©Mercedes-Benz AG
Pre-reading questions:
- What comes to mind when you think about the brand Mercedes-Benz?
- How would you interpret the meaning of “electric concept cars”?
Vocabulary:
- exceed /ik-SEED/
- feature /FEE-cher/
- innovative /IN-uh-vey-tiv/
- investment /in-VEST-muhnt/
- sector /SEK-ter/
[verb] – to be greater than a number or amount, or to go past an allowed limit
The electric car’s range exceeds 300 miles on a single charge, making it a compelling choice for long-distance travelers.
[verb] – to include someone or something as an important part
The museum’s special exhibit will feature rare artifacts from ancient civilizations, highlighting their significance in human history.
[adjective] – using new methods or ideas
The innovative technology integrated into the new smartphone allows users to unlock it using facial recognition, revolutionizing the way we secure our devices.
[noun] – the act of putting money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage, or the money, effort, time, etc. used to do this
The company plans to make a significant investment in research and development to create cutting-edge products that will set new industry standards.
[noun] – one of the areas into which the economic activity of a country is divided
The technology sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with companies continually innovating to meet the demands of the digital age.
Article reading:
In another exciting move, BMW unveiled its Vision Neue Klasse electric concept vehicle, promising an extended range and faster charging. This highlights German automakers’ commitment to compete in the growing electric vehicle market, as the Vision Neue Klasse incorporates advanced battery cells for over 20% more energy storage, resulting in an expected 30% improvement in charging speed and range compared to previous BMW models. Expected in 2025, this marks BMW’s most significant investment yet. These advancements from Mercedes-Benz and BMW underscore the intense competition in the electric vehicle sector and their determination to lead in innovation.
Comprehension questions
- Who unveiled the “close-to-production” concept vehicles at the IAA Mobility show in Munich?
- What is the impressive range of these concept vehicles, and how does it compare to Tesla models?
- What types of vehicles were showcased as part of the Concept CLA Class?
- When is BMW’s Vision Neue Klasse expected to be available?
- What is the main focus of German automakers in the electric vehicle market, as mentioned in the article?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever attended an automotive show or exhibition? If yes, please share your experience. If not, would you be interested in attending one after reading about the IAA Mobility show in Munich? Why or why not?
- Are you familiar with the concept of electric vehicles, and have you ever considered owning one? If yes, please share your thoughts on electric cars. If not, has this article sparked your interest in electric vehicles or their advancements?
- Were you surprised by the impressive range of Mercedes-Benz’s new electric concept cars compared to Tesla models, as mentioned in the article?
- In light of Mercedes-Benz’s and BMW’s ambitious electric vehicle advancements, what implications might this fierce competition among automakers have on the wider electric vehicle market? How might it impact consumers and the industry as a whole?
- While the article highlights the impressive range and charging speed improvements of these concept vehicles, what potential challenges or drawbacks do you think electric vehicle manufacturers should consider as they push the boundaries of technology? How might these advancements address or overlook the needs of different consumer segments?