Mercedes confirms new electric SUV model EQB

Daimler executives have confirmed new models at the auto shows in New York and Shanghai. Mercedes-Benz will launch the new compact SUV GLB in 2021 and turn it into a fully electric car called EQB at the same time. The carmaker also presented a special edition of its EQC EV.

Both Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche and Board member Britta Seeger in charge of Mercedes-Benz sales now confirmed the EQB schedule for 2021, US media reports. Pictures posted two weeks ago had already suggested the electrification of the compact SUV GLB that is the base for the EQB. Stickers on the windshield of the test mule reading “electric” gave away as much.

Mercedes-Benz also unveiled a limited EQC edition at the New York International Auto Show. The EQC Edition 1886 comes in a unique trim that mostly concerns lux upgrades to the interior and exterior. The electric Mercedes will soon be available in Western Europe, although “soon” is relative.

The standard EQC, which Mercedes says has sold out before it is even on the market, will not be seen until the end of this year. While Daimler set deliveries to begin this June, only “a few VIP customers” will receive the car. All others may wait as dealers will not receive quantities of the electric SUV until “November at the earliest” reportedly. The electric vehicle will cost consumers 70,000 euros at the least.

For production, Mercedes has designated the plant in Bremen, where they also make the C-Class and the GLC. Besides, the joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. (BBAC) is preparing for the start of EQC production in China with on-sale slated for this year as well (we reported). Future EV manufacturing will include Rastatt and Sindelfingen in Germany and the Tuscaloosa site in the US.

By 2022, Mercedes plans to offer more than ten all-electric models across multiple vehicle segments and calculates that electric cars will account for 15% to 25% of revenue by 2025.

autoblog.com, reuters.com, daimler.com (special edition EQC)