Thankfully, US dealers were informed this week by the German luxury brand about plans to finally bring the EQC with the second generation of the zero-emissions crossover. However, Automotive News reports that won’t happen until 2025, so the company will be without an electric compact offering for a few years. It’s unclear whether the smaller EQA is earmarked for the US as the electric version of the GLA is still being considered for North America.

Why isn’t the current EQC coming to the US? According to Mercedes USA CEO, Dimitris Psillakis, it wasn’t the right model to inaugurate the EQ sub-brand of electric vehicles in the US. In an interview with Automotive News earlier this year, the head honcho said: “When you launch a new brand, you have to have the right products. We cannot come to the market with half-cooked plans.”

He went on to say launching the EQC during a COVID-impacted 2020 would’ve been a bad decision, which is why Mercedes USA is now prioritizing the launch of the EQS and EQE sedans, with their SUV counterparts earmarked for a 2022 release.

Aside from a second-generation EQC, 2025 will also mark the introduction of a purely electric alternative to the C-Class. Both will ride on a dedicated EV platform featuring quick-charging capabilities, extended range, and more efficient drivetrains. Being developed right from the start as an electric crossover, the next EQC will bring massive improvements in terms of packaging by featuring a flat-floor design and a longer wheelbase after reducing the front and rear overhangs for greater interior room.

Source: Automotive News

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The fact Mercedes is testing EQC 4×4² out on the open road is a bit puzzling as we had no idea the three-pointed star was willing to pursue this project any further. That said, we wouldn’t hold our breath for a production car since customer demand wouldn’t be strong enough to justify the development costs. It would ultimately be a niche electric SUV with an exorbitant price tag few would want to pay.

It’s also a bit too late in the EQC’s life cycle to spawn a derivative taking into account the next-generation model is likely less than two years away. In reality, the one-off creation could serve as a test mule, presumably for the EQG coming in 2024 as an all-electric take on the iconic G-Class. It’s only speculation on our part, but we don’t see the EQC 4×4² happening in the near or distant future.

As a refresher, the wild concept was based on the EQC 400 4Matic, but with the ground clearance more than doubled compared to the standard SUV, at no less than 11.5 inches (293 millimeters), besting even that of the G-Class. The 4×4² variant is 7.9 inches (200 millimeters) taller and has far better approach and departure angles, of 31.8 degrees and 33 degrees, respectively.

We will certainly be keeping an eye on this unconventional EV as Mercedes certainly has a reason to test the EQC 4×4² one year after unveiling it. Maybe some of the tech installed in the concept will be put to good use on a high-riding electric SUV, with our money being on the EQG.

Source: walkoARTvideos / YouTube

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