Mercedes - Repair and Service Redwood City - 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQB spy shots - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Mercedes-Benz engineers have been spotted with a prototype for an electric version of the GLB-Class. The new EV is confirmed as the EQB and will be available sometime in 2021.

Although the prototype looks like the regular GLB, the sealed-off grille and lack of exhaust pipes confirm it as an EV. Earlier test mules were also seen with fully covered underbodies.

The GLB is based on the same MFA2 (Mercedes Front-drive Architecture) as the recently launched A-Class. The EQB will feature a battery-electric version of the platform. The platform will also underpin an EQA electric hatch previewed in concept form in 2017. The first dedicated EV platform from Mercedes will debut in the EQS sedan, also due around 2021.

As for the powertrain, expect an electric motor at each axle and around 60 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity for more than 200 miles of range initially. More powertrain options could be added down the line. Trademark filings made by Mercedes with the United States Patent and Trademark Office hint at EQB200, EQB250, EQB320, EQB350 and EQB360 grades.

Mercedes' first volume EV is the GLC-based EQC due in local showrooms in the first half 2020. The EQA is expected to appear around the same time, though a U.S. launch for the electric hatch may not happen due to crossovers being more popular here. Therefore we're more likely to receive the EQB to satisfy local buyers looking for a compact EV from Mercedes.

Many automakers in the luxury space are working on electric compact crossovers. Volvo will launch an electric XC40 on October 16 and Lexus is thought to be working on an electric version of its UX. France's DS has also just introduced the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. Soon we'll be able to add Mercedes' EQB to the list.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1119353_2021-mercedes-benz-eqb-spy-shots-and-video

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com

Jaguar - Repair and Service Redwood City - There's no engine to silence your screams in the Jaguar I-Pace 'Ring taxi - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

It seems Jaguar's I-Pace has no problems lapping the Nürburgring, as the electric SUV has just been enlisted for 'Ring taxi duty.

The high-speed service allows you and your friends to experience a lap of the notorious German racetrack with a professional driver behind the wheel, and Jaguar has been offering it for several years with its gasoline-powered models, most recently with the XE SV Project 8 super sedan.

Now, Jaguar has added the I-Pace to the cab rank. The 394-horsepower, zero-emission SUV delivers 0-60 acceleration in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph. It also has an EPA-rated range of 234 miles thanks to its 90-kilowatt-hour battery, though we don't how long it will run between charges when lapping the 12.8-mile, 73-corner track also known as the Green Hell.

 

2019 Jaguar I-Pace electric car (crossover SUV)

The service is available now and will run until late November when track services pause for the winter. A lap will cost you 149 euros ($164) and that allows up to three people to enjoy the experience. A lap in the XE SV Project 8 is still available and costs 249 euros.

Places are limited so anyone wishing to make a booking should head over to the website www.jaguar.de/jaguar-live/race-taxi.html.

Jaguar is currently working on a faster I-Pace that will carry the brand's SVR performance label. It isn't clear when this model will be available but don't be surprised if it's signed up for 'Ring taxi duty, too.

source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1125523_there-s-no-engine-to-silence-your-screams-in-the-jaguar-i-pace-ring-taxi
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http;//www.boscheuropean.com

Audi - Repair and Service Redwood City - Audi concept previews A5 Sportback-like EV - Bosch European Redwood City - (650) 368-3000

Audi at a technology preview event in late September presented the four modular battery-electric platforms that will underpin upcoming EVs from the brand.

The platforms were shown in production models and concepts, most of which we already know. However, one of the concepts was a never-before-seen hatchback similar in size to the A5 Sportback.

The other vehicles included the E-tron based on the MLB Evo platform, the E-tron GT concept based on the J1 platform, and the Q4 E-tron concept based on the MEB platform. Both the E-tron GT and Q4 E-tron concepts are confirmed to spawn production models in 2020.

Audi Q4 e-tron concept

The mystery concept is based on the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) platform being developed by Audi and Porsche. The first model based on the PPE platform is due in 2021, though neither Audi nor Porsche is yet to state what form it will take.

 

Audi e-tron GT concept

Interestingly, there are rumors that the A5 range might not be renewed after the current generation. Perhaps Audi is planning to replace the A5 range with an electric equivalent.

Audi is committed to launching at least 20 EVs by 2025, so it's likely some existing models will either be replaced or redesigned on an EV platform. Other models likely to go down the EV route include next-generation versions of the TT and A8.

 source: https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1125373_audi-concept-previews-a5-sportback-like-ev 

by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

http://www.boscheuropean.com