Mercedes-Benz SUV Attack: 12 modelli per una gamma completa e diversificata

Mercedes-Benz has launched a robust technological offensive, demonstrating its commitment to diversifying powertrains within the SUV range.

In a constantly evolving automotive market, the brand with the star remains focused on the path of electrification while maintaining tactical flexibility in the internal combustion world. This strategy allows Mercedes-Benz to offer its customers a wide and diversified range that covers all segments, meeting various mobility needs.

The Mercedes-Benz SUV portfolio currently includes 12 models, along with two All-Terrain Station Wagons, the C-Class and E-Class, which also cater to the high-wheel segment. This extensive range allows customers to choose the technology that best suits their needs, with options ranging from gasoline and the latest generation Diesel engines to mild and plug-in hybrids, as well as fully electric models.

With the debut of the first fully electric G-Class, Mercedes-Benz's electric SUV range already includes four models: EQA, EQB, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV, the latter also available in the exclusive Maybach version. These models perfectly integrate into a lineup that covers all segments, from compacts to flagship models derived from the S-Class, including high-performance versions signed by Mercedes-AMG. With two- and four-wheel drive variants, power outputs ranging from 116 to 658 hp, and prices ranging from 42,000 to 239,000 euros, Mercedes-Benz offers a rare opportunity of choice to its customers.

In 2023, Mercedes-Benz Italy registered 31,636 units in the SUV segment, representing 65% of the brand's total sales in the country. The three most sought-after models with traditional powertrains were the GLA with 12,235 units, the GLC with 6,185 units, and the GLB with 3,185 units. In the BEV segment, the bestsellers were the EQA with 1,091 units, the EQB with 554 units, and the EQE SUV with 153 units.

In terms of powertrain preferences, 64.2% of customers opted for the latest generation Diesel engine, 13.2% for gasoline, 16.2% for a plug-in hybrid engine, and 6% for fully electric engines.

Maurizio Zaccaria, Sales Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars Italy, stated: "More than ever today, especially in the SUV segment, we can offer so many opportunities for choice, not only of models but also of propulsion technologies. Our customers are not all the same and have mobility needs and requirements that differ through a wide range of variables, and for this reason, they must be able to choose without constraints or prejudices. Electric powertrains represent an opportunity and an additional alternative, which we proudly offer alongside the latest generation traditional powertrains, an extension of our range for a technology choice of great value, looking straight to the future."

The various powertrain options offered by Mercedes-Benz translate into well-considered choices by customers, based on their individual needs, including operating costs. A simulation of consumption between comparable models such as the EQE SUV and the GLE, both in the traditional Diesel and Plug-In versions, over a distance of 20,000 km/year, revealed interesting results:

• Consumption for 20,000 km EQE 350+: 4,200 kWh
• Consumption for 20,000 km GLE 350de: 2,420 kWh
• Average photovoltaic cost 12 kWh with 20 kWh storage and wallbox net of bonus: 17,000 euros
• Duration 10 years and energy delivery of 16,000 kWh/year
• Average direct domestic energy price from provider: 0.25 €/kWh
• Price for 'on the road' and domestic charging: 0.60 €/kWh
• Average taxes and fuel and Diesel prices April 2024
• Price difference between internal combustion and electric
• For plug-in estimated 50% electric / 50% internal combustion use

Different maintenance costs, parking, and ZTL access fees were not considered. To make the simulation as accurate as possible, compensations were applied concerning the price gap between internal combustion and electric, as well as the tax exemption benefits of electric models compared to internal combustion models.

The Mercedes-Benz SUV range is distributed across five different platforms, each designed for specific segments. The GLA, GLB, EQA, and EQB models use the MFA2 platform (Modular Front Architecture), an evolution of the brand's compact platform, suitable for accommodating various types of drivetrains. The GLC and GLC Coupé models adopt the MRA2 platform (Modular Rear Architecture), designed for mid-range products with rear-wheel drive. High-end models such as the GLE, GLE Coupé, and GLS use the MHA2 platform (Modular High Architecture). The EQE and EQS SUV versions benefit from the native electric EVA2 platform (Electric Vehicle Architecture). Finally, the G-Class has been using the Body-On-Frame Architecture for over 45 years, based on a load-bearing frame structure.

All future Mercedes-Benz models will be based on three new 'born to be electric' platforms. The first to debut will be the MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture), intended for the next generation of compact SUVs. This will be followed by the MB.EA (Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture) for mid-range and high-end products, the AMG.EA (Mercedes-AMG Electric Architecture) for high-performance models, and a platform dedicated to light commercial vehicles (VAN.EA).