X

Mercedes-Benz EQC not for US right now, brand says, after much back and forth

Instead, Mercedes wants to focus on the EQS flagship.

Mercedes-Benz EQC Edition 1886
Enlarge Image
Mercedes-Benz EQC Edition 1886

Close, but no cigar, America.

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz EQC electric SUV did its fair share of flirting with the US, but for now, the automaker wants to play hard to get. It turns out, the SUV won't be coming to America after all. At least, not right now. 

"Following a comprehensive review of market developments, the EQC will not be offered in the US for now," a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Roadshow. Autoblog first reported the news on Monday. The decision follows the EQC's debut at CES 2019 and initial plans to launch the SUV shortly thereafter. In December 2019, however, the German brand punted the SUV's launch to 2021. Here we are in 2021, and we don't have an EQC.

Why the change of heart? The brand spokesperson's statement went on to add, "We look forward to celebrating the world premiere of the all-electric EQS luxury sedan this spring, which will be available in the US in the fall of 2021." In other words, the marque is focused on the EQS instead. It might be a better strategy to usher in a halo EV first, anyway. The EQS will pave the way forward for Mercedes-Benz and sit as an all-electric complement to the standard S-Class. Expect every ounce of luxury and technology baked into the EQS, just like the S-Class. That includes the wild new Hyperscreen the brand showed off at the virtual CES 2021 this year.

To be clear, the statement doesn't say the EQC isn't coming to the US. It just seems that, for now, it's on the back burner. Aside from the EQS and EQC, we do know Mercedes-Benz has a whole bunch of other EVs in the pipeline. Last year, it teased an EQE electric sedan and it also plans to use the EQS and EQE names for electric SUVs. That won't be confusing at all, I'm sure.

The 2020 EQC is the Mercedes-Benz of EVs

See all photos
Watch this: MBUX Hyperscreen: Mercedes-Benz reimagines the automotive display
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.

Article updated on February 16, 2021 at 11:52 AM PST

Our Experts

Written by 
Sean Szymkowski
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review the products and services we cover. If you buy through our links, we may get paid. Reviews ethics statement
Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Why You Can Trust CNET
174175176177178179180+
Experts Interviewed
030405060708091011121314+
Companies Reviewed
108109110111112113+
Products Reviewed

We thoroughly evaluate each company and product we review and ensure our stories meet our high editorial standards.