Mercedes strengthens leadership in mobility while exploring electric world

The premium German automaker Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a luxury lineup of 26 models at the Shanghai auto show, between April 19-28, reaffirming its leadership in traditional automobiles while accelerating its electric push.

The portfolio includes the world premiere of the all-new EQB SUV, the all-new C-Class L and the new CLS Coupé. Meanwhile, the all-new EQS, all-new EQA SUV and the Mercedes-Benz VISION AVTR concept are making their China premiere.

The new E 350 e L sedan and Sport sedan, both retailing at 521,900 yuan ($80,000) and the all-new Mercedes-Maybach S 480 4MATIC, priced at 1,468,000 yuan, were unveiled at a news conference on Monday.

"2020 wasn't the easiest year. Still, we kept working hard and were able to end on a positive note," said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, underlining the importance of the Chinese market in his video greeting. "Our total sales came in higher than expected, which is largely thanks to our tremendous colleagues and dealer partners, as well as our loyal fans, friends and dear customers in China."

The e-mobility vision

At the biennial motoring event this year, new energy vehicles are in the spotlight. Models of the Mercedes-EQ sub-brand are expected to be among the most popular exhibits.

With the all-new EQS, EQA and EQB, Mercedes-Benz named 2021 the "Year of Mercedes-EQ" on the prelaunch night. This goes hand-in-hand with the "Ambition 2039" vision.

Setting a bench mark in the electric luxury segment, the EQS, which is Mercedes-Benz's first model built on an all-electric architecture, manifests the design philosophy of "Progressive Luxury".

The two other major e-models shining bright at the Shanghai auto show are the EQA, representing Mercedes-Benz's first premium compact electric vehicle in the market, and the EQB, which is the only seven-seater of this model in China, enriching Mercedes-Benz's electric family.

"Guided by the motto: 'grow in China, with China', we are committed to continuing on this path by adding two new cars to our locally produced NEV portfolio－the all-electric premium SUVs EQA and EQB," said Hubertus Troska, member of the board of management of Daimler AG, responsible for China.

"We have brought three new fully electric models to strongly start the 'Year of Mercedes-EQ' and accelerate the electrification development of the three-pointed star," said Jan Madeja, president and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co Ltd (BMBS).

Powerful competitiveness

The all-new C-Class L has been upgraded through a more dynamic and stylish design, intelligent innovation and a China-exclusive premium rear passenger compartment, strengthening the market competitiveness of the C-Class.

Compared to the current model, its wheelbase is 34 millimeters longer. More exclusive features such as thicker and extended rear seats, as well as a wider armrest, help raise the comfort and luxurious feeling of the model to a new level.

"The all-new C-Class L is the latest proof of our commitment to China," Troska said. "Over the years, we have been continuously strengthening our local efforts in production and research and development to live up to the expectation and needs of our customers in China."

"Sophisticated luxury"

While a century has passed since the first Maybach debuted, the label has upheld the aspiration "to present the best of the best".

The all-new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class further meets the demands of customers who pursue maximum grace, comfort and grandeur－qualities imprinted in the brand's philosophy of "Sophisticated Luxury".

Not only does it offer the ultimate in comfort, the new model defines a new dimension in personalization and interaction. The second-generation MBUX Hyperscreen can recognize 20 different movements and gestures, making its operation more intuitive and intelligent than ever.

Playing a duet of "Sophisticated Luxury", Mercedes-Maybach now has both sedan and SUV options in the portfolio. The Maybach GLS was launched last year, receiving positive feedback.

High-quality growth

The positive momentum in the first quarter of this year has proved the popularity of Mercedes. A total of 222,520 new vehicles were delivered to Chinese customers in the period, marking the brand's highest Q1 sales in China to date.

Twenty years ago, Daimler AG established its wholly-owned China subsidiary in Beijing. Over that time, Daimler and Mercedes-Benz have developed their local footprint, with Chinese partners, across the whole industrial value chain, from research and development, to production and sales.

At present, Daimler's R&D hub in China is its most comprehensive outside of Germany. This has enabled Mercedes-Benz to gain deeper insights into advanced design, electric mobility, intelligent connectivity and vehicle testing in the Chinese market. Its future global product development is increasingly influenced by what is learned in China.

With its new strategy announced last October, Mercedes-Benz now has four fully-fledged sub-brands globally and in China. They are Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-EQ and G-Class, affirming its luxury position with diverse powertrain options.

"Technologies may change over time but what remains unchanged is our commitment to our Chinese customers," Madeja said. "Mercedes-Benz is determined to offer our Chinese customers the most desirable cars and a level of premium customer care together with our dealer partners."