Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to launch EVs soon, at least 2 models planned

• Mercedes-Benz Malaysia confirmed to launched its first EV model this year
• More than one model planned
• DC fast charging to be deployed across dealer network nationwide

Which will be Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s (MBM) first electric vehicle (EV), will it be the flagship Mercedes-Benz EQS, or will it be an SUV like the EQC, or the smaller EQA? We will find out soon enough.

At this morning’s launch of the all-new W206 generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, CEO Sagree Sardien said, “I have to say that definitely 2022 is going to be the year for Mercedes-Benz when it comes to EV offensive, I ask you to say tune because in the very short future (emphasis very short) you will see the introduction of our first EV model on ground, it is very exciting so hold on and stay tune to that.”

MBM was careful to not want to be drawn into commenting on specifics of the upcoming EV model, but the company confirmed that at least two EV models are planned for introduction in Malaysia (though not necessarily launched at the same time).

Instead of speculating on the exact model, MBM diverted the conversation to the company’s efforts to contribute to the building of a sustainable ecosystem to support EVs.

“We will not only just look at the product offensive that we will bring on ground this year, but we start now - recently you’ve seen in the media our collaboration with Petrosains, to charging infrastructure collaboration. You will hear more about our DC fast charging at our retail network that you will see coming across the country, you will see us partnering up as well in the education front on future mobility, and pushing forward the topic on sustainability, more on our goals toward 2039.

The 2039 target refers to Mercedes-Benz Cars AG’s (formerly known as Daimler AG) goal to achieve carbon neutrality for its entire supply chain, from extraction of raw materials, to manufacturing, to end-of-life recycling of the vehicle.

“You will see us focusing a lot on our dealer readiness, both in sales and after-sales environment, so a lot of training and getting our guys ready both from a product perspective as well as maintaining, repairing, and servicing, and of course we don’t forget the most important thing, which is consumer awareness on electric vehicles.

“So we are convinced with the holistic strategy that we have, you will see far more. So let’s put it at the end of the day, from talk into action,” said Sagree.

Vice-President Michael Jopp also added that there will be minimal waiting time between the announcement by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, and actual delivery of the vehicle to customers, suggesting that the company will not be opting for a pre-order strategy used by its rival BMW Malaysia.

Globally, Mercedes-Benz now has 6 battery EV models, built on 4 different platforms:

The MFA II platform models are the EQA, which is an electric version of the GLA; and EQB, which is based on the GLB.

The MRA II platform model is the EQC, while is analogous to the GLC, followed by the the commercial van platform EQV, which is analogous to the V-Class.

The EQ family also counts two models - EQE and EQS – built on the dedicated EVA platform. In the near future, SUV derivatives of the EQE and EQS will also join the line-up.

Regionally, Thailand has confirmed that it will be locally assembling (CKD) the EQS later this year (prices yet to be confirmed), while Singapore is already selling the EQA for SGD 265,888 and EQC for RM 333,888.

Also read: Thailand confirmed to launch CKD Mercedes-Benz EQS in end-2022, first CKD BEV

Of the models mentioned above, our bet will be on the EQA and EQC because these 2 models have the highest volume potential here, as proven by the success of the GLA and GLC.

The EQA has a 420 km range (WLTP). Its 66.5 kWh battery pushes out 190 PS / 375 Nm to the front wheels. It supports 11 kW AC charging and 100 kW DC fast charging.

The larger EQC has up to 417 km range (WLTP). Its 80 kWh battery pushes out 408 PS / 760 Nm to all four wheels (all-wheel drive). It supports 7.4 kW AC charging and 110 kW DC fast charging.