Mercedes-Benz will reportedly announce plans for a range of zero-emission vehicles at this year’s Paris Auto Show with the introduction of an all-electric SUV study.

Confirmed by “high-ranking insiders”, cited by Autocar, its development is currently undergoing on the outskirts of Stuttgart, Germany, and it will preview a brand new design language, which will be eventually adopted by the production version, expected to roll off the assembly line around 2019.

Targeting the likes of the Tesla Model X and similar future models from Audi and Jaguar, the 3-pointed star’s all-electric SUV will be underpinned by a new RWD/AWD platform, specifically designed for EVs, which is believed to be based on the brand’s MRA architecture. It will share common links with the upcoming hydrogen-powered GLC and will be offered as an alternative to traditional petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles.

Moreover, it will pave the road for an entirely new zero-emission family, which is currently limited to the B-Class and Smart ForTwo, and will comprise an upmarket four-door rival for Tesla’s Model S. With electric versions of the GLA and GLC also in the pipeline, as previous reports state, as well as developing its own range of electric motors with outputs up to 536 HP, it should be interesting to see what the future holds for Mercedes.

Note: Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe Concept pictured

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