According to the German publication Autobild, Mercedes-Benz is developing a completely new architecture for its future electric vehicles. The platform will be named Ecolux and the Stuttgart-based company will invest more than 2 billion euros.
Little is currently known about the rumoured platform, but the German automotive publication says that Mercedes will build a completely new factory especially for the new platform, which will form the basis for a new family. The new factory will have a capacity of 80,000 units per year.
As details are extremely limited, so far we only know that the company will soon approve a €2 ($2.4 /£1.5) billion project in order to develop a new electrical platform which has been named “Ecolux BEV”.
The very first Ecolux-based model is expected to arrive in late 2019 or early 2020. Voices say that Mercedes will develop two different bodies: a Sport Utility Sedan and a Sport Utility Coupe, offered in two wheelbase versions with 2.7 and 3 meter.
Both models will be available in two versions: Ecolux S with 544 HP (136 HP in front and 408 HP to the rear) and Ecolux GT with 612 HP (204 HP in front and 408 HP to the rear).
The rumours speak about a range between 450 kilometers (280 miles) and 560 km (348 miles).
In this way, Mercedes-Benz may become a fierce rival threatening Tesla’s lead for electric vehicles. The electric vehicles that will be built by Mercedes-Benz will feature rear-wheel drive and integral steering. The price range will be between 70,000 and 120,000 euros.
Auto Bild mentions that not only Mercedes looks to Tesla territory, but also Porsche, BMW and Audi plan to play in the same league.
Porsche plans include a four door sedan with 911 front and short tail which could be named 717 BEV. The main characteristics are: two engines, all wheel drive, three power levels with 400, 500 and 600 HP and a range up to 500 km. 717 BEV is scheduled for 2019.
Based on long-wheelbase 5 Series available in China, BMW plans i5 PHEV with powertrain based on Power eDrive (2 electric motors with 150 HP and 272 HP and a 218 HP Otto engine) which will reach an electric range up to 125 km.
Audi will use the future SUV-coupe Q6 as the basis for Q6 E-Tron BEV. Three versions will be offered: 300 HP/450 Nm, 400 HP/650 Nm and later 500 HP/750 Nm RS version.
The expected range is up to 350 km for a price range between 80,000 and 100,000 euros. Rumours say that Audi plans a production of up to 100,000 units per year.
