It seems that Mercedes’ future range of Tesla-battling pure electric vehicles will be branded ‘EQ’.
According to AutoExpress, the German automaker has already registered a series of EQ model names, with the sub-brand set to be even more detached from its parent company than BMW‘s i range is from the Bavarian car manufacturer.
Apparently, Mercedes have registered everything from EQA and EQB through EQX, as well as slogans such as “EQ inside”, “EQ boost” and “Generation MEQ” – all of which could be used in a future marketing strategy for EV models.
It is currently believed that the first EQ model to spring up will be the EQS, a high-end rival for the Tesla Model S that could be previewed as early as next year – with sales likely to start in 2019. It will use an all-new full-electric EVA platform (Electric Vehicle Architecture), which will allow Mercedes to roll out both smaller models as well as SUVs thanks to its scalability.
Future rivals for the MEQ sub-brand will be Jaguar’s coupe SUV EV, Porsche’s Mission E and perhaps two electric Audis in the form of the Q6 e-tron and the rumored full-electric version of the next-generation A8 saloon.
Note: Mercedes IAA Concept pictured
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