Mercedes to reveal EQ hatchback concept at Frankfurt

According to a report from Autocar, the newly established EQ electric car sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz will introduce the EQ hatchback concept at 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show in September. This five-door concept will be a preview of a production model for the Mercedes EQ A which is expected to go on sale in 2020 along with other electric-powered models.
 

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The Mercedes EQ hatchback concept is built to directly compete with the BMW i3 and an forthcoming production version of the Volkswagen I.D. It is among 10 new EVs that Mercedes-Benz plans to unveil before 2025 in an £8.6 billion programme. With the lauch of the EQ A hatchback, Mercedes wants to show its ambition of becoming an electric car leader within the next decade.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz’s new  Modular Electric Architecture (MEA) platform, the EQ A hatchback will possess the similar silhouette as the EQ C with a defined bonnet line at the front, a traditional glasshouse housing a five-seat cabin and a hatchback-style tailgate at the rear. Moreover, the new hatchback will get the same black panel grille treatment and surfacing treatment as the EQ C.
 

Though information about the powertrain hasn’t been revealed, it is likely that the EQ A will receive a single front-mounted electric engine (the front-wheel drive). Furthermore, according to some speculations, the high-performance version will be offered with a second electric motor mounted within the rear axle assembly and providing four-wheel drive capability like on the EQ C.

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While the EQ C will be produced in Bremen, Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed where the EQ A will be manufactured. However, it will likely be built on a special line at the brand’s original compact car plant in Rastatt, Germany. 
 

2017 Mercedes EQ Hatchback Concept