Keep in mind the Mercedes-Benz EQC? It’s the German luxurious automaker’s first-ever electrical SUV and in addition the primary mannequin to bear the “EQ” moniker that’s now slapped on the again of automobiles just like the EQE and EQS, each in sedan and SUV kind.
Or somewhat, it was, as a result of the EQC has been lifeless for a 12 months and we solely discovered now because of a report from our sister web site, Motor1. As per Jan Weber, Worldwide EQ-Product Communications at Mercedes-Benz, the EQC was discontinued within the second quarter of 2023 as deliberate.
No one bothered to inform the world when that occurred, nevertheless.
The way forward for EVs at Mercedes-Benz
Though its first mass-produced electrical crossover is not amongst us, Mercedes-Benz has a stable lineup of future EVs deliberate. A brand new technology EQC sedan is about for subsequent 12 months, adopted by a few crossovers, a wagon and a child G-Class powered by electrons.
The automotive’s quick lifespan was briefly underneath the highlight when a July 2022 report from the German version of Enterprise Insider talked about the EQC’s scheduled discontinuation in Could 2023, however that was just about the top of the story.
When you’re questioning why that is the primary time you’re studying about this automotive, relaxation assured, you’re not the primary one. The Mercedes-Benz EQC by no means made it to america and was as an alternative restricted primarily to Europe and China—the place it was removed from a best-seller. In line with gross sales figures from GoodCarBadCar, the EQC offered just a bit over 51,000 items in Europe from 2019 to 2022, whereas in China it did even worse with fewer than 14,000 items in the identical interval.
Primarily based on the identical platform because the combustion-powered GLC, the EQC was powered by a 402-horsepower dual-motor setup that drew juice from an 80-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Though it was by no means offered within the U.S., Mercedes-Benz wished to, at the very least initially, so the EQC received an EPA vary ranking of 220 miles, whereas the WLTP determine stood at 259 miles on a full cost.
The EV was delayed for over a 12 months and ultimately, the German automaker determined in opposition to bringing it stateside, “following a complete evaluate of market developments.” In different phrases, they thought it wouldn’t promote.
8 Pictures
With all being stated, nevertheless, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is about to return as an all-electric sedan primarily based on the newly developed MMA platform which may additionally assist combustion powertrains. The title isn’t but official, however spy photographs of prototypes recommend the upcoming electrical sedan shall be roughly the identical measurement as a BMW 3 Sequence and Audi A4.
Set to debut subsequent 12 months, the next-gen EQC would be the first of 4 preliminary EVs on the MMA structure, with the others being a pair of crossovers and a wagon that might change the present GLA, GLB and CLA Taking pictures Brake.
In the meantime, reeling from the unpopularity of its EQ fashions, Mercedes is rethinking its EV plans general, investing in additional inner combustion engines and delaying different electrical platform investments.