The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV has been revealed with production due to start in 2019.
Getting straight into the numbers, the EQC400 (the variant on show) will offer 300kw and 765Nm sent to an all-wheel drive system that uses dual electric motors at the front and rear axles. Mercedes-Benz is claiming more than 450 kilometres of range from a full charge.
Power will come from an 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack with fast charging capability. A Mercedes-Benz Wallbox will be the best option for home charging, however, the EQC can be charged with a maximum output of up to 110kW at a commercial charging station which can charge the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes.
The EQC is a porker weighing in at 2425 kilograms, 650 of which is the battery pack. Despite the bulk, the EQC400’s performance doesn’t suffer, from a standstill, it can hit triple figures in 5.1 seconds. It’s also rated to tow up to 1800kg.
Dimensionally, the EQC is very similar in size to the majority of premium midsize SUVs (including the GLC), the tale of the tape comes in at 4761mm long, 1884mm wide and 1624mm high with a 2873mm wheelbase.
From a design perspective, Mercedes is pursuing a ‘Progressive Luxury’ theme. Apparently, this is important. The EQC features an extended roofline and window layout with a low waistline that is trying to occupy the space between the brand’s SUV and an SUV coupe models.
The inside looks considerably busier than Telsa’s take. It’s designed to be a driver-oriented cockpit with some classy touches like the ribbed edge of the instrument panel, which resembles the cooling ribs of a hi-fi amplifier.
From launch, the EQC will get a bespoke version of the new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system which will add functions such as the display of range, charge status and energy flow.
Australian buyers should see the EQC in the second half of 2019. Local specifications and pricing will be confirmed closer to the car’s local launch, those in the know are expecting the sticker to sit between $100,000 and $150,000.
The premium end of the electric car market is getting busier, the Model X needs to brace for impact, Jaguar’s I-Pace is about to launch, Audi’s new e-tron has just entered production and the BMW iX3 is edging closer. Hopefully, the technology will quickly filter down to the mainstream where there is plenty of enthusiasm for electric propulsion, it just needs a realistic price.
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