ELECTRIC DOMINATES FRANKFURT
TOP automakers have given a peek at their electric model plans at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA 2019) against the backdrop of industry concerns over the US-China trade tensions.
The likes of Daimler AG, through unit Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen AG, showed off their sleek electric vehicles (EVs) with the industry undergoing a radical overhaul as the end of the combustion-engine era looms.
The geopolical volatility adds another layer of uncertainty to the industry and Daimler is one of the first car manufacturers to warn of the growing headwinds from the US-China trade spat.
Taking the limelight at the IAA 2019 media preview on Tuesday prior to the show’s public opening was the world premiere of Mercedes’ Vision EQS.
The sleek Vision EQS is a glimpse of what a large luxury sedan from the world’s No. 1 luxury car company will look like in the near future.
It is essentially the S-Class of the future. It is Mercedes’ first big step towards the vision of making its cars CO2built neutral by 2039.
The Vision, which is upon the Mercedes EQC, the carmaker’s first production electric vehicle, boast n elegant yet dynamic exterior ign with highly crafted and sus nable luxury inside.
This electric car sprints from still to 100km in just under 4. while boasting 350 kilowatt and 760 Nm of torque.
Vision EQS can recharge per cent in less than 20 minu fully charged, it can cover a r to 750km.
Mercedes did not say w
EQS would be on sale but out to roll out at least 10 purely el in the coming years.
Other attractions at the sp a g Mercedes booth are the EQV, an electric version of the brand’s V-class passenger van, and plug-in hybrid versions of its compact line-up such as the A250e hatchback, A250e sedan and B250e minivan.
The GLB compact SUV also made its first-show debut since being unveiled in June.
At separate halls, Volkswagen and its luxury car arm, Audi, are showcasing their new line-up of possible challengers to Mercedes’ electric models.
Volkswagen’s long-awaited ID.3 compact electric car made its debut just before deliveries were scheduled to begin in Europe.
The ID.3 is Volkswagen’s first EV to use the MEB electric car platform, a key part in its goal to sell one million EVs a year by 2025.
Audi features its AI:Trail concept vehicle, a possible electric SUV with offroad capability, and an RS6 performance version of the A6.
Two big news events at the show were the launch of Porsche’s first electric sports car called Taycan (pronounced Tie-can) and the return of the Land Rover Defender.
The four-seater Taycan boasts two electric motors, all-wheel drive, up to 750 horsepower and a top speed of 160mph.
The Defender is making a comeback after production was stopped in 2016, ending a 67-year run. The off-roader will be available in two body lengths when it goes on sale next year.
BMW, meanwhile, unveiled a new front-wheel drive 1-series hatchback and a wider and longer X6 SUV, with the most powerful variant at the show having 530hp.
Ford is featuring the new Puma subcompact SUV and plug-in hybrid of Kuga compact SUV, among others.
Honda is among a few Asian automakers not skipping the show. It is showcasing its new small full-electric hatchback called Honda e. Reports estimated that the car will sell for between 28,000 and 35,000 euros.