Mercedes Benz EQS exterior revealed - meet Stuttgart's first EV luxury sedan
The Mercedes Benz EQS is an important vehicle for the Stuttgart automaker. 120 years after the trademark ‘Mercedes’ was registered by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1901, we now have an all-electric sedan that is designed to ensure not only that the company remains the king of luxury motoring, but also the relevance and profitability in a world of strict emissions legislation, and dwindling resources.
2021 Mercedes Benz EQS debuts ‘sensual purity’ design language, 770 km range from 107.8 kwh battery
Mercedes Benz EQS 450+
single permanent magnet synchronous motor, rear wheel drive
245 kW (333 PS) / 568 Nm (418 lb ft), WLTP combined energy consumption 20.4-15.7kWh/100 km, range not stated
90 kWh nickel, manganese cobalt (NMC) modular battery, pouch cell design with 400V architecture, 200 kW DC fast charging
Mercedes Benz EQS 580 4MATIC
front and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors, all wheel drive
385 kW (523 PS) / 855 Nm (630 lb ft), WLTP combined energy consumption 21.8-17.4 kWh/100 km, range up to 770 km (478 miles)
107.8 kWh NMC modular battery, hard case cell design with 400V architecture, 200 kW DC fast charging
The Mercedes Benz EQS is an important vehicle for the Stuttgart automaker. 120 years after the trademark ‘Mercedes’ was registered by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1901, we now have an all-electric sedan that is designed to ensure not only that the company remains the king of luxury motoring, but also the relevance and profitability in a world of strict emissions legislation, and dwindling resources.
We’ve already covered the technical details, interior and Hyperscreen quite recently, so let’s look at what Mercedes-Benz has revealed today.
Exterior Design
It’s nice to finally be able to put a face to the EQS name. Designing such a flagship vehicle must be rather difficult, and on the whole, Gorden Wagener and his team must be congratulated. The EQS is a balance of progressive style and refined, familiar luxury. It’s a vehicle that has to outline the brand’s future direction, while still appealing to the S-Class buyer.
There are some odd angles however; soft, sloping front and rear are a result of function over form no doubt. With a drag coefficient of 0.2 cd, Mercedes Benz claims the EQS is the slipperiest sedan in the world.
Mercedes Benz states that the design philosophy behind the EQS can be defined as ‘Sensual Purity’ and that this is realised through clear, uncomplicated surfaces, curves and surface-emphasising modelling. It’s certainly not a fussy design, but will it appeal to buyers looking for a certain level of aggression and sportiness? Perhaps we’ll have to wait for an AMG version to find out.
The short front end and cab-forward look is almost the antithesis of the long-hooded luxo-barge look we’ve come to expect from this segment over the last few decades. The front end is handsome, if considerably more restrained than the EQS concept car. The black ‘grille’ on the front of the EQS is available with a Mercedes star pattern, if customers choose the AMG Line Exterior or Electric Art Exterior.
Frameless, coupé-like doors and a high, arched beltline draw the eye down the body to the rear of the EQS. Flush doorhandles aid aerodynamics, and provide a clean side profile view. The glasshouse is accentuated with chrome, and a two tone paint scheme is available.
Broad, generous surfaces, reduced join in body panels create an almost seamless transition between glass and bodywork at the rear. The rear tail light assembly is a broad, futuristic swoop of red, accentuating the width and hinting of the power within the EQS. 19-22 inch wheels are available, and the three exterior package inclusions are listed below:
Our favourite view of the EQS sedan
In our eyes, the most attractive angle of the EQS is a slightly raised and offset front three quarter view. The body is made of aluminium to keep weight down, and the front hood (bonnet) is of a clamshell design. Frunk fans will be disappointed to learn there’s no front storage compartment, but there’s ample space in the passenger compartment and rear trunk, with 610 litres of cargo capacity.
At 5.2 metres long with a 3.2 metre wheelbase — 106mm longer than the W223 S-Class — the EQS is a big car. The EQS 450 weighs in at 2480 kg (5467 lb), while the EQS 580 is 2585 kg (5,698 lb).
Mercedes Benz is expected to release an AMG performance variant of the EQS in the future, as well as a cheaper version with a smaller battery capacity. Europe, the UK and North America should see the EQS launch in the second half of 2021, while it’s expected that Mercedes-Benz Australia will bring the EQS down under in December 2021/January 2022.
You can read more of our coverage on the technical aspects of the EQS here, and view more galleries below:
2021 Mercedes Benz EQS exterior gallery
2021 Mercedes Benz EQS interior gallery
Audi Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron debut with up to 520km range, 220kW power
Audi’s Q4 e-tron has been unveiled, and features rear and all wheel drive variants with two different battery sizes, all wrapped in the brand’s progressive, modern design language. Wheels pushed to each corner, aggressive light graphics and sharp angles; this SUV is all about muscular presence.
Two battery sizes, three model variants for Audi’s newest EV
Three versions available in Sportback and regular body styles:
35 e-tron with 52 kWh battery/341-349 km (211-216 mi) range
40 e-tron with 77 kWh battery/520 km (323 mi) range
50 e-tron quattro with 77 kWh battery/488-497 km (303-308 mi) range
Based on Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB), shared with VW ID.4
Charging up to 100/125 kW depending on model
Audi claims carbon neutral production footprint for Q4 e-tron
Priced from EUR 41,900 in Germany, and “below $45,000 US” in the United States before federal EV tax credits
Audi’s Q4 e-tron has been unveiled, and features rear and all wheel drive variants with two different battery sizes, all wrapped in the brand’s progressive, modern design language. Wheels pushed to each corner, aggressive light graphics and sharp angles; this SUV is all about muscular presence.
Underpinned by Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive matrix (MEB) architecture, this vehicle shares a platform with VW’s ID.3 and ID.4 range, and is likely the first of many electric Audis to be based on this modular architecture.
The Q4 e-tron even shares a production line with its VW siblings, manufactured at the group’s Zwickau, Germany plant. Audi even claims a carbon-neutral manufacturing footprint for the Q4 e-tron, from battery and materials supply chains to the Zwickau plant itself.
Audi’s Q4 50 e-tron quattro. Image: Audi AG
Exterior Design
Reassuringly familiar yet refreshingly modern; these are traits that Audi designers somehow manage to weave into each new model. We feel a number of contemporary Audi models have become quite fussy in their designs, but the Q4 e-tron, whilst muscular, is all about width and horizontal lines.
The front of the Q4 e-tron is dominated by the requisite single-frame grille, however the gently cascading hood and three dimensionality of the front surfaces and headlights present a design that is less brutish and better resolved than say the larger Q8 SUV.
Pronounced hip lines and bulges in the lower doors help to accentuate the wheels, and reduce any slab-sided appearance to the side profile of the Q4 e-tron. The rear again accentuates width and aggression through a de rigueur horizontal light bar, and contrasting diffuser. S-Line versions of both Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are available, and provide an enhanced exterior styling package.
Exterior dimensions are as good as identical to Volkswagen’s ID.4; 4,588 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, 1,632 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2760 mm. There’s a familiarity in the proportions between the two sister products, without a feeling of sameness.
Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro Edition One gallery
Interior Design
The first thing you notice about the interior of the Q4 e-tron is that new floating console; gear selection, power on/off, hazard lights and drive modes remain accessible by the driver in the form of hard buttons. There’s also a small touch sensitive pad for passengers to adjust volume and select audio tracks.
This floating console frees up a large storage area underneath, with two USB-C ports, a 12V outlet, and wireless phone charging. Just below the main infotainment screen, many (including us) will be pleased to see hardware buttons for the HVAC system; far superior for quick climate adjustment to a touchscreen when powering down a bumpy road.
Moving up to the top of the dash, and it appears Audi is going for a Lamborghini-lite aesthetic, with plenty of angular surfaces, chunky air vents and an LCD screen — available in 10.1 or 11.6 inches — angled towards the driver. The main instrument cluster features Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, and the steering wheel controls are all digital, with slide or press control for various functions. Helpfully, they provide haptic feedback, replicating an old fashioned button.
