Schenker Technologies is launching the final version of the SCHENKER ELEMENT 16: This 16-inch laptop combines Intel’s new Core Ultra 300 processors with a chassis made largely from recycled materials and maintenance that is unusually straightforward for this price range. The laptop is now available for configuration and purchase on bestware.com, with a starting price of 1,499 euros.
The three companies had already unveiled a prototype of the ELEMENT 16 back in January at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Compared to that early version, the main change is in the RAM: Instead of the 16 GB of soldered-on RAM shown at the trade show, the production version uses a smaller, 8 GB soldered-on module that can be expanded up to 72 GB via an additional SO-DIMM slot.
TL;DR: The most important points in a nutshell
- 16-inch IPS display with 2,560 × 1,600 pixels, 400 nits, 120 Hz, and 100% sRGB coverage
- Choice of Intel Core Ultra 7 356H (16 cores) or Core Ultra 5 325 (8 cores)
- Chassis made from 50% recycled aluminum and 30% recycled plastic, MIL-STD-810H certified
- Tool-free access to the bottom shell; replaceable battery, SSD, RAM, and keyboard
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports with DisplayPort 2.1 and up to 100 watts of Power Delivery, plus Wi-Fi 7
- Available now starting at 1,499 euros on bestware.com; 5% discount through August 31
Core Ultra 7 356H or Core Ultra 5 325: two CPU options with NPU
For the processor, buyers can choose between two variants of the latest Intel Core Ultra generation. The Core Ultra 7 356H features 16 cores (4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, and 4 LPE cores), while the Core Ultra 5 325 has 8 cores, with 4 P-cores and 4 E-cores each. Both chips use an integrated Intel graphics unit with 4 Xe cores and an NPU that accelerates local AI applications with up to 50 TOPS (Core Ultra 7) or 47 TOPS (Core Ultra 5).
Cooling is handled by a dual-fan system with rear air vents. According to Schenker, the Core Ultra 7 356H maintains a stable power consumption of 50 watts even under sustained load; short-term peaks of up to 65 watts are possible. Depending on the selected CPU, the laptop comes with either a 100-watt power adapter (Core Ultra 7) or a 65-watt power adapter with a USB-C port (Core Ultra 5).
Up to 72 GB of RAM and a PCIe 5.0 SSD slot
The ELEMENT 16 comes with only a single 8 GB DDR5-5600 module soldered onto the motherboard. The additional SO-DIMM slot allows you to expand the memory by up to 64 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, for a total of 72 GB. For dual-channel operation at full bandwidth, an 8-GB module matching the soldered-on module is required; users who want more capacity can also disable the soldered-on memory in the BIOS for diagnostic purposes. An M.2 slot with a PCI Express 5.0 connection is available for mass storage.
| Specifications | Core Ultra 5 325 (Base) | Core Ultra 7 356H (Upgrade) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores | 8 (4 P + 4 E) | 16 (4 P + 8 E + 4 LPE) |
| NPU performance | up to 47 TOPS | up to 50 TOPS |
| TDP (Sustained Load / Peak) | N/A | 50 W / up to 65 W |
| Power supply | 65-watt USB-C | 100-watt USB-C |
| Factory-installed RAM | 16 GB (8 GB soldered + 8 GB SO-DIMM) | 16 GB (8 GB soldered + 8 GB SO-DIMM) |
| Maximum RAM | 72 GB | 72 GB |
| SSD | 500 GB (base) | Customizable |
| Surcharge | Not applicable | 150 euros |
Recycled housing with tool-free maintenance
The display cover and top shell are made of aluminum, while the display frame and bottom shell are made of plastic. According to Schenker, 50 percent of the aluminum and 30 percent of the plastic used in the device are made from recycled materials. The chassis measures 359.8 x 257 x 19.9 mm, weighs 1.9 kg, and is certified to MIL-STD-810H.
When it comes to maintenance, Schenker goes a step further than most office laptops in this price range: The bottom shell is not secured with screws but rather via a tool-free quick-release latch, making the SSD, SO-DIMM RAM, and cooling system easily accessible. The 72-Wh battery is also screwed in place and replaceable; when the bottom cover is opened, it automatically disconnects from the motherboard to prevent short circuits during user-initiated modifications. The touchpad and keyboard are also replaceable if needed, and even the ribbon cables connecting to the side connector boards are secured with screws rather than plugged in. According to Schenker, the company is already working on alternative connection modules for different port configurations, but the project is still in development.
This modular approach is reminiscent of the Framework Laptop, which became well-known for its interchangeable connection modules. Schenker itself refers to its concept as “semi-modular.” Unlike the Framework Laptop, the ELEMENT 16 primarily offers easy access to the interior; according to the manufacturer, the ability to swap out the side ports is planned for a later upgrade.
Regarding battery life, Schenker cites approximately 12 hours for video streaming and about 11 hours for office work, both measured at 150 nits of screen brightness in power-saving mode.
1600p Display with 120 Hz and 180-Degree Hinge
The matte, 16-inch IPS display has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels, reaches 400 nits of brightness, and features a 120 Hz refresh rate. Full coverage of the sRGB color space also makes the ELEMENT 16 a great choice for image and photo editing. A hinge that opens 180 degrees allows you to lay the laptop flat on the table for presentations.
Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and power adapters for 30 countries
In terms of connectivity, Schenker includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, each supporting DP80-capable DisplayPort 2.1 and up to 100 watts of Power Delivery. It also features HDMI 2.1, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a microSD card reader, and a combined 2-in-1 audio jack for a headset and microphone. Labels on the top of the ports are designed to make it easier to find the right connection. Wi-Fi 7 is included for network connectivity, and a Windows Hello-compatible Full HD webcam with a physical cover is provided for video calls. The BIOS allows you to completely disable the camera, microphone, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SSD, and the side ports if needed.
The keyboard is available in approximately 30 country-specific layouts, including ANSI and ISO versions, with a numeric keypad, Fn-Lock function, and four-level adjustable white backlighting. The 131 x 85 mm glass touchpad is Microsoft Precision-certified and automatically detects the palm to prevent accidental inputs.
Pricing and Availability
The base configuration of the SCHENKER ELEMENT 16 includes a Core Ultra 5 325, 16 GB of RAM, a 500 GB SSD, and a 1600p display with 400 nits. The starting price is 1,499 euros, including 19 percent VAT. Customers who want more RAM, a larger SSD, or the Core Ultra 7 356H for an additional 150 euros can configure their device directly in the online store at bestware.com. To celebrate the launch, Schenker is offering a 5 percent discount through August 31. As with all SCHENKER laptops purchased directly through the company’s own e-commerce platform, a 36-month warranty applies from the factory.
Those generally interested in Intel’s new Panther Lake generation but looking for a different form factor will find another current example in the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Detachable —though it comes in a classic 2-in-1 design without the ELEMENT 16’s focus on serviceability. Those who’d rather stick with Schenker but prefer a more compact notebook will find the XMG EVO 15, a similar Ultrabook from the same factory in Leipzig.
Conclusion
With the SCHENKER ELEMENT 16, the Leipzig-based manufacturer demonstrates that sustainability, serviceability, and a competitive spec sheet don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Whether the leap from trade show prototype to production model—specifically regarding RAM—will be noticeable in practice remains to be seen in testing. However, at 1,499 euros, the starting price for a laptop with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 1600p display, and a removable battery is certainly attractive.
