Mercedes‑Benz and BYD unveil high‑range electric models in Italy

Mercedes‑Benz tested its new CLA Shooting Brake EQ 350 4Matic, a premium electric station wagon built on the MMA platform. The model carries an 85 kWh, 800 V battery delivering 354 hp and 515 Nm of torque, with all‑wheel drive. In mixed‑city and suburban testing the vehicle recorded energy consumption of about 15 kWh per 100 km, rising to 17.5‑18 kWh per 100 km on the highway at 130 km/h, which translates to a real‑world range of roughly 600 km (WLTP 743 km). Acceleration from 0‑100 km/h is achieved in 5 seconds. The car is equipped with advanced driver‑assist systems, a 360° camera suite, and a three‑screen MBUX Superscreen interior.

Chinese automaker BYD has drawn attention in Italy with its claim of a “super‑hybrid” vehicle capable of up to 2 000 km of total range on a single charge‑plus‑fuel cycle. The figure refers to a plug‑in hybrid system rather than a pure electric vehicle. BYD already sells the Atto 3 in Italy, offering WLTP‑rated 420 km range, recently updated to the Atto 3 EVO with 510 km. The 2 000 km model has no confirmed European homologation date, and its exact name and specifications remain unclear, but the announcement highlights the potential to reduce range‑anxiety for long trips and could influence competition in the low‑emission market.