The second edition of the IAA Mobility Car Show, an event to discuss the future of eMobility, takes place from September 5th to 10th in Munich.
This event, organized by the German Association of Automobile Manufacturers (IAA) in collaboration with the city’s fair, features stands from some of the most renowned brands in the industry.
Among them are European giants such as BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Porsche, Volkswagen, Cupra, Opel, and Ford, as well as Chinese companies BYD and Hongqi, among others.
In this article, Mobility Portal Europe provides a comprehensive overview of the most noteworthy announcements and product launches at the event.
Mercedes-Benz
Among its innovations, the German manufacturer presented the Mercedes CLA Concept, a 100% electric prototype that becomes the first model of the brand to abandon the EQ designation.
The car is expected to reach the market -in its production version- in 2025.
This model features 800-volt technology and two batteries with different chemistries that power a 238 HP motor.
Furthermore, it promises over 750 kilometers of range per charge and an energy consumption of 12 kWh/100 km.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, announced: “The range will consist of a total of four new models, each with a distinct product essence.”
The transition to sustainable mobility also involves the adoption of sustainable practices in the production of electric vehicles.
This is why Martin Brudermüller, Chief Executive Officer of BASF, highlighted Mercedes-Benz AG for using Ultramid.
It is a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide with mass compatibility, applied in the door handles of the S-Class and EQE.
40% of pyrolysis oil from used tires and 60% of biomethane derived from agricultural waste would be used as raw materials for the mass balance approach.
As a result, “CO2 is reduced by up to 40% compared to the fossil alternative”.
Renault
The company introduced the Scenic E-Tech, a reinvention of the classic model with an electric focus.
The vehicle, boasting a range of up to 620 kilometers, will be available on the market in early 2024.
It represents Renault’s first electric car with the Esprit Alpine trim.
It will be offered with two powertrain options 170 CV and 220 CV, along with two battery choices, 60 kWh and 87 kWh.
Furthermore, there are plans to release a plug-in hybrid version, the E-Tech, with 300 CV in the future.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen’s Head of Design, Andreas Mint, introduced the Volkswagen ID.GTI Concept, a model that is still in the prototype phase.
The first electric GTI from the German brand takes inspiration from the VW ID.2all, but incorporates a sportier design.
This model features specific bumpers, a rear spoiler, and 20-inch wheels.
Additionally, the brand introduces its “Open Space” urban discovery platform, characterized by its design focused on dialogue and inclusion.
VW has created a universally accessible space at IAA, including features such as a floor guidance system with tactile strips, ramps, and wheelchair-accessible counters.
Cupra
Seat’s subsidiary, Cupra, unveils the Cupra DarkRebel, a fully electric sport car with futuristic technology.
The wheels stand out with their aerodynamic design, reminiscent of the brand’s racing vehicles.
Jorge Díaz, the Design Director, elaborates that it’s a two-seater car with doors that “open up to a height of 2.2 meters”.
Opel
The company focuses its display on three models.
The Opel Experimental, a prototype providing a preview of the design language for the company’s future cars, utilizes a by-wire steering system and features all-wheel drive.
The Opel Corsa Electric comes in two versions: one with 100 kW and 402 km of range, and a higher-end version reaching 115 kW with up to 354 kilometers of autonomy.
Both models are equipped with a 50 kWh battery.
Finally, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric will have a zero-emissions powertrain in the traditional five-door model.
It employs a 115 kW motor and can reach a maximum speed of 170 km/h. It is powered by a 54 kWh battery and boasts a range of 418 kilometers.
“Starting in 2025, all new Opel models will be launched as fully battery-electric vehicles,” stated CEO Florian Huettl.
BMW
The German manufacturer presents the Vision Neue Klasse, a technology-rich, 100% electric concept car.
The company asserted that the design and features of this model will be reflected in the production cars entering the market from 2025 onward.
In its interior, decorative chrome and leather have been eliminated to contribute to reducing the carbon footprint in the production process.
Visitors to their stand can also view a unit of the eighth generation of the Serie 5, which comes with digital enhancements and a 100% electric option.
BYD
The Chinese company announces the BYD Seal and the Seal U.
The first will compete in the market against rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6, BMW i4, and the Tesla Model 3.
This sedan will be available in two versions: one with rear-wheel drive and 313 CV, and another with all-wheel drive and 530 CV.
The second is an SUV in the D-segment, promising front-wheel drive with a 218 CV motor.
Tesla
Elon Musk’s company arrives with the new Tesla Model 3 2024, a vehicle that has received design upgrades, including changes to headlights, taillights, wheels, and bumpers.
It offers two versions: one with rear-wheel drive and 283 CV with a 60 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 554 km with 18-inch wheels.
The Long Range option offers all-wheel drive, 351 CV, and a 75 kWh battery, capable of covering up to 678 km.
Ford
The Ford Explorer EV is the company’s first electric car manufactured in Europe.
The crossover will offer three powertrain options: two rear-wheel drive models with 170 and 286 CV, and one all-wheel drive model with 340 CV.
The company guarantees a range of up to 500 kilometers.
Continental AG
The company has introduced its new Conti CityPlus technology, a conceptual tire development that increases overall energy efficiency by up to 10%.
This is achieved by optimizing the tire’s behavior during stop-and-start traffic in urban driving conditions.
This increases the autonomy of electric vehicles by up to 3%, resulting in a savings of 0.6 kWh.
Additionally, they have announced the UltraContact NXT tire, which contains up to 65% renewable, recycled, and certified materials.
“It has the highest proportion of sustainable materials ever seen in a mass-produced tire,” declared the company.
LG Magna e-Powertrain
The joint venture between LG and Magna International announces plans to build its first electric motor production plant in Europe, specifically in Miskolac, Hungary, by 2025.
The plant will cover an area of 284,000 square meters and create around 200 new jobs.
Looking ahead, they plan to offer a range of electrified propulsion solutions, including inverters and on-board chargers.
LG anticipates that the combination of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) technology will help unlock exploratory experiences.
