Baby EQ concept

3708 Views 11 Replies 3 Participants Last post by PetersBenz, Dec 21, 2018

Enzo

Discussion Starter · Nov 29, 2018

This isn't something official from Mercedes, but what designed David Voltner sees as a worth addition to their EQ lineup. He thinks there is room for another small SUV that sits between the top range of the Smart's and the bottom range of their EQ models. This tiny crossover is a compact two door that would be a more practical city commuter. Since Merc is considering killing off the Smart brand, there may be room for something quite similar to this.

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Quinn

· #2 · Nov 30, 2018

I didn't realize that the Smart was underperforming to the point that Merc is considering discontinuing them. I know the adoption of smaller city cars have never been all that large in NA, but they're doing exceptionally well overseas.

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Enzo

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 1, 2018

They have tried to bring more practicality to the brand with their newer 4 door models, but they are still really expensive for what they are imo. At least the technology that MB has developed for that platform can be put to use elsewhere.

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PetersBenz

· #4 · Dec 3, 2018

Sort of seen this coming, the coupe crossover segment has been one of the most lucrative. Everyone I know that have been buying compact and mid-sized sedans 5-7 years ago are now in compact or mid-range crossovers, that ought to say a lot!

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Quinn

· #5 · Dec 4, 2018

Not a fan of what MB has done with the newer Fortwo, but I know they've sold something like 2 million units since 2015. They've had a lot of criticisms in regards to the transmission on the petrol model, which is probably why they are transitioning to just purely electric.

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PetersBenz

· #6 · Dec 4, 2018

Fortunately some more attractive vehicles are coming out like the A-Class hatch that should appeal to the same crowd that was disappointed in the Fortwo

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Enzo

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 5, 2018

I had no idea that the Smart Car had seen those kinds of numbers, I always thought it was a fairly niche product. I did have the opportunity to drive in one, and you'd be surprised how roomy they feel inside. You almost forget just how tiny it is.

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PetersBenz

· #8 · Dec 5, 2018

Growing demographics to city centers is driving the demand, shorter commutes with newer consumers that aren't enthusiasts amount to simple demands that these cars deliver.

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Quinn

· #9 · Dec 7, 2018

I think that most of the sales for the Smart have come from Europe, but I do still see a good number of them on the road here. Not sure how practical they would be for winter driving, and that's probably why they are considering something high riding to replace it.

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PetersBenz

· #10 · Dec 10, 2018

Quinn said:
I think that most of the sales for the Smart have come from Europe, but I do still see a good number of them on the road here. Not sure how practical they would be for winter driving, and that's probably why they are considering something high riding to replace it.

They are a perfect fit for European roads which make our bigger American vehicles look like army tanks barreling down the road. Much like other smaller cars they get that we don't.

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Enzo

Discussion Starter · #11 · Dec 11, 2018

NA's fascination with SUV's is odd, especially since most of them are being used as commuters with just one person on board. I think there is a misconception that they are safer, when in fact models like the Smart hold up quite well to crash tests.

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PetersBenz

· #12 · Dec 21, 2018

Enzo said:
NA's fascination with SUV's is odd, especially since most of them are being used as commuters with just one person on board. I think there is a misconception that they are safer, when in fact models like the Smart hold up quite well to crash tests.

It comes down to culture which goes so far back that are roads are influenced by it. Classic American motto is "Go Big or Go Home". Our roads are wider, drinks are bigger (7/11 big gulp), we have more cup holders (some passenger vehicles have 12-14), our people and of course our car

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