Mercedes-Benz to launch 4 new EVs; first launch in 2018

Mercedes-Benz is looking to get more serious about its electric vehicle ambitions. It is expected to introduce 4 new EVs, with the first launch taking place in 2018. The product offensive was expected to begin with the introduction of a large crossover, but it will now begin with a sedan that will slot in between the C-Class and E-Class.

In the first phase of production, the electric sedan will be followed by a new mid-sized crossover that will be placed between the GLC and GLE-Class SUVs. In the second phase of production, the range will include an S-Class-sized luxury sedan and a crossover that may be even larger than the gargantuan GLS-Class SUV. 

All the cars will be based on the German automaker's electrical vehicle architecture (dubbed EVA), which borrows design elements such as the suspension and basic body structure from the company's rear-drive MRA platform. According to the report by CAR Magazine, these EVA-based Mercedes-Benz zero emission vehicles will incorporate a monolithic battery pack, which fills almost the entire floor-pan.

The battery pack is said to tip the scales at around 400 kg with a 300 kW (around 400 BHP) unit powering rear-wheel drive variants. In all-wheel drive variants, an additional motor rated at either 90 kW (around 120 BHP) or 150 kW (around 200 BHP) will be used to power the front wheels.

Initial plans to build these cars at an all-new factory have been scrapped, with production now expected to take place at the company's Bremen plant in Northern Germany. Mercedes-Benz reportedly aims to sell around 20,000 units of each body style annually, with prices expected to hover in the range of £70-80,000 (Rs. 68.85 - 78.70 lakh approximately).

The company is also planning to launch an entry-level electric vehicle that will be built and sold in the Chinese car market around 2020.

*Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA image for representation only.