Electrified offensive
Once limited to only a few variants, Mercedes-Benz is pushing its line-up of electrified vehicles with a dazzling display at the recently concluded Geneva Motor show.
At the Geneva International Motor Show 2019, Mercedes-Benz reiterated its future strategy of a massive expansion in offering all-electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.
this year, Mercedes-Benz will launch PHEV variants in the compact car segment (the Mercedes-Benz A and B-Class), with powertrains that produce over 200hp and 400Nm of torque.
Ola Kallenius, Daimler AG management board member responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, said, “Our electrified portfolio is growing. We had over five PHEV models in 2018, and now we have more than 10 models in 2019. In 2020, we will have more than 20 PHEVs.”
the luxury German marque is also increasing the electric-only travel range to 100km for its PHEVs to make them more fuel economical.
“In 2014, our PHEVs had only up to 33km electric-only range, and in 2018, it is now up to 50km range. But in 2019, we will see our PHEVs getting up to 100km electric-only range, which will make them very economical to run and practical for daily usage,” said Kallenius.
the Mercedes-Benz GLE is expected to be the first PHEV with a 100km electric-only range.
“With a 100km electric-only range, our customers will find it very practical in daily home-to-office driving from Monday to Friday. You can plug the car in at the office or at home. It is almost like an electric car, and you get the best of both worlds. Also, we are among the few automakers that offer both diesel and petrol PHEVs, giving more choices to our customers,” said Kallenius.
Last year, Daimler AG announced plans for 130 electrified variants at Mercedes-Benz Cars by 2022, including electric vans, buses and trucks.
the electrified fleet will range from 48-volt mild hybrids (EQ Boost cars), to plug-in hybrids and more than ten all-electric vehicles powered by batteries or fuel cells.
the group expects that by 2025, battery-electric vehicles will account for 15 to 25% of global sales.
Kallenius also said there had been “extremely positive feedback” from customers regarding the EQC, the all-electric compact luxury SUV (sport utility vehicle) that will be launched later this year.
Daimler AG is also investing more than one billion euros in a global battery production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars, which will eventually consist of nine factories in Europe, Asia and North America.
these will include production sites at Beijing (China), Bangkok (thailand), tuscaloosa (United States) and Jawor (Poland).
the company also buys battery cells on the world market, and is making an investment of 20 billion euros (RM92.6 billion) to secure the supply of battery cells until 2030.
“What is important for electric cars is convenience, and easy access to charging. this is why we are also supporting the creation of charging infrastructure, with 400 charging stations in Europe by next year. We will accelerate the pace of EV development in these two years,” said Kallenius.
to recap, Daimler AG is collaborating with the BMW Group, Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen Group in building the most powerful fast charging network in Europe, with 400 high-power charging stations on major roads by 2020.
“An electric heartbeat for our entire fleet - that’s the future,” said Kallenius.
At the Geneva International Motor Show 2019, Mercedes-Benz showcased its full bandwidth of top-flight automotive technology.
the Stuttgart headquartered automaker also highlighted its joint venture with BMW in mobility services, and developing next-generation driver assistance features and future technology for autonomous driving.
Daimler AG chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche said, “Our industry is changing. And we do some things different today to underline that. together with BMW, we have a big advantage: We have the software and the hardware to provide a premium travel experience. Unlike others, we can offer one convenient service out of one hand.”
Still, Zetsche emphasised that the rivalry with BMW remains as intense as ever.
“We fully agree on who should be Number One in mobility services and autonomous driving. And we agree to disagree about who builds the greatest cars in the world. there are areas where we are stronger together. And there are many more areas where competition clearly makes the difference,” he said.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster
A world premiere was the opentop two-seater Mercedes-AMG Gt R Roadster, which is limited to 750 units.
this beast of the green hell (nicknamed after the Nurburgring track) combines motorsport technology with the freedom of the open-air driving experience.
the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo in the AMG Gt R Roadster delivers an output of 585hp and maximum torque of 700Nm.
this is available over a wide engine speed range from 2,100 to 5,500rpm.
A sprint from standstill to 100kph is absolved in 3.6 seconds.
Its adjustable coil-over suspension with active rear axle steering, the active aerodynamics and the intelligent lightweight construction provide highly dynamic handling characteristics.
It has a triple-layer fabric soft top with a lightweight structure consisting of aluminium, magnesium and steel.
the low-slung front section and the forward-inclined AMG-specific radiator grille create a distinctive “shark nose” impression while the V-shaped arrow-like appearance of the front end also enhances the dynamic looks.
Mercedes-Benz GLC facelift
Also making its world premiere at the show was the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLC, which gets the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system and gesture control, new driver assistance systems and a re-developed engine range.
A plug-in hybrid GLC will be launched in late 2019, and in the GLC 200 and GLC 300, the new M 264 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine has higher power output with significantly lower fuel consumption, thanks to Camtronic variable valve control, the twin scroll turbocharger and the additional 48-volt system with beltdriven starter-generator.
there are redesigned standard-fit LED headlamps, and a heavily contoured radiator grille with the dynamically shaped double louvres and the diamond lattice.
the latest generation of the MBUX has expanded voice control and can recognise hand gestures by the driver and front-seat passenger.
