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Mercedes GLC EQ and BMW iX3 Anchor EV Offensive at IAA Munich

Legacy carmakers accelerate EV launches as Tesla’s share slips, with Chinese brands pressing into Europe.

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Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ features backlit dot-matrix grille design.
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People attend the world premiere of the new BMW iX3 ahead of the IAA auto show, in Munich, Germany, September 5, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth

Overview

  • Mercedes-Benz unveiled the GLC with EQ Technology on its MB.EA platform, pairing a 94 kWh pack with 800V hardware for a WLTP claim of about 713 km and adding roughly 303 km in 10 minutes, with U.S. arrivals slated for 2026–2027.
  • BMW debuted the first Neue Klasse production model, the iX3, featuring a 108.7 kWh battery, 800V architecture and up to 805 km WLTP range, supporting up to 400 kW DC charging for a 10–80% refill in about 21 minutes; Europe gets it in 2026 with North America to follow.
  • Volkswagen broadened its affordability push with the ID. Cross concept and the ID. Polo/ID. Polo GTI, targeting entry prices around €25,000, with the compact crossover due in Europe from early next year.
  • Hyundai’s THREE concept, presented as its next chapter in electrification, is widely expected to preview a Europe-focused Ioniq 3 small EV with production targeted for 2026, though final model details remain unconfirmed.
  • Showfloor specs underscored the move to dedicated BEV platforms and 800V fast charging, as Chinese makers including BYD, Xpeng and Leapmotor expanded their European footprints, with BYD outpacing Tesla’s regional sales this year according to industry data.