Mercedes-Benz is targeting a pair of key segments with its next wave of electric vehicles, previewing an electric CLA successor and a replacement for its EQC electric SUV.
They’re reportedly set to be launched in the US next year.
Automotive News reports the EQC replacement, set to ditch its EQ naming and instead potentially be called GLC EV, was one of eight new models shown at its North American dealer meeting.
The EQC was never offered in the US, and reports suggested it would exit production this year.
Outgoing EQC 
New GLC
One dealer told the publication it has more rounded front and rear end styling than the combustion-powered GLC, with a pair of power domes on the bonnet and full-width LED daytime running lights.
While the current EQC is related to the GLC, this account suggests the upcoming model will be even more closely related to the GLC.
The GLC EV will reportedly offer 483km of range, though it’s unclear on which cycle. This could be on the US EPA cycle which tends to result in lower range figures for EVs, which suggests a potentially significant improvement over the EQC’s 417km WLTP claim.
Also shown to dealers and due in the US next year was a new electric CLA sedan, with a claimed 644km of range.
Next-generation CLA prototype
It’s reportedly larger than the current CLA but with even sleeker styling, possibly borrowing cues from the EQXX concept car, and Mercedes-Benz is reportedly pitching it as a vehicle designed to poach Tesla buyers.
The CLA replacement has already been spied testing, wearing heavy camouflage.
Mercedes-Benz’s new MMA small car architecture is debuting in 2024 to replace the current MFA2 underpinnings, and will be the first to use the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS).
It may also be the last Mercedes-Benz platform to be introduced with the option of internal combustion power, as from 2025 onwards the company has said all new platforms will be electric-only.
Despite the new platform, Mercedes-Benz is paring back the number of small cars it offers as it targets more upmarket, profitable segments and hones in “more precisely on the wishes of discerning customers”.
It’s also reducing the roster of Entry Luxury vehicles from seven to four vehicles and targeting higher profit margins, as part of a broader push by the company to reach an operating margin target of around 14 per cent by the middle of the decade in favourable market conditions or eight per cent in “very unfavourable” conditions.
Mercedes-Benz sold 680,000 Entry Luxury vehicles globally in 2019 but only 570,000 in 2021, however during that time the average selling price rose by 20 per cent.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLC • EQC • CLA
