Paris Motor Show 2016: Mercedes-Benz Launches EQ Electric Sub-Brand

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its Sub brand for electric cars. It'll be called EQ. Audi has its e-trons and BMW has its i models, and now Mercedes-Benz follows suit.

By Carandbike Team

1 mins read

Published on September 29, 2016

Highlights

The EQ brand is to Mercedes-Benz, what the i brand is to BMW
Mercedes will be manufacturing its own lithium-ion batteries for EQ EVs
Mercedes aims to have 10 fully electric cars on road by 2025

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its Sub brand for electric cars. It'll be called EQ. Audi has its e-trons and BMW has its i models, and now Mercedes-Benz follows suit. We imagine a naming strategy similar to that of the SUVs (GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS), in which the first two letters here indicate electric propulsion, and the third denotes the model. For example the electric version of the A-Class could be the EQA while that of the S will be called the EQS. 2016 Generation EQ Concept Generation EQ is hot and cool," says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. "Its fascination lies in a reinterpretation of our design philosophy of sensual purity, the aim being to create an avant-garde, contemporary and distinctive electro-look. At the same time, the design of the visionary show car, which has been reduced to the essentials, reveals an alluring progressivity." 2016 Generation EQ Concept Rear Similar to the latest series-produced models from Mercedes-Benz, the vehicle architecture builds on an intelligent multi-material mix of steel, aluminium and carbon fibre. This ensures that the requirements in terms of lightweight design, strength and cost efficiency are ideally met. 2016 Generation EQ Concept Interior Much like the offerings from its compatriots, the Mercedes-Benz EQ Concept is no slouch with the company claiming a power output of 400hp and a driving range of up to 500 km on a single charge. The lithium-ion battery pack is mounted between the axles and have been designed between Daimler themselves. Despite its sheer size, Mercedes says the concept is capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in under 5 seconds. 2016 Generation EQ Concept Features With the increasing affinity towards SUVs globally, it isn't surprising as to why Mercedes-Benz opted for its first electric concept to be the same. Aesthetically, the concept looks suave and much part of the Mercedes family albeit with sharper lines. The main design feature distinguishing the future electric EQ models will be the Black Panel front grille that comes with a white-illuminated Mercedes star and integrates all the light elements under one surface. 2016 Generation EQ Concept Grille Now, the EQ Concept will kickstart a whole new division for Mercedes-Benz and it is believed that the first model to roll out of the EQ brand will be in the next three years. The company is aiming to have 10 fully electric cars by 2025, and will be contributing to 15-20 per cent of total sales. undefined With the interior being completely futuristic complete with individual seats, touchscreen system, headrest mounted speakers and much more. With Nokia now part of the Daimler Group, expect HERE maps to feature on the screens. For an exhaustive coverage of the Paris Motor Show, click here.