BMW, Mercedes And Volkswagen EVs Have Leveled Up. Will They Be Enough?

Name: BMW, Mercedes And Volkswagen EVs Have Leveled Up. Will They Be Enough?
Uploaded: 2025-09-12T13:50:36Z
Description: At IAA Munich, Europe's biggest auto show, the home team car companies had a showcase of impressive EVs. But BYD and the Chinese have bigger plans.

At IAA Munich, Europe's biggest auto show, the home team car companies had a showcase of impressive EVs. But BYD and the Chinese have bigger plans.

Patrick George

By: Patrick George

Sep 12, 2025 at 9:50am ET

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After spending a few days in Munich for IAA, Europe's biggest auto industry expo, I couldn't help but be impressed with the progress automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have made with their next-generation electric vehicles.

I mean, 400-mile luxury SUVs with ultra-fast charging for around $60,000? A new family of affordable electric city cars? A return to actual, physical buttons? What's not to like?

Well, two things. First and foremost, IAA was a bit of a bummer for American EV fans, since besides the BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC EV, it's unclear what we're actually going to get. Europe is moving faster than we are on the electric front these days.

And second, IAA showed how much of a powerhouse China's automakers have become in Europe. And at this year's show, they made clear they're settling in for the long haul.

My co-host Tim Levin and I discuss all things IAA on this week's Plugged-In Podcast, including the biggest developments from the show and what it all means for the future of the auto industry. Because as impressive as the Europeans were, they're clearly playing defense against the Chinese—BYD in particular.

We hope you tune in; this was a fun discussion and I'm eager to hear your thoughts about it.

What do you think?

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