The EQC, one of Mercedes’ early global electric vehicles, never made it to the United States. Initially delayed, the crossover was set to arrive in 2021 but was ultimately not introduced to the US market “after a comprehensive review of market developments.” The model has now been discontinued worldwide.
Jan Weber from Mercedes’ International EQ-Product Communications confirmed in an email to Motor1 that the EQC was discontinued in the second quarter of 2023. The last electric crossover was assembled more than a year ago. In July 2022, Business Insider reported on the EQC’s end scheduled for May 2023, but Mercedes never made an official announcement. This confirmation comes over a year later.
Concept CLA-Class
Despite the EQC’s discontinuation, the nameplate is expected to return as a different EV, targeting the Tesla Model 3 with lessons from the Vision EQXX concept. This new model will be similar in size to a CLA or C-Class Sedan and will use the Modular Mercedes Architecture (MMA). Unlike the old EQC, MMA won’t be a dedicated electric platform but will primarily serve EV applications, with some concessions for ICE cars.
Christoph Starzynski, Mercedes-Benz vice president of development for electric drive, mentioned in 2022 that the architecture would mainly serve EVs with some compromises for ICE cars. This approach contrasts with the “Best or Nothing” slogan.
The new EQC (name not confirmed) will move away from the criticized bulbous shape of current EQ cars. For an idea of its design, look at the Concept CLA-Class. Some of the Vision EQXX’s aerodynamic features are expected to be included. The concept CLA had a range of 466 miles in the WLTP cycle, but the EPA figure would likely be lower. Cheaper versions are expected to use lithium-ion phosphate batteries, while more expensive ones will use silicon-oxide anodes for higher energy density. The concept likely had a usable capacity of around 89.6 kWh based on its range and energy consumption.
The EQC will compete with a 3 Series Sedan-like EV launching in 2026, built on a dedicated electric platform. Future competitors include an Audi A4 EV on a bespoke electric platform.
The Mercedes sedan will be one of four initial models on the MMA platform, along with a pair of crossovers and a wagon. These new models will likely replace the current GLA, GLB, and CLA Shooting Brake. A fully electric “Little G” is also planned to fit below the iconic G-Class, which will also have an electric version.
