Mercedes is readying its first true all-electric salvo
When last we talked about Mercedes-Benz’s forthcoming EQ brand, we discussed the Generation EQ concept that debuted at last year’s Paris auto show. The concept signaled Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to introducing a fully electric lineup, and is said to preview a new crossover model called the EQ C. Now, ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz has teased its latest EV concept, the EQ A.
Like the Generation EQ shown last year, the EQ A concept appears to have the same basic architecture, with a long hood, flared fenders, and a gaping front grille, although the latter is harder to tell from the darkened teaser photo. But the new concept has sharper headlights that have been divided from the rest of the Mercedes-Benz’s grille, as well as the standard hexagonal Mercedes-Benz family grille design language.
The teaser also features real side mirrors, which were absent on the Generation EQ. Overall, the EQ A appears to be, at least from this darkened teaser, a more production-ready concept, with normal headlights, side mirrors, and grille. The Generation EQ concept was powered by an electric motor on each axle, with lithium-ion battery packs along the floor that gave the concept a theoretical range of about 310 miles.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the EQ sub-brand will become the backbone of the company’s EV lineup, with as many as four cars coming onto the scene before 2020. The technology will also likely be used in hybrid setups throughout the rest of Mercedes-Benz’s lineup, although the first hybrid we’ll see is the Formula 1-derived Project One, which won’t likely have any shared components due to its race history.
The Mercedes-Benz EQ A will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a couple weeks, so stay tuned.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
