Currently reading: New Mercedes-Benz electric SUV to be revealed at Paris motor show
The electric SUV concept is set for a Paris motor show debut; it will preview a production version which will rival the Tesla Model X

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. 

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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.

Mercedes-Benz set to release four EVs by 2020

The new zero-emissions SUV, tentatively planned for introduction in 2019, is the first in a series of a new electric vehicles currently under development by Mercedes, including an advanced upmarket saloon rival to the Tesla Model S and the recently unveiled Chinese LeEco LeSee, which has been conceived around the very latest in autonomous driving technology.

Up until now, Mercedes-Benz has based its limited number of production electric vehicles around existing models, namely the Smart Fortwo and Mercedes B-Class.

With the unveiling of the new SUV concept in Paris in late September, Mercedes will make public its plans for a range of uniquely styled and engineered electric vehicles to be offered as an alternative to its existing range of more traditional petrol, diesel and hybrid models.

As well as providing clues to a new electric vehicle platform under development at Mercedes – elements of which will be shared a soon to be unveiled hydrogen fuel cell propelled version of the GLC - the new SUV concept is also set to previews a brand new design language, developed by a team of in-house designers and set to be adopted by upcoming production version of the new electric SUV.

“We’ve created a whole new look that takes into consideration the unique properties of electric vehicles,” a Mercedes-Benz official with knowledge of the new electric vehicle concept revealed to Autocar.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz marketing boss, Ola Källenius, has hinted the German car maker may move to boost its electric vehicle efforts with an entry into Formula E.

Speaking on rumours the German car maker is actively planning to join Jaguar, Renault, Citroen and Volkswagen in supporting the global single seater electric vehicle race series, Kallenius said: “There’s no decision at the moment, but we are looking at it with great interest. It provides an interesting platform for electric vehicles though it would be important for us to ensure there is a clear technology transfer to our road cars.”

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upperlands 9 June 2016

charging electric merc

I hope that charging characteristics of this car will take account of home generation of electric from renewables. This will mean a trickle charge facility, speed of charge is not as important as being able to Utilize self generated electric.
xxxx 7 June 2016

just one thing

Don't over complicate things like Telsa did with the Model X. Otherwise I'm sure they'll have a success on their hands
Smartmil888 12 November 2016

My Mercedes GLK will be

My Mercedes GLK will be traded in for a Tesla. Sorry MB, but this is a pathetic green wash. 100hp electric motor? Enough battery for 20km? The design parameters for this sad SUV are a decade old.

Glad to have my Smart ED, so MB is doing something right...

At least a PHEV owner will learn pretty quickly that they really want more from the EV part of the vehicle. Spend some time in a Prius and find yourself wanting more power and more silent and smooth electric running. You find yourself saying "my buddies Volt is so much better than this".

Spend time in this MB GLE 550e and you will likely feel the same as driving in the Prius, you'll be saying "my buddies Tesla is so much better than this".