Mercedes-EQ is a series of battery electric vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. The first model was previewed at the Paris Motor Show in 2016 with the Generation EQ concept vehicle.[1] Mercedes-Benz intends to produce ten EQ models by 2022, three of which will have the Smart brand, representing between 15% and 25% of the company's global sales. All of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle design and production efforts will target the EQ family.

Mercedes-EQ
Product typePlug-in electric vehicles
OwnerMercedes-Benz Group
Produced byMercedes-Benz
Introduced2016; 8 years ago (2016)
Websitegroup.mercedes-benz.com/innovation/drive-systems/electric/

Mercedes-Benz EQC, the first member of the EQ range, was presented at a special event in Stockholm in 2018.

Overview edit

Mercedes-Benz intends to design and manufacture ten EQ models by 2022,[2] all of which will be based on a single platform developed specifically for electric drivetrains, and which can be configured for any type of vehicle owing to modularization.[3][4] Three models will have the Smart brand.[5]

Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group, stated that the new brand will consist of all Mercedes-Benz "electrification efforts", with a goal of having it represent between 15% and 25% of global sales for the company by 2025, dependent on "the continued development of infrastructure and customer preferences".[3] Jurgen Schenk, a director of Mercedes-Benz who will oversee the development of the electric vehicle program, stated that the company expects energy density improvements to battery technology to be about 14% per year until 2025, equivalent to improvements seen between 2010 and 2016.[3]

To meet production targets, Mercedes-Benz Group intends to invest 1 billion for capital expansion projects of its global battery production,[3][6] half of which will be dedicated to its Deutsche ACCUmotive subsidiary lithium-ion battery manufacturing facilities in Kamenz, Germany.[2] This is part of the company's investment of up to €10 billion for the design and development of electric vehicles.[5]

The vehicles will use the Combined Charging System,[3] a wall charger, or an optional wireless inductive charging system.

Models edit

EQC (2019–2023) edit

 
Mercedes-Benz EQC is based on the X253 GLC-Class platform.

The EQC, the production version of the Generation EQ concept, is the first EQ model.[3] It was unveiled in Stockholm, Sweden on 4 September 2018. It is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) and was released in 2019.[3]

The vehicle has two electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear axle.[1] It is all-wheel drive and has a power output of 300 kW (402 hp) and 765 N⋅m (564 lb⋅ft).[1] The battery is floor-mounted and has a WLTP-rated range of 417 km (259 mi).

EQV (2020–present) edit

 
Mercedes-Benz EQV is based on the W447 V-Class platform.

The EQV is the second EQ model, which was unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show and previously seen as a concept at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. It is a minivan (MPV) scheduled for release in 2020.[7]

The EQV is based on the V-Class and shares the same wheelbase dimensions. It is an up to eight-seater (with optional bench seats) vehicle and has up to 1,020 litres (36 cu ft) of cargo space in the luggage area.[7]

The EQV has a single electric motor on the front axle with an output of 150 kW (201 hp) and 362 N⋅m (267 lb⋅ft) of torque. It has an electronically limited top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).[8]

The 90 kWh battery pack is floor-mounted and has a WLTP-estimated range of 405 km (252 mi). It can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 45 minutes, via a 110 kW DC fast charger or in less than 10 hours using an 11 kW AC charger.[8]

The infotainment system is an EQ-specific version of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system and includes a 10-inch screen displaying charging current, energy flow and a consumption histogram, as well as navigation and driving modes.[7]

EQA (2021–present) edit

 
Mercedes-Benz EQA is based on the H247 GLA-Class platform.

The EQA is an electric version of the second-generation GLA crossover SUV released in 2021,[9] though the Concept EQA from 2017 was a hatchback with inspiration from the W177 A-Class. The first model, EQA 250, has one electric motor of 190 hp (140 kW) and range of 480 km (300 mi).[10]

EQB (2021–present) edit

 
Mercedes-Benz EQB is based on the X247 GLB-Class platform.

The GLB-based EQB is a crossover with a WLTP-estimated range of 499 kilometres (310 mi) and was released in 2021.[11]

EQS and EQS SUV (2021–present) edit

 
Mercedes-Benz EQS is the first model based on the dedicated MEA platform.
 
