[AutoGuide.com]

​

The Smart EQ Fortwo Coupe and Cabrio are making their debut at the 2018 Geneva MotorShow.

Serving as the first series-produced vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz EQ family, the Smart EQ Fortwo will be available in the U.S. market later this year. On display in Geneva is the special Nightsky Edition model, which celebrates the beginning of the EQ era. The special model features Brabus exterior styling, but won’t be offered in the U.S. along with the Forfour.

Read more about the Mercedes-Benz’s First EQ Model is from Smart at AutoGuide.com.

 

[OliverB]

Of course, nothing really special is offered in the U.S. market!!!!!

 

[Mister_smart_LA]

Of course, nothing really special is offered in the U.S. market!!!!!

10th Anniversary Edition is out, now. :nerd:

 

[OliverB]

10th Anniversary Edition is out, now. :nerd:

Yes, we get some nice cosmetic editions and even suspension tweaks but that’s about it.

 

[Mike T]

What makes this thing an EQ? The blue trim? Whatever it is, this is a pretty humble beginning for this "new brand".

 

[Incochief]

The key word there is beginning - not ending and it does look quite nice. Blue adds a nice touch to it, but in Canada, being winter- white might be our only offering.

 

[Mister_smart_LA]

What makes this thing an EQ? The blue trim? Whatever it is, this is a pretty humble beginning for this "new brand".

The smart 453 is a Mercedes-Benz engineered vehicle, branded under the smart product line. But they are still MB vehicles. As such, the EQ line of vehicles that will be branded under the MB line of vehicles will share some of the engineering that the smart 453 electric drive is already using.

The MB EQ line will be designed for the luxury and high-end segments, and of course significantly more range, thanks to its larger (and more expensive) battery packs. The smart is designed for everyday commuter use in mind, so the overall cost is lower when factoring its design intention for daily users of all (or most) socio-economic classes.

 

[SubRosa]

Department of redundancy department...

Subs

 

[stevenjb]

The smart 453 is a Mercedes-Benz engineered vehicle, branded under the smart product line. But they are still MB vehicles. As such, the EQ line of vehicles that will be branded under the MB line of vehicles will share some of the engineering that the smart 453 electric drive is already using.

The MB EQ line will be designed for the luxury and high-end segments, and of course significantly more range, thanks to its larger (and more expensive) battery packs. The smart is designed for everyday commuter use in mind, so the overall cost is lower when factoring its design intention for daily users of all (or most) socio-economic classes.

Design a better battery and they will come.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/solid-power-solid-state-battery-bmw/

 

[Fuse 11]

Good sign, actually

It looks like MB is formally "owning" the Smart line now, rather than setting it off as a separate marketing entity that (in the US) happens to be co-located with some MB dealers. If this leads them to selling Smarts (and the other, upcoming upscale models in the line) at regular Benz dealers, this would vastly expand the available service network.

 

[Chopper]

Interesting how quickly things change. Under the new deal with geely, Smart branded production will eventually shift to China, so any plans to bring it closer to the MB fold were short live. The Hambach factory looks like it's going to get a new lease of life manufacturing EQ's for the Mercedes brand.

 

[MB DNA]

If this leads them to selling Smarts (and the other, upcoming upscale models in the line) at regular Benz dealers, this would vastly expand the available service network.

Possibly but could be limited to only the EQ line which may or may not be treated like an additional cost (to the Dealer) Franchise opportunity?

With most remaining smart Centers on a contracted "service agreement" that is sun-setting, not expecting any M-B dealer love for the 451/453 smart models???

 

[bobarb]

I feel really stupid, but what does "EQ" mean? And is this the same car company that has more than little problems with the batteries in it's Smart electric car line.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

EQ means "Electric Intelligence". I guess it's supposed to be a play on "IQ".

 

[bobarb]

Okay, we got the "E", now what is the intelligence in reference to?