An optional panoramic glass sunroof extends over the passenger cabin, and provides a sense of space for front and rear seat passengers. Leather upholstery is still the norm in the Q4 e-tron, but the optionally available S line interior provides the possibility of specifying a combination of artificial leather and Dinamica or Puls upholstery, which utilises secondary raw materials such as recycled plastics and old PET bottles.
Q4 e-tron interior Gallery
Battery and Drivetrain
Customers have the option of regular Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron body styles, the latter being Audi’s terminology for a coupe-style SUV. For those with a performance bent, the Q4 50 e-tron quattro will be the model to choose, offering a 77 kWh battery with 220 kW (299 PS) and 460 Nm (340 lb ft). This model offers 488 km (303 mi) and 497 km (308 mi) of range respectively for the e-tron and the Sportback e-tron. If absolute range is your priority, the rear wheel drive Q4 40 e-tron offers 150 kW (204 PS) and 310 Nm (228 lb ft) as well as 520 km (323 mi) range.
All models feature a permarmanent magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle, mated to a single-speed transmission with differential. The motor has a maximum speed of 16,000 rpm, and Audi claims a low weight of 90 kg (198 lb) for this motor. quattro all wheel drive variants add an asynchronous motor to the front wheels with a coaxial layout; Audi claims this setup reduces driveline drag when inactive and that the weight of the front unit is around 60 kg (132 lb).
Audi’s Q4 e-tron range features advanced thermal management, with two coolant circuits to control the temperature of the electric motors, the charging system, the DC/DC converter and more. This system aims to increase battery temperature soon after setting off on a drive, with a target temperature of around 30 degrees celsius (86F). Interestingly, a heat pump —now standard across other manufacturers’ models— is optional for the Q3 e-tron. This device essentially uses waste heat from electric components that would otherwise be lost to the atmosphere to power things like the HVAC system.
Q4 Sportback 50 e-tron quattro gallery
Safety, Technology and Autonomy
Q4 e-tron models feature front radar, four surround-view cameras, one front view camera, rear radar and eight ultrasonic sensors as part of an extensive driver assistance system. Audi’s autonomous braking system known as Audi pre sense front also features a turn assist system, that intervenes in a dangerous system in a left hand turn (for left hand drive vehilces) or a right hand turn (for right hand drive vehicles). Predictive efficiency assist evaluates navigation data, traffic and speed signs, and helps a driver save energy. Audi’s adaptive cruise control, in conjunction with adaptive cruise assist controls the distance between the Q4 e-tron and the vehicle travelling in front, and also ads lane guidance to keep drivers in their lane.
There’s two dynamic packages available, lowering the body by 15 millimeters, and adding dynamic handling within the Audi drive select system. The second ‘dynamic package plus’ adds adjustable suspension with damper control, and constantly evaluates the driving situation by regulating oil flow in the dampers. This change oil viscosity within each damper can produce a variety of ride comfort options, and Audi first debuted this technology back in the B7 RS4 and 8J TT models.
On the inside, there’s a new augmented reality head-up display, providing a visual overlay of navigation and assist systems before the drivers’ eyes. Using a processing unit within the modular infotainment system known as the AR Creator, symbols and graphics can be rendered at 60 frames per second and are adapted to the geometry of the projection optics on the fly, while the system calculates objects and their location relative to the environment, and compares this to radar, GPS and camera data. Sounds complicated? Audi claims this system’s software alone consists of roughly 600,000 lines of programming code; 50 percent more than the entire control system of the first generation Space Shuttle.
The Q4 e-tron is the second all electric SUV in Audi’s line up, and is part of the Volkswagen Group’s commitment to electrified vehicles and reduced fleet emissions. The automaker plans a one size fits all cell design, and hopes to have six battery ‘gigafactories’ across Europe producing battery cells and packs for its vehicles by 2030. Scroll down for galleries of the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron.
Scroll down for galleries of additional imagery.
Audi Q4 50 e-tron quattro gallery
Q4 e-tron technical renderings
Lexus LF-Z Electrified EV is a preview of the brand's future direction
The Lexus LF-Z Electrified has been revealed in the form of concept renderings, and the Japanese automaker claims that we’ll see a production version around 2025.
Visually Striking Lexus LF-Z Electrified is heavy on style, light on details
The Lexus LF-Z Electrified has been revealed in the form of concept renderings, and the Japanese automaker claims that we’ll see a production version around 2025. According to Lexus, the LF-Z features “ideal dynamic balance achieved through the optimal placement of the battery and electric motors, as well as, among others, a new four-wheel driving force control technology known as "DIRECT4" that generates a superior and highly flexible driving performance, setting the LF-Z Electrified apart from conventional vehicles.”
So far, that all sounds rather vague. While most major automakers have committed to decarbonising their product line-ups and reducing manufacturing and supply chain emissions, Toyota Motor Corporation’s President Akio Toyota has recently criticised electric vehicles as overhyped, and stated that the transition to electrification is happening too quickly. While Toyota has been a pioneer in petrol-electric hybrid technology since the original Prius launched in 1997, the company has firmly refused to adapt to the current trend of electrification, and the LF-Z is the only sign that Lexus is serious about attaining market share in key European and American markets.
Exterior Design
The LF-Z Electrified retains some familiar Lexus design signatures; the aerodynamic ‘tick’ headlights, complex side-profile surfacing and cab-rear stance tie the LF-Z to the current model line up. The vehicle’s designers have added some pleasing new elements such as the swooping glasshouse, Aston Martin-esque wraparound rear with ducktail spoiler and vertical brake lights.
The Lexus LF-Z Electrified has a striking side profile.
The interior is bare, futuristic and laden with screens, and since it is just a concept at this stage, we can’t glean much about Lexus’ cabins of the future. The cockpit was designed based on the company’s concept of "Tazuna" ("tazuna" is Japanese for "rein"). and according to Lexus they were “inspired by the relationship between horse and rider, who communicate through a single rein, steering wheel-mounted switches and the vehicle's head-up display have been highly coordinated to create a space in which various functions, such as the navigation system, audio system, and driving mode selection, can be performed while concentrating on driving and without movement of the driver's line of sight or need to operate complicated switches.”
The interior of the Lexus LF-Z
The company has not hinted at any drivetrain or battery specifications, except to say that the LF-Z will be based on a dedicated electric vehicle platform. Lexus aims to offer electric variants of all its models by 2025, with the sales ratio of electric vehicles exceeding that of gasoline-engine vehicles. Lexus hasn’t specified how many of these will be Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and how many will be fossil fuel free however. Given that the LF-Z is the company’s first fully electric vehicle, we don’t expect to see BEVs dominating the Lexus lineup within the next 5 years.
Source and Images: Toyota Motor Corporation
Genesis unveils X Concept high-performance electric GT coupe
Light on details, but big on style. That’s the point of a concept car isn’t it? The Genesis X Concept is an electric grand tourer; a Bentley Continental or BMW 8 series for a future world of strict emissions standards.
Genesis X Concept is a luxurious, futuristic design study
Light on details, but big on style. That’s the point of a concept car isn’t it? The Genesis X Concept is an electric grand tourer; a Bentley Continental or BMW 8 series for a future world of strict emissions standards. Hyundai Motor Group has been flexing its design muscle of late and clearly working overtime, following the recently revealed IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 models presenting all-new design languages for their brands.
The Genesis X Concept is low, wide and aggressively-styled, and is centered on Genesis’ ‘Two Lines’ design concept. The broad Two Line tail lamps and headlamps accentuate the wide wheel arches, and the integrated hood and fender produce a large clamshell piece reminiscent of an Aston Martin (the winged logo also aides this comparison).
The Genesis X Concept can be described as the ultimate vision of Athletic Elegance, the inherent design language of Genesis," said SangYup Lee, Head of Genesis’ Global Design. "The signature Two Lines theme and sustainable luxury will be blueprints for the futuristic designs and state-of-the-art technologies that Genesis seeks to adopt in its future models."
