Mercedes-Benz has been synonymous with luxury and class for over 95 years. Now, the auto company is racing to catch up with the electrification of its lineup. With the ongoing legislation aimed at increasing EVs in the American market and the rising popularity of EVs, Mercedes-Benz is scrambling to catch up with the competition.

The Mercedes EQC was first introduced in 2019 as the first Mercedes-Benz EV. Since then, the company has incorporated subsequent EQ models such as the EQB, EQA, EQV, and EQG. Let’s take a look at how Mercedes-Benz is preparing to take on the competition with their newest EV offerings.

Is Mercedes losing in the EV race?

This iconic luxury brand appears to be losing in the EV race. According to 2021 end-of-year sales figures, it currently ranks fourth in the luxury segment behind Tesla, BMW, and Lexus. One of the best things Mercedes-Benz can do right now is go all-electric, which is exactly what they intend to do. In 2025, Mercedes-Benz will launch three all-electric architectures and plans to be all-electric by the end of the decade.

One company that is well above the curve at the moment is Hyundai. Despite the challenging sales market it faces, which includes the current chip shortage, Hyundai is quickly becoming a global leader in the EV market. Hyundai is planning to invest $79.21 billion in EVs through 2030. Mercedes-Benz will also be investing heavily in its EV lineup in the upcoming years with the addition of eight cell factories worldwide that can produce 200-gigawatt hours a year by the end of the decade.

What is the Mercedes-EQ?

The Mercedes-EQ is the first step toward being all-electric within the decade. It is the moniker for the electric Mercedes lineup, with the EQ standing for “Electric Intelligence.” 

The EQ series includes the EQS, EQB, EQA, EQV, EQC, and EQG. Each EQ model is based on other models. The EQG is based on the G-Class models with internal combustion engines. The EQC is based on the X253 GLC-Class platform. The EQV is based on the W447 V-Class platform. The EQA is based on the H247 GLA-Class platform. The EQB is based on the X247 GLB-Class platform. Lastly, the EQS is the first EQ model based on the dedicated Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA) platform.

The recently released 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV

According to the Dupont Registry, the Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV will be arriving in dealerships summer of 2022. In the U.S., the 2022 EQB 300 4MATIC will start at $54,500, and the EQB 350 4MATIC will start at $58,050. The 350 model offers AWD and 288 hp with 383 lb-ft of torque. The 66.5 kWh battery delivers a range of 297 miles. 

Mercedes-Benz plans to offer a front-wheel-drive model and a model with an extended-range battery in the future. As for the warranty, Mercedes provides a limited warranty covering 4 years or 50,000 miles, a powertrain warranty covering 4 years or 50,000 miles, and hybrid components covering 8 years or 100,000 miles.

For fans of the brand, fear not. Mercedes-Benz isn’t going away any time soon. Gasoline-powered cars will continue to be a part of the market for many years. The reputation that Mercedes-Benz has cultivated over the past 95 years isn’t going to fade into obscurity overnight. 

However, Mercedes-Benz risks becoming another once-prestigious brand clinging to its former glory if it does not significantly improve its EV game in the near future. The Mercedes-EQ series is a step in the right direction for Mercedes-Benz.