Mercedes-Benz is showcasing its technical prowess with a range of vehicles and technologies specifically for China planned for Auto Shanghai 2025, and is once again demonstrating that it stands by its promises to its largest market. Home to its largest R&D centre outside Germany, Mercedes-Benz will be completing 2025 years of local production and technology activities in China by 20. Oliver Thöne, who has taken over from Hubertus Troska, made his first public appearance in his new role as Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for China, performing the World Premiere of the CLA Long Wheelbase. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius introduced the Vision V concept vehicle, which exemplifies the new segment of luxury MPVs and sets the course for a new era for Mercedes-Benz Light Commercial Vehicles. Both vehicles were unveiled at a special pre-show event at the West Bund Art Centre and will be on display at the Mercedes-Benz stand at the National Exhibition and Congress Centre until 2 May.
World Premiere of Vision V
The Vision V concept car demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s vision of combining spaciousness with maximum exclusivity and an unprecedented digital experience. The Vision V offers a completely new world of comfort as a chauffeur-driven luxury and elegance vehicle. Analog craftsmanship meets an impressive experience that draws the user in, creating a holistic and fascinating atmosphere. The model, which stands out with its sporty and elegant exterior design, reflects both dynamism and prestige at the same time with its iconic lines.
New name for the new era
A new era will begin with the introduction of the modular, flexible and scalable Van Architecture from 2026. The future model portfolio will range from practical, entry-level family vehicles and special VIP shuttles to luxury MPVs with a wide range of uses, each tailored to different customer requirements. By expanding the top end of its model portfolio, Mercedes-Benz is creating its own segment that defines automotive luxury. To underline this strategy, specially positioned vehicles based on the Van Electric Architecture will be called Mercedes-Benz VLE and Mercedes-Benz VLS.
Mercedes-Benz CLA to go on sale in China with long-wheelbase version
Following the world premiere of the new CLA in Rome around a month ago, Mercedes-Benz is introducing a long-base version for the first time in this vehicle class. With this new model developed specifically for the Chinese market, Mercedes-Benz offers its customers more space, a more elegant design, greater comfort, more advanced intelligence and greater efficiency.
It is the first vehicle built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). It is also the first model to run on Mercedes-Benz's own in-house developed new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and is Mercedes-Benz's first software-defined vehicle.
The electric version will be offered with a rear-positioned engine, a two-speed transmission and an 800-volt architecture. According to the WLTP standard, it consumes up to 100 kWh of energy per 12,2 kilometers. The electric range is an impressive 792 kilometers according to WLTP measurements. With these features, the long-chassis version also takes the impressive efficiency level of the Mercedes-Benz CLA further.
Latest technologies introduced at Auto Shanghai 2025
While revolutionary new vehicles and a wealth of new technologies will be introduced at Auto Shanghai, attendees will be able to learn about the following topics:
Powertrain and battery technology
The new powertrain and battery technology introduced with the new CLA and its long-wheelbase version deliver best-in-class efficiency, taking Mercedes-Benz’s vision of global electric mobility one step further. The in-house developed electric powertrain from Mercedes-Benz combines mechanical engineering excellence with state-of-the-art high-voltage electrical components. It is the first of a new generation of intelligent, modular and scalable electric powertrains. It features fast-charging technology that can provide a range of up to 10 km in 325 minutes and a total charging power of up to 320 kW according to WLTP, with a charging curve optimised for maximum performance and minimum waiting times. It also enables a smooth electric driving experience thanks to advanced recuperation and predictions with Electric Intelligence.
The electric Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture offers two high-voltage battery options. Both batteries feature cells that offer longer range and higher reliability. The batteries are more sustainable than previous generations, reducing the use of rare and expensive raw materials. In order to ensure the highest level of safety, the battery housing is designed as part of the vehicle structure and is thus integrated into the crash concept as part of Mercedes-Benz’s multi-stage protection approach. It also has comprehensive safety measures against potential thermal reactions, which have also successfully passed the tests conducted under the China Electric Vehicle Safety Index (C-EVFI) and earned it a five-star safety rating. In the event of a serious accident, the high-voltage system is automatically deactivated, and a distinction is made between reversible and irreversible shutdown during this process.
