theme of exclusivity with red leather upholstery complemented by contrasting yellow stitching, a distinctive combination known as Silver Arrow. Instead of the standard carbon fiber trim, the cabin is adorned with Alutex, a lightweight textile composite. The brake calipers are finished in gold, deviating from the typical red or silver options. Notably, this model is one of the few Stirling Moss cars to be equipped with a factory audio system, a detail shared only with a similar vehicle belonging to Jordan's Royal Family, further highlighting the extent of personalization undertaken by Mercedes-Benz for this hyper-exclusive series.

A significant aspect of this particular Stirling Moss is its successful federalization for use on American roads. None of the original 75 units were initially built to U.S. specifications, meaning their entry into the country was typically restricted due to the absence of a conventional windshield and standard safety features. However, this car bypassed these limitations through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Show or Display program, a 1999 provision allowing limited road use for historically or technically significant rare vehicles. G&K Automotive Services completed the full federalization and road registration in the United States in 2026, granting this model access to American roadways, a privilege few others share.

With its auction estimate exceeding $6 million, this Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is poised to become one of the most valuable examples ever sold. The meticulous documentation of its history, combined with its exceptionally low mileage and unique royal provenance, assures potential bidders of its authenticity and supreme collector value. This car stands as a testament to automotive engineering and design, representing the ultimate collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren on this iconic platform.

Mercedes-Benz is poised to maintain its commitment to internal combustion engines for the foreseeable future, with Chairman Ola Källenius indicating a lifespan of at least another decade, potentially extending to 15 years. This outlook, shared at a recent media event in Pune, highlights the automaker's strategy to navigate a protracted transition to electric mobility, which Källenius describes as a 20- to 25-year industrial shift. The company plans to integrate advancements in diesel and gasoline engines, including those prepared for Euro 7 regulations, alongside a growing portfolio of electric vehicles. This multifaceted approach aims to satisfy diverse customer demands globally while gradually moving towards an electrified future.

The company's approach acknowledges that while the automotive industry is undeniably moving towards electrification, the complete phasing out of traditional powertrains will not happen overnight. Mercedes-Benz will continue to invest in developing and refining its combustion engines, ensuring they meet future emissions standards and consumer expectations for performance and efficiency. This parallel development of both electric and advanced internal combustion engines positions Mercedes-Benz to adapt to varying market conditions and regulatory environments across different regions, providing consumers with a broad spectrum of choices tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

Sustained Relevance of Combustion Engines

Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius has articulated a clear vision for the continued presence of gasoline and diesel engines in the automotive landscape, projecting their relevance for at least another 10 to 15 years. This strategic stance underscores the company's commitment to evolving its internal combustion engine technology alongside its aggressive push into electric vehicles. Källenius emphasized that the industrial transformation towards electric mobility is a gradual process, spanning two to two-and-a-half decades, rather than a rapid shift by 2030 or 2035. This longer timeline allows Mercedes-Benz to continue developing EU-7-ready combustion engines, ensuring their compliance with future emissions standards and meeting ongoing customer demand for these powertrains.

The company's investment in its combustion lineup is significant, with new V8 engines still in production for high-end models, complementing its plug-in hybrid and fully electric offerings. This diversified approach is driven by the understanding that customer demand for various powertrain options remains strong across different markets and segments. Mercedes-Benz is executing a comprehensive 40-model program over three years, encompassing both electric and combustion vehicles. This includes new models arriving through 2026 and 2027 that will feature a mix of gasoline, diesel, and battery power, reflecting a strategy to offer choice and cater to the diverse needs of its global customer base. The longevity of combustion engines is thus directly tied to sustained market interest and the automaker's ability to innovate within this segment.

Enduring Role of Diesel and Strategic Implications for Consumers

Diesel engines are set to retain a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's portfolio, particularly for light commercial vehicles and larger passenger models where their efficiency and durability offer distinct advantages. Chairman Ola Källenius affirmed that the company's diesel engine lineup is future-proof and will remain available for the foreseeable future. This commitment is primarily aimed at high-mileage drivers, those who cover between 60,000 to 70,000 kilometers (approximately 37,000 to 43,000 miles) annually, for whom diesel's fuel efficiency significantly outweighs the costs of gasoline or hybrid alternatives. In regions like India, where diesel often has a lower pump price, this economic benefit further solidifies its appeal for long-distance drivers.

For consumers, this strategy means that the transition to electric vehicles will not be an immediate or universal mandate. High-mileage drivers and fleet operators can continue to rely on the economic benefits of diesel and efficient gasoline engines. The lower operational costs of these traditional powertrains, especially at higher annual mileages, can still surpass the initial higher cost of an equivalent electric vehicle. This extended horizon for combustion engines suggests that buyers can confidently plan for at least one more ownership cycle with traditional engines or plug-in hybrids, particularly in areas where EV charging infrastructure is still developing or long-distance highway travel is prevalent. Mercedes-Benz's plan to offer an electric alternative across every significant model position by the end of the decade, while continuing to build V12 engines for specific applications, underscores a balanced approach that caters to both current market demands and future sustainability goals.