Mercedes-Benz Model X Rival To Debut At Paris Motor Show

An electric-powered Mercedes SUV concept will be unveiled at the upcoming Paris motor show, which high-ranking insiders describe as its first step into a broad electric vehicle strategy.

The new concept, currently undergoing construction at Mercedes' prototype workshop on the outskirts of Stuttgart in Germany, is said to provide “a clear insight” into the external appearance, interior appointments, technical layout and overall dimensions of the German car maker’s first truly dedicated electric vehicle  - a uniquely styled SUV conceived to take on the Tesla Model X as well as new electric SUVs planned by Audi and Jaguar.
 

MDarringer - 6/8/2016 12:43:36 PM

-1 Boost

And once the product reaches dealers the game will be over for Tesla. Mercedes will simply deliver a better product, no question.

cidflekken - 6/8/2016 1:12:26 PM

+1 Boost

The key here will be design. "Electric/hybrid people" love to stand out and say, "Look, I'm saving the world" and/or "Look, I've got the latest and greatest tech toy". That's why the Prius proved to be immensely popular vs. hybrid versions of every day cars. That's why the Tesla Model S proved to be so well received. This is why the i8 isn't sitting on lots at its price point. But it also has to be attractive (ahem, I'm looking at you, i3) If Mercedes just introduces an EV GLE, then it won't have the impact necessary.

MDarringer - 6/8/2016 2:53:33 PM

0 Boost

@cidflekken a GLE EV is exactly what NOT to do.

They should give it a name like Ohm which will get all the people in the yoga cult to want one simply for the homophone.

SanJoseDriver - 6/8/2016 7:04:31 PM

+1 Boost

I know a lot of people that bought the Model S and could care less that it is electric or about saving the environment. One of those is a driving enthusiast that also owns an Audi R8, guess which one he likes most? It's a really great car regardless of the drivetrain.

I hope Mercedes makes a really great car and helps expand the market for EVs. Sidenote that if it wasn't for Mercedes, Tesla would have been toast. They came in with a $50m funding round days before Tesla ran out of cash. It was Daimler and not any sort of Government loan that saved the company.