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The EQS is an electric full-size luxury sedan intended to be the electric equivalent of the S-Class. It was introduced around 2021 and will be the first EQ model based on the dedicated EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) platform.[12][13] Mercedes creates with the EQS a production car with the lowest cw-coefficient of 0.2.[14]

A SUV version Mercedes-Maybach EQS for 2022 was confirmed in October 2020.[15] The EQS SUV was unveiled on 19 April 2022.[16]

EQE and EQE SUV (2021–present) edit

 
Mercedes-Benz EQE is the second model based on the dedicated MEA platform.
 
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

The EQE was revealed on 5 September 2021. EQE comes in 6 versions (300, 350, 350+, 500, AMG 43 and AMG 53). It is powered by a 90.8 kWh battery for all of the versions with a range of 500 to 660 km and hp from 180kW up to 460kW depending on the version.[17][18][19][15]

The EQE SUV was unveiled on 16 October 2022.[20]

EQG edit

 
Mercedes-Benz EQG

Mercedes-Benz has indicated a preview of EQG, the G-Class concept car with pure electric drive, at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich.[21] Externally, EQG does not look any different from G-Class models with internal combustion engines unlike the EQ models that have unique front design and dedicated platforms. EQG is the conversion of G-Class with dual electric motors and 108 kWH battery packs. The model names are EQG 560 4MATIC and EQG 580 4MATIC.[22] The anticipated sales launch is 2024.

EQT edit

 
Mercedes-Benz EQT

The EQT was revealed on 2 December 2022. It is the electric version of the T-Class van, a rebadged Renault Kangoo, and features a 45 kWh battery paired with an electric traction motor that produces 122 hp (91 kW) and 180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m) of torque.[23] The EQT drivetrain is identical to that of the contemporary Kangoo E-Tech.[24]

Others edit

Another unannounced SUV will complete the ten all-electric EQ line-up.[25]

Smart EQ edit

 
Smart EQ Fortwo

In March 2018, the three all-electric Smart models were rebranded to use the EQ brand, Smart EQ Fortwo, Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio and the Smart EQ Forfour.[25]

EQ hybrids edit

In addition to the EQ models, the EQ brand will be extended to the EQ Boost name being given to Mercedes-Benz models using the 48 volt mild hybrid system, while the third-generation of plug-in hybrids due from the end of 2018 will wear EQ Power badges.[25] The new system mates a nine-speed automatic with the electric motor and clutch in the same unit, promising both considerably longer range in electric mode (up to 49 km) and a slightly faster 140 km/h (87 mph) top speed.[26]

EQ Silver Arrow Concept edit

 
Mercedes Benz EQ Silver Arrow

The EQ Silver Arrow was unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt in 2019, intended as a futuristic electric racing vehicle concept with an intended top speed of over 400 km/h (249 mph). It features a unique body style reminiscent of the 1950s and 1960s era Mercedes sports coupes and features a single center seat with a front visor for the driver. It also features a front fender LED panel that displays motion lighting.

Vision EQXX edit

 
Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX

Mercedes-Benz plans to go the full-electric route by 2030 and will soon present a concept car to demonstrate its leadership and capabilities when it comes to electric-vehicle technology. Their goal with the EQXX is a range of 1,000 km (621 mi) and part of that is achieved by the slippery body with a drag coefficient of Cd=0.17.[27]

The automaker has already provided glimpses of the concept, known as the Vision EQXX, and in November its R&D chief, Markus Schaefer, confirmed via a LinkedIn post that the reveal will take place on 3 January 2022. The car will highlight the automaker's stand at the Consumer Electronics Show, which kicks off in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 5 January.[28]

Trademark dispute edit

In March 2017, Chinese automaker Chery filed a complaint with the Trademark Office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce in China regarding the use of 'EQ', as Chery was using the name 'eQ' for an electric version of its QQ3 city car since 2015.[29] The dispute was resolved in July 2017, with Chery retaining the rights to use 'eQ' with numerical models and Mercedes-Benz to use 'EQ' with alphabetical models.[30]

In May 2018, Mercedes-Benz trademarked the terms EQA, EQB, EQE, EQG, and EQS.[31][22]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Hall, Emme (29 September 2016). "Mercedes-Benz jump starts new EQ brand with Generation EQ concept". CNet. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  2. ^ a b Behrmann, Elizabeth (29 March 2017). "Mercedes hastens electric-car shift as combustion era fades". Bloomberg. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Bubbers, Matt (8 November 2016). "For decades the future of electric vehicles has seemed a few years away". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  4. ^ Savov, Vlad (29 September 2016). "Mercedes launches EQ brand with electric SUV concept". The Verge. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  5. ^ a b "Daimler to invest 10 billion euros in electric vehicles - paper". Yahoo! News. Reuters. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  6. ^ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (31 October 2016). "Mercedes will launch 10 electric cars by 2025". The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  7. ^ a b c Blanco, Sebastian (21 August 2019). "Mercedes-Benz EQV Is an Electric Minivan with Premium Touches". Car and driver. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  8. ^ a b Westbrook, Justin T. (20 August 2019). "The 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQV Beats Tesla And Volkswagen To The Electric Van Game". Jalopnik. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  9. ^ Kable, Greg. "Mercedes-Benz EQA launch delayed to 2021". Autocar. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  10. ^ Kable, Greg (7 September 2017). "Mercedes EQ A electric hatchback previewed ahead of Frankfurt". Autocar. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  11. ^ Kable, Greg (19 September 2019). "New Mercedes GLB SUV to feature all-electric EQ B version". Autocar.
  12. ^ "Mercedes-Benz to launch ultra-luxurious EQ S electric saloon in 2020". Autocar.
  13. ^ "Mercedes EQ S to be flagship in £9bn electric model blitz". Autocar.
  14. ^ "Mercedes EQS hat cW-Wert von 0,20: Neuer Weltrekord".
  15. ^ a b Hawkins, Andrew J. (6 October 2020). "Mercedes-Benz teases new EQS and EQE luxury electric vehicles". The Verge. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  16. ^ "2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV revealed, confirmed for Oz". CarExpert. 19 April 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  17. ^ "Mercedes to launch EQ saloon instead of electric C-Class". Autocar.
  18. ^ "Mercedes-Benz to launch EQE electric saloon in 2022 | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk.
  19. ^ Spy pics and some details about new EQE, More details are disclosed about EQE on AutoYa.Info
  20. ^ "Mercedes To Unveil The 2023 EQE Electric SUV On October 16". Carscoops. 27 September 2022.
  21. ^ Jordan, Markus (18 July 2021). "Mercedes-Benz zeigt auf der IAA Ausblick auf Elektro G EQG". Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog (in German).
  22. ^ a b Oliva, Jacob (1 April 2021). "Mercedes EQG Trademarks Remind Us Electric G-Class Is Coming". Motor1.
  23. ^ DeMattia, Nico (3 December 2022). "What a QT: New Mercedes EQT Is the Small Electric Van We Need in the US". The Drive. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  24. ^ Nedelea, Andrei (6 December 2022). "2023 Mercedes EQT Is An Electric Minivan With 175-Mile Range". Inside EVs. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  25. ^ a b c "Mercedes to launch 10 all-electric models by 2022". Auto Express.
  26. ^ "Mercedes pulls PHEVs from production to make way for third-gen tech". Autocar.
  27. ^ Lee, Jonathan (4 January 2022). "Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX revealed – highly efficient experimental prototype with over 1,000 km of range". paultan.org. Malaysia. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  28. ^ "Vision EQXX Electric Sedan | Future Vehicles" (Press release). US: Mercedes-Benz. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  29. ^ Spring, Jack (23 March 2017). "China's Chery files trademark complaint against Mercedes over green car brand". Reuters. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  30. ^ Pleskot, Kelly (17 July 2017). "Mercedes-Benz cleared to use EQ name for electric cars". Motor Trend. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  31. ^ Gilboy, James (16 May 2018). "Daimler Files Tsunami of Trademarks in Advance of 'EQ' EV Debut". The Drive. Retrieved 20 September 2018.

External links edit