Mercedes-Benz EQ electric car sub-brand expansion confirmed: Tesla-rivalling EQE sedan and SUV on the way alongside EQS SUV

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the next steps in the expansion of its emerging EQ sub-brand of all-electric vehicles (EVs), with six new models to be available soon.

The EQC mid-size SUV was the first EQ cab off the rank and was followed by the EQV people mover, and now the previously confirmed EQA small and EQB mid-size SUVs are due to enter production by the end of 2021. In fact, the former will do so later this year.

For reference, the EQC (GLC), EQV (V-Class), EQA (GLA), and EQB (GLB) all use modified versions of their related models’ platforms, which otherwise support internal-combustion engines.

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However, it’s Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA) for larger models that will be used for the eagerly anticipated EQS upper-large sedan, which will provide up to 700km of WLTP driving range.

Set to debut in 2021, the new platform will also underpin the now-confirmed EQE large sedan. However, SUV versions of it and the EQS are also currently under development. These models will therefore be aligned with the E-Class, S-Class, GLE and GLS respectively.

Critically, the EQE sedan and SUV will directly go toe to toe with Tesla’s Model S and Model X when they launch, with the former to do so in 2022 alongside the EQS SUV, which points towards a 2023 date for the latter.

Due to the variability of EVA, it supports various wheelbase lengths and track widths as well as battery configurations, arguably one of the most important parts of an EV.

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That said, there will be a degree of familiarity, with these four models to still feature Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge MBUX multimedia system and an extensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems.

Mercedes-Benz also told investors overnight a second purpose-built EV platform, dubbed MMA, is also on the way, with it designed for small and mid-size vehicles. It’s not yet known which models it will underpin, but the first one is set to go into production in 2025.

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Meanwhile, the company confirmed will create another sub-brand, with the latest one to be spun off the iconic – and in-demand – G-Wagen off-roader, but aside from electrification playing a part, full details on it remain a mystery.

Two of Mercedes-Benz’s other sub-brands, AMG and Maybach, will also go electric, with the former to begin its transition next year, while the latter’s line-up will double in size.