An open, electric and digital IAA Mobility 2023
18 September 2023
IAA Mobility 2023 took to the streets of Munich to showcase a wide range of new concepts and technologies. Electromobility and digitalisation featured heavily in the open and accessible motor show.
Returning from the event, Dr Christof Engelskirchen, chief economist at Autovista Group, and Dirk-Marco Adams, chief sales officer at Autovista Group, told Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus, all about this year’s show.
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Show notes
IAA Mobility 2023: Mobility festival in Munich inspires and fascinates over half a million people
BMW reinvents itself: The BMW Vision Neue Klasse
Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class: the electric future of desire
Sporty, electric, emotive: Volkswagen presents the ID. GTI Concept show car
The all-new Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric
Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: The first Mustang ever made to live on tarmac and play in the dirt
Half a million attendees
IAA Mobility 2023 attracted over half a million attendees, hosted nearly 750 exhibitors, and provided a platform for more than 300 premiers. Taking place across the city of Munich, the event drew a map of where the automotive industry wants to go.
‘This year’s IAA Mobility 2023 was a significant success and a benchmark for the future of mobility. The German automotive industry is confident and determined – we are ready for future challenges,’ said VDA president Hildegard Müller.
‘We are optimistic that our innovations will set global standards. IAA Mobility is a signal for change, showing the automotive industry’s strong will and capability to be innovative needed to turn this transformation into a shared success story. This is the spirit emanating from Munich to the world.’
Advanced technology
IAA Mobility 2023 allowed carmakers to show off some new concepts. This included BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse. The concept’s simplified exterior design draws the eye to central design cues like the kidney grille. Inside, analogue operating controls have been replaced by a head-up display called panoramic vision, the central screen and steering wheel buttons.
This updated design sits on top of advanced electric technology. ‘30% more range, 30% faster charging, 25% more efficiency – the Neue Klasse represents a major technological leap that will take EfficientDynamics to new heights,’ said Frank Weber, member of the board of management at BMW responsible for development.
Mercedes-Benz brought its Concept CLA Class to Munich. The manufacturer explained that thanks to its Mercedes‑Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), the car should be capable of a 750km range (WLTP). This electric-first platform looks to be central to the carmaker’s electrification.
‘The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner for an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. The range will comprise a total of four new models – a four-door coupé, a shooting brake and two stunning SUVs – each with significantly elevated product substance,’ said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group.
The electric age
Volkswagen (VW) Group unveiled its ID. GTI Concept at this year’s IAA. Scheduled to hit the roads in 2027, the design gives the €25,000 ID.2all concept a sportier edge. ‘With the ID. GTI Concept, we are taking the GTI DNA into the electric age,’ said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of VW Passenger Cars.
‘It remains sporty, iconic, technologically progressive and accessible, but now with a new interpretation for tomorrow’s world: electric, fully connected and extremely emotive. Here, driving pleasure and sustainability are a perfect match,’ he added.
Meanwhile, the Opel Experimental concept car headlined the for the Stellantis brand. Aero-efficient thinking is central to the model’s futuristic design. Flaps at the front and rear increase efficiency alongside the rear diffusor, which extends or retracts as necessary.
‘The Opel Experimental gives an outlook on upcoming models and technologies, on the future design, even on a new era and the future of the brand. This stunning concept car represents a guiding light and showcases once again Opel’s pioneering spirit,’ said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.
Updated models
Renault brought the latest edition of the Scenic E-Tech to IAA Mobility 2023. Two versions will be available, with one featuring an 87kWh battery and 160kW motor, capable of delivering over 600km in range (WLTP pending).
One of the car’s standout features is its Solarbay panoramic glass roof, which can be fully or partially opacified in segments. Renault Group also confirmed that it plans to use recycled glass from end-of-life vehicles to make tinted windows for its brands beginning at the end of this year.
Ford revealed the Mustang Mach-E Rally at IAA Mobility 2023. This off-road-centric model is driven by a tuned Mustang Mach-E GT powertrain, with its two motors targeting 358kW of power. The lithium-ion battery looks to have a usable capacity of 91kWh.
‘We have always explored new areas of performance, and the combination of a rally-tuned suspension, dual motor electric powertrain, and wicked styling makes the Mustang Mach‑E Rally a different kind of performance vehicle that will excite customers chasing their next adventure,’ said Donna Dickson, chief engineer at Mustang Mach-E.
