Mercedes May Designate R-Class as 1,006-HP Electric Vehicle
According to a recent report from Car Magazine, Mercedes-Benz is in the process of reviving its R-Class nameplate as a high-performance EV!
Tesla‘s pioneering endeavors in the advanced driver assistance system and EV space is the reason why the California EV manufacturer is the world’s most valuable carmaker today with a market cap that currently stands north of $500 billion. Even though the company was formed just 17 years ago, legacy car manufacturers around the world are trying hard to catch up to the American EV giant.
With the popularity of the SUV and crossover segments on an all-time high, carmakers are reshaping their product portfolio to focus on electrified high-rider models. According to a recent report by Car Magazine, the tri-star brand is considering reviving its defunct R-Class nameplate model as a battery-only SUV model.
The British motoring magazine claims Daimler’s former CEO, Tobias Moers envisioned a performance version of the R-Class that was powered by an all-electric drivetrain. According to the report, Mercedes is planning on designing a utility vehicle capable of seating up to seven passengers with proportions that may resemble the discontinued luxury MPV.
The new model will probably be the next addition to Merc’s EQ range and might sport the EQR moniker, but Car Magazine claims the nomenclature might be subject to change, “It’s tentatively badged Mercedes-AMG GLR but, given its electric-only powertrain, may become EQR”.
The upcoming model might receive a 105 kWh battery pack, and it is also possible that Mercedes with throw in a 20 kWh boost feature. The battery pack will likely comprise of AMG’s Graphene-based metal-less batteries which will be liquid-cooled for better performance.
It is also expected that Mercedes will offer its new electric crossover with 350 kW rapid charging capability, and the company will use round energy cells capable of enduring extensive use without substantial degradation. Car Magazine reckons that EQR might get a tri-motor setup which will be used to bestow the crossover with an all-wheel-drive system.
The automotive magazine also proposes that Merc’s EV platform will produce around 1006 HP of power and about 996 lb-ft of torque in the upcoming EQR. Car magazine further elaborated on the crossover’s electric motor layout, “While single-speed direct-drive caters for the front wheels, the rear wheels are kept busy by a two-speed powershift transmission – as pioneered by the Porsche Taycan.”
Photos: Daimler