State-of-the-art driver assistance and safety systems
Mercedes-Benz's comprehensive range of driver assistance and active safety systems enables partially automated driving (SAE Level 2) on almost all road types, lane change assistance on multi-lane roads, assisted parking in tight spaces and, in an increasing number of situations, collision prevention or mitigation. Advanced Level 2 functions are also being further developed in order to offer these support features to as many customers as possible in a variety of scenarios. Starting with the new CLA, Mercedes-Benz is bundling additional comfort assistance systems under the name MB.DRIVE, which includes various packages and functions that customers can choose from even after purchasing the vehicle.
The all-new CLA has been developed from the ground up with intelligent passive safety features that aim to make it the safest vehicle in its class. In the event of an accident, crash-absorbing zones, a robust passenger compartment and safety systems are designed to minimise the risk of serious injuries. In the electric version, Mercedes-Benz places particular emphasis on protecting the energy storage system. Beyond legal requirements, both the overall vehicle structure and the high-voltage battery, high-voltage (HV) cables and other HV components meet Mercedes-Benz’s stringent safety standards.
As part of the Mercedes-Benz media programme at Auto Shanghai 2025, journalists from all over the world will have the chance to experience MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO. This new driving assistance system offers a smooth and safe driving experience from start to finish. At the touch of a button, the vehicle assists the driver from start to finish. It helps with braking, starting and steering in complex city scenarios such as crossing intersections or traffic lights, making U-turns, negotiating roadworks or roundabouts and entering or exiting motorways. The driver remains responsible throughout the journey. Even when the system is active, the driver must continue to monitor the vehicle. Drivers can intervene with slight steering movements without deactivating the system. Mercedes-Benz calls this feature cooperative driving.
Wireless (electronic) control of the steering system becomes a reality: Mercedes-Benz is revolutionizing car steering
Mercedes-Benz will be the first German carmaker to offer a series-production model with steering wheel control technology from 2026. This system does not require a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Instead, the driver controls the steering wheel via an electric cable, so that commands are transmitted quickly and directly. The completely new steering layout provides a unique customer experience because it reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel in full rotation and eliminates laborious manual manoeuvres. Electronic steering makes low-speed manoeuvres and parking much easier. Driving dynamics are also benefited by the Mercedes-Benz chassis experts, who can select the steering ratio within a fully variable range and flexibly adapt it to different situations.
In addition, electronic steering enables Mercedes-Benz engineers to optimise some dynamic characteristics that were previously at odds with each other. For example, it is now much easier to combine sportiness with comfort. Driving stability and lateral agility can be further increased thanks to the perfect harmony with the rear-axle steering system with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees. The shocks caused by uneven road surfaces, which were previously felt by the driver via the steering column, can be reduced, thus ensuring a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Electronic steering technology also enables greater personalisation, as the electronic steering can be adapted to customer preferences. Different steering characteristics can be applied to each brand or to specific models within a series. In the future, electronic steering could also provide new, immersive gaming opportunities for the driver or passengers.
Reducing mechanical complexity provides greater flexibility in interior design. For example, the steering wheel can be made flatter, providing more space, easier entry and exit, and a better view of the driver's display and the road. Highly automated driving systems can enable an even more comfortable driving position in the future.
Smart cockpit
With all the possibilities offered by the Mercedes-Benz intelligent cockpit, customers can now do much more in their cars than just driving. Using the new MB.OS operating system, they can use advanced navigation and assistants supported by artificial intelligence, be productive, enjoy apps or simply relax.
The smart cockpit also features the fourth and latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), including an update to the Superscreen interface. Features are localized for China, allowing Chinese customers to use AMAP map data for navigation. The MBUX Virtual Assistant also uses the company’s partner ByteDance’s DouBao AI agent, while speaking to Chinese users with the voices of celebrities from the country.
