Legend has it that there is an inseparable relationship between Tesla and Mercedes-Benz. Is it true? In the following article, Xiaodian will delve into their love-hate relationship from various aspects. (๑✦ˑ̫✦)✨
Did the Tesla Model 3 originate from the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250?
It was reported that a salesperson from Tesla claimed that the test car of Model 3 was based on the GLA 250, especially in terms of the former’s field of vision and space utilization, which are very similar to the latter’s. If you are obsessed with the Model 3, perhaps you can rely on the GLA 250 to lessen your lovesickness.
Is this a rumor or a fact? After comparing their parameters and images in the following sections, the truth will be revealed.
1. Parameter Comparison
➀ Body Ratio
Note: The Model 3 data is from Motor Trend’s manual measurement.
The table above shows the size data of their bodies. It can be seen that their body ratios are very similar, but there is a relatively obvious difference in length and wheelbase. If the Model 3 did reference the GLA 250, it must have undergone redesign and development.
➁ Configuration Information
As Model 3 has not yet been mass-produced, the configuration information is limited. From the table above, it can be seen that the Model 3 inherits the characteristics of Tesla products, and the two have the same number of seats and panoramic roofs, among other similar configurations. In the transmission part, early reports claimed that Tesla’s shift lever came from Mercedes-Benz’s supplier.
2. Image Comparison
➀ Body
As a whole, the two cars adopt different design languages, especially in the differences between the lines of the rear part of the vehicles.## 2. Front View
These two faces look a bit alike, but the Model 3 is very personalized without an air intake grille.
3. Rear View
The difference in the tail is quite large, one is a sedan design with a smooth top, and the other is a compact SUV with a broad top.
4. Center Console
Model 3’s center console is much simpler than the GLA 250, and its 15-inch screen is absolutely handsome. However, a user learned from a Tesla sales center that due to many people saying that they are not accustomed to this design during actual testing, it is still unknown whether this screen will be used in the end, and it is possible that a HUD will be used instead.
5. Details (left Tesla, right Mercedes-Benz)
Front wheels:
Rear wheels:
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Tail lights
Rearview mirrors
Among the details of the two, the hub and the headlights are designed similarly, while other parts differ significantly.
➅ Conclusion
Based on the above parameters and images, it is not difficult to see that the Model 3 and GLA 250 have reference value in the external space, and there are some similarities in the details. However, due to the lack of internal space data, more detailed comparisons cannot be obtained temporarily. However, it is well known that Mercedes-Benz’s help on Tesla’s supply chain is indeed meaningful.
**The love and hate between Tesla and Mercedes
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❶ Tesla: You are my true “Benefactor”
Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, was once the third-largest shareholder of Tesla, holding about 4.3% of Tesla’s stock.
Musk once shared a little-known “secret” with a Wall Street Journal reporter. In the early days of Tesla, Daimler was the true “benefactor” that saved Tesla from bankruptcy. If it weren’t for the $50 million he provided (which accounted for 9% of Tesla’s assets at the time), Tesla would never have succeeded in going public.
❷ Tesla & Mercedes-Benz: You use mine and I use yours
Mercedes-Benz and Tesla often complement each other in terms of technology. For example:
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The Model S uses parts provided by Mercedes-Benz, including some components of safety airbags, sensors, and suspension parts. Currently, many of Tesla’s parts are purchased from Mercedes-Benz, including shift levers, window control buttons, and so on.
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Mercedes-Benz’s 2014 B-Class electric car and Smart Fortwo electric car both use Tesla’s electric technology.
❸ Mercedes-Benz: The future of little brother is somewhat worrying
The CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, Steve Cannon, once criticized Tesla:
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In the field of luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz has a solid position, while in the field of electric luxury cars, Tesla will find it difficult to maintain its competitiveness.
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Tesla is unwilling to invest in charging facilities, dealer networks, and after-sales services. Tesla owners are advised to purchase other brand models as backups. In addition, this also reduces the possibility of future popularity of pure electric vehicles.
Well, today it seems that this statement has completely slapped the face.
❹ Daimler: Disobedient Underlings Will be Discarded
In October 2014, Daimler sold all its Tesla shares, making a profit of 780 million US dollars. Daimler’s explanation for this is:
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The change in Tesla’s share structure caused them to lose their seat on the Tesla board of directors;
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Musk “freely shared” Tesla’s patented technology;
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Tesla’s stock valuation is too high and there is a risk.
This explanation subtly reveals a message – Tesla does not put the big brother in its eyes, the big brother is unhappy, and wants to discard the underling as punishment.
❺ Tesla: If You Don’t Want Me, I’ll Look for BMW’s Brother
In November 2014, Musk stated in an interview with the German “Der Spiegel” that he is currently in discussions with Germany’s BMW on a possible alliance on battery and lightweight technology. Tesla is “very interested” in BMW’s “cost-saving” carbon fiber lightweight body technology. BMW then issued a statement about a week later, stating that they have no intention of buying Tesla’s shares, but are interested in technology cooperation with Tesla.
BMW’s response is relatively ambiguous.
❻ Daimler: You can Look if You Want, Anyway, I Can Cooperate with Others or Develop It by Myself
On February 19 of this year, according to foreign media reports, Mercedes-Benz has found a battery partner, SK Innovation, whose executive said in an interview with the Korean Times: “With our cooperation, the German luxury car manufacturer plans to expand its electric vehicle product line comprehensively.”
On March 9 of this year, the International Business Times reported that Mercedes-Benz will not use Tesla’s drivetrain system in the next generation of B-Class Electric Drive electric vehicles. Harald Kroeger, head of Daimler’s electric car division, said that Mercedes-Benz has invested $550 million in its own drivetrain system and battery technology, and the next generation of cars will use its own technology.
Tesla: If you have the ability, don’t imitate me…
In June of this year, Mercedes-Benz announced that it will launch an electric car with a range of 500 km, based on a brand new electric platform. This platform, similar to Tesla’s modular platform, produces electric vehicles with a similar structure to Tesla — with lithium-ion batteries installed on the bottom of the car and four-wheel drive. In addition, the platform will also produce a variety of SUV and sedan models.
Will Tesla and Mercedes-Benz make up in the future, like the lyrics that say “If we could only turn back time”? The future will tell.
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This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.