Mercedes will reportedly unveil an electric
hatchback concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The concept will preview an
entry-level model for the brand's electric EQ range. Little is known about the
car at this point but it could be called the EQ A and it was reportedly
designed to compete with the BMW i3 and the production version of the
Volkswagen I.D. concept.
The model is slated to ride on the company's MEA
platform and it will have a five-seat interior. The car is also expected to
have conventional styling but it will likely adopt a grille similar to the EQ
crossover concept.
Powertrain details remain elusive but Autocar
speculates the model could have a single electric motor that powers the front
wheels. Later down the road, Mercedes could offer a performance variant which
adds a rear electric motor for additional power and all-wheel drive.
The Mercedes EQ A will reportedly go on sale in 2020
and cost around £ 35,000. That's not cheap but Mercedes expects the
model will become a volume seller and a key addition to Daimler’s car2go car
sharing service.