The side follows the traditional GT model design with a long hood and a short rear, and the two-lined lamps leading to the headlamps, which will likely not carryover to the production version. The arching side parabolic line gives the impression of a car ready to accelerate, though we can’t help but notice the ratio of glass-to-metal gives an appearance of slightly odd proportions. It’s a good looking car for sure, but the side and rear angles look a little droopy. And if it’s an electric vehicle, why does it need a hood that long?
The very Aston Martin-esque hue is known as Lençóis Blue, and “the color was developed to express the level of sustainable luxury that Genesis pursues. It is inspired by the lagoons of Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, where a lake forms only during the rainy season.” according to Genesis’ press release. Err, right. It’s a lovely colour, but there is such a thing as too much marketing.
The interior has a futuristic, swooping free-form display, and in our eyes is a tech-ier take on Bentley-esque luxury. Metal-backed bucket seats and sumptuous leather surfacing welcomes passengers, and the floating centre console features only a metal drive selector, and touch screen buttons. Genesis claims that the use of upcycled materials were used for the safety belts, parts of the steering wheel, and the airbag cover, highlighting the concept car’s eco-friendliness.
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Mercedes-Benz reveals EQS EV interior before worldwide debut on April 15th
Mercedes-Benz has shown us the production ready interior of its upcoming EQS sedan, and its a thing of illuminated beauty if timber, glass and OLEDs are your thing. The EQS is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz’ EQ brand—literally the S-Class of the electric world—so you can expect that the designers have gone all out.
Mercedes-Benz has shown us the production ready interior of its upcoming EQS sedan, and its a thing of illuminated beauty if timber, glass and OLEDs are your thing. The EQS is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz’ EQ brand—literally the S-Class of the electric world—so you can expect that the designers have gone all out.
The MBUX Hyperscreen is the (optional) pièce de résistance, combining all features of the drivers’ instrument panel, dashboard and infotainment into a single glass panel. Mercedes-Benz likes to reference historical details, and the thin silver shadow frame around the screen, combined with the single ventilation band and a narrow leather frame are reminiscent of classic instrument panels according to the automaker.
If one doesn’t option the Hyperscreen, the interior looks quite similar to the latest W223 S-Class. with a single, vertically mounted touchscreen. The EQS is set to debut on April 15, before going on sale in July/August 2021. Scroll down for 10 interesting facts about the interior of the EQS:
The EQS interior with hyperscreen and floating centre console.
10 interesting facts about the interior of the EQS:
With the MBUX Hyperscreen, multiple displays merge seamlessly to create an impressive curved screen band over 141 centimetres wide. The area perceived by the occupants measures 2432.11 sq. cm.
The large glass covering the MBUX Hyperscreen is curved in three dimensions in a moulding process at temperatures of approx. 650°C.
The HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) as part of the optional equipment ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL Plus cleans the incoming outside air at its very high filtration level. Over 99.65 percent of particles of all sizes are eliminated, and the adsorption area is equivalent to about 150 football fields.
The key applications are always offered on the top level in the field of vision, depending on the situation and context, as part of Mercedes’ “zero-layer design”.
The "Mercedes-Benz pattern" is used in several places in the EQS interior such as on the backlit trim elements or on the passenger display as a digital decorative image. It is an abstracted, three-dimensional star pattern based on an early trademark of the Daimler Motorengesellschaft.
The EQS comes with the two soundscapes Silver Waves and Vivid Flux, and they can be selected or switched off as sound experiences on the central display. The algorithms and sounds for the sound design are created in-house at Mercedes-EQ by physicists, sound designers, media designers and mechatronics specialists.
Mercedes-Benz is showcasing its modern, leather-free material for the interior, NEOTEX. According to the company, it “combines the look of nubuck leather and high-tech neoprene”. There are eight coordinated colour combinations in the interior.
More than 40 new inventions have found their way into EQS. In addition, 20 design applications protect the design of the vehicle.
The design of the door panels borrows from the interior design of modern living spaces. Doors and their centre panels emerge from behind the MBUX Hyperscreen to span the space. A surface-mounted modular body floats like a sideboard in front of the door panel.
ENERGISING COMFORT features three programmes—Forest Glade, Sounds of the Sea and Summer Rain—which provide an immersive and realistic on-board sound experience. These calming sounds were created in consultation with the acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton.
Kia reveals EV6 electric crossover ahead of late March 2021 launch
Kia has pulled the covers off its new E-GMP based EV6 overnight, and it’s a sharp looking thing. Part crossover and part sedan, the EV6 share’s the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Polestar 2’s high-riding design, and points to a new design direction for the company’s battery electric vehicles.
Kia has pulled the covers off its new E-GMP based EV6 overnight, and it’s a sharp looking thing. Part crossover and part sedan, the EV6 share’s the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Polestar 2’s high-riding design, and points to a new design direction for the company’s battery electric vehicles.
According to Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia’s Global Design Center, “EV6, as the first dedicated Kia EV, is a showcase of human-centred, progressive design and electrified power. We strongly believe EV6 is a compelling and relevant model for the new EV market. With EV6 we aimed to create a distinctive, impactful design by using a combination of sophisticated, high-tech features on pure and rich volumes, while providing a unique space as a futuristic EV.”
Kia’s new logo graphic works very well on the EV6, looking contemporary, upscale and progressive all at the same time. It’s nice to see a company moving away from the trend of ginormous front grilles, especially when it’s a case of form over function with electric vehicles. The front headlights have a hint of Audi design to them, while the generously sized up-swept rear taillights remind us of Aston Martin’s DBX.
The interior of the EV6 shares some similarities with the IONIQ 5 in basic architecture and the two-screen setup, but the design and control surfaces are a little more conventional. We expect Kia to release more information on features and functionality at the global launch. At this stage, we have only been advised by Kia that the launch will take place in “March 2021”.
Nissan reveals paint colour palette for upcoming Ariya electric SUV
Nissan has unveiled a palette of ten exterior colours for the Ariya SUV, a pleasing change from the likes of Volkswagen which only offers a greyscale palette plus red or blue on expensive variants of its ID.4. There are four monotone and six two-tone options, and Nissan claims the paint portfolio was crafted to elevate Ariya’s premium look and feel.
Nissan Ariya boasts two bespoke colours, reduced CO2 output during paint process
Two brand-new colours have been developed by Nissan, Akatsuki Copper and Aurora Green
Technological innovations in the paint production line reduces carbon dioxide output by 25%
Nissan has unveiled a palette of ten exterior colours for the Ariya SUV, a pleasing change from the likes of Volkswagen which only offers a greyscale palette plus red or blue on expensive variants of its ID.4.
There are four monotone and six two-tone options, and Nissan claims the paint portfolio was crafted to elevate Ariya’s premium look and feel. The colours are applied by a highly advanced, environmentally sustainable paint production technology that reduces carbon dioxide output by 25% according to the company – further reducing the environmental footprint of this zero emission vehicle.
New colours for a new era of electrification
The design team developed Akatsuki Copper and Aurora Green especially for the all-electric coupé crossover. “The ingenuity the Nissan Ariya represents inspired us to adopt an entirely new mindset for colour design,” said Lesley Busby, Colour Manager at Nissan Design Europe.
Nissan Ariya in Akatsuki Copper. Images: Nissan
“Ariya is the culmination of Nissan’s electric mobility expertise and a strong statement of intent for the future of EV design. We therefore worked hard to introduce a truly futuristic and technology-driven design language for the colours, analysing them in detail to create the perfect match for Ariya’s innovative personality,” Lesley Busby continued.
Inspired by the Japanese phrase for ‘dawn’, Akatsuki Copper’s striking appearance mimics the brilliance of a sunrise, reflecting the beginning of Nissan’s new brand identity. Its metallic sparkle is enhanced to evoke the conductivity of copper wires, honouring the model’s advanced EV technology.
Aurora Green takes its name from the beautiful ‘Northern Lights’ phenomenon, aurora borealis, commonly seen in the arctic. A sophisticated blend of different tones means the colour may appear green or purple depending on the angle that it is viewed, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue.