With the MBUX Virtual Assistant, the vehicle-driver relationship is transformed into a natural conversation, paving the way for a hyper-personalized user experience. In vehicles equipped with MBUX Surround Navigation, route guidance and driving assistance are seamlessly combined in real time, brought to life with powerful 3D graphics generated by Unity’s game engine.
Innovations and future technologies
Mercedes-Benz is offering an exclusive look at its ongoing research activities, which are aimed at advances that extend far beyond the current transformation period in the sector. These studies cover innovations that are ushering in a completely new era of mobility. The focus is on developing groundbreaking technologies that offer a better quality of life and road safety, climate protection and resource saving, as well as highly personalised digital experiences that go beyond the vehicle.
Neuromorphic computing—the brain behind the next revolution in artificial intelligence
Mercedes-Benz and its research and industry partners are breaking new ground in the development of computer architectures with their research on artificial neural networks. Recently, a collaboration with the University of Waterloo in Canada was announced for research in the field of neuromorphic computing. By imitating the functioning of the human brain, neuromorphic computing can make AI processes significantly more energy efficient and faster. For example, safety systems can recognize traffic signs, lanes and other road users much better and can respond faster even in poor visibility conditions. They can do this 10 times more efficiently than current systems. It also has the potential to reduce the energy required for data processing in autonomous driving by 90 percent compared to current systems.
New potential for electric range: Solar paint
Mercedes-Benz is researching new types of solar modules designed like a thin layer of paint that can be easily applied to the body of electric vehicles, generating enough electricity to power the vehicle. Under ideal conditions and based on the light intensity in Beijing, this technology could provide the energy needed to travel more than 14.000 km per year. The active photovoltaic surface can be applied to any substrate. The solar cells are highly efficient with an efficiency of 20 percent. Solar paint could be one of the effective solutions of the future, as it could provide longer range and fewer stops for charging.
Power converter: Rewriting the rules for high-voltage architectures
Mercedes-Benz is also striving for a paradigm shift in the use of next-generation power electronics in electric vehicles. In the future, a programmable microinverter could go beyond the limitations of current electric inverter systems and revolutionize current high-voltage architectures. The basis for this is the integration of these microinverters directly at the battery cell level, allowing individual cell pairs to be controlled while also enabling communication between the cells.
To achieve this goal, a power converter consisting of several microinverters is directly connected to any number of cell pairs. This power converter allows the cells to be individually regulated and the output voltage level to be adjusted. Current research results show that it is possible to provide a constant 800-volt HV output, regardless of the state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) of the cells. The output voltage of this vehicle battery no longer depends on the number of cells connected in series. The number of cells is determined solely by the desired performance and capacity class. This technological approach can increase the electric range and optimize the energy flow for bidirectional charging. It can also offer new levels of freedom in the modularization of electric powertrains.
Brake of the Future
Since the braking process of electric vehicles is mainly carried out by means of recuperation, Mercedes-Benz is exploring completely new territory in the development of mechanical brakes. The innovative and more sustainable brake system, which is currently in the research phase, is no longer positioned at the wheels. It takes up very little installation space, is virtually wear-free and requires no maintenance. This makes it extremely durable and reliable. In addition, the braking effect can be easily controlled and its performance does not deteriorate even under high loads. Thanks to its integration into the closed motor-transmission unit, particle emissions from brake wear do not escape to the outside and there is no corrosion in the brakes. This can also prevent brake noise in the future. Moreover, the brakes do not need to be cleaned. Clean brakes have a positive effect on efficiency and range.
Cities of the Future: Shenzhen 2040+
Mercedes-Benz has created a global knowledge network consisting of experts from many different fields, from sociologists and philosophers to scientists, artists, futurists, architects, start-ups and high-tech companies. With this network based on continuous exchange of knowledge, Mercedes-Benz futurists have visualized London, Los Angeles and Shenzhen after the year 2040. These visualizations form the basis for the optimum integration of vehicles in the cities of the future and represent the starting point for future collaborations between Mercedes-Benz and smart cities.
