Smart cars steal the show at Germany’s biggest auto trade event

Smart cars steal the show at Germany’s biggest auto trade event

New sedans by Mercedes and Renault feature fully electric engines, intelligent voice assistance and numerous connected services.

The Mercedes EQR is billed as a more compact alternative to the EQS. (Daimler pic)
PARIS:
After Frankfurt, Germany’s international motor show is moving to Munich this year. Among the various concept cars, two new production models stand out – the Mercedes EQE and the new-generation Renault Mégane, both billed as clean, intelligent sedans.

Mercedes is making a splash on home turf with the world premiere of the much-anticipated EQE business sedan, based on the same technical platform as the EQS presented earlier this year.

This model is a little more compact but has a range of up to 660km. Like all new Mercedes models, the EQE will be equipped to receive regular remote updates and will feature the “Hey Mercedes” intelligent voice assistant.

It will also include smart navigation for calculating the fastest and most comfortable routes, depending on various factors, including charging stops.

The vehicle’s price is yet to be announced but, on paper, it appears to be a potential rival to the Tesla S.

Renault, on the other hand, is showcasing the all-new Mégane E-TECH Electric, a sedan that marks the start of a new chapter in the carmaker’s electric revolution that began more than 10 years ago.

Beyond the electric aspect – with its 96kW or 160kW engine depending on the version, range of up to 470km, and 26 driving aids – this car stands out for its on-board technology.

Its new OpenR Link multimedia system, developed with Google and based on Android Automotive, offers a vast catalogue of practical and entertaining applications, all accompanied by a voice assistant to control the vehicle’s main functions.

Both cars are expected to arrive in dealerships in the second quarter of next year.

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