Mercedes’ electric offensive is in full swing as the three-pointed star intends to go pure electric by 2030 “where market conditions allow.” The EQA compact crossover is currently the entry point to the EV lineup and will be joined by the sedan sometime in the middle of the decade. Spotted on a snowy test track in Scandinavia, the new sedan is still in its infancy considering it has a lot of camouflage and lacks production lights.
It seems to carry fake doorknobs because logically Mercedes intended to make the side profile slicker by installing recessed handles that stay flush with the body when not in use to increase airflow. There’s thick camouflage on the hood and trunk lid along with unusual cutouts on the rear bumper. At the front, a rectangular section with a mesh pattern reveals a faux grille that protrudes hidden beneath.
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Not to be confused with the future EQC, the prototype seen here depicts a smaller electric sedan to serve as the electric equivalent of the CLA. According to a recent report, Mercedes intends to begin phasing out the EQ branding by 2024. If true, this means the electric sedan will be called something else. Separately, the A-Class sedan with the combustion engine is believed to be gone by 2025, which would make this EV an indirect replacement.
MMA-based cars will compete in the compact and midsize segments, with production taking place at the Rastatt (Germany) and Kecskemét (Hungary) plants. Expect some of the Vision EQXX concept’s aero to trickle down, along with the new, in-house developed MB.OS infotainment system. Mercedes chief designer Gorden Wagener may have previewed the car in May 2022 as part of the brand’s future “Entry Luxury” lineup.
Since the prototype wears a lot of makeup, don’t expect an official debut anytime soon. The German premium brand is likely to unveil a compact electric sedan at some point in 2024.
