A MAJOR car brand is set to scrap an entire range of EVs to bring back iconic names for their future models.
The lineup has only been in action for five years but has already been earmarked for retirement.
Mercedes’ venture into the electric world started back in 2018 with the release of the EQC.
Since then, the German giant has also debuted the EQS saloon, as well as two SUVS – the EQA and EQB.
As the names suggest all these models fall under the EQ umbrella.
But that umbrella is now set to close once and for all, with the company keen to hang on to some of its more beloved model names as it transitions to an all-electric marque.
Iconic model ranges like the E-Class and S-Class are set to survive the change as EQ will only be credited as the technical platform for EVs.
This will begin with the new electric G-Class, better known as the G-Wagon, which will be known as the “G580 with EQ technology”.
Going forward, it is expected that the electric version of each class will sit alongside petrol and diesel models of the same name.
These will also be joined by the AMG versions from Merc’s in-house high-performance brand.
A spokesperson for the company said: “EQ is the technical platform for the brand.
“EQ is the technical lead, future electric Mercedes-Benz won’t be EQ.
“As soon as you go fully electric you wouldn’t want to drop a brand like S-Class.”
However, they added that the brand was in no rush to go EV-only, with the legal deadline for doing so set back to 2035.
The spokesperson went on: “We’re not throwing away other opportunities with our state-of-the-art ICE platforms.
“We have the best-performing PHEV [hybrids] according to range, and we’re updating those again.”
It comes after a rival firm confirmed its triumphant return with a £17,000 EV just months after it was feared discontinued.
