The Mercedes-Benz press conference at the 2019 IAA focused on sustainable solutions for the future of mobility, which are reflected in the products as well as in the business strategy. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz continued to position itself as a manufacturer of luxury automobiles. As an example of this sustainable luxury, the Mercedes-Benz VISION EQS show car celebrated its world premiere. The inventor of the automobile also presented 19 other vehicles to the public for the first time. An additional highlight of this year’s IAA appearance was the completely revised exhibition stand in Hall 2, which became more customer-oriented.
Mercedes is convinced that the need for individual mobility throughout the world will continue to rise. Especially for the Mercedes-Benz brand, there is a second global trend that seems set to strengthen: And that’s the demand for something special – for extraordinary products and experiences. Our job now is to redefine the Modern Luxury of Mercedes. And there can be no doubt that desirable, contemporary luxury has to be sustainable – but also sustainably fascinating,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, who also presented the future direction of the luxury brand – which is geared towards sustainability and e-mobility.
“First Move the World” – that is our purpose: it’s the deeper meaning of our work and consequently a trendsetter for the sustainable business strategy at Mercedes-Benz Cars. This ambition means pursuing more than the short-term. Sustainability is an essential element and, at the same time, a yardstick for corporate success. “Pioneering spirit is part of our DNA. The founders of our company became architects of a new mobility without horses. Our task today is individual mobility without emissions,” was the background explained by Ola Källenius.
These include but are not limited to the following objectives:
A completely CO2-neutral fleet of new cars by 2039.
More than 50% of new cars sold equipped with electric drivetrains by 2030.
A CO2-neutral energy supply for almost all locations in Germany and CO2-neutral vehicle production in
Europe by 2022.
In the long term, the value chain should become the value cycle. The entire supply chain will be included.
Electromobility will become the core business of Mercedes-Benz. Future vehicle architectures are being designed for electromobility from the onset and will have their own electric platform.
“For the next generation of our EQ models, we have already taken steps with our suppliers to make a proportion of battery cells using CO2-neutral production,” continued Ola Källenius. “Our customers can rest assured that they will get from Mercedes-Benz is a holistic vehicle concept that has been fully thought through in every respect.”
The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQS celebrated its world premiere at the press conference and gives an outlook on the future of Mercedes-Benz. The electric luxury sedan underlines that sustainability is a central issue. With the technology bearer VISION EQS, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a show car based on a completely new, fully variable electric drive platform that is scalable in many respects and can be used across all models.
With the show car, Mercedes-Benz also makes a clear statement about the continued existence of high-quality vehicles and self-determined driving. Perfect craftsmanship, emotional design, luxurious materials and individual driving pleasure will continue to be desirable in the future. Today and tomorrow, the concept of luxury stands for personal freedom above all. Thanks to its intelligent operating strategy, the show car has a comfortable range of up to 700 km according to WLTP. Thanks to more than 350 kW of power and an available torque of approx. 760 Nm, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds. But not only are the driving dynamics impressive, its highest energy efficiency also sets standards. With a capacity of 350 kW, the VISION EQS recharges its batteries by 80% in significantly less than 20 minutes.
“For the first time ever, we have developed our new e-platform exclusively for the requirements of mid- and full-size luxury cars to take full advantage of all the opportunities offered by this technology,” said Ola Källenius at the world premiere of the new show car. “We want to offer more than the protective shell that transports us from A to B. The thinking remains the same – the form it takes develops and changes. Design must always set new benchmarks. Which is why we are once again taking a new path with the Vision EQS. The term here is “One-Bow Design”: One clear line is enough; one arc defines the entire form. Because we believe that Modern Luxury is not opulence – but simplification.”
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its plug-in hybrid family with the world premieres of three compact cars and two SUV derivatives: three models of the compact car family with the third-generation hybrid drive were on display for the first time with the A 250 e (combined fuel consumption 1.5-1.4 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 34-33 g/km, combined power consumption 15.0-14.8 kWh/100 km)[1]; the A 250 e sedan (fuel consumption combined 1.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 33-32 g/km, power consumption combined 14.8 -14.7 kWh/100 km)1 and the B 250 e (fuel consumption combined 1.6-1.4 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 36-32 g/km, power consumption combined 15.4-14.7 kWh/100 km)1.
The new compact vehicles with EQ Power focus on (electric) driving pleasure and suitability for everyday use. This is demonstrated by the purely electric range of more than 70 kilometers (NEDC) and the specifications of the electric motor: it delivers 75 kW – which, together with the 1.33 liter four-cylinder engine, results in a system output of 160 kW (218 hp) and a system torque of 450 Nm. Thanks to the EQ power of the electric motor, the A 250 e and B 250 e react particularly spontaneously to a stab of the accelerator pedal; the driving performance is remarkable. For example, the A 250 e takes 6.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, and has a top speed is 235 km/h.
