Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Hyundai, CUPRA, Pony.ai and MOIA America

Graphic with the text “IAA MOBILITY WEEKLY” and a calendar icon on a yellow and dark blue background.Graphic with the text “IAA MOBILITY WEEKLY” and a calendar icon on a yellow and dark blue background.Graphic with the text “IAA MOBILITY WEEKLY” and a calendar icon on a yellow and dark blue background.Graphic with the text “IAA MOBILITY WEEKLY” and a calendar icon on a yellow and dark blue background.Graphic with the text “IAA MOBILITY WEEKLY” and a calendar icon on a yellow and dark blue background.Graphic with the text “IAA MOBILITY WEEKLY” and a calendar icon on a yellow and dark blue background.Graphic with the text “IAA MOBILITY WEEKLY” and a calendar icon on a yellow and dark blue background.Graphic with the text “IAA MOBILITY WEEKLY” and a calendar icon on a yellow and dark blue background.

IAA MOBILITY Weekly

Mobility Highlights of the Week 16, 2026

Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Hyundai, CUPRA, Pony.ai, and MOIA America

16/2026
Post from April 17, 2026

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new EQS, Volkswagen celebrated the world premiere of the ID.3 Neo, and Hyundai Motor Company is bringing its IONIQ electric brand to China with a localized EV strategy. Additionally, CUPRA introduced the new CUPRA Raval, Pony.ai presented its "PonyWorld 2.0" AI engine while launching Europe's first robotaxi service in Zagreb, and MOIA America announced plans to deploy autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles on the Uber platform in Los Angeles by late 2026. These are our top stories for Week 16, 2026. 

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new EQS, Volkswagen celebrated the world premiere of the ID.3 Neo, and Hyundai Motor Company is bringing its IONIQ electric brand to China with a localized EV strategy. Additionally, CUPRA introduced the new CUPRA Raval, Pony.ai presented its "PonyWorld 2.0" AI engine while launching Europe's first robotaxi service in Zagreb, and MOIA America announced plans to deploy autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles on the Uber platform in Los Angeles by late 2026. These are our top stories for Week 16, 2026. 

16/2026
Post from April 17, 2026
Black Mercedes-Benz parked in sunlight against a concrete wall
(c) Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has presented the new EQS, featuring an 800-volt architecture at its core. It offers a range of up to 575 miles (926 km) and significantly faster charging, adding up to 200 miles (320 km) of range in just 10 minutes. Technologies such as steer-by-wire and predictive AIRMATIC damping are designed to enhance both ride comfort and driving dynamics. 

Through MB.OS, the EQS continues its evolution into a software-defined vehicle. AI-supported MBUX functions, over-the-air updates, and the Hyperscreen define the digital experience, backed by a new sensor architecture for advanced assistance systems. Comfort and efficiency are further boosted by optimized aerodynamics (Cd from 0.20), a HEPA air filtration system, rear-seat entertainment, and Vehicle-to-Grid/Home capabilities. Extensive personalization options are also available for the new EQS. 

Read more

Volkswagen car driving on a mountain road with rocky landscape
(c) Volkswagen

Volkswagen has introduced the ID.3 Neo as the successor to the original ID.3, focusing on increased range, digitalization, and efficiency. Depending on the variant, the compact model achieves a range of up to 391 miles (630 km) and is available in three power stages (125–170 kW) and three battery sizes (50, 58, and 79 kWh). Fast-charging speeds reach up to 183 kW. 

Technically, the vehicle is defined by a new software generation, features like one-pedal driving and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), and expanded assistance systems. A refreshed design with a continuous light bar and a digital cockpit (10.25-inch) paired with a large infotainment display (12.9-inch) underscore its modern appeal. 

Read more

Futuristic Hyundai electric car driving in a red illuminated studio setting.
(c) Hyundai

Hyundai Motor Company is launching its IONIQ electric brand in China, kicking off a targeted, localized EV strategy. To mark the occasion, Hyundai presented two concept vehicles developed specifically for the Chinese market: the VENUS Concept (sedan) and the EARTH Concept (SUV). Going forward, IONIQ models will be named after planets. 

On the technology side, Hyundai is focusing on locally developed driver-assistance systems, market-specific solutions such as EREVs (Extended Range Electric Vehicles), and digital features tailored to Chinese consumers. The goal is to align design, technology, and user experience with local requirements. 

Read more

Dark green sports car parked on a wet surface at night with reflections.
(c) Nio

CUPRA has unveiled the new CUPRA Raval, a sporty electric city car set to hit the market in summer 2026. Based on the MEB+ platform, the model offers several power levels up to 166 kW and ranges of approximately 273 miles (440 km). Thanks to fast charging (up to 105 kW), the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 23–24 minutes. 

In terms of driving dynamics, CUPRA utilizes a lowered chassis, adaptive dampers, and an electronic limited-slip differential. Features like one-pedal driving, Plug & Charge, and Vehicle-to-Load increase overall functionality. Inside, the concept is defined by a digital cockpit, a large Android-based infotainment system, and sustainable materials. 

Read more

Autonomous test vehicle driving through a city street with shops
(c) PonyAI

Pony.ai is driving the commercialization of autonomous mobility by combining a new AI platform with the launch of a robotaxi service in Europe. With "PonyWorld 2.0," the company introduces an advanced software architecture designed as a self-learning AI engine. It utilizes an enhanced world model and an "intention layer" to not only make decisions but also independently analyze and continuously optimize them. 

Simultaneously, Pony.ai has partnered with Uber and Verne to launch Europe's first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb. The service covers roughly 35 square miles (90 km²), including the airport, and is available daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. 

Read more
MOIA electric shuttle driving on a street with palm trees
(c) MOIA

MOIA America, a Volkswagen Group subsidiary, is launching autonomous test drives with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in Los Angeles in partnership with Uber. During the testing phase, the fleet is expected to grow to over 100 vehicles, initially with safety drivers on board. 

The launch of commercial rides via the Uber platform is planned for late 2026. Long-term, the partners aim to build a fleet of several thousand autonomous vehicles to establish ride-hailing services in additional U.S. markets. This project is part of MOIA’s scalable turnkey solution for autonomous mobility. 

Mehr erfahren

More weekly news at a glance