Mercedes-Benz Confirms Development Of Tesla Model S Rival, May Arrive in 2018

Porsche is not the only German luxury carmaker seeking to launch a

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by Dan Mihalascu

September 20, 2015 at 21:30

Porsche is not the only German luxury carmaker seeking to launch a rival for the Tesla Model S; Mercedes-Benz wants to do it too.

The Stuttgart-based automaker has confirmed that it will launch an electric-powered model in the next few years. Thomas Weber, Daimler board member in charge of Mercedes-Benz car development, said in an interview that the carmaker plans to build an electric vehicle with a range between 400 and 500km (250-310 miles) within a few years, possibly in 2018.

The upcoming EV will not compete with Daimler’s existing electric vehicles, the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive or the Mercedes-AMG SLS Electric Drive.

“It’s something different. It’s unique; it’s emotional. Wait and see,” Weber was quoted as saying by Automotive News Europe. Mercedes’ upcoming EV is expected to be a larger vehicle in order to accommodate a big battery pack necessary to provide a range of up to 500 km.

The production EV may feature some of the aerodynamic features shown on the spectacular Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile (IAA) Concept unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Weber added. Those features could be used to help extend electric range. “Aerodynamics is and will be important,” the executive said.

Note: Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA pictured