Mercedes-Benz launches first EV built in Malaysia

Pekan: Following the successful introduction of the EQS mid last year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched its all-electric flagship model EQS 500 4MATIC, assembled at its local production plant in Pekan, Pahang.

The new EQS will be available in a more powerful variant, the EQS 500 4MATIC, from mid-March onwards.

The luxury flagship sedan boasts a 330 kW output, thanks to the new dual electric motor. It comes with a range of up to 695km.

"As a company, we are committed to our sustainability vision and “Lead in Electric” by evolving our fleet of new passenger cars to be CO₂-neutral over the entire life cycle by 2039, to support our introduction of all-electric vehicles by end of the decade," says Sagree Sardien, CEO and President of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

"On that premise, we continue to create a holistic ecosystem of electric mobility, not just via our products, but alongside our services, technologies and innovations, to ensure our customers can enter the electric future,” he added.

The launch event was officiated by the Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

“Malaysia, as one of the leading and more mature E&E manufacturing hubs in ASEAN, is already taking steps to strengthen her position through policy measures, as well as by leveraging on the existing EV ecosystem and ensuring a solid talent pipeline," says Tengku Zafful.

"All these bodes well for investors looking to help us develop a viable EV industry in Malaysia, which will support Malaysia’s target of net zero GHG emissions by 2050. To this end, Mercedes-Benz’s launch of its first locally-assembled full battery electric car augurs well for Malaysia," he added.

Additionally, Tengku Zafrul said the automakers manufacturing presence in Malaysia will create a spillover effect, creating job opportunities and raising the standards the local EV industry, benefitting local supplier industries as well.

EV development, he said, will continue to be the catalyst for the automotive industry as more funds, investments and tax incentives are geared towards the circular economy and green technology.

The EQS 500 4MATIC The EQS is the first all-electric luxury sedan from Mercedes-EQ to be based on the modular architecture for the luxury electric vehicle segment, fusing luxury, technology, design, functionality and connectivity, designed to delight both drivers and passengers. The EQS 500 4MATIC is the first all-electric luxury saloon to be fully assembled locally. The EQS 500 4MATIC embodies progress in its most exclusive form. A coupé-like silhouette, the muscular shoulder area and reduced lines in a seamless design define the character of the innovative luxury saloon. The EQS 500 4MATIC is thus the pioneer of a completely new generation of vehicles: fully electric, fully digital and uncompromisingly luxurious. Available as a sole variant, the EQS 500 4MATIC is rated at 330 kW (WLTP combined electrical consumption: 21.3 – 17.6 kWh/100km; CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds with the addition of a second electric motor. The EQS 500 4MATIC offers an impressive range of 696 kilometers (WLTP).

About the Mercedes-Benz Production Plant, Pekan Mercedes-Benz Production Plant in Pekan was established in 2004. As of 2022, the plant takes ownership of the 90% ratio of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the country, and also produces its best-selling model, the C-Class for the Phillippines market. It produces a total of nine models including vehicles from its brands Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-EQ. Spread over a total land area of 200 acres, the plant is equipped with advanced technology and automated production facilities, a commitment from Mercedes-Benz for cutting-edge technologies and modern processes in production.