New features include the standard-fit Keyless-Go start function using the turbine-look start-stop button and the option to activate driver assistance systems on the multimedia display.
With the model update, the GLC is for the first time equipped with the Dynamic Body Control suspension with adjustable dampers for the front and rear axle.
Depending on the driving situation, speed and condition of the road, the damping is controlled individually for each wheel in interaction with the engine, transmission and steering characteristics.
In addition, the suspension can be combined with a sport steering system with a more direct steering ratio.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
With the world premiere of the CLA Shooting Brake, Mercedes-presents Benz a new design artefact with a gently muscular rear end, that has the added benefits of functionality and storage space.
Just like the four-door CLA Coupe, the
Shooting Brake puts its own spin on the design idiom of sensual purity and turns the interior into a coolly designed user interface for smart technology.
From the striking sharknose at the front of the vehicle to the clean edge with accented surfaces, the design speaks of elegant athletics.
As this car is aimed at “young individualists”, the interior displays the modern, cool and high quality ambience of the Coupe.
The top-of-the range engine in the CLA Shooting Brake will be the 2.0-litre 225hp four-cylinder petrol engine of the CLA 250, which drives the front wheels via the 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission.
It offers more interior space and a significantly wider boot opening than the previous model.
The CLA Shooting Brake has the latest driving assistance systems, and safety functions adopted from the S-Class.
Thanks to improved camera and radar systems, the CLA can look up to 500m ahead and can drive partially autonomously in certain situations.
Mercedes-Benz Concept EQV
Mercedes-Benz Vans provided an insight into the future of the premium MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) with the world premiere for the first purely battery-electric people mover.
It plans to release a seriesproduction vehicle based on the all-electric Concept EQV at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The close-to-production Concept EQV, with seating for up to eight occupants, has a travel range of up to 400km and rapid charging within just 15 minutes enables a 100km range.
Energy is supplied by a lithiumion battery. It has a top speed of 160kph.
By installing the battery in the vehicle’s underfloor, the entire interior space is available.
With the Concept EQV, MercedesBenz is offering an extremely flexible, fully-electric vehicle concept which can easily be converted to a seven or even eightseater with the addition of individual seats or seat benches.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+
The sporty MercedesGLE AMG 53 4MATIC+ had its world premiere, and offers not only more performance than its predecessor, but also a noticeably more agile and precise driving experience both on- and off-road, thanks not least to its AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
At its heart is the electrified 3.0litre twin-charged engine featuring a turbocharger and an electric compressor.
The inline six-cylinder produces 435hp and a maximum torque of 520Nm.
Its EQ Boost starter/generator delivers an additional 16 kW of power for short periods as well as 250Nm of torque.
It also feeds power into the 48-volt vehicle electrical system.
It also has a fast-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, AMG-specific drive programmes and the AMG Active Ride Control+ air suspension with electromechanical roll stabilisation.
Also new are the AMG steering wheel buttons, AMG Track Pace (records race data and performance) and switchable AMG Performance exhaust system.
An option is a foldable third row of seats, which will make the GLE 53 4MATIC+ a seven-seater.
“It is a full-fledged AMG performance car. But you have to drive it to appreciate its improved dynamics,” said AMG product manager Nadine Bottner.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class facelift
Following its world premiere in January, the facelifted V-Class celebrated its first public presentation, and sets a sporty accent with a new diamond grille and chrome pins.
In the cabin, there are new air vents in a more sporty turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster.
Power comes from a fourcylinder OM 654 diesel engine with different outputs: the V 250 d with 190hp and 440Nm of torque, while the V 300 d produces 239hp and 500Nm of torque.
For the first time, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is standard for the V 250 d and
V300d.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, but 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive is available as an option.
There’s a new Active Brake Assist that can now detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle driving in front and initially initiates a visual and acoustic warning.
If the driver reacts, Active Brake Assist increases the brake pressure. If the driver fails to react, the system initiates autonomous braking.
Active Brake Assist also reacts to stationary obstacles or pedestrians crossing.
Mercedes-Benz EQ Silver Arrow 01
Also making its world debut was the teaser version of the first all-electric racing car to be entered by the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team.
“This teaser car gives a foretaste of the first all-electric Silver Arrow from Mercedes-Benz,” said Daimler AG chief design officer Gorden Wagener.
The EQ Silver Arrow 01 has a special teaser livery which gives an idea of the team’s Formula E campaign to come.
On the side of the vehicle, running all the way from the front to the rear, is a horizontal blue line symbolising the EQ brand.
At the same time, it serves as a colour contrast similar to the Petronas green on the MercedesAMG F1 W10 EQ Power+ in Formula 1.
At the rear of the vehicle there is a star motif for both the Formula 1 car and the Formula E teaser version.
Also, at the start of its debut season in 2019/20, the MercedesBenz EQ Formula E Team will be entering not one but two allelectric racing cars.
The brand with the threepointed star will thus become the only automobile manufacturer in the world to compete in both Formula 1 and Formula E.