AMG treatment for upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQ electric models
Mercedes-Benz’s electrified models are about to get exciting in an AMG way.
The German luxury giant has begun registering AMG-inspired names for its upcoming family of EQ models, which will include battery electric EQ models and plug-in hybrid EQ Power models.
Mercedes-Benz recently trademarked EQE43, EQE53 and EQE63 overseas, the numbers mimicking the step between the performance models of the E-Class that will be a similar size to the upcoming EQE (the names haven’t been registered in Australia yet).
No word yet on what might be beneath the skin of the yet-to-be-revealed EQE AMG models, although clearly electricity is the focus.
EQ models such as the EQC that’s already on sale and upcoming EQS limousine are battery electric vehicles running purely on electricity.
As with the current E63 AMG – the most powerful version of the E-Class, complete with a twin-turbo V8 – the EQE63 would naturally be the fastest, most brutal model of a planned EQE family.
Given AMG has said it plans to work its high-performance magic on electric models, it’s also a fair bet the Affalterbach branding will make it onto the top-tier electric models.
And what a family that EQE could spawn. In Australia Mercedes-Benz has reserved the names EQE350, EQE400, EQE420, EQE450, EQE500 and EQE600.
As with petrol-fuelled Benzes, the bigger the number, the more power.
Clearly not all those designations will be used. Mercedes-Benz is likely covering its bases to ensure the appropriate number can be aligned to the marketing strategy of a car that will bring an electrified twist to the heartland of the brand.
Other planned EQ models – there are many, including EQA, EQB and the EQE and EQS – also look set to have multiple drivetrain options, with Benz registering various alpha-numeric combinations.
Mercedes-Benz is also readying an electric version of its iconic G-Wagen off-roader, the boxy go-anywhere machine that was first produced in 1979 and retains much of that original car’s character and basic design.
It may not be the only off-road electric Mercedes-Benz. In October the company hinted at a more capable version of its EQC with the radical EQC 4×4² concept.
Manufacturers have been talking up electric motors as helping make four-wheel drives more capable.
The brand will also ramp up its plug-in hybrid offerings and give them more range, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz 580e able to travel 100km on a charge before reverting to a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine.
