Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ kicks starts the EV transformation from the German luxury brand; renders preview of a whole new design language
The EV rivalry has been into utmost competitiveness in recent times with Tesla having several advantages by being a fully-grown electric vehicle maker over the traditional brands. The stringent emission norms in Europe, America and Asia have forced auto giants to slowly opt for electrification as the transitional phase is well underway.
Mercedes-Benz has been showcasing a new EV concept at the ongoing 2018 Indian Auto Expo which would definitely act as a precursor for things to come. The EQ brand is an example for how Mercedes will deal with its future of mobility. And most importantly, the design direction it will carry towards creating a sustainable ecosystem in the long term.
Also Read: 2018 Auto Expo Live Coverage And Articles
The ‘Concept EQ’ a close-to-production way of how its electric cars will be and gives a preview of how the luxury EV segment would eventually evolve. EQ stands for Electric Intelligence and it has been present across the world in different concept avatars for well over a year now. At the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the first-ever EQ model giving rise to the production EQ C SUV next year with an electric driving range of 500 km on a single charge.
It earlier trademarked EQ E and EQ S names suggesting regular series of models from the EQ line. It is tipped that the EQ A will play an integral part in Mercedes’ vision of becoming EV segment leader within 2030. It is said to be priced at around £35,000 (approx. Rs. 30 lakh) globally and is a compact hatchback arriving by the end of this decade as Mercedes appears to have clear ambitions ahead in terms of electric mobility solutions.
The second EQ vehicle will target ride sharing fleet as well to appeal for greater audience. The entry-level compact hatchback witnesses a massive investment of £8.6 billion and is believed to rival against the likes of BMW i3 and the Volkswagen ID. It will be one of the ten vehicles on course for launch before 2025.
The EQ A is built on the MEA (Modular Electric Architecture) platform and will take design inspirations from the EQ C. The powertrain will be cheaper and easily accessible with fixed ratio gearbox sending power to the front axle via an electric motor mounted up front. Providing a 4WD system is another motor mounted at the rear with additional performance and range. The EQ branded electric vehicles will enter Indian market down the line.
Mercedes-Benz EQ Concept Images From 2018 Auto Expo
