In terms of futuristic driving tech within German automotive manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz and parent company Daimler seem to be a little down in terms of the mindshare at least. In terms of branding, Audi has its e-tron and Piloted initiatives and BMW their Efficient Dynamics and ‘i’ sub-brand, symbols that the global audience can point to.
On that last competitor, Benz does seem to want to take inspiration from, the the longer-term hope of toppling. In clearer terms, Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch an all-electric offshoot to focus all their latest-gen construction, in-car, and alternative propulsion technology.
This is according to a report by German newspaper Handelsblatt, which alludes to the fact that Daimler is close to revealing its new sub-brand fully to the public. Unlike BMW’s i division, however, Mercedes-Benz will not have this new venture dabble in hybrid technology and instead opting to go fully electric, either with full battery power or through hydrogen fuel cells – something BMW is already quite interested in.
Mercedes-Benz already has commited to launch at least three new fully electric models this year: a B-Class EV as well as two zero emissions Smarts – a brand who’s EV assets Daimler will also consolidate under this new sub-brand.
At this year’s Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz is said to be readying the unveil of a hydrogren fuel-cell SUV based on the GLC, so for them to aggressively pursue this method of energy generation and propulsion would be a much more obvious move for the marque compared to showing off a traditional battery-powered EV since they so far have displayed little interest in such vehicles.
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