Take two: Mercedes EQC SUV returns with bespoke EV platform

Published: 19 January 2024

► New Mercedes EQC spied testing
► Will use a bespoke EV platform 
► Coming in 2025 or 2026

The EQC was the first car in the Mercedes’ all-electric EQ series, and it’s now up for a series update. Our spy photographers have snapped the next EQC in testing before its 2025 or 2026 reveal – and it already looks to be very different from the current car. 

Next Mercedes EQC - front side

What’s different?

The key difference will be under the skin; while the first-generation EQC used a modified ICE platform, the new EQC is being developed on a bespoke EV platform. 

The second-gen EV will use Stuttgart’s scalable MB.EA skateboard which should give it some immediate advantages over the current car: in addition to a more refined and compact battery lay out, the next-gen EQC should benefit from more space for occupants and better handling. 

Next Mercedes EQC - side

Anything else? 

Camouflage means it’s hard to see what the next-generation EQC looks like, though it does appear to continue the flowing lines of the more recent EQ cars such as the EQE SUV and the EQS SUV. Interestingly, the car looks to be sleeker than the current model  – either thanks to a longer wheelbase or more sloping roofline. 

In order to fit with Stuttgart’s new naming format, it’s likely the EQC will also be called the EQC SUV at launch. It’ll slot below the larger, already revealed EQE SUV, and be a larger version of a new EQC saloon, itself an electrified C-Class. 

Next Mercedes EQC - rear

Where will it be made?

CAR understands the new car will be produced in Europe as well as the US. 

By Curtis Moldrich

CAR's Digital Editor, F1 and sim-racing enthusiast. Partial to clever tech and sports bikes

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