Mercedes Unveils New Electric Concept Cars With Better Range Than any Tesla Model

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a set of “close-to-production” concept vehicles designed to challenge Tesla’s electric car dominance by offering an impressive range of over 466 miles on a single charge. This far exceeds the range of any current Tesla model, which typically falls below 380 miles.

The Concept CLA Class, Mercedes-Benz’s latest innovation, was presented on Sunday at the IAA Mobility auto show in Munich, featuring four distinct models, including a sedan, a station wagon, and two SUVs. While Mercedes did not specify the production timeline for these vehicles, they represent a significant step towards expanding the company’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup.

Each of the Concept CLA Class models boasts an impressive range of more than 750 kilometres (466 miles), significantly surpassing the highest ranges offered by Tesla’s Model 3 and Model S, both of which offer just under 375 miles on a single charge.

Simultaneously, BMW made headlines at the same auto show with its latest electric vehicle, the Vision Neue Klasse. This EV is still in the concept stage but incorporates newly developed battery cells capable of storing over 20% more energy than BMW’s previous models. Consequently, the vehicle is expected to offer improved charging speeds and range, potentially 30% better than BMW’s existing models. The Vision Neue Klasse is scheduled for release in 2025.

Mercedes-Benz’s Concept CLA Class marks the company’s foray into an “entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles,” with the aim of appealing to a broader range of buyers, according to CEO Ola Källenius. He highlighted that these vehicles could cover long distances, even taking drivers from Munich to Hamburg on a single charge. The extended range aims to alleviate “range anxiety,” a concern often cited by consumers when considering EV purchases.

Additionally, Källenius teased an upcoming electric version of Mercedes’ G class, suggesting it could compete with Tesla’s compact SUV, the Model Y.

UBS analysts, after receiving a preview of Mercedes-Benz’s latest models, expressed strong confidence in the company’s product pipeline for the next few years. They also noted that Mercedes’ management believed these new EVs would achieve similar profitability to their gasoline-powered counterparts, signalling a promising future for the company in the EV market.