Mercedes confident customers will like EQ Boost

MERCEDES-BENZ says that its introduction of EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology across select models should be well received by its customers, despite electrification sometimes drawing the ire of motoring traditionalists.

 

The third-generation CLS four-door coupe arrives in Australia this week, ushering in a new range of mild-hybrid powertrains equipped with the EQ Boost starter/alternator that can momentarily add up to 250Nm of torque low in the rev range, as well as allowing for a coasting function when at cruising speeds.

 

Launching only with the mid-spec CLS450 variant, the range will be bolstered by the entry-level CLS350 and AMG-fettled CLS53, both of which also feature EQ Boost. The range-opener for the updated C-Class and E53 AMG coupe are other models set to employ the technology in the near future.

 

Speaking to GoAuto at the launch of the CLS in Melbourne, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific PR and corporate communications manager Jerry Stamoulis said that the car-maker’s record of introducing new technologies should assuage any doubts that prospective customers have of EQ Boost.

 

“I think our customers are comfortable that when we introduce technology into our cars that it’s the right time and it will work really well,” he said.

 

“When we introduced superchargers there was discussion about superchargers, and then turbochargers, but I think we’ve proven every time that we introduce the technology at the right time, that will benefit the customer the best.”

 

He said CLS buyers will appreciate the technology, hence including it on every variant.

 

“When we looked at the line-up for CLS, we know that these types of customers want something that’s sporty, luxurious and (has) technology, and you don’t necessarily get the sportiness in the S-Class or an E-Class, so you can have your cake and eat it too when it comes to CLS.

 

“So to introduce every single model with EQ Boost, we know that that customer will be very interested in not only the technology within the car, but also the engine.”

 

Mr Stamoulis could not say which models would be next in line to get the EQ Boost treatment, but added that introducing more EQ Boost models presented an opportunity.

 

“We’ll see it with the C200 next, we’ll see that four cylinder outside of our compact range on a regular basis, but where we can introduce it I think it will be a great opportunity to introduce EQ Boost.”

 

The C200, which teams a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine to the EQ Boost system with 10kW/160Nm of additional power, is due to touch down in August. Employing the EQ Boost system has meant the C-Class can use an engine as small as 1.5 litres in size, while the CLS350 has allowed a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine to be used without compromising performance.

 

In addition to the mild-hybrid tech, Mercedes-Benz is set to launch its EQ range of fully electric vehicles in the near future, with the EQC SUV tipped to be the first production model from the sub-brand.

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