In addition to the compact models, two SUV derivatives from the plug-in hybrid family were also shown for the first time: the Mercedes-Benz GLE will, in future, be available as an innovative diesel plug-in hybrid – which, thanks to a battery with a capacity of 31.2 kWh, can drive over 100 kilometers (NEDC-compliant) with the appropriate driving style. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de 4MATIC celebrated its world premiere (fuel consumption 1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 29 g/km, power consumption weighted 25.4 kW/100km)1, which is the only vehicle in the segment to combine local emission-free driving with the advantages of a highly efficient diesel engine. The GLE has fully variable four-wheel drive (torque on demand). This makes it even more agile and safer on the road.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC (fuel consumption 2.5-2.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 57-51 g/km, power consumption 17.8-16.5 kW/100km, preliminary figures)[2] was also presented to the world public for the first time. The midsize SUV is an intelligent combination of functionality and agility in a modern design. With its large interior, the model offers plenty of comfort and functionality. Due to these all-around qualities, the GLC is attractive to customers who want to drive a versatile premium SUV. The GLC kicks off the new model year with an even more striking design, the intuitive infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) and current driver assistance systems.
The new smart generation celebrated its world premiere at the IAA 2019. With the switch to emission-free, battery-electric drives, the brand is returning to its roots. In combination with progressive design and intelligent networking, smart already offers a sustainable and comprehensive concept for urban mobility today – with a range of more than 150 km (NEDC). smart has always been thought about with electricity in mind.
To express this, the designers were inspired by the iconic details of the first generations and translated them into the new era of electric mobility. One example: for the first time, the front of the new smart electric models distinguishes between fortwo and forfour. Where the four-seater has a dynamic “A-shape” with integrated optional fog lights – opening downwards and seen on the show car smart Vision EQ fortwo – the fortwo has the familiar friendly face. With the return to the emblematic “V-shape” grill in combination with the smart lettering above it, the brand continues the stylistic beginnings of the first models.
The Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC (fuel consumption combined: 7.6-7.5 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 173-171 g/km)3 also made its world debut. The compact SUV with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G gearbox and AMG Performance 4MATIC variable four-wheel drive impresses with its high level of functionality and driving dynamics – and with space for up to seven people, is an unrivalled alternative in its segment. In addition to its flexibility and high driving pleasure, the GLB 35 has balanced off-road capability. The AMG-specific radiator cowling, which emphasizes the AMG family affiliation, is used for the first time on a 35-series model.
In June 2019, the production version of the Mercedes-Benz GLB celebrated its world premiere in Utah (United States). At the 2019 IAA it will be presented to the world public for the first time at an automobile trade fair. The versatile SUV features powerful proportions, an off-road-oriented design, optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a special off-road light. It is also available as a seven-seater on request – the first for Mercedes-Benz in this segment. With powerful and efficient four-cylinder engines, state-of-the-art driver assistance systems with cooperative driver support, the intuitive MBUX infotainment system and the comprehensive ENERGIZING comfort control system, the new GLB has all the strengths of the current compact-class generation from Mercedes-Benz.
The new Mercedes-Benz EQV (power consumption combined: 27.0 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km, provisional figures)[4] and the Mercedes-Benz Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESF) 2019 were presented to the world public for the first time. The EQV brings electric drive to the premium MPV segment for Mercedes-Benz for the first time. The next member of the Mercedes EQ family combines emission-free mobility with convincing performance, high functionality and aesthetic design. Technical highlights include a range of 405 kilometers (preliminary figures) and fast recharging of the high-voltage battery from 10% to 80% in less than 45 minutes. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz EQV offers maximum interior comfort and unparalleled flexibility. Customers can also choose between two different wheelbases.
With the new ESF 2019 experimental safety vehicle, Mercedes-Benz demonstrates the ideas currently being researched and worked on by the company’s safety experts. Among the dozen or so innovations, there are developments close to series production as well as those that extend far into the future. The ESF 2019 is based on the new Mercedes-Benz GLE, drives fully automatically in many situations and has a plug-in hybrid drive.
In June 2019, the ESF 2019 made its grand appearance in front of experts at the ESV conference in Eindhoven (Netherlands). In some aspects, the ESF 2019 is a preview of what is to come. In others it’s a vision – and in others still, a contribution to discussion and a tool for improving road safety in the great tradition of Mercedes-Benz.
Another highlight at the Mercedes-Benz stand is a 3D model of the new VoloCity. The Urban Air Mobility aircraft from Volocopter will be the first commercial Volocopter air taxi. The Mercedes-Benz design team was involved in the development of the exterior.
Daimler Mobility: maximum flexible mobility for EQ models
With attractive leasing and financing offers for EQ models, Daimler Mobility supports customers in switching to new, emission-free drive technologies. Daimler Mobility meets various customer requirements in regards to e-mobility. These range from the use of electric vehicles for on-demand services to attractive financing and leasing offers for customers. In this way, the switch to electric mobility is made easier and the mobility experience can meet highest demands. With this diverse service portfolio, Daimler Mobility offers flexible mobility – especially in the field of electromobility.
