The world premiere.
Australia will get the first model from Mercedes’ full-electric family later in 2019.
Specific local introduction for the EQC, a crossover whose 80kWh dual motor powertrain promises 300kW/765Nm and 450km-plus range, hasn’t been given.
Officially, product pricing for the vehicle sits between A$100,000 and no more than A$150,000. It will be available in the second half of 2019.
At the September 4 unveil (with no driving) in Sweden, however, the brand clarified that production from Bremen, Germany, begins around June and says Australia and New Zealand will take cars ahead of many other locations.
“Timing for both Australia and New Zealand will be the same,” spokesman Jerry Stamoulis says.
“We’re sure the EQC will be popular.”
Stamoulis says that EV interest