GLC-Class SUV

Segment
SUV

You may have thought carmakers had learned a lesson from all the emissions scandals in the past few years, but it seems there's more to come. Earlier this year, Greenpeace and German NGO Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) threatened to take legal action against Volkswagen, BMW, and Daimler's Mercedes-Benz if the automotive bigwigs didn't take firm action to stop producing combustion engine cars by 2030. DUH argues that this is in line with the Paris climate accords and climate legislation in Germany - and comes two years after the same companies were charged over emissions collusion. And now, according to a new Reuters report, the manufacturers of best-sellers that include the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the BMW X3 are being slapped with a lawsuit.

In July of this year, the EU proposed a ban against ICE cars by 2035 in an attempt to tackle climate change, but the German environmental NGO seems to feel this isn't good enough and set a deadline for these companies to concede to a goalpost that's five years sooner. Neither BMW nor Daimler conceded to these demands, however, and DUH proceeded to file lawsuits against the automakers in German courts this week. While some may feel this is jumping the gun, we can't help but wonder at the slow changeover to full electrification by BMW and Mercedes; BMW currently only offers the i3 EV stateside, while Mercedes only lists its EQ range under the "future" tab on its website.

While neither of the car manufacturers detailed a plan of action following the lawsuits, both affirmed their commitment to the goals of the Paris climate accords. Considering Daimler was still settling claims to the value of $2 billion in the last year, one would think the automaker would be more eager to please - but is it really a case of Mercedes not caring? The brand announced an EV-rollout plan more than a year ago that would result in a vastly different lineup by 2030 with the aim of full electrification in the near future. But there have been various delays with the launch of the EQ lineup.

And, although BMW's electrification plans seem slow to take off too, the iX, the brand's first electric SUV, and i4 are currently available for pre-order. We're waiting with bated breath - not just for EVs from these brands to actually hit US roads, but to see whether they stick to the 2035 game plan.