Mercedes axes the EQ name, all-electric CLA, GLC and C-Class models in the works

Mercedes revealed its future plans in a rather lengthy press release. To some extent, Mercedes admits its mistakes with its all-electric EQ lineup and maintains its commitment to ICE models. That doesn't mean the EVs presence will be reduced, but there will be a different approach going forward.

Starting with the upcoming CLA, Mercedes is making the vehicle available in both BEV and ICE variants. They will share the same design, but customers will have the choice between different drivetrains. We are not entirely sure how Mercedes will achieve this, but a new multi-purpose platform might be involved.

The CLA is only the start of the company's "biggest product launch campaign." By 2027, we can expect dozens of new models, most of which, as we already mentioned, will be ICE cars.

The company also talks about using various battery technologies for its EVs to cut down on production costs and improve efficiency, as the current EV strategy doesn't seem to guarantee good margins.

Speaking of margins, Mercedes will focus more on top-end, luxury vehicles. So, instead of chasing volumes, the company will rely on a smaller number of luxury vehicles with sizeable profit margins.

In addition to the all-electric CLA variants, we will see GLC and C-Class BEV models. They will all arrive by the end of 2027.

No matter the drivetrain type, Mercedes will use its MB.OS infotainment system integrating the AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant. The company wants to compete with the best software solutions in the Chinese market. That's why it hopes to achieve Level 2++ point-to-point navigation through complex urban traffic in China and the US, with Europe to follow as soon as legislation hurdles are sorted out. The German automaker will also invest efforts into upping the speed limit of its Level 3 system, which is already available on some US and German highways. It aims to reach 130 km/h by the end of this decade.

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