Mercedes Might Cancel Production of Its BMW i5 Competitor Before Successor Debuts
The automotive industry is gearing up for an exciting electric SUV showdown, as BMW and Mercedes-Benz prepare to debut their next-generation models. In the near future, the GLC EV and the next-gen iX3 will square off in a fierce competition, each vying for supremacy in the electric SUV segment. BMW is not resting on its laurels, as it also prepares an iX5 and a three-row iX7 to cover the upper echelons of the market. The next-gen iX3 is scheduled for a world premiere later this week, while the GLC EV is expected to follow suit in the coming years. Mercedes, on the other hand, has been less forthcoming about its timeline, but the anticipation is palpable. Meanwhile, Mercedes' strategy is undergoing a significant shift. The company, which had been optimistic about going all-in on EVs by 2030, has since walked back that promise. Instead, Mercedes plans to keep internal combustion engine (ICE) models in its portfolio well into the 2030s and possibly beyond. This change in strategy is reflected in Mercedes' decision to merge its combustion-engine and electric lineups. This 180-degree turn from its current strategy could signal a more harmonious approach to the transition to electric vehicles. However, this transition is not without its challenges. Reports suggest that Mercedes is planning to end production of the EQE luxury sedan as early as next year. If true, the EQE would have a four-year run, which is unusually short in the automotive industry. The strategy of merging the E-Class and EQE lineups could be to avoid cannibalising sales, as having both could potentially lead to a confusing market presence. The potential discontinuation of the EQE also raises questions about the future of the EQE SUV, a model for which BMW doesn't have a direct rival. A Mercedes spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the rumour about the EQE's discontinuation, adding to the intrigue. In the sedan segment, the upcoming i3 will face competition from a C-Class EV, which is scheduled for release in 2026. Mercedes also plans to release an electric E-Class in 2027, further expanding its electric lineup. BMW, too, is not standing still. The iX7 is expected to make the iX redundant, as it aims to cater to the growing demand for larger electric SUVs. If BMW were to discontinue the iX after a single generation in mid-2028, the iX5 and iX may coexist for a couple of years. As the race to electric vehicles heats up, both BMW and Mercedes are making bold moves to secure their positions in the market. The coming years promise to be an exciting time for electric vehicle enthusiasts.
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