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OPINION:
WHY MERCEDES IS REPLACING THE EQ RANGE WITH GL RANGE DRAFTNEW

SmartGrandads Opinion - Is Mercedes Killing The EQ Range?

Yes, Mercedes-Benz is actively phasing out the standalone “EQ” brand and integrating its electric vehicles back into its traditional core model nomenclature, including the GL SUV lineup (GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS) and core sedan lines (C-Class, E-Class, S-Class).

Instead of maintaining distinct EV styling and separate “EQ” model names, Mercedes is shifting toward unified model lines that offer internal combustion (ICE), hybrid, and all-electric powertrains under the same badging.

1. Uturn In Naming & Branding Of Mercedes EVs

After, launching EVs with their own EQ brand and styling, Mercedes has at last, realised that the smooth shape and low standard 400v architecture is not good enough for their customers.

“EQ” Badge Dropped: Electric models will no longer carry standalone names like “EQS” or “EQE”. On price lists, electric variants are denoted with an “Electric” suffix or “with EQ Technology,” but the badging on the car itself will match standard numerical hierarchy (e.g., GLC 250, CLA 350 4MATIC).

Old Naming
Structure

New Integrated
Naming Structure

EQA / EQB

GLA / GLB (offered in Gas, Hybrid, and Electric trim
levels)

EQC

GLC Electric (or GLC with EQ Technology)

EQE SUV / EQS SUV

GLE / GLS (next-gen unified platforms)

EQE / EQS Sedans

E-Class / S-Class (electric variants integrated directly)

2. Key Architecture & Design Changes

Unified Platforms (MMA & MB.EA)

  • Early EQ models (like the EQS and EQE) sat on bespoke EV platforms (EVA2) with a distinct “egg” or “jellybean” aerodynamic shape.
  • Moving forward, Mercedes is using multi-powertrain architectures like MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) for compact/midsize SUVs/cars, allowing gas, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric drivetrains to share a structural foundation without sacrificing EV efficiency.

More Traditional, Upright Styling

  • Due to mixed customer reception of the hyper-aerodynamic “one-bow” EQ design language, future electric GL SUVs are returning to classic, muscular Mercedes SUV proportions—similar to the traditional GLC, GLE, and G-Class styling.

Next-Generation Battery & Drive Technology

  • 800-Volt Electrical Architecture: Shifting from 400V to 800V systems drastically lowers DC fast-charging times.
  • Silicon Carbide Inverters & Disconnect Units: New rear and front axle drive units feature silicon carbide power electronics and front-axle disconnect units (DCU) that automatically disengage the front motor during cruising to boost real-world efficiency.
  • MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System): Replaces older software architectures with faster processing, integrated AI assistants, and enhanced thermal management routines for high-speed charging.

SmartGrandad’s Final Thoughts

Why the Pivot?

  1. Brand Heritage: Mercedes found that core model designations (GLC, GLE, S-Class) hold massive brand equity compared to the newer “EQ” labels.
  2. Manufacturing Flexibility: Flexible platforms allow Mercedes to adjust the production ratio of gas, hybrid, and fully electric GL models on the same assembly lines based on regional market demand.

Its clear that the EQ range of 100% EVs had neither the technical competence or the design quality that Mercedes customers expected. 

With so many other high quality innovative 100% EVs on the market it was clear that the EQ range was a “flop”. Mercedes have listened to their customers and have now up’ed their game with the GL range. Time will tell if it is enough so that most of their traditional customers will think that they are getting enough Value For Money.  

Whats your view?

 Leave your thoughts on this or any other 100% EV topic below.

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