Features
31 Jan 23

Monthly Review January 2023 - new car models

Stay up to speed with Fleet Europe’s Monthly Review featuring new car and van models that will hit your fleet shortlist soon. 2023 doesn’t kick off with a firework of genuine new models. Especially facelifts hit the fleet floor. But in the era of electrification, these changes are often technically more advanced than the cosmetic makeover suggests.

DS - 3

The fashionable city car from DS loses its suffix Crossback in a facelift but gains range in the all-electric version E-Tense. Now featuring 54kWh, the pack confidently claims 400 kilometers of range. Peak charging reaches up to 100kW, refilling the lithium-ion pack up to 80% in 25 minutes. Output (156 hp) is also stronger. Also available in two petrol versions, and one diesel.

 

MERCEDES - CLA

Not very noticeable on the outside, the updated CLA benefits from enhanced connectivity through the new MBUX user interface in the interior and electrified gasoline engines all across the range. Of particular interest is the 250e, the plug-in hybrid version capable of 80 zero-emission kilometers and DC charging. This means the 15.6kWh battery can be recharged from 10-80% in 25 minutes. That’s a coffee break during a highway journey.

 

POLESTAR - 2

Following its technical twin Volvo XC40, the facelifted Polestar 2 switches from front to rear-wheel drive in the base version and adopts slightly bigger battery packs of 69kWh (Standard Range) and 82kWh (Long Range), boosting autonomy to 635 kilometers at best. The looks have been upgraded to the likings of Polestar’s newly unveiled crossover 3, featuring a Smart Zone front panel covering the radars and camera for ADAS. Fleet managers must consider lead times currently in Q3.

 

SERES - 5

Chinese EV maker Seres doubles its model portfolio since the 3 will soon get company from the SUV 5. With all-wheel drive from two electric motors, an output of 585 hp, and a length of 4.7 meters, the new Seres clearly wants its piece of the pie of the success of the Tesla Model Y. Its 80kWh battery pack provides a range of 500 kilometers (NEDC). Comes also with vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-grid technology.

 

TESLA - Model S & X

Yes, Tesla already introduced the latest version of the S and X one year ago, but only as the Plaid - basically a zero-emission supercar in civilian clothes. As of January, Tesla’s largest models are also available as Dual Motor all-wheel drive versions. The S reaches a range of 634 kilometers, the X does 576 kilometers. Mind also that the awkward yoke steering wheel can be replaced by a normal round one. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but both models are part of Tesla’s global discount round.

 

ZEEKR - 001

Spotting some Lynk & Co clues in the Zeekr 001 is far from a coincidence since both brands belong to Geely and are therefore affiliated with Volvo. Introducing itself in Europe this year with a cool compact mimicking a shooting brake the brand offers three battery packs (86kWh, 100kWh, and even 140kWh). According to the optimistic Chinese CLC cycle, the ultimate battery pack can supply a range of around 1,000 kilometers. So far, it remains undisclosed how and when the model will be distributed across Europe.

Want to read the review of last month? Click here

Images: DS/Mercedes/Polestar/Seres/Tesla/Zeekr

Authored by: Piet Andries