The Mercedes-Benz Class R could return as an electric crossover

You will surely vaguely remember the Mercedes-Benz Class R, a luxury MPV whose concept, rather poorly suited to the American market, did not bear much fruit in Europe. The star brand wanted to offer a more exclusive vehicle for those large families a few years ago, but its low demand and the SUV craze led to it being completely discarded some time later. However, it seems that Mercedes-Benz wants to revive the Class R but, logically, adapted to the latest technology and to market demand.

According to Car Magazine, the German firm could be working on an EQR that, besides being a 100% electric vehicle, could also be sporty. We must not forget that Mercedes-Benz will continue to bet very strongly on its EQ family, which will soon be expanded with the EQS, a model that seems set not to arrive alone.

Logically, with this supposed Mercedes-Benz EQR under development, we must forget the concept the brand offered years ago with the Class R. Like it or not, MPVs are disappearing in favour of seven-seat SUVs, so there would be no sense in Mercedes trying to reproduce the same idea in electric form.

On this premise, we can expect the EQR to take the form of a crossover or SUV capable of seating up to 7 occupants. This will be straightforward thanks to the flexibility offered by modular electric car platforms, from which engineers can create both a compact and a large SUV without much complication. At the same time, the interior space will also be generous thanks to the absence of a transmission tunnel.

But the truly ingenious aspect of this vehicle will be its mechanical layout. Everything points to three electric motors powering the EQR, guaranteeing a total output close to 1,000 CV and a range of over 600 kilometres. Of course, this new EQ model will also feature the latest technology, as well as a high level of comfort and luxury, just as its combustion-engined predecessor did.

Be that as it may, and regardless of whether the EQR becomes a reality, it is clear that Mercedes-Benz will continue to bet on the EQ range. Over time we will witness the transformation of its entire model lineup, which will end up succumbing to 100% electric and PHEV powertrains.