[Report] "Lowering Air Resistance" Over 80 Years of Mercedes-Benz Expertise

Aero Acoustic Wind Tunnel in Sindelfingen, Germany

Mercedes-Benz unveiled its high-performance electric vehicle, the Concept AMG GT XX, for the first time in Asia at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, currently being held in Tokyo, Japan. This vehicle, which offers a glimpse into the future mass-production sports cars envisioned by Mercedes-Benz, boasts an impressive drag coefficient of 0.19 Cd.

At speeds exceeding 300 km/h, approximately 83% of the driving energy is used to overcome air resistance. Therefore, reducing the drag coefficient is directly linked to achieving high performance.

Concept AMG GT XX. Mercedes-Benz

Aerodynamics also impacts a car's efficiency. Reducing a vehicle's drag coefficient by 0.01 Cd increases its long-distance driving range by 2.5%. For a car driven 15,000 km annually, optimizing aerodynamics can add approximately 375 km of extra range. This is why Mercedes-Benz has long invested in aerodynamic research.

In 1938, the Mercedes-Benz W125 model achieved a drag coefficient of 0.17 Cd on public roads. More recently, the 2013 CLA (Cd 0.22), EQS (Cd 0.20), and the latest CLA with EQ Technology (Cd 0.21) have showcased Mercedes-Benz's advanced aerodynamic capabilities.

Mercedes-Benz is conducting an air resistance test of the 'CLA with EQ Technology' in the Aero Acoustic Wind Tunnel. Photo by Oh Hyungil

The aerodynamic technology Mercedes-Benz has developed can be seen at the Mercedes-Benz Research Center’s Aero Acoustic Wind Tunnel, located in Sindelfingen, Germany.

Over 80 years ago, in 1943, Mercedes-Benz built the world's first large wind tunnel in Untert?rkheim, Germany, using it for research and development. In 2013, the company established a new wind tunnel at its current location.

During the reporter's visit this past September, a test of the CLA with EQ Technology was underway. The new CLA boasts a drag coefficient of 0.21 Cd, offering best-in-class aerodynamic performance among its peers.

A Mercedes-Benz representative is explaining the aerodynamic performance of the CLA with EQ Technology. Photo by Oh Hyungil

A Mercedes-Benz representative explained, "The newly applied two-tone full-cover aluminum wheels improve drag by up to 15 Cd points compared to standard wheels and up to 2 Cd points compared to previous aero wheels. We have also meticulously optimized the wheel spoilers in front of the front and rear axles across all inch sizes to minimize the impact of wheels and tires on air resistance."

During the wind tunnel test, a simulated wind speed of 60 km/h allowed for direct observation of airflow over the vehicle body.

In particular, partial sealing of the seams around the front radiator grille and headlights minimized airflow, while covers over the suspension arms and rods created a smooth underbody structure, visibly stabilizing the airflow beneath the car.

Mercedes-Benz's advanced aerodynamic technology. Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz representative added, "We have long led the way not only in reducing air resistance, but also in other areas of aerodynamics, such as noise reduction, maintaining vehicle cleanliness, and ensuring comfort during open-top driving."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.