The Tesla Model S may soon have some big competition to fight off. Porsche gave the world a preview of its upcoming Model S rival this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show and now Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that it will release its own Tesla rival within the next few years, possibly in 2018.
Thomas Weber, Daimler board member in charge of Mercedes-Benz car development, revealed during an interview at the Frankfurt Motor Show that Mercedes is planning a new electric vehicle that will have a driving range between 250 to 310 miles. He also revealed that the new electric vehicle will not compete with the automaker’s other electric vehicles, like the Mercedes-Benz B-Class or Smart ForTwo EVs. “It’s something different,” Weber stated. “It’s unique; it’s emotional. Wait and see.”
Related: Mercedes-Benz just unveiled a hybrid car that can transform at high speeds
The new electric vehicle will have to be substantially larger than the Mercedes-Benz B-Class to be able to accommodate the large battery pack that will be needed to give the vehicle a 300 mile driving range. It’s also possible that some of the new aerodynamic features that debuted on the Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile concept could also be used to help extend the electric vehicle’s range. “Aerodynamics is and will be important,” Weber said.
+ Mercedes-Benz
Via: Automotive News Europe
All images @ Mercedes-Benz