Technology innovation in colour
Nissan claims an all-new level of detail and depth to customer-favourite colours, created with state-of-the-art paint production techniques. Lesley Busby commented: “We know that black and white colours are some of the most popular options with vehicle owners in Europe and around the world. With Ariya, we have introduced a new level of richness and a premium veneer for these customer favourites. Combined with the quality and attention to detail seen throughout the colour palette, we’re excited for customers to experience Nissan’s new era of colour design for themselves.”
Sustainable production techniques
Technological innovation has also been employed to enhance the sustainability of the paint production line. Nissan has introduced a water-based paint which allows colours to be applied at a lower temperature, ensuring that each part of the vehicle can be painted together. This streamlines the entire application process, reducing carbon dioxide output by 25%.
The Ariya already has over 29,000 preorders worldwide according to Nissan, and is scheduled for a Japanese launch mid-2021 starting from 5 million yen ($66,700 AUD), and a European, Chinese and North American launch late in 2021.
While Nissan Australia has gone on the record as keen to import the Ariya, no Australian launch timing or pricing has been provided by the company. We’ll keep you updated if and when that changes.
Volkswagen's 2020 "Project Trinity" promises step change in EV range and charging
Volkswagen has announced that they are working on a cutting-edge electric saloon to be built in Wolfsburg from 2026. Expected to be similar in size to the company’s Arteon fastback saloon, Volkswagen promises ”new standards in terms of range, charging speed and digitization—as well as being able to drive highly automated according to Level 4.”
Volkswagen has announced that they are working on a cutting-edge electric saloon to be built in Wolfsburg from 2026. Expected to be similar in size to the company’s Arteon fastback saloon, Volkswagen promises ”new standards in terms of range, charging speed and digitization—as well as being able to drive highly automated according to Level 4.”
Based on the company’s MEB electric vehicle architecture, the Project Trinity EV should feature advanced vehicle autonomy and connectivity systems.
According to Volkswagen, the project name Trinity is derived from the Latin “trinitas” and stands for the tri-unity. Accordingly, Trinity stands for three crucial themes: a newly developed electronics platform with state-of-the-art software, the simplification of the supply structure, and fully networked and intelligent production at the main plant in Wolfsburg.
Volkswagen claims the newly developed vehicle architecture will set standards in terms of range, digitalization and charging speed, with the aim of Project Trinity to allow customers to charge as fast as traditional refueling.
By the planned start of series production in 2026, it is anticipated that Trinity will reach Level 2+ and be technically ready for Level 4.
“We are using our economies of scale to make autonomous driving available to many people and to build a learning neural network. In this way, we are creating the conditions for the continuous exchange of data from our vehicle fleet—for example, on the traffic situation, on obstacles or on accidents,” says Ralf Brandstätter. Trinity thus gives people time and saves them stress. After a long highway trip, you arrive at your destination relaxed. Because you have been driven by a chauffeur to your vacation or to your home after work. “Trinity therefore becomes a kind of 'time machine' for our customers,” says Ralf Brandstätter.
With the production of the series version, the Wolfsburg plant will become a showcase for state-of-the-art, intelligent and fully networked production processes. “We will completely rethink the way we build cars and introduce revolutionary approaches. Digitalization, automation and lightweight construction play an important role here,” says Ralf Brandstätter.
Future vehicle models such as Trinity will be produced with considerably fewer variants, and the hardware will be largely standardized. The cars will then have virtually everything on board and customers will be able to activate desired functions “on demand” at any time via the digital ecosystem in the car. This will significantly reduce complexity in production.
By developing the automobile into a software-based product, Volkswagen is creating the conditions for new, data-based business models. Entry barriers to individual mobility are to be lowered, while at the same time offering even more attractive usage packages. Volkswagen intends to generate additional revenue in the usage phase—for charging and energy services, for software-based functions that customers can book as needed, or for automated driving. “In the future, the individual configuration of the vehicle will no longer be determined by the hardware at the time of purchase. Instead, customers will be able to add functions on demand at any time via the digital ecosystem in the car,” says Ralf Brandstätter.
According to Inside EVs, Volkswagen clarified some issues with what Ralf Brandstätter told Welt Am Sonntag in an interview about Trinity. The Volkswagen brand’s CEO stated to the German newspaper the Trinity would be around 4 meters (158 inches) long and cost about €35,000.
Volkswagen told InsideEVs there was a mistake in the quote. It should be “more than 4 meters.” According to the company, the car will be similar in size to the ID.4, with a length between 4.5 m (177 in) and 4.7 m (185 in).
Volkswagen EV Convertible could join ID.3 range according to CEO
Volkswagen’s CEO, Ralf Brandstätter appears keen on a drop-top variant of the electric ID.3 hatch, after sharing concept sketches for an ID.3 convertible on Linkedin
VW CEO shares concept sketches of possible future electric ID.3 variant
Volkswagen’s CEO, Ralf Brandstätter appears keen on a drop-top variant of the electric ID.3 hatch, after sharing the following text and sketch image on Linkedin:
“An ID.3 convertible? Sounds quite appealing: enjoying nature with the top down, with the instant, but silent electric punch. This could provide an entirely new, extraordinary feeling of freedom. I admit: a very tempting idea. We are still pondering how to turn this attractive concept into reality. Just in case, our design team has already sketched out some initial ideas. The most exciting question: what do YOU think? Would electric driving and an open-air-experience make a perfect match?”
Of course, any new model has to go through a rigorous design and approval process; most manufacturers spend five-plus years developing a new model, meaning that this is a tease in the true sense of the word and that the ID.3 convertible is already a fait accompli for the brand in the coming years, or Brandstätter could genuinely be gauging public interest before the board gives the project a green light.
We’re a fan of Volkswagen convertibles with a Mark VI Golf cabriolet currently in our extended family. These ID.3 convertible sketches capture the blunt rear and deep sides of the early Golf cabriolets (though sadly without the roll-over hoop) whilst maintaining the ID.3 hatchback’s agressive, snub-nose front.
The ID.3 convertible has an uphill battle ahead though, with cabriolet and roadster sales on the decline in recent years, as more and more consumers around the world purchase SUVs (much to our chagrin). Mercedes-Benz has cancelled the SLC roadster, Mini has stated that the Mini Cooper cabriolet won’t make it to the next generation of vehicles and it could be last drinks for Audi’s iconic TT roadster.
If the ID.3 convertible does indeed make it to market, then it will be the first four-seat all electric vehicle on sale. When you think about it, an EV drivetrain is perfect for open top motoring: Zero noise means passengers are able to enjoy the sounds of nature as they whizz through the Schwarzwald or along the Côte d'Azur, and zero emissions results in a healthier driving experience.
The ID.3 hatch and ID.4 SUV are scheduled to arrive in Australia from 2023.
Inside the design of Porsche's Taycan Cross Turismo EV wagon. Watch the world premiere here
Porsche is playing coy with its more practical variant of the Taycan range, the Cross Turismo wagon. Although still under camouflage wrap, we can be reasonably confident that Porsche will keep many of the design elements of the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, combining the space and versatility of a wagon with the Taycan’s stellar performance, handling and 800V electrical architecture.
The Taycan Cross Turismo. Images: Porsche
Porsche releases insight into Taycan Cross Turismo Design
Taycan Cross Turismo range set to be unveiled on March 4 2021 at 16:00 CET
Powertrain and battery options likely to remain as per Taycan sedan
Pricing likely to be USD$4-6k more than Taycan sedan based on Panamera Sport Turismo pricing
Porsche is playing coy with its more practical variant of the Taycan range, the Cross Turismo wagon. Although still under camouflage wrap, we can be reasonably confident that Porsche will keep many of the design elements of the Mission E Cross Turismo concept, combining the space and versatility of a wagon with the Taycan’s stellar performance, handling and 800V electrical architecture.
The Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo
The Taycan sedan was criticised by many for its lack of interior and boot space, despite its long wheelbase and body. For all the nitpicking we as media and public alike perform over each and every new vehicle release, often we don’t consider just what it takes to design a car to please everyone.
In the video below, Klaus Bernhard, team leader for PMU, DMU and concept cars takes us inside the Package Functioning Model (PFM) workshop, where the ergonomics of every new Porsche are honed. Bernhard discusses how much thought, engineering and design goes into the smallest details, and often how challenges arise when different product design departments have to bridge competing interests, like fitting new computing and electrical systems into the car whilst maintaining excellent packaging.
The Taycan Cross Turismo will debut below at 16:00 CET on 4/3/2021.
Sandy Munro Evaluates the Engineering behind the latest 2021 Tesla Model 3
In his down-to-earth yet comprehensive way, Chief Executive Officer Sandy Munro of Munro and Associates has purchased a 2021 Tesla model 3, and proceeded to look under the skin to show us the engineering improvements from the company.
In his down-to-earth yet comprehensive way, Chief Executive Officer Sandy Munro of Munro and Associates has purchased a 2021 Tesla model 3, and proceeded to look under the skin to show us the engineering improvements from the company.
Munro looks at the front trunk or “frunk”, and demonstrates big improvements in design, moulding shape and in the plenum intake. He also takes a look at the company’s improvements in terms of cost savings on unnecessary clips and plastic pieces, and he seems impressed with Tesla’s Octovalve, now named “super manifold”, and overall, in terms of the engineering at least, Munro says that he can’t find any fault under the body panels, and that Tesla’s design and build of core components is excellent.
It’s not all roses and sunshine however, as even on this latest iteration of the Model 3, Sandy Munro finds inconsistency in panel gaps from one side of the vehicle to the other. For all the advanced engineering in the Model 3, Sandy remarks that consistency in production quality is something that Tesla should be able to easily achieve, so why are cars still having issues?
NIO Reveals Striking ET7 Sedan with 1,000km Range
NIO has pulled the covers off the new ET7 Sedan at its annual NIO Day. NIO claims exceptional range, performance and luxury from this striking sedan, as well as the introduction of Lidar technology — a first in all-electric consumer vehicles — to aid autonomous operation.
NIO has pulled the covers off the new ET7 Sedan at its annual NIO Day. NIO claims exceptional range, performance and luxury from this striking sedan, as well as the introduction of Lidar technology — a first in all-electric consumer vehicles — to aid autonomous operation.
Exterior Design
Clearly carrying cues from the ET Preview displayed in 2019, the ET7 is objectively a handsome car. The short, squat front end is muscular and sporty, and its small, narrow headlights and grille-less front end are reminiscent of Hyundai’s 2021 Kona. The deliberate, triangular slots for the additional front lights remind us of the Kia Stinger (no bad thing).
Images: NIO
With a large glasshouse profile, NIO designers have kept the side of the vehicle simple yet cohesive. One accentuating crease near the top of the door plays beautifully with light, while a rising ‘power line’ on the lower part of the doors is reminiscent of Audi’s A5 and A7 Sportback models.
The tapering rear roofline and chunky three quarter panel remind us of the Polestar 2, without the squared-off edges. It’s elegant — if a little unexciting — but does well to give the rear presence while masking the bulk of the vehicle.
The rear itself shares design elements the Audi A7 and Tesla Model 3, with what looks to be an integrated retractable spoiler as well as a fixed ducktail lip in the boot (trunk) lid, and plenty of horizontal lines to accentuate dynamism and presence. Plus the (now ubiquitous) LED light bar running the width of the vehicle as seen on vehicles from Polestar to Porsche.
Interior
The interior is a clean combination of Volvo Scandi-minimalism, Tesla austerity and familiar design cues from the NIO family. NIO has made a big deal about "invisible" smart air vents on both front and rear row, frameless windows and soft close doors with flush door handles.
NIO has compared the interior of the ET7 to a second living room, and it appears to be a comfortable space for four adults on a long trip. Standard equipment includes smart air suspension, heating, ventilation and massage functions all round. There is a full length glass roof, a 23 speaker audio system, dual-LCD screen dashboard and NIO’s Nomi; the automotive world’s first in-vehicle digital assistant.
Battery and Drivetrain
The NIO ET7 will initially be offered with two battery options; a 70 kWh with 500km (310 miles) of range, and 100 kWh with 700km (440 miles) range.
NIO plans a version with a solid-state battery packing 150 kWh and a density of 360wh/kg for later in 2022, which the company claims will offer 1,000km (620 miles) of range. While a number of automakers including Toyota have publicly discussed plans to develop solid state batteries and claim many advantages over Tesla’s technology, for now, solid state batteries have inferior cycle life to batteries with liquid electrolytes, such as Tesla’s setup.
NIO has also revealed Power Swap 2.0, it’s battery-as-a-service (BaaS) swap technology. While many — including us to a degree — remain sceptical about the scalability of this battery swap model, many NIO owners and Chinese customers generally are fond of the technology, which allows drivers to either turn up or book in a time to swap their vehicle’s battery pack in a matter of minutes. NIO claims the stations will be able to store 13 battery packs and provide up to 312 battery swaps per day. NIO plans over 500 battery swap stations by the end of 2021. NIO will offer a monthly payment option for this battery swap technology.
The ET7 offers an all wheel drive dual motor setup, with a permanent magnet motor in the front and an induction motor in the rear. It has a peak system output of 480 kW and 850 Nm of torque. NIO quotes a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time of 3.9 seconds.
Autonomy and Vehicle Technology
One hundred million. That’s the number of real-world kilometres driven using Tesla’s Autopilot system, and its the reason Tesla will be so hard to beat when it comes to autonomous driving. During NIO’s presentation of the ET7, the company praised the new NAD (NIO Autonomous Driving) system, with its Lidar, eleven eight-megapixel cameras and crazy powerful — 1,016 Tera Operations Per Second (TOPS) — Nvidia chip, but what they didn’t talk about was software.
Elon Musk has long dismissed Lidar on passenger vehicles as unnecessary, and has even claimed “LiDAR is a fool's errand…anyone relying on LiDAR is doomed.” Tesla has stuck with a system of cameras and radar for the “eyes” of its autopilot system, but Tesla has had vehicles gathering data in the real-world for years now, with its Neural Network processing trillions of data points. In the video by Whole Mars Blog, a Tesla Model 3 successfully navigates from San Francisco to Los Angeles with almost zero human intervention, with just its computing power, and Tesla’s radar and camera system. Seriously impressive.
The NIO ET7 is due for release sometime in 2022, and pricing is as follows:
NIO ET7 (70 kWh)
448,000 yuan (US$69,185)
with BaaS: 378,000 yuan ($58,375) plus 980 yuan ($151) per month
ET7 (100 kWh)
506,000 yuan (US$78,142)
with BaaS: 378,000 yuan ($58,375) plus 1,480 yuan ($229) per monthET7 Premier edition (100 kWh)
526,000 yuan (US$81,230)
with BaaS: 398,000 yuan ($61,463) plus 1,480 yuan ($229) per month
Mercedes-Benz Reveals Unique Hyperscreen for Upcoming EQS EV
Mercedes-Benz is premiering its new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia interface, which will debut in the upcoming EQS battery electric sedan. Dubbed MBUX Hyperscreen, the digital experience promises to transform how we interact with the vehicle, and provide a “wow” effect according to Mercedes-Benz.
The new MBUX Hyperscreen comprises three individual OLED displays underneath a single piece of Gorilla Glass. Images: Mercedes-Benz AG
Mercedes-Benz is premiering its new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia interface, which will debut in the upcoming EQS battery electric sedan. Dubbed MBUX Hyperscreen, the digital experience promises to transform how we interact with the vehicle, and provide a “wow” effect according to Mercedes-Benz.
The marketing video (below), was almost like one which you might expect from Apple or Samsung, with the carmaker spruiking the technical specs of the computing power behind the new in car system. With 8 CPU cores, 24-gigabytes (GB) of RAM and 46.4 GB per second RAM memory bandwidth, Mercedes-Benz is promising a next-generation infotainment system that delivers an intuitive experience, and actually learns driver behavior.
According to Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group, “We merge technology with design in a fascinating way that offers the customer unprecedented ease of use. We love simplicity, we have reached a new level of MBUX.”
Sajjad Khan, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and CTO states that the MBUX Hyperscreen continually gets to know the customer better through machine learning, and delivers a personalised infotainment and operating offering before the driver has to even access or scroll through menus.
With context sensitive awareness, the MBUX system proactively displays the right functions at the right time for the user, supported by artificial intelligence. The system is optimised by changes in the surroundings and user behaviour. The so-called zero-layer provides the user at the top level of the MBUX information architecture with dynamic, aggregated content from the entire MBUX system and related services; deep menu layers — a criticism of complex current generation infotainment systems — are a thing of the past.
Mercedes-Benz provides these four examples as use cases:
The user can accept or reject the respective suggestion with just one click:
If you always call a certain friend on the way home on Tuesday evenings, you will be asked to make a corresponding call on that day of the week and at this time of day. A business card with its contact information appears, and - if stored - its image appears. All MBUX suggestions are linked to the user's profile. If someone else drives the EQS on a Tuesday night, this recommendation is not made – or there is another, depending on the preferences of the other user.
If the EQS driver regularly uses the massage function according to the hot stone principle in winter, the system learns and automatically suggests the comfort function in wintry temperatures.
If the user regularly switches on the heating of the steering wheel and other surfaces for seat heating, for example, this is suggested to him as soon as he presses the seat heating.
The chassis of the EQS can be lifted to provide more ground clearance. A useful function for steep garage entrances or sleep policemen. MBUX remembers the GPS position at which the user made use of the "Vehicle Lift-Up" function. If the vehicle approaches the GPS position again, MBUX independently proposes to lift the EQS.
In terms of design, Mercedes-Benz has integrated ambient lighting behind the glass, making the display unit appear to float on the seamless instrument panel. There is also a separate passenger display, a-la Porsche Taycan. If no passenger is seated, the display becomes an animated decorative pattern of stars, so as not to distract the driver with additional infotainment content.
Central and passenger displays utilise OLED technology, where non-active pixels remain switched off, meaning that they appear as deep black rather than a greyish black that is visible on many computer monitors. With a multifunction camera and light sensor to adjust the brightness of the display and pre-empt driver actions, it’s expected that the EQS’ active and passive safety systems will work seamlessly with the MBUX Hyperscreen.
It appears the MBUX Hyperscreen takes the best of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class infotainment system, and builds upon it, seamlessly integrating multiple displays into a single panel. It’s a distinctly different approach from other EV manufacturers such as Telsa, who prefer to combine all features into a single, centrally-mounted touchscreen. Mercedes-Benz spends billions on R&D and probably millions determining customer preferences, so it’s likely their customers still prefer something akin to a traditional instrument cluster.
While the Mercedes-Benz system provides haptic touch feedback, There’s much criticism about the trend to remove all buttons from a vehicle’s interior. While we think it’s great to seamlessly integrate all system functions into one unit, presumably minimising cost and improving reliability, if that comes at a cost — the ease of quickly operating essential controls — then its not worth it. We hope Mercedes’ “zero-layer technology” and voice control systems can make basic actions like adjusting the climate control temperature or re-routing a navigation destination quick and painless, but we’ll have to wait until the vehicle’s reveal for more information. Mercedes-Benz will reveal the EQA SUV on January 20, and we think the EQS should break cover sometime in the first quarter of 2021.
Lucid Air Named Best Car Design for 2020 in the Good Design Awards
The Lucid Air has been named Best Car Design for 2020 in the Good Design Awards. One of the world’s most prestigeous design prizes, The Good Design Awards have been an annual fixture since 1950, and are hosted by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.
The Lucid Air was awarded a Good Design Award for 2020 by The Chicago Athenaeum.
Images: Lucid Motors
The Lucid Air has been named Best Car Design for 2020 in the Good Design Awards. One of the world’s most prestigeous design prizes, The Good Design Awards have been an annual fixture since 1950, and are hosted by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.
Christian Narkiewicz-Laine, architecture critic and chief curator of The Chicago Athenaeum’s Good Design® awards said: “In a word: Bold. The new battery-electric Lucid Air is an aesthetic shotgun approach to vehicle design that will clearly transform, if not revolutionize the transportation industry in the future,”
“Designed for Lucid Motors by former Audi-Volkswagen designer Derick Jenkins, the new luxury sedan is sleek and elegant, sculpted like a streamlined aircraft, while its futuristic details exit in a very clean and orderly approach, something more relatable, clearly future-focused, but still enduringly smart and sophisticated.”
“What’s more, the new electric car, unofficially dubbed ‘Tesla killer,’ is also giving Tesla a run for the money in terms of pricing, technology, and performance.”
“The California-based startup Lucid Motors is a game-changing electric vehicle in the near future, standing out from the fold with proven performance and a new vision developed by industry veterans, skilled designers and, crucially, all the financing in the world,” Narkiewicz-Laine continues.
“Jenkin’s amazing muscular design for Lucid Air is a stunning break-through vehicle from the otherwise dull, monotonous American car industry as we know it.”
While there is no doubt the Lucid Air nails its design brief, I would rather wait until the vehicle has had a successful market introduction and is in the hands of journalists and customers before dubbing it a ‘Tesla killer’ or ‘game-changer’. Many manufacturers, from established automakers like Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, to fresh startups such as Fisker and Rivan have exciting EV concepts in development.
Their financial success and ability to compete with Tesla depends on how quickly — and profitably — they can scale their EV manufacturing. A task that has taken Tesla many years to perfect.
You can read more about the Lucid Air’s Good Design Award below:
Source: The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design
Mercedes-Benz Accelerates EV Rollout; 8 BEVs In Production by 2022
Mercedes-Benz has today announced announced its ambition to fully electrify the entire product portfolio by 2039 as part of a plan to achieve CO₂ neutrality, and this includes the rollout of eight all-electric Mercedes-EQ models from 2022 built on dedicated electric architecture. The first mass-market Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) from Stuttgart, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has been available around the world since 2019, and is based on the pre-existing GLC SUV platform.
Images: Mercedes-Benz AU
Update: Mercedes-Benz has released an additional rendering, which you can find below. This vehicle looks to be pretty close to final production design, and will be Mercedes’ first D-segment vehicle without a traditional grille.
Mercedes-Benz has today announced announced its ambition to fully electrify the entire product portfolio by 2039 as part of a plan to achieve CO₂ neutrality, and this includes the rollout of eight all-electric Mercedes-EQ models from 2022 built on dedicated electric architecture. The first mass-market Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) from Stuttgart, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has been available around the world since 2019, and is based on the pre-existing GLC SUV platform.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS, as shown above and below will be the first to commence production in early 2021, and is essentially the luxurious S-Class reimagined for a zero emissions future. From the camouflagued vehicle, we can see an imposing physical presence -something the S-Class has always been known for- and a low, wide nose, possibly with a faux grille a-la Jaguar i-Pace or an indentation around the badge. The bonnet (hood for you North Americans!) rises steeply into a huge windscreen, which appears to continue above the driver’s head, as is the trend nowadays.
The high bootline and almost fastback look is unusual for the S-Class segment, however the large tail lights with some presumably funky graphics and lightbar spanning the width of the rear should provide a visual family reference to the EQC, while defining the EQS’ unique character.
The side profile looks a little slab-sided under camouflague, with the C-pillar, doors and rear fender covering a large area relative to the glasshouse, however it looks like there may be some interesting surfacing hiding under that blue wrap. The Goodyears on the test car look to be hugging at least 21-inch or 22-inch wheels, as is the trend these days. That’s aesthetics over efficiency for you.
The EQS will be produced in Sindelfingen from early 2021, while the less expensive EQA and EQB models will be produced at the Rastatt and Kecskemét (Hungary) plants respectively. We can expect the world premiere of the EQA on January 20, 2021 according to Mercedes-Benz.
