mercedes plans to unveil tesla rival EV concept at paris motorshow 2016

mercedes plans to unveil tesla rival EV concept at paris motorshow 2016

stuttgart-based company mercedes-benz is designing a luxurious, all-electric car that will undoubtedly provide healthy competition for the tesla model ‘S’.

mercedes previously revealed that the yet-unnamed vehicle will be ‘dangerously fast’, even in its most basic variant. with a premium specification, it will be among the top three fastest members of the lineup; in fact, some variants might even be eligible for an AMG emblem. however, with the sporting sentiments aside, it will be designed with practicality in mind taking the form of a large four-door vehicle equipped with four seats.

the EV concept is designed with practicality at its core

the concept ‘IAA’ (intelligent aerodynamic automobile) is two cars in one: an aerodynamics champion with a drag coefficient value of 0.19 and a four-door coupé embodying irresistible design. the study, which is the basis for the EV concept due to be released, switches automatically from ‘design’ mode to ‘aerodynamic’ mode when the vehicle reaches a speed of 80 km/h, whereby numerous aerodynamics measures alter the shape of the vehicle. inside, the concept ‘IAA’ continues the design line of the popular ‘S-Class’ and ‘S-Class Coupé’, whilst offering new touch-based controls.

it will feature new touch-based controls for comfort and security

at the touch of a button, or automatically on reaching a speed of 80 km/h, the concept ‘IAA’ performs a fascinating transformation in which the four-door coupé turns into an aerodynamics champion: eight segments extend at the rear, increasing its length by up to 390 millimetres; front flaps in the front bumper extend by 25 millimetres to the front and 20 millimetres to the rear, improving the air flow around the front end and the front wheel arches; the ‘Active Rims’ alter their cupping from 55 millimetres to zero; and the louvre in the front bumper moves 60 millimetres to the rear, improving the underbody air flow.

the concept vehicle releases segements to have a more aerodynamic form at the touch of a button

it will ride on a modular and scaleable platform that’s expected to feature on at least four electric models — including two crossovers — before the turn of the decade. an electric motor independently mounted over each axle will provide all-wheel drive, and a sizable battery pack located right beneath the passenger compartment will give the car a maximum driving range of about 310 miles.

the car will have a sleek, aerodynamic form

vehicle rear with closed segements

mercedes EV concept 2016