This week, the IAA Mobility motor show is happening in Munich, Germany, and there is no skimping on cars.The focus of the event was electrification, with significant automakers such as BMW and Mercedes bringing out their electric models while a large bunch of Chinese companies like Xpeng and BYD were also in attendance.At the show, visitors were able to see the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, the Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class, the Lucid Air Midnight Dream Edition, and even an amazing Lamborghini model made from Lego pieces.
Munich, GERMANY — This week is the annual IAA Mobility motor show in Munich, Germany and the offerings of cars available to see is bountiful. The main focus at the show is the electrification of cars, with a large number of car makers from BMW and Mercedes, to Xpeng and BYD coming to show off their electric vehicle creations, as these companies are looking to venture beyond their current borders. Here are a few of the cars that have been on display in Munich.
The BMW Vision Neue Klasse is a concept model developed by the German carmaker which will serve as the foundation for its electric vehicles in the years to come. Production of the first automobiles based on Neue Klasse is slated to begin in 2025. The concept features a glass roof and design cues that pay homage to classic BMW features. The automaker has also paid great attention to the technology embedded in the vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz's Concept CLA Class is developed on an all-new structure from the acclaimed German automaker as they move towards electric vehicles. This lineup will include four new models - a four-door coupe, an estate, and two sports utility vehicles. Mercedes assures that the vehicle will have a range of 750 kilometres (466 miles) with a single charge.
In June, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vision One Eleven, an extravagant concept car modeled after the C 111 experimental vehicles of the 1960s and 70s. Although just a concept, the all-electric car was on display.
At the IAA conference, a large number of Chinese companies were in attendance, one of which was Leapmotor, a corporation based in Hangzhou. Leapmotor CEO Zhu Jiangming declared that their C10 SUV will be marketed towards European consumers in 2021. Furthermore, he specified that the company will develop all their ensuing products with an international outlook and meet global criteria.
On Monday, Chinese carmaker BYD (backed by Warren Buffett) officially unveiled its Seal electric sedan for the European market, priced from 44,900 euros ($47,992). This vehicle is capable of travelling up to 570 kilometres on a single charge, according to BYD. The Chinese company, one of the largest electric car producers in the country, is actively seeking to branch out overseas.
Opel, owned by Stellantis, launched its Experimental concept car in Munich following its official July launch. The car, with its futuristic design, has been created "to demonstrate a tangible vision of where the Opel brand is going," the company declared in a press release.
The Lucid Air Midnight Dream Edition is an exclusive version of the Air electric sedan, with a range of 799 kilometers on a single charge. It features massage functions on the seats, and offers an expansive interior. This car will be accessible only to European markets.
Volkswagen unveiled the ID. GTI Concept car to demonstrate the potential of GTI versions of their ID electric cars. As part of their commitment to enter the electric car realm, the company declared at the IAA Mobility show their plan to launch 11 new all-electric models by 2027.
The Porsche Mission X is referred to as an electric "hypercar" concept, which was unveiled in June and proudly showed off at IAA. This model has doors that open upwards, and has been dubbed by Porsche as a "technology beacon for the sports car of the future". It continues in the tradition of iconic sports cars of decades gone by, such as the 959, the Carrera GT and the 918 Spyder.
The MG Cyberster made its European debut at the IAA Mobility after being initially revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year. It is based on an electric car platform that, according to MG, enables it to travel 800 km or 500 miles on a single charge. They have stated that the car combines classic design with modern features such as a gaming cockpit and 5G connectivity.
Though it was not an actual automobile, attendees of the IAA Mobility were presented with a Lego version of the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37.
Comments