Paris Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz announces all-electric EQ division

Mercedes-Benz's new EQ platform is a scalable architecture that will produce the brand's future electric cars.

At the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz announced the launch of its dedicated electric car division for the future. Christened the ‘EQ’, the new sub-division will be exclusively building electric cars for the three-pointed star brand. First production version from the division is expected to be launched before 2020. The company also showcased a concept at the show, named Generation EQ, which previews an electric SUV Coupe.

As per Mercedes, the new EQ architecture is developed specifically for future battery-electric models of the brand. The platform will be scalable in every respect, which means every aspect from wheelbase to track width to all the other components including the batteries are variable. Mercedes also hints that this architecture is suitable for SUVs, saloons, coupés and other models. The vehicle architecture will use a mix of materials like steel, aluminium and carbon fibre in the manufacturing of new all-electric cars.

Coming to the Generation EQ concept, it features two electric motors on each axle sending drive permanently to all four wheels.  Mercedes claims the total system output stands at 420bhp while a peak torque of 700Nm is available! 0-100km/h should be done within 5 seconds. Mercedes says the car will be able to deliver a range of 500 kilometers.

On the inside, the concept model is even more futuristic. The driver focused cockpit gets touch-controls on the steering wheel and dashboard, while a large HD floating screen takes the centrestage. It will have a number of driver assistance systems including 3D real-time maps, etc.

Commenting on the launch of the new sub-division, Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said, "The mobility of the future at Mercedes-Benz will stand on four pillars: Connected, Autonomous, Shared und Electric. 'Generation EQ' is the logical fusion of all four pillars. The emission-free automobile is the future. And our new EQ brand goes far beyond electric vehicles. EQ stands for a comprehensive electric ecosystem of services, technologies and innovations."

Mercedes’ EQ division will compete against BMW’s 'i' and Audi’s e-Tron range of cars. And, of course, it will also have the current big shot of electric car industry, Tesla, in its crosshairs.

Also read: Paris Motor Show - BMW Concept X2 previews new crossover coupe