EQ is Dead! Long Live the Electric Mercedes!

With the launch of the new electric C-Class, it appears Mercedes has finally put their EQ sub-brand to rest. Initially used on vehicle names (e.g., EQA, EQB, EQC...), and then relegated to a verbose suffix (e.g., "Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology"), the press release for the electric C doesn't contain "EQ" at all.

What Mercedes has told us is that the electric C is essentially an electric GLC with a lower and sleeker profile, less mass, better aero, and better performance and range. The relationship, not surprisingly, is identical to that of BMW's new iX3 and i3, down to the shared powertrains, software, and fancy Hyperscreen dashboard.How does it compare to its crosstown rival, the i3? It's a bit behind in range (762km WLTP, about 15% less) and DC charge speed (325km in 10min, about 18% less). Conversely, it's arguably a bit smarter, incorporating AI capabilities from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini into its MB.OS, while BMW has only integrated Amazon's Alexa+.

Design-wise, I personally would give the nod to the BMW. The electric C seems like a taller but smoother C-Class--not awful, but not an eye-catcher. The i3 has a fresher and more revolutionary look compared to the current 3 Series, and seems a bit more forward-looking. I haven't driven anything with the Panoramic iDrive, but I have sat behind the wheel, and it seems far less overwhelming that the broad swath of glass comprising the Mercedes' dashboard.

All these new Mercedes and BMW products are going to provide plenty of fodder for the automotive media to set up head-to-head comparison tests. It should make for some interesting reading this fall...

#mercedes #cclass #ev #electricvehicle #automotive #autoperspectives