Fast forward to the second half of 2021, and Mercedes-Benz states that the EQE ‘business sedan’ will begin production at the Bremen plant, as well as in Beijing for the Chinese domestic market only. Continuing the the Germans’ fondness for manufacturing SUVs in the United States, the EQE and EQS SUV variants will be manufactured at the brand’s Tuscaloosa Alabama plant.
According to Mercedes, a total of eight Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles will be produced at seven locations on three continents by 2022.
Daimler’s Battery Plans
Battery development, manufacture and supply will obviously be a critical part of this increase in BEVs, and Mercedes-Benz plans to increase investment in the energy side of manufacturing, alongside battery specialists.
Mercedes-Benz and BAIC have jointly set up a battery production plant at the existing location in the Yizhuang Industrial Park in Beijing (China) for vehicles sold in the domestic market.
In addition to two battery plants in Kamenz (Germany) already producing battery systems for Mercedes-Benz, the company plans a future battery plant at the Sindelfingen site, increasing capacity already available from the nearby Untertürkheim plants in preparation for locally built electric models.
Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz is upgrading the Jawor (Poland) battery plant, currently manufacturing battery packs for plug-in hybrid variants of the C,E and S-Classes, to include battery systems for upcoming EQ models, as well as planning a battery plant in the vicinity of the Tuscaloosa Alabama factory.
You can read the full press release below, alongside an interview with Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain.
Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant (Germany): Launch of electric luxury sedan EQS in Factory 56 in first half of 2021
Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant (Germany): Production of first all-electric compact SUV EQA started - also at Beijing plant (China) in 2021
Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét (Hungary): Decision to locate second all-electric compact SUV EQB. Production launch in 2021 - also at Beijing plant (China)
Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant: Production launch of electric EQE business sedan in 2021 - at Beijing plant soon thereafter (China)
Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant (USA): SUV variants EQS und EQE begin in 2022
Mercedes-Benz battery production network: Production start of battery systems for EQS and EQE in Untertürkheim/Hedelfingen (Germany) imminent. Production of compact SUV battery systems in Kamenz (Germany), Jawor (Poland) and Beijing (China) plants. Tuscaloosa battery plant will produce batteries for SUV variants of EQS and EQE beginning 2022
15 December 2020, Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz is targeting leadership in electric drives and vehicle software. The consistent electrification of the entire product portfolio is a key element of the strategic focus "Ambition 2039" and a prerequisite on the way to CO₂ neutrality. In 2022 the portfolio includes eight all-electric Mercedes-EQ models. The global Mercedes-Benz production network is ready for the company’s electric product offensive and is integrating its Mercedes-EQ models into series production in its existing plants.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG; responsible for Daimler Group Research and COO Mercedes-Benz Cars: “With its ‘Electric First’ strategy, Mercedes-Benz is consistently on the path to CO₂ neutrality and is investing heavily in transformation. Our vehicle portfolio becomes electric and thus also our global production network with vehicle and battery factories. We intend to lead in the field of e-mobility and focus in particular on battery technology. We are taking a comprehensive approach, ranging from research and development to production, and also including strategic cooperation.”
The EQS, the first electric luxury sedan from Mercedes-Benz, will start in the first half of 2021 in Factory 56 at the Sindelfingen site (Germany). With the production launch of the electric compact SUV EQA at the Rastatt plant (Germany) and the current decision to locate EQB production in the Hungarian plant in Kecskemét, the company is taking further important steps toward making its product portfolio CO₂ neutral. The course has also been set toward “Electric First” in the global powertrain production network as well. High-efficiency battery systems will also be manufactured and assembled within the production network.
Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain: “The Mercedes-Benz production network is global, digital and flexible, and ready for the upcoming electric offensive – thanks, of course, to our highly qualified and motivated employees worldwide. We are now beginning a real Mercedes-EQ fireworks display. Six electric product launches by 2022 underscore the strength and competence of our Mercedes-Benz production sites worldwide. The production network will have a total of six Mercedes-EQ car locations. Local production of highly efficient battery systems plays a central role in the Mercedes-Benz strategy - coupled with a comprehensive sustainability concept that spans the entire life cycle of the battery all the way to recycling.”
Mercedes-Benz vehicle plants consistently implement electric offensive
In May 2019 production of the EQC (combined power consumption: 21.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen (Germany) was integrated into ongoing series production. Just a few months later the German-Chinese production joint venture, Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. (BBAC), launched EQC production for the local market in China. In 2020 production of the EQV premium electric MPV (combined power consumption: 26.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km)1 started in Vitoria, northern Spain.
Compact car class customers can look forward to two fully electric compact SUVs in the EQA and EQB in 2021. EQA will celebrate its world premiere on January, 20 2021 as the first fully electric derivative of this compact car. The EQA production launch at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant went smoothly. As with the EQC from Bremen and Beijing and the EQV from Vitoria, which are already on the market, the fully electric models at the Rastatt plant run on the same production line as compact vehicles with conventional and hybrid drives. That means all five vehicles produced in Rastatt are electrified: In addition to the fully electric EQA, the AClass, A-Class sedan, B-Class and the compact SUV GLA are also produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt - with classic combustion engines as well as plug-in hybrid drive. With that the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant is making an important contribution on the road to a CO₂ neutral vehicle fleet and to the Mercedes-Benz AG electric offensive. EQA production will also follow next year (2021) at BBAC in Beijing for the Chinese market.
EQB production will launch in 2021 at two locations in the global Mercedes-Benz Cars production network: in the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét for the world market and in the German-Chinese joint venture BBAC in Beijing for the local market. Plant preparation, including employee training and renovation work, is already underway. The compact SUV EQB will be the first purely electrically powered production vehicle from Hungary and will complement the plug-in hybrid portfolio consisting of the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake. The A-Class will also be produced in Kecskemét with a plug-in hybrid drive, in addition to production in the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt.
Furthermore, in the first half of 2021 production of the EQS electric luxury sedan will begin in Factory 56 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen (Germany). EQS is the independent, fully electric member in the new S-Class program and is the first to use the new electric architecture for luxury and upper-class electric vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. In Factory 56 the S-Class and, in the future, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and the EQS will be produced in a fully flexible manner on the same line. Factory 56 embodies the future of production at Mercedes-Benz and sets new standards for automobile construction. In Factory 56 efficiency gains of around 25 percent are achieved compared to the previous S-Class assembly. This is made possible by optimizing the entire value chain and full digitalization with MO360, the digital Mercedes-Benz production ecosystem. For further information on this: https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaSite/ko/en/47014243
Furthermore, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen will begin production of the EQE business sedan in the second half of 2021, followed shortly thereafter at the Beijing plant. The EQE thus complements the allelectric portfolio of the two plants. The Beijing plant will then produce a total of four Mercedes-EQ models for the local market.
The Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa (USA) is also preparing for production of the EQE SUV and EQS SUV in 2022, which will be produced in the future on the same line with SUVs with conventional and plug-in hybrid drives.
In 2022 a total of eight Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles will be produced at seven locations on three continents. This is possible because the company made early investments worldwide in flexibility and technical equipment with future-oriented Industry 4.0 solutions. In the Mercedes-Benz AG plants, vehicles with different drive types can be produced in parallel thanks to highly flexible structures. With a view to the strategic goal of generating more than half of sales with so-called xEVs, i.e. plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, from 2030 on and gradually increasing the purely electric share, the high degree of flexibility is a decisive advantage. It enables production to be adjusted at short notice depending on market demand.
smart rounds off the electric Mercedes-Benz Cars portfolio with three additional models. The smart EQ fortwo (combined power consumption: 16.5 kWh/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km)1 and smart EQ fortwo Cabrio (combined power consumption: 16.8 kWh/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km)1 are produced in Hambach, France, and the smart EQ forfour (combined power consumption: 17.3 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km)1 in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. The next generation of smart electric vehicles will be produced by the joint venture smart Automobile Co., Ltd. in China. This is a joint venture of MercedesBenz AG and the Zhejiang Geely Group (Geely Holding).
Plug-in hybrid drive is important as a key technology and intermediate step toward a purely electric product portfolio. More than 20 plug-in hybrid model variants are already an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio. The portfolio will be expanded to include more than 25 model variants by 2025. Their production therefore also plays an important role in the global production network. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are already rolling off Mercedes-Benz Cars assembly lines in almost all car plants.
Global battery production network: a key success factor in the Mercedes-Benz electric offensive
The batteries for the Mercedes-EQ electric vehicles are supplied by a global battery production network with plants on three continents. Local battery production is a key success factor for the Mercedes-Benz electric offensive.
Two plants in Kamenz (Germany), have been producing battery systems for hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles since 2012. The second battery factory at the site began operations in 2018 and has been producing the EQC's battery systems since 2019. It was designed from the start as a CO₂ neutral plant and combines, among other things, solar energy, geothermal energy and a combined heat and power plant. The battery systems for the EQA have also recently rolled off the production line at the site. Since the start of production at Accumotive, more than a million batteries based on lithium-ion technology for electric, plug-in hybrid vehicles and 48-volt systems have been produced at the Kamenz site.
Mercedes-Benz and BAIC have jointly set up local battery production at the existing location in the Yizhuang Industrial Park in Beijing (China). This supplies the nearby vehicle plant, which has also added all-electric Mercedes-EQ models to its portfolio with the EQC. Production of battery systems for the EQC started there in 2019. With the start of production of the EQA, EQB and EQE, the plant will manufacture battery systems for a total of four Mercedes-Benz EQ models beginning in 2021.
This year the battery plant in Jawor (Poland) started producing plug-in hybrid batteries for the C, E and SClasses. In the coming year the location will expand its portfolio to include battery systems for the compact Mercedes-EQ models, the EQA and the EQB. Much like the battery plant in Kamenz, the plant was designed from the outset for CO₂ neutral production.
In the future at the Untertürkheim (Germany) site two plants will produce battery systems. Final preparations for the production of the battery systems for the EQS, which will roll off the production line in nearby Sindelfingen in the first half of 2021, are currently underway at the Hedelfingen plant. The battery system for the EQE will also be produced in Hedelfingen. Another battery plant is currently being built in the Brühl facility, which will manufacture battery systems for Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrids starting 2022. The work on the building has already been completed. The battery plant in Brühl will be fitted with the corresponding equipment in the coming months.
Production of the EQS and EQE SUV models will start in 2022 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa (USA). A battery plant is currently being built in the immediate vicinity and will supply highly efficient battery systems for both models. Work on the building has already been completed. The ultra-modern systems will be installed in the coming months.
In addition, the Mercedes-Benz production strategy currently provides for another battery plant at the Sindelfingen site.
Together with local partner Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant (TAAP), Mercedes-Benz Cars set up a battery production facility in Bangkok (Thailand) and began operations in 2019. Battery systems for the current C, E and S-Class plug-in hybrids are manufactured at the site. Preparations are also being made there to manufacture drive batteries for all-electric Mercedes-EQ brand vehicles.
Electric First und Ambition2039: CO₂ neutral mobility und production
Under “Electric First,” Mercedes-Benz is pursuing the consistent electrification of all model variants and vehicle types as a clear objective. The decisive factor here over the next few years is the gradual increase in the purely electric share of the vehicle portfolio. So-called xEVs, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, should account for more than half of sales by 2030 - and the trend is rising. Electrically powered vehicles from Mercedes-Benz are enjoying increasing popularity. The company delivered a total of 45,000 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids (xEVs) worldwide in the third quarter of 2020.
With “Ambition2039,” Mercedes-Benz introduced its path to CO₂ neutrality over a year ago. Vehicle production plays a crucial role in this regard. As early as 2022 the company’s Mercedes-Benz car and van plants will produce CO₂ neutrally around the world. This includes more than 30 car and van plants, as well as battery plants.
Brief interview
“We’re producing the Mercedes-EQ models the Mercedes way: Completely digital and flexible, highly efficient and maximally sustainable.”
Questions for Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and
Supply Chain
Mr. Burzer, are you equipped for the production of electric vehicles in your production network?
The Mercedes-EQ production network is ready for our electric offensive. We started this transformation several years ago and set up our plants with maximum flexibility. The Mercedes-EQ electric models are gradually being integrated into our existing vehicle plants worldwide. They come off the same lines as vehicles with combustion engines or plug-in hybrid drives. The same applies to all of our Mercedes-Benz car plants - a total of six on three continents. This concept is particularly advantageous because demand for electric and electrified vehicles is developing very differently by region and we can adjust our production planning accordingly on short notice. In this way we can manufacture exactly what our customers want.
What specifically does your production planning for the upcoming model offensive look like?
One thing is certain: the proportion of all-electric vehicles in our portfolio will increase sharply in the coming years. By 2030 more than fifty percent of our vehicles will roll off the assembly line as so-called xEVs. Plug-in hybrids and hybrids will therefore continue to play an important role in our production planning over the next few years. However, our target is clearly designed for 100 percent Mercedes-EQ and we are directing our capacity precisely in this direction. We are preparing our production, as well as our employees, step by step for this change. Our sustainability concept is also a central focus: from 2022 on we will produce CO₂ neutral in our Mercedes-Benz plants worldwide.
What, specifically, were the challenges?
Every vehicle launch during ongoing production comes with challenges. That, of course, also applies to electric vehicles. However, thanks to the know-how in our plants and cross-location system planning, we could quickly develop and implement flexible solutions. The consistent digitalization of our processes through our digital production ecosystem MO360 also made a significant contribution. An important factor here, of course, is attaining targeted qualifications for our colleagues in our plants, which we consistently promote.
How will powertrain production continue in the future?
For the global Mercedes-Benz powertrain production network, the shift toward e-mobility poses a special challenge. However, we are determined to continue aligning our drive division to this change and make it sustainable for the future. We have already built up extensive know-how in our powertrain plants in recent years. It starts with the expansion of our battery production network and includes, among other things, manufacturing and assembling parts of the electric drivetrain ourselves. Still, it’s also clear that the drivetrains of the future will differ significantly from those of today.
You will manufacture the batteries for the Mercedes-EQ models in house?
The local production of batteries is an essential success factor in our electric offensive. With a view to steadily increasing demand and, in accordance with our production planning, we are setting up our global battery production network to be flexible worldwide. Today we already produce batteries in Kamenz, Bangkok and Beijing. The ramp-up of our battery plants in Hedelfingen and Jawor is imminent and our colleagues in Brühl and Tuscaloosa are already preparing to start production in 2022. Our production network is very well positioned for the Mercedes-EQ model offensive.
Which new electric model are you personally most looking forward to?
Basically, I look forward to every new Mercedes-Benz. A very special milestone is certainly the upcoming EQS production launch. It will roll off the assembly line, together with the S-Class, in our new Factory 56 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. Here we’re setting the course for our entire production network: With the most modern production technologies Factory 56 is a blueprint for our global network. At the same time, it bolsters our claim - the Mercedes way - to the production of the Mercedes-EQ models: completely digital and flexible, highly efficient and maximally sustainable.
Ford's Mustang Mach-E: An In-Depth Look with the Designers
Cars are so good these days that we often fail to understand the planning, design and engineering that goes into our personal transport. This great video from Ford dives in-depth with the company’s designers, looking at the exterior design, Ford SYNC and connectivity, the interior design and performance and charging.
Cars are so good these days that we often fail to understand the planning, design and engineering that goes into our personal transport. This great video from Ford dives in-depth with the company’s designers, looking at the exterior design, Ford SYNC and connectivity, the interior design and performance and charging.
Also worth watch is Jay Leno’s introduction to the Mach-E and the 7-motor (!) 1400hp Mach-E below.
The Mach-E is expected to go on sale in the US in the first quarter of 2021; sadly Ford has no plans to bring the Mach-E to Australia.
