Mercedes-Benz is hoping to rival brands like Tesla with its new EV Concept that debuted at the Paris Auto Show.
The luxury automaker has revealed that its yet-to-be-named vehicle will have a premium specification with speed in mind, meaning even the most basic of its new models will be one of fastest members of the current lineup.
The concept “IAA”, Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile, is really a combination of two styles of cars to roll off of the German brand’s manufacturing lines. The IAA will be both an aerodynamic speed demon with a minimal drag coefficient value of 0.19 and a comfort-based four-door coupe all rolled into one.
The way Mercedes has achieved this is by making the IAA change automatically from “Design” mode to “Aerodynamic” mode when the car hits 50 mph or manually with the push of a button, with the latter altering the shape of the vehicle thanks to a multitude of aerodynamics measures.
These measures come in the form of eight segments extending out in the rear of the IAA to add about 15 inches to its length, front flaps in the bumper extend out to improve the air flow around the wheel arches and front end, and Active Rims that reduce their cupping from just over two inches to zero.
Mercedes expects to add the IAA package on a modular and scalable platform, with two all-electric and two crossover models before 2020.