Mercedes-Benz has filed an application with the patent office not only for the registration of the name MEQ, but also for a whole set of indices that will be used to designate models — for example, EQA, EQB and EQX. In addition, the German brand has patented the advertising phrases «EQ Inside», «EQ Boost» and «Generation MEQ».
According to the publication, Mercedes plans to make its future sub-brand more distinct than BMW managed with its «i» series of electric cars. Currently, the Bavarian brand's eco-lineup includes the electric hatchback i3 and the hybrid coupe i8.
The first car that Mercedes-Benz will release under the MEQ brand will be the EQS sedan — a direct rival to the Tesla Model S. Its premiere could take place as early as early 2017, but sales are expected to start no earlier than 2019. Next, at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, a prototype of an electric crossover may be shown, which will compete with the Tesla Model X and the future Audi Q6 e-tron. The production version of this car will also go on sale no earlier than 2019.
Both new products will be created on the EVA platform, which will become the basis for at least four models with purely electric powertrains — two sedans and two SUVs. In addition, Mercedes-Benz plans to produce an electric tractor and an electric version of the Sprinter van.
