Mercedes EQR to revive the Mercedes R-Class this decade – Report [Update]

Update: ‘Features’ and ‘Specifications’ section updated.

In October 2020, Daimler confirmed plans to launch six new EVs to expand its EQ line-up to eight models by 2022. Furthermore, according to a carmagazine.co.uk report from late 2020, a secret Mercedes EQR is also on the way. This new EV model would resurrect the Made-in-USA Mercedes R-Class MPV, and its biggest markets could be China and the United States. Both countries have been taking to EVs in a big way, and this 6/7-seat vehicle might be just the ticket for them.

Design

First things first, the Mercedes EQR would be no soccer mom minivan like the R-Class that lived for two generations starting in 2005. The plan is to have Mercedes-AMG and EQ divisions co-develop a hot 1000-horsepower “limo-SUV” that can offer mad acceleration despite being a three-row model.

The British report suggests that the Mercedes-AMG EQR would have crossover SUV styling with a sloping roofline, noticeably wide body, and low ground clearance. Expect a Jaguar I-Pace-like sporty stance but in a much bigger size class.

Above is a speculative rendering of the Mercedes EQR from auto illustrator Sugar Design. The rendered EQR borrows its chief design elements from the EQS. Like the flagship EV, it features a fixed hood (as the service flap for wiper fluid on the side of the left wing indicates), black panel fake radiator grille, triangular headlamps with the characteristic Mercedes eyebrow DRL, a light band connecting the headlamps, a curvy front bumper, and flush door handles.

Features

Key features of the high-end EQ models like the EQS and Maybach EQS should find their way into the Mercedes EQR. Moreover, the MBUX Hyperscreen, a coast-to-coast curved screen unit comprising three displays under a glass cover, the Digital Light headlights, the HEPA filter carrying OFI CERT” ZG 250-1 certification, comfort doors which automatically open the driver’s door, Energizing air control, rear axle steering, digital light, intelligent park pilot, and attention assist and other main features should be available to the EQR.

Platform

The British report only says that it will be based on a monocoque chassis made of steel and aluminum. The dedicated BEV platform would allow clever interior packaging and give enough room for seven occupants without having to match the erstwhile R-Class at the tape.

We will introduce 3 new EV-only architectures. And by the end of this decade we will be ready to go 100% electric – where market conditions allow.

Ola Kallenius, CEO, Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: electric drive)

On July 22, 2021, Daimler announced a revision in its EV strategy from electric-first to electric-only. The company said that it will introduce three new architectures in 2025:

1. MB.EA – For medium, executive, and large passenger models
2. AMG.EA – For high-performance Mercedes-AMG models
3. VAN.EA – For electric vans and LCVs

MB.EA is expected as an updated or further-developed version of the EVA. Should the Mercedes EQR be a dedicated AMG model, AMG.EA would be the obvious pick. In any case, expect parameters with respect to motor efficiency, charging power and acceleration better than what the EVA platform promises today.

Specifications

The CAR Magazine report states that the range-topping configuration would have a battery pack with a 105 kWh consistent useable energy content and a temporary additional useable energy content of 20 kWh for disposal during the overboost function.

Three 250 kW motors will power the Mercedes R-Class electric, resulting in a net power of 1006 horsepower and a net torque of 996 lb.-ft, claims Car Magazine. As for the transmission, there will be a Porsche Taycan-style single-speed direct-drive for the front wheels and a two-speed transmission for the rear wheels. If these numbers are accurate, there is no doubt that Mercedes-AMG will go all in with the three-row EQ electric SUV.

In-house components, 500 km range & Axial/Radial Flux motor

According to a report on Automobilwoche, from 2024, Mercedes wants to build next-generation EV powertrains for its MMA and MB.EA vehicles entirely in-house, which is not the case with the EQC or EQS. Markus Schafer confirmed the development to the publication. Mercedes wants to have more control over the components of its EVs, including the inverter, which transfers energy from the battery to the engine.

Daimler has acquired the Oxford-based Yasa, which specializes in axial-flux electric motors. These axial motors could be seen on larger EVs (integrated with the wheel), whereas smaller EVs could benefit from radial electric motors.

In an interview with Whichcar.com.au, Jochen Hermann, CTO of Mercedes-AMG, stated that AMG will not strive to launch long-range cars, but its focus will always be on performance. He said that AMG customers are typically satisfied with the range of 500 km (310 miles). As long as such a baseline number is secured, engineers can improve EV technologies for performance and deliver driving pleasure.

Daimler plans to develop a modular battery system where it needs to change only the cell chemistry and height for a different range, charging rate, and driving performance. The company would make use of this new technology in the Mercedes EQR.

We are aiming for a modular battery system that consists of uniformly designed components and a standardized interface to the entire vehicle. Only two differentiating characteristics will create the necessary variance in terms of range, charging and driving performance: cell chemistry and the height. Besides a very innovative battery technology, an improved eDrive system contributes to further increasing the range and efficiency of electric vehicles.

Markus Schafer, BoM member responsible for R&D, Daimler, and Chief Operating Officer, Mercedes-Benz Cars (Mercedes-Benz Strategy Update: electric drive 2021)

Release date

2025 is when Daimler plans to release the radical Mercedes R-Class successor, as per the British publication. This is a year after the Mercedes EQG is planned.

Mercedes EQR FAQs

Featured image: Daimler