Mercedes-Benz developing a new design language for its lineup of electric vehicles

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up for major changes in its electric car lineup, with plans to shift away from the streamlined design and naming conventions that have characterized its current models. Christoph Starzynski, the company’s vice president of engineering, acknowledged that feedback about the polarizing design of models like the EQE and EQS has been taken seriously and will play a key role in shaping future electric vehicles (EVs) from the brand.

The recently revealed Concept CLA, for example, signals a departure from the unconventional design language of the current EQ-branded models, featuring more conventional-looking proportions in response to customer preferences.

Notably, as the brand continues its shift toward electric mobility, it is reconsidering the use of the EQ prefix in naming its EVs. While the EQ name will continue to be used, it will not be applied to every future electric model. Starzynski hinted that the upcoming electric version of the G-Class, scheduled for release in the coming years, may be the first Mercedes-Benz EV model of the 2020s not to carry the EQ label, a surprising departure from the convention established by the EQG concept unveiled in 2021.

In addition to its impact on design and nomenclature, the Concept CLA will introduce a new modular platform known as MMA for Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicles, while also incorporating insights from the development and testing of the Vision EQXX concept.

These significant shifts in the design, naming, and technology of Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicles are poised to broaden the appeal of the brand’s EV lineup and pave the way for the future of electric mobility at the prestigious automotive manufacturer. This demonstrates the brand’s commitment to evolving its electric vehicle offerings in response to customer feedback and emerging advancements in electric drivetrain technology.