Mercedes-Benz to drop EQ naming; return V8 & V12

MERCEDES-BENZ is reportedly set to reverse course on its separate EV line-up and ‘EQ’ naming designation at the same time it is said to be reconsidering the return of V8- and V12-powered models.

According to a report published by Automotive News Europe this week, Mercedes-Benz will offer both battery electric and internal combustion powered models across its line-up in a reversal of a strategy that led to a separate nomenclature for battery electric models.

‘EQ’ will no longer be the main designation for electrified models, instead an “EQ Technology” featuring on battery electric models and “EQ Hybrid Technology” on plug-in hybrids.

“We are strengthening our traditional class logic and will no longer use ‘EQ’ in model nomenclature for new vehicles,” a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told the publication.

The news comes at the same time as the German luxury car manufacturer looks to re-introduce V8 and V12 internal combustion power to its AMG portfolio.

In a recent financial report, Mercedes-Benz hinted at the development of a next-generation electrified V8 powerplant, possibly for arrival as early as 2026.

The announcement comes as slowing uptake of battery electric vehicles influences boardroom decisions at OEMs including joining Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Cupra, Ford, Porsche, Smart, and others.

In the case of Mercedes-AMG, the decision may have also been spurred by the lukewarm reception to its four-cylinder hybrid-powered C 63, a vehicle traditionally powered by a large capacity V8 petrol.

In its move to “outgrow the performance market”, Mercedes-AMG said it will also look at continuing production of its 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine in selected markets as part of a plan to deliver a “full range of future-proof (Euro 7 compliant) ready engines and transmissions”.

Last year, Mercedes-Benz announced it would wind back its decision to have 50 per cent of its global vehicle sales as fully electric by 2025, now aiming toward the end of the decade.

As such, it will continue to manufacture both current and new internal combustion engine powered models for the foreseeable future, potentially reneging on plans to be “fully electric by 2030”.

In 2021, Mercedes-Benz said it would invest more than €40 billion ($A66.4b) between 2022 and 2030 to develop a battery electric range, stating that all new vehicles would be electric from 2025.

Speaking at the time, Mercedes-Benz chief executive Ola Källenius told Reuters, “We really want to go for it and be dominantly, if not all electric, by the end of the decade”.

“We need to move the debate away from when you build the last combustion engine because it's not relevant. The question is how quickly can you scale up to being close to 100 percent electric and that's what we're focusing on,” he said.

With Automotive News