KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The EQ sub-brand will be phased out.
- Next-gen S-Class will retain combustion powertrains.
- Merc says it has already begun merging the ICE and EV divisions with the G 580 electric G-Wagen.
Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz had confirmed backing out on becoming an EV-only brand by 2030. We now have some more details on what the premium car maker plans to do. Before we go any further, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest news and updates!
Mercedes-Benz To Continue Developing Combustion-Engined Cars
Ola Kallenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz has said it will continue to develop bespoke architectures for combustion-powered vehicles and electric vehicles, so long as there is demand for both. The car maker says that it is the only way to offer models that do not compromise on space, performance, equipment levels, and technology.
Kallenius specifically picked out the S-Class as an example, stating that "if you dont believe that the market is 100% electric at that point, you have to have the choice for both." The explanation here is that if one tries to produce an ICE car on an EV platform, or vice versa, it results in compromises on various fronts, such as performance, space and interior packaging. Mercedes-Benz wants to make sure it meets the demands of an EV buyer, as well as an ICE buyer without compromises on any front, and developing separate architectures, it feels, is the way to go.
The CEO also admits that while the simultaneous development of two platforms will be costly, the car maker plans to do it in an 'intelligent' way. It says that anything that isn't a powertrain component will be made common between the ICE and the EV platforms.
Also read: Toyota Fortuner Signature Edition Launched At Rs 39.08 Lakh: What's Special?
Mercedes-Benz also said that the merging between its ICE and EV lineup has begun, with the electric G-Wagen badged as the G 580 and not an 'EQG.' The electric G is also confirmed to be launched here soon. However, while globally the EQ sub-brand is set to be phased out, many Merc EVs here are available under the EQ sub-brand, such as the EQA, EQB, and the EQS. Hence, it remains to be seen what the electric G-Wagen will be known as when it is launched here.
Having recently launched the new E-Class, the premium car maker confirmed plans to launch two more cars before the end of this year, one of which is likely the aforementioned electric G-Wagen, and we can expect teasers sometime soon.
Also read: Volkswagen Compact SUV Based On The Skoda Kylaq Coming In 2026!
Verdict
The idea of creating different ICE and EV platforms proves the fact that a car maker has to always listen to its customers, more so when demand for EVs has not been as rapid as everyone thought it would be. With the kind of expertise and talent that Mercedes-Benz holds, we won't be surprised if it actually manages to handle costs by component-sharing across ICE and EV platforms.
