We plan to roll out more than 40 new models by 2027, the largest number in Mercedes-Benz history, and most of them are expected to be introduced in Korea. We will tailor and deliver Mercedes-Benz's exceptional experience to Korea, one of our key markets.
Ola Källenius, Mercedes-Benz chairman, on the 14th said at the Mercedes-Benz future strategy briefing held at Studio Paradise in Jung District, Incheon, that the company has a goal of making cars that everyone aspires to in every segment, and stated accordingly. Mercedes-Benz plans to offer a variety of powertrain options going forward, including battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and advanced internal combustion models based on electrification.
That day, Källenius personally unveiled four vehicles symbolizing Mercedes-Benz's future strategy: the The All New Electric GLC, the The All New Electric CLA, the Concept AMG GT XX, and the Vision V. Among them, the The All New Electric GLC and the The All New Electric CLA are slated to launch in the Korean market as early as next year. The Concept AMG GT XX and the Vision V each point to the direction of a high-performance sports car and a limousine.
First, the The All New Electric GLC, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), is the first model to adopt Mercedes-Benz's next-generation dedicated EV architecture MB.EA. Källenius said, GLC is popular enough to rank fifth among all imported car models in Korea, and noted that the company fully reflected customer feedback. In fact, the various touch-sensitive buttons on the previous steering wheel (wheel) have been changed to physical buttons starting with this model.
The application of a new chrome grille is also noteworthy. Källenius said the company reinterpreted the classic Maybach design of the 1900s in a modern way and surrounded it with a chrome frame, emphasizing that it will make its presence felt even more strongly on the road.
Regarding the sedan model The All New CLA, he explained that it is the most efficient mass-production model we have made and will deliver satisfaction in every aspect, including driving range, charging speed, and power consumption. A key feature of this model is that it is the first to be equipped with MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz's self-developed operating system. Källenius said, Think of it as a supercomputer on wheels.
Through the Concept AMG GT XX, the company presented a blueprint for the high-performance sports car to be released in the future. According to Mercedes-Benz, this concept car traveled 5,479 km over 24 hours in Aug., achieving more than 25 performance records. Källenius said the average charging output is 850 kW, which not only surpasses the speed of current charging infrastructure but also allows charging at a level comparable to gasoline refueling, and said it demonstrates continuous innovation and the performance of future EVs.
The Vision V offers a glimpse into the direction of Mercedes-Benz's future flagship limousine. It boasts an ample interior space where plenty of room remains even when you stretch your legs out in the back seat, along with top-tier interior finishes. Källenius said a 65-inch large screen turns the vehicle into a moving office, my own karaoke room, and my own movie theater, adding that the interior of this vehicle is true magic.
Källenius said the company is executing a Korea-tailored strategy through its digital ecosystem. He said MB.OS, which Mercedes-Benz developed in-house, is an open system that can include the apps used most in Korea, and said the company is implementing an especially more localized digital ecosystem with Korean customers in mind. Matthias Wythel, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, who joined the event, also said the Korean product team and headquarters are communicating closely to reflect what Korean customers want, and said the company will continue to roll out more Korea-specific services.