Paris Motor Show: Volkswagen ID and Mercedes-Benz EQ pave the way for an electric future

We expected it to happen and the two automotive giants did show up on time at the Paris Motor Show displaying their electric concept vehicles. German automotive giant Volkswagen showed off its ‘I.D.’ electric concept, while Mercedes-Benz announced a new brand of electric vehicles called ‘EQ’ along with a concept car called the Generation EQ. [caption id=“attachment_338244” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Volkswagen I.D. electric concept[/caption] Volkswagen, who is currently caught up in sorting out its emissions scandal, did show a small yet practical concept vehicle in the form of a 4 seater hatchback with a silhouette that looked like the Golf. [caption id=“attachment_338243” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Volkswagen I.D. electric concept[/caption] Getting into the specifics, this is not some hybrid, but an all-electric vehicle with a 125kW motor that the company claims will have a range of around 370 miles, which is pretty impressive. What is more interesting is that Volkswagen claims to release it by 2020. [caption id=“attachment_338240” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Crossover[/caption] Moving to the other German automaker, Mercedes-Benz seems to have not just brought along a concept vehicle but announced a new brand for its upcoming electric range of vehicles called ‘EQ’. When will the EQ brand arrive to markets? Well, once again it is 2020. Meanwhile, we have the Generation EQ concept to ogle at and like many others in the past, this one does look pretty good. [caption id=“attachment_338242” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Crossover[/caption] The Generation EQ is a sports utility coupe and is powered by electric motors that give it a range of around 310 miles. The crossover is built on a new platform, which like many others is scalable. It means we could see plenty more cars using the new platform. [caption id=“attachment_338241” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Crossover interior[/caption] There is a huge 24-inch display that sits on the dashboard along with plenty of touch-sensitive elements instead of press buttons and knobs. Mercedes also claims a 0-62 mph in 5.0 seconds, so yes the electric future will not be devoid of an adrenaline rush.