Mercedes to launch EQ saloon instead of electric C-Class

The Mercedes C-Class won't feature a full electric powertrain

Facelifted C-Class will get mild hybrid powertrains, but full battery versions are being saved for new EQ range

The Mercedes C-Class will not go electric in the future, with the firm instead launching a similar-sized, zero-emission model as part of its EQ range.

An EQ compact saloon will add to the already confirmed line-up of the EQ A hatchback and EQ C SUV. C-Class chief engineer Christian Freuh said that the electric saloon would have a different design to the C-Class. 

2018 New York Motor Show: full coverage

Mercedes officials told Autocar last year that it was also planning a similar strategy for a large electric saloon, with an EQ model instead of a zero-emission S-Class.

Overall, Mercedes has revealed it will launch ten new electric models by 2025. They will all share the same platform – the Modular Electric Architecture (MRA). Like most electric cars it features a ‘skateboard’ chassis, which offers benefits for packing, particularly for interior space.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe and cabriolet land in New York

Due on sale by 2022, the electric saloon won’t be called the EQ C, since that designation is already being used by its planned electric SUV. 

Mercedes is instead focusing on offering hybrids in its C-Class.

The revised model features both diesel and petrol plug-in hybrids, plus a  mild-hybrid variant which uses 48v and a belt-driven starter generator. 

This is different to the mild hybrid system recently launched on the new CLS, which uses 48v and an integrated starter generator. The latter is a more expensive system, so lower-end models such as the C-Class and A-Class get the belt-driven option.

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