Mercedes-Benz injects new energy into icons

German automaker displays top model lineup, including S-Class and G-Wagon, with electric powertrains

Mercedes-Benz has made clear its ambition to seize a top position in the luxury auto market to fulfill its commitment to electric transformation. At its EV-dedicated event held on the eve of Auto Shanghai 2023, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the electric transformation of its high-end luxury lineup.

With electrified models bearing names from Maybach and AMG to G-Class, the Stuttgart-based carmaker is showcasing its capability and determination to make the three-pointed star the pinnacle of the premium new energy vehicle sector.

Among others, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, which is the first series-produced battery electric vehicle from the marque, made its global premiere.

Five models including the first electric G-Class, the Concept EQG and the domestically built EQE SUV were shown to Chinese customers for the first time. Seven others, including the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-Maybach S 580 e, were also launched.

In total, the carmaker has brought 27 heavyweight models to the Shanghai auto show, the first top-level brick-and-mortar event this year in China.

Driving force

"China is a driving force in Mercedes-Benz's transformation toward an electric and software-driven future and our focus in the luxury segment. We are confident about the opportunities of our development in this market," said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group.

Mercedes-Benz was among the first car manufacturers to commit to a carbon-neutral future with "Ambition 2039". It set itself the goal of net carbon-neutrality along the entire value chain in the fleet of new vehicles in 2039.

The lineup on the eve of Auto Shanghai gives a glimpse into its "electric only" drive across all segments.

One of the latest examples is the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV, which aims to redefine automotive excellence in the age of e-mobility.

It has a particularly quiet rear passenger area among SUVs, and the Special Maybach driving mode to offer the highest level of comfort for passengers in the second row.

A Maybach-specific driving sound "Aerial Grace" is available and rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees comes as standard in the Chinese market.

This year, Mercedes-Benz will launch four all-new electric models and two plug-in hybrids in China, bringing its NEV lineup in the country up to 17 models, covering a wide range of segments and meeting the mobility needs of different customers.

Besides the most comprehensive luxury NEV lineup, the carmaker has made possible what was thought impossible in electric vehicles, and no example is more fitting than its G-Class.

The Concept EQG brings the best of two worlds together: the boldness of the big "G", as fans call it in China, and the electric features and sustainability of Mercedes-EQ models.

Among other things, the concept features an exclusively developed electric drive, where four individually controllable electric motors power the four-wheel drive system.

Off-road reduction can be activated via a two-speed gearbox in order to meet off-road requirements.

Mercedes-Benz is also one of the first carmakers to develop its own set of automotive software.

Its operating system MB.OS will be released in 2024 with the next-generation electric vehicle platform. Some of the system's functions will be available in the new E-Class sedans.

Unabated ambition

The ever-growing lineup and technology of the new era has shown Mercedes-Benz's ambition to lead the luxury segment.

"We will continue to invest in China, accelerating our localization of new electric models and enhancing research and development capabilities to bring tailor-made products and services to our Chinese customers," said Hubertus Troska, member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group, responsible for China.

In China, Mercedes-Benz has kept a leading position in the luxury vehicle segment. In 2022, its vehicles accounted for 45 percent of those priced over 1 million yuan ($145,000) sold in the country. The figure was 56 percent for those priced over 1.5 million yuan.

Boosted by the momentum of top-end luxury models and a ramp-up in NEVs, statistics show that the carmaker outperformed the overall local passenger car market in the first quarter of this year.

The growing trajectory is expected to go up thanks to its strong product offensive including those shown at the Shanghai auto show and its premium customer care.

Among other things, the world's first G-Class Experience Center outside Austria is scheduled to be opened in Zhejiang province in the second quarter.

The carmaker said China is not only its largest market but an innovation hub. With the Mercedes-Benz R&D Tech Center China and Shanghai R&D Center making China the most comprehensive R&D hub outside Germany, the Chinese R&D team is expected to grow to 2,000 experts by 2023, doubling the team's size from 2020.

The R&D facility in Shanghai has been involved in the carmaker's in-house software development to ensure such functions as onboard navigation as well as infotainment can meet the demands of tech-savvy customers.

Mercedes-Benz and Tsinghua University have updated their decadelong partnership by focusing on the trends such as smart mobility, green energy and sustainability. To promote innovative talent cultivation, a Student Practice Base was launched.

Since 2007, Mercedes-Benz has been involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives across the country. Its initiatives cover environmental protection, driving culture, education support, culture and arts, and social care.

By the end of 2022, Mercedes-Benz and its dealer partners had donated more than 320 million yuan through its corporate social responsibility fund, the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund.

The carmaker said there are more green initiatives to follow and it will continue working with partners to contribute to sustainable development in China.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn