New In this week

Renault Megane E Tech

Maximum voltage

This is one of the pillars of Renault's new strategy. Revealed at the Munich Motor Show, the Megane E-Tech abandons the thermal engines of the compact family that we have all known since the mid-90s. Based on the same platform as the Nissan Ariya SUV in a shortened version , it only offers electric motors and wants to beat the Volkswagen ID.3 with a more “crossover” approach than its German rival. Located on the front wheels, its electromotor will produce a choice of 130 or 218 hp and will only drive the steering gear. The range will range from 300 to 470 km depending on the size of the battery (40 or 60 kWh). Inside, the car displays – as is customary with new electric models – a fully digital dashboard, whose interface works with Google software. Note that the classic Megane remains in the catalog with its good old piston engines.

Mercedes SKIP

Should the Tesla Model S be worried?

Also in Munich, Mercedes unveils a veritable armada of electric vehicles. In addition to a sporty version of its recent limousine the EQS, it also presents a mid-sized sedan whose dimensions bring it closer to the Tesla Model S. Four centimeters shorter than the American, it is based on the same platform as the EQS and has a battery with a capacity of 90,6 kWh which supplies energy to a 292 hp motor. With 660 km of maximum range announced, it beats the Tesla Model S Grande Autonomie which claims 652 km at best. It remains to be seen whether the German will be able to compete in terms of performance: the Model S Grande Autonomie goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3”3 and its 1020 hp Plaid version can even complete the exercise in just over two seconds. The EQE will hit the market next year.

Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG

The immortal

Mercedes is truly electrifying everything that drives at the moment, even its icons. Launched at the end of the 70s and originally designed as a rustic 4×4, the G-Class has slowly drifted towards ultra-luxury over the decades thanks to its very particular physique which is so attractive. Still equipped with an ancient separate chassis and a rigid rear axle, it is also preparing to become fully electric like all other high-end Mercedes. The EQG concept car announces the future production version of the zero-emission G-Class, which retains its charismatic silhouette and its Normandy aerodynamics. To propel it, four electric motors for as many wheels. The production model should arrive in 2024 at the latest.
 

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE PERFORMANCE

Pour clouer la Porsche Panamera

The new very high-performance version of Mercedes' sports limousine still has a 8-liter twin-turbo V4.0 and 639 hp. But it has a new 204 horsepower electric motor installed on the rear axle, connected to a 6,1 kWh battery. Enough to produce a total power of 843 hp and a staggering torque of 1470 Nm in certain driving phases (not far from a Bugatti Chiron of 1600 Nm). This AMG GT 63 S E-Performance goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 2”9 and can go at 316 km/h, but also cover 12 km without waking up its V8. For comparison, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid (700 hp) goes from 0 to 100 in 3”2. The Mercedes is therefore regaining control, but not sure that it can keep up with a 1020 horsepower… electric Tesla Model S Plaid. Except over long distance.

VW ID. Life

The people's electric car

In expanding its electric range, Volkswagen also wants to occupy the entry-level vehicle segment. Presented at the Munich Motor Show, the ID concept car. Life gives us a fairly detailed overview of the future zero-emission city car from the Wolfsburg manufacturer. Based on a shortened version of the modular electric platform already equipping the ID.3 and ID.4, the ID. Life is a traction unlike its big sisters. It has batteries with a capacity of 57 kWh, allowing a maximum range of 400 km. With 230 hp, it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6”9. Expected for 2025, the production model should cost around 20 euros at entry level. That is 000 euros more than a basic Dacia Spring, whose approval and equipment have nothing to do with what this futuristic Volkswagen promises.
 

Screw

Smart – In Munich, the manufacturer known for its micro-city cars is unveiling an electric SUV concept car as big as an Audi Q2. Quite a change...

Hydrogen – The German government has just released 290 million euros to develop several study projects on fuel cell technology for automobiles, boats, trains and airplanes.

You're here - The Roadster supercar, already postponed to 2022 previously, will not finally arrive until 2023. As for the Cybertruck pick-up, it should arrive at the end of next year.

Norway – Among our neighbors in Northern Europe, Chinese electric vehicles already account for 10% of the new automobile market. What if the much-feared invasion of the Middle Kingdom finally arrived?