Mercedes-Benz Unveils New Concept Vehicles with Impressive Range, Outshining Tesla Cars
London, CNN — Mercedes-Benz has just revealed its latest “close-to-production” concept vehicles that could surpass the range of Tesla cars. These new vehicles can travel more than 466 miles on a single charge, compared to Tesla’s range of less than 380 miles for any of their models.
The German automaker introduced the Concept CLA Class at the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich. This lineup includes four models: a sedan, a station wagon, and two SUVs. While Mercedes-Benz did not provide an exact timeline for their production, these vehicles are expected to enter the market soon.
Each of these new Mercedes-Benz vehicles boasts a range of over 750 kilometers (466 miles), which surpasses Tesla’s Model 3 and Model S. Tesla’s highest range models can go for just under 375 miles on one charge.
Meanwhile, BMW, another major German automaker, made its own headlines at the auto show by revealing a new electric vehicle with an extended range and faster charging capabilities. This move further demonstrates German car manufacturers’ efforts to combat the increasing competition in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Big European automakers like Volkswagen and Renault are already facing competition from Chinese rivals in the affordable EV sector. Additionally, Tesla has ambitious plans to establish its factory near Berlin as Europe’s largest car manufacturing plant.
BMW introduced its Vision Neue Klasse vehicle, also in the concept stage, which utilizes newly developed battery cells that can store over 20% more energy than previous models. The company claims that charging speed and range will be improved by up to 30% compared to their previous EVs.
Frank Weber, a BMW board member, stated, “With the Neue Klasse, we have embarked on the biggest investment in the company’s history,” highlighting the significance of this new vehicle. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse is scheduled to be released in 2025.
Mercedes-Benz’s CEO, Ola Källenius, sees the Concept CLA Class as a gateway to an entirely new segment of entry-level electric vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. With its extended range, these vehicles aim to appeal to a wider range of buyers, addressing the common concern of range anxiety in consumers’ decision-making processes when it comes to purchasing an EV.
Källenius also hinted at another upcoming electric vehicle during the discussion about Mercedes’ G class, an SUV lineup. He mentioned, “The little G will be electric,” suggesting that the new vehicle could potentially compete with Tesla’s Model Y compact SUV.
UBS analysts received a preview of Mercedes’ latest models and expressed confidence in the company’s product pipeline for the next few years. Notably, Mercedes’ management is optimistic that these new EVs will achieve the same level of profitability as their gas-powered counterparts.
As the electric vehicle market continues to grow and evolve, Mercedes-Benz is positioning itself as a formidable competitor with its new concept vehicles offering impressive range and technological advancements. These developments signal a significant shift in the automotive industry, with legacy manufacturers adapting to meet the demands and preferences of the growing EV market.