Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out New Tesla Competitor

Tesla has a goal. They want to bring the mass-market electric car to United States. They believe that vehicle will be the Tesla Model 3, which is expected to cost around $35,000 before government tax credits. That vehicle is at least two years away. Tesla must first build a Gigafactory and significantly lower the cost of the lithium-ion battery in order to reach their goal. For all intents and purposes, the Tesla Model III is a concept that has no current creation to back up its hype, not even some sort of concept car.

Chevy has created a concept car the Chevy Bolt, in an effort to beat Tesla to the punch. They said that the 200-mile EV would on the roads around 2017. The vehicle is expected to cost around $35,000 after the government granted tax credit. Behind their claim is the proven production machine of GM, verses the proven history at Tesla Motors of building up what proves to be unsubstantiated hype. However, GM isn’t alone. Another longtime automaker, Mercedes-Benz is about to release a hybrid that they hope will take more market share away from the Tesla Model S.

This September, Mercedes-Benz is going to begin selling its C350e sedan. The vehicle is a hybrid Diesel/Electric plug-in. The sedan is expected to have a net sales price of around $36,000 after the government tax credit. Some feel this will give Mercedes the pricing and performance to compete with the Consumer Reports best car two years running, Tesla Model S.

Antom Whalman, an auto industry analyst who recently wrote a commentary about how Mercedes is poised to compete with the Model S. In his recent article he said in part, “It has now taken Tesla over three years since the February 2012 introduction of the Model X [SUV], and there is still no Model X in customer hands, Mercedes’ time-to-market advantage is likely to grow considerably beyond two years.” Mercedes is also reportedly the first automaker to offer discounted diesel-powered full side sedans and SUVs for less than their gasoline counterparts.