Ola Kallenius cites rapid electrification, outlines plan to launch 40 models by 2027
Mercedes-Benz marked a significant milestone with the **global premiere of The All-New Electric C-Class sedan** in Seoul, highlighting Korea’s crucial role as its fifth-largest market globally and a key hub for innovation.
This momentous premiere drew a high-profile delegation from Mercedes-Benz Group AG, including CEO **Ola Kallenius**, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Development and Procurement Jorg Burzer, and Head of Sales and Customer Experience Mathias Geisen, all present in Seoul for the event.
During a media roundtable in Seoul, CEO **Ola Kallenius** affirmed that the city was a “natural choice” for the **Electric C-Class’s world debut**. He emphasized Korea’s strategic importance, citing local customers’ strong appreciation for Mercedes-Benz’s unique fusion of cutting-edge technology and enduring design. Kallenius further highlighted Korea’s accelerated shift towards **electrification**, positioning it as an ideal launchpad for the **first full-electric version of an iconic mainstream Mercedes-Benz model**.
Even amidst a fluctuating global **EV market**, Kallenius firmly reiterated Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to accelerating its **electrification strategy**. This commitment is evidenced by ambitious plans to roll out 40 new models, with a significant number being **fully electric vehicles**, across 150 markets worldwide, including Korea, by 2027.
The **All-New Electric C-Class** stands as the inaugural sedan in the Mercedes-Benz range to utilize the brand’s advanced **next-generation EV platform, MB.EA**. It follows the GLC SUV as the second model on this architecture. This strategic integration marks a deliberate shift from the standalone EQ sub-brand, aiming to seamlessly weave **electric vehicles** into Mercedes-Benz’s globally recognized, established model lineup.
Although the specific battery supplier for the **Electric C-Class** was not revealed, a key development saw Mercedes-Benz executives, including Kallenius and Mercedes-Benz Korea CEO Mathias Vaitl, meet with **Samsung SDI CEO Choi Joo-sun**. This meeting formalized a landmark long-term **battery supply agreement** between the two companies, signaling strengthened collaboration.
Furthermore, the German automotive giant underscored its enduring partnership with **LG Group**, a key provider of the cutting-edge MBUX 39.1-inch Hyperscreen for the **Electric C-Class sedan**. This expansive display, noted as the largest in the mid-size segment, innovatively integrates the instrument cluster, infotainment system, and passenger screen into a single, elegant curved glass panel. Kallenius also planned to engage with senior LG Group executives to explore broadening their collaboration beyond batteries into **advanced automotive electronics**.
Jorg Burzer, Chief Technology Officer, affirmed Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to reinforcing ties with **Korean battery suppliers**. He highlighted that while the company maintains a diverse global supply chain across Europe and China, Korea stands out as an indispensable partner. Burzer stressed the critical importance of a robust global supplier network, particularly as batteries are procured at the platform level for architectures like **MB.EA**, which underpins models such as the **Electric C-Class** and GLC.
Expected to launch next year, **The All-New Electric C-Class sedan** promises impressive performance, boasting an estimated driving range of up to 762 kilometers on a single charge. Furthermore, it offers remarkable fast-charging capabilities, recovering up to 325 kilometers of range in merely 10 minutes, subject to final certification in Korea.
Mercedes-Benz is also planning to integrate **Nvidia’s Alpamayo computing platform**, enhancing the **Electric C-Class** with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This includes a sophisticated Level 2+ system designed for point-to-point autonomous driving on mapped routes, expected within the same timeframe as the vehicle’s launch.
For the **new Electric C-Class**, Mercedes-Benz has adopted a distinctive coupe-style design, optimizing rear-end aerodynamics while ensuring practical utility, specifically appealing to a younger demographic. This **electric model** is engineered with a heightened driver focus and superior comfort, offering enhanced front-row space compared to its internal combustion engine counterpart.
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