What is Mercedes EQ?

It’s mainly for fully electric cars, and Mercedes has a wide range of EQ-badged cars from A to V. The EQ lineup sits alongside more traditionally named fuel-powered models, although recent electric Mercedes models have begun to adopt familiar names – implying that the EQ name is being sidelined.

EQ means ‘electric intelligence’, according to Mercedes – so it could represent ‘electric IQ’. The EQ cars were named as such so they didn’t get confused with existing models, and to mark them out as futuristic. Some plug-in-hybrid models, such as the A-Class, have ‘EQ Power’ badges to show that they’re partly electric.

Mercedes EQ features

Mercedes EQ cars are a showcase for the brand’s powertrain and connectivity tech. This is to highlight how futuristic they are, but also to offset the high initial purchase prices versus petrol equivalents.

In terms of electric driving, Mercedes EQ cars typically feature intelligent navigation that includes the best and fastest charging stops on a long journey. There’s also the Plug & Charge function that aims to bundle all public charging apps and cards into one place to make it easier to access each different charging network.

Mercedes EQ cars are often quiet and refined, thanks to increased sound deadening. High-end models also include features such as air suspension, four-wheel steering and a ‘Hyperscreen’ touchscreen that spans the entire dashboard.

Mercedes EQ models

Mercedes’ fully electric EQ models span a wide range of segments:

• Mercedes EQA – a small SUV based on the GLA
• Mercedes EQB – based on the GLB, the EQB is one of only a few seven-seat electric cars
• Mercedes EQC – Mercedes’ first electric model was a luxurious and large SUV
• Mercedes EQE – a four-door saloon that’s broadly equivalent to the Mercedes E-Class, with slippery styling that hasn’t been completely well received
• Mercedes EQE SUV – a five-seat SUV that sits alongside the Mercedes GLE, and shows the flaws with Mercedes’ EQ naming system
• Mercedes EQS – a luxury five-door saloon that unfortunately looks exactly the same as the cheaper EQE
• Mercedes EQS SUV – the flagship model with the highest price tag and most technology. There’s even a Maybach version that’s ultra-luxurious
• Mercedes EQV – an electric version of the V-Class luxury people mover

What is Mercedes EQ Technology?

On some recent Mercedes electric models, the EQ moniker has taken a back seat. The electric G-Class, for example, is officially called the Mercedes G-Class with EQ Technology. You’ll agree that’s quite a mouthful. It seems that Mercedes is now simply using the ‘Electric’ label to differentiate its EVs from its petrol and diesel models.

Are there Mercedes EQ performance cars?

Yes, there are some AMG-badged Mercedes EQ performance cars. The Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 (available in both saloon and SUV body styles) packs over 600hp, plus a host of enhancements. These include AMG-specific battery management software, adaptive and adjustable suspension damping, and an AMG Sound Experience that pipes in fake engine noise.

Essentially replacing both the EQE and EQS AMG models is the new AMG GT 4-door (another catchy name). Two versions are available and even the ‘lesser’ one has 816hp. The top-of-the-range ‘63’ version ups that to 1,169hp (along with 2,000Nm of torque) for a scarcely believable 0-62mph time of just 2.4 seconds. Both will go over 400 miles between charges if driven gently.

Don’t fret if you can’t afford the GT 4-door’s six-figure price tag, because the new electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 offers a 3-second 0-62mph sprint for much less money.

Mercedes EQ range figures

Is Mercedes discontinuing EQ?

As electric cars are becoming more commonplace and more normal, it seems that Mercedes is reverting back to using its familiar ‘Class’ names rather than using separate EQ badges. The EQ cars aren’t fully discontinued yet, but new releases are generally being called things like ‘C-Class Electric’ rather than ‘EQC saloon’ as you might expect from its previous models.

Which Mercedes EQ model is the best?

For Mercedes’ EQ models, the more you spend, the better car you get. The EQA feels quite compromised, with less space than its nearest rivals. But the EQS is truly opulent and capable of going the distance, only it costs a lot of money and is rare. The EQB is probably our favourite Mercedes EQ model, as its option of seven seats (or a bigger boot) makes it a much more family-friendly car than the EQA.

Shop used Mercedes electric cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our guide to Mercedes’ SUV and car range.