Our latest glimpse into Mercedes’ new EQ brand
Mercedes debuted an electric SUV at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and it was billed as a close-to-production concept with a range of 300 miles. Now, we’re finally catching a glimpse of this model in the wild.
Our spy photographers captured an evolved version of the SUV out testing in the wild. We can’t help but think it looks quite different from the radically-styled Generation EQ concept we saw in Paris, although there’s a lot that could be hidden under all that heavy camouflage. Although the front end looks quite different, the model shares the concept’s sloped roofline that tapers off into a small rear window. It’s possible the prototype has a similar taillight design, too.
When it heads to production, the model could be badged as the EQ C, which would help give buyers an idea of the model hierarchy as it correlates to the already established Mercedes-Benz naming scheme. It will be the first model released under the Mercedes EQ brand for electric vehicles. Eventually, this brand will cover all vehicle segments spanning from compacts to the very top of the luxury vehicle spectrum. An EQ A hatchback could be next after the crossover.
The EQ C is expected to battle the Tesla Model X, which tops out at 295 miles of range on a single charge. The Mercedes model will sit on an architecture designed specifically for battery-electric vehicles. Power will likely come from an electric motor on each axle delivering a total output of 400 hp or more.
The prospect of seeing the Generation EQ concept come to life is exciting, but it’s likely that this car is still pretty far out from prime time. Our sources say the model could be revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt auto show.
Check out the gallery below for a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz EQ C.
Photo source: CarPix