Mercedes-Benz will axe its ‘EQ’ brand for its next-generation electric cars, due in late 2024, a report has suggested.
Citing company insiders, German trade newspaper Handelsblatt reported that the branding will become redundant as Mercedes’ line-up becomes increasingly dominated by electric models.
The manufacturer previously committed to offering an electric equivalent of each of its models by 2025.
Already, the firm has seven pure-electric model lines on sale: EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, EQS SUV, EQC, EQA and EQB. Over the next two years, it will launch an electric version of the rugged G-Class 4×4 and a long-range compact saloon based on the EQXX concept, taking its EV range to roughly the same magnitude as its long-established combustion car line-up.
The ‘EQ’ name is presently used on mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
For the former, Mercedes-Benz uses ‘EQ Boost’ identification, denoting electric motor assistance for the internal combustion engine.
Plug-in hybrid models wear ‘EQ Power’ badges, indicating direct drive from the electric motor.
Mercedes is expected to phase out combustion engines in most markets from 2030. The recently launched C-Class is likely to stay on sale until around 2028, there is a new combustion-powered E-Class due to launch in 2023, and the pair’s respective SUV siblings – the GLC and GLE – will also return with combustion power for another generation.
Mercedes-Benz told Autocar: It is still important to us to underpin our strategic pillar “Lead in Electric” with the brand “Mercedes-EQ”. With the EQ models, we address customers who feel particularly addressed by progressiveness and innovative strength in the field of e-mobility. With the aim of becoming fully electric from our parent brand Mercedes-Benz by the end of the decade, we will adapt the positioning of the vehicles and thus also the use of the brand in a contemporary way, but it is still too early for details.”
Additional reporting by Greg Kable