The Tesla Model Y will welcome a new challenger from Mercedes-Benz to the ring. Mercedes-Benz is expected to launch an electric version of its CLA coupe in the US electric vehicle (EV) market by late 2025.
Mercedes-Benz’s Tesla Model Y challenger is currently codenamed X174. The upcoming battery-powered crossover will replace the Mercedes EQB as the company’s entry-level electric crossover.
Mercedes-Benz plans to start X174 production by October 2025 in Restatt, Germany, according to Automotive News. The upcoming EV will be built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). The new architecture will launch with four entry-level EVs, a coupe, a wagon, and two crossovers.
Mercedes-Benz aims to attract young buyers with the X174. According to a Mercedes dealer, over 50% of CLA buyers are new to the brand. In comparison, Tesla has been boosted by support from young buyers.
“A CLA crossover would give Mercedes a price-competitive answer to Tesla — and potential Chinese automakers — in a segment dominating 80 percent of new-car sales in North America,” said the Mercedes dealer.
The global EV market is declining as customers seek more affordable electric vehicles. Many automakers are planning to release cheaper EVs to meet customer needs. The Mercedes-Benz X174 fits the demand for affordable, reliable, yet still stylish EVs.
“Providing more choices in sporty and lower-priced crossovers gives younger buyers more of a reason to shift to the brand where the more family-friendly utilities will keep them engaged for years to follow,” said AutoForecast Solutions Vice President Sam Fiorani about the upcoming Mercedes-Benz crossover EV.
Thus far, China has succeeded in delivering affordable electric vehicles with the features, tech, and design qualities customers seek.
Tesla, on the other hand, seems to be in its own league. The company’s more affordable offerings, the Model Y and Model 3, remain attractive to older and new buyers due to their design, features, and technology.
Tesla drivers also have a great support system with the Supercharger Network, Tesla App, and accredited repair shops. In addition, the Tesla community has a myriad of interesting people who might attract buyers to the company as well.
If you have any tips, contact me at maria@teslarati.com or via X @Writer_01001101.
News
Tesla Model Y leads as weekly registrations in China hit Q3 high
Out of Tesla China’s 15,350 registrations, the Model Y once again accounted for the majority.

Tesla recorded 15,350 insurance registrations in China during the week of September 8–14, marking a 7.3% increase compared to the prior week. The figure also represents the highest weekly result so far in the third quarter of 2025.
Model Y still leads demand
Out of the 15,350 registrations, the Model Y once again accounted for the majority. Data shows 9,460 registrations for the standard Model Y, complemented by 1,030 units of the newly launched extended wheelbase, six-seat Model Y L. Tesla also logged 4,860 Model 3 sedans for the week as well, as noted in a CNEV Post report.
The Model Y L, which debuted in late August, registered a modest uptick from the 900 registrations it saw the week before. Volumes remain relatively low, suggesting that the variant will not meaningfully change Tesla’s third-quarter sales trajectory. That being said, Tesla China’s previous comments about the Model Y L’s demand suggest that an uptick in registrations may be coming in the next weeks.
The ramp of the Model Y L will likely be a notable topic among Tesla watchers, as its ramp will still be quite a task despite the vehicle being just a new variant of the all-electric crossover. With this in mind, meaningful numbers of Model Y L registrations may hit their pace in the next quarter instead.
Tesla China’s momentum
As per data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Tesla’s retail sales in August 2025 totaled 57,152 units. That figure marked a 9.9% decline from August 2024’s 63,456 units, but a significant 40.7% increase from July’s 40,617 deliveries.
Quarter-to-date, Tesla China’s results show a 34.4% gain compared to the previous quarter but remain down 11% year-over-year. Year-to-date, Tesla is down about 7% in China versus the same period in 2024. With only a couple more weeks before the end of the third quarter, Tesla China’s registrations may help determine whether the company could catch up to its 2024 numbers this year.
News
Tesla Supercharger access has proven to be a challenge for one company
Interestingly, it seems to be the Volkswagen brand specifically that is having issues with compatibility with Tesla Superchargers. Other brands under the VW umbrella, like Audi and Porsche, have already gained access to the charging network.

Tesla Supercharger access has proven to be quite the challenge for one company, as it continues to delay the date that it will enable its owners to charge at the most expansive network in the world.
Tesla Superchargers have been opening up to other brands for well over a year, and many car companies that are manufacturing electric vehicles now have access to the vast network that has over 70,000 locations worldwide.
Tesla to launch Supercharger access for VW owners later this year
However, one brand has experienced some issues with what it is calling “technical challenges,” specifically failing to enable cross-compatibility between its vehicles and Tesla Superchargers.
Volkswagen has had to delay its ability to enable customers to charge at Superchargers because there have been some difficulties getting things to run smoothly. A report from PCMag cites a quote from a Volkswagen spokesperson who said there are still plans to deliver this year, but there have been some delays:
“Volkswagen looks forward to making it possible for ID. Buzz and ID.4 vehicle owners to gain access to the Tesla NACS Partner Superchargers. The timeline has been delayed by technical challenges, and we ask for customers’ patience. We still expect to deliver access this year.”
Interestingly, it seems to be the Volkswagen brand specifically that is having issues with compatibility with Tesla Superchargers. Other brands under the VW umbrella, like Audi and Porsche, have already gained access to the charging network.
Volkswagen EV owners will need to use an official VW adapter to access the Tesla Supercharger Network once the issues are resolved. It still plans to launch access to its owners later this year, but its spokesperson did not announce any planned timeline.
News
Tesla Giga Berlin makes big move amid strong sales and demand
“We currently have very good sales figures and have therefore revised our production plans for the third and fourth quarters upwards.”

Tesla is making a big move at its factory in Germany, known as Giga Berlin, as managers at the plant have indicated the company plans to increase its production rate for the remainder of the year.
Giga Berlin is responsible for manufacturing Model Y vehicles for several markets worldwide, including those outside of Europe. It was opened in March 2022, and it recently built its 500,000th Model Y in March and its 100,000th new Model Y just three weeks ago.
Due to some encouraging sales figures in the markets it provides vehicles for, Tesla said it is planning to increase production at the factory for the remainder of the year.
Andrè Thierig, plant manager at Giga Berlin, said to German news outlet DPA on Sunday that market data has encouraged a move to be made regarding the production at the factory:
“We currently have very good sales figures and have therefore revised our production plans for the third and fourth quarters upwards.”
It is interesting to see this kind of narrative from Thierig, especially as data has shown Tesla has struggled in various markets, including Germany, this year.
Sales drops have been reported, but other markets are holding strong, especially those in Northern Europe, such as Norway, where the Model Y saw a nearly 39 percent increase in sales in August compared to the same month the previous year.
Gigafactory Berlin supplies vehicles for other markets, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, which are strategically important to avoid tariffs. It also builds cars for the Middle East.
Thierig reiterated this point during the interview with DPA:
“We supply well over 30 markets and definitely see a positive trend there.”
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