Mercedes Unveils Concepts that Spank Tesla’s Range
Mercedes-Benz announces EV concept that is said to have a range of over 466 miles – better than any Tesla.
This past Sunday at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Mercedes-Benz announced a new all-electric concept that promises to go farther than any Tesla model – the CLA Class Concept. Currently, the highest range on any Tesla model is 380 miles, and Mercedes-Benz pledged their vehicles will go over 466 miles on one charge.
Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius says that the CLA Class Concept is meant to, “represent an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz,” that will open up the brand to a wider variety of buyers.
Knowing that an EV’s range is one of the biggest factors of a potential buyers’ decision, the CLA Class Concept could very well be their answer to a frequently asked question. Cost is also becoming a factor, as more and more companies are churning out EVs with ideal ranges for an equally ideal price – like Hyundai with the IONIQ 5, and Volkswagen‘s ID.4.
Even companies like BMW are promising cheaper EVs to offer the world, adding more pressure on companies that appeal to the affluent to be a little more flexible with their pricing.
Mercedes has yet to hint at any sort of price for the CLA Class Concept, but if they’re hoping to appeal to more buyers, it’s likely to run a little cheaper than its gasoline-hungry counterparts.
Though, the CLA Class Concept isn’t the only Tesla slaying EV that Mercedes unveiled. There wasn’t a working prototype on display, but Källenius let slip (likely intentionally) that the company was working on a new line of SUVs saying the “little G” would be electric – hinting at a compact SUV.
Confident in their venture, Mercedes officials also stated that their EVs would be just as profitable as their combustion engine powered variants. Production hasn’t been announced, but they did say that the luxury automaker was more than ready.
