Confronting Tesla! Mercedes-Benz and BMW Release Heavyweight Electric "Killer Moves"

Unwilling to fall behind, the "old money" BBA (referring to BMW, Benz, and Audi) once again challenges the "new rich" Tesla.

This week at the Munich Motor Show (IAA), both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have unveiled their new concept electric vehicles, marking the most proactive attempts in electrification by these two long-established German automakers.

Among them, Mercedes-Benz has introduced the concept car CLA based on the latest all-electric platform MMA, which is expected to go into mass production in 2024.

BMW showcased its electric concept car Neue Klasse at its "home turf" in Munich, which is expected to enter mass production in 2025.

Of course, these displays are still limited to concepts, and the actual production situation may still change. However, it is enough to illustrate that with Tesla "vowing" to turn its Berlin factory into the largest automotive factory in Europe, these European domestic automakers are already feeling the crisis.

After the opening of the Munich Motor Show on Monday, the stock prices of BMW and Mercedes-Benz rose slightly.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Concept Car: Longer Range than Tesla

According to Mercedes-Benz's official introduction, the new concept car has a power consumption of approximately 12 kWh per 100 kilometers and can travel up to 750 kilometers (466 miles) on a full charge. It only takes 15 minutes to charge and drive 400 kilometers. This range exceeds Tesla's highest range.

Mercedes-Benz also stated that it is developing a self-developed operating system named MB.OS for the new all-electric CLA, which will cover functions such as navigation, assisted driving, and in-car entertainment.

It is worth noting that in Mercedes-Benz's official introduction of this model, performance data is not mentioned, but the emphasis is on its range and charging speed.

According to analysis by overseas automotive media, this indicates that this model does not prioritize power. In addition, based on the concept car displayed at the Munich Motor Show, there are many "fancy designs of concept cars" inside the vehicle, including a water-cooled processor on the floor, silver leather seats, a moonroof, and a "super screen," with almost no physical control buttons.

In addition, the new CLA model, which will be mass-produced in 2024, will also have Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. However, this feature will not be launched when it is released, but will be gradually pushed to automakers through OTA updates in the future.

BMW Neue Klasse: The Largest Investment in History

BMW Neue Klasse (German, also known as New Class in English) actually originated from the model of the same name launched in 1962. This model, later known as the BMW 1800, was well-known and helped BMW achieve success at that time.

By naming the new electric model after this classic, BMW aims to replicate past success and also demonstrates the high expectations BMW has for this model.

According to the presentation, this concept car uses a glass roof, which BMW says "reflects the classic elements of the BMW brand." In addition, the new model will also be equipped with a so-called "Panoramic Vision" that provides a heads-up display.

There is little information available about the range and charging details of the new BMW model. BMW states that the model will be equipped with a significantly improved electric platform, with a 30% increase in range, a 30% increase in charging speed, and a 25% improvement in overall vehicle efficiency. Based on this brand-new electric platform, BMW plans to launch 6 new models in the next 24 months.

BMW executives stated that the development goal of the Neue Klasse is to reduce the cost of battery packs by half and increase the range per kilowatt-hour by 25%.

At the IAA, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse stated that the Neue Klasse will be "very profitable":

We... will definitely not have less profit than today.

According to BMW, the new electric platform will be produced at BMW's factory in Hungary. BMW will invest 2 billion euros (2.2 billion dollars) to build a new battery manufacturing and assembly plant for the Neue Klasse, and then expand production to factories in Munich, Mexico, and other locations.

Frank Weber, a member of the BMW Board of Management, stated in a statement:

For the Neue Klasse, we have embarked on the largest investment in the company's history.