Mercedes Benz drops EQ naming prefix for next-gen EVs

When Mercedes-Benz entered its era of electrification, the German giant has used the EQ prefix to distinguish its fully electric models from its standard ICE vehicles.

But now that its EVs, plug-in and mild hybrids, as well as gas-powered vehicles will co-exist in the future, Mercedes-Benz has chosen its traditional model naming structures going forward.

According to a report by Autoexpress, Mercedes-Benz will roll back EQ branding for its electric vehicles once its first generation EVs come to the end of their model life cycles. This has been confirmed by Mercedes’ product manager Tobi Mantele.

The change has already been seen with the launch of the electric G-class. When it was unveiled at Auto China, it’s apparent that the EV version of the iconic SUV was not called the EQG. Instead, it was called the G580 with EQ Technology.

Mercedes-Benz believes this would cause less confusion for its long-time customers. In the case of the G-class, the electric version would simply be known as a variant that sits alongside the gas, diesel, and high-performance AMG variants in one range.

It’s also another indicator that Mercedes has pulled back on going full electric, as they have promised to keep developing ICE models along with its plug-in and 48-volt mild hybrids.

“We’re not throwing away other opportunities with our state-of-the-art ICE platforms. We have the best-performing PHEV according to range, and we’re updating those again,” said Mercedes product manager Tobi Mantele.

Source: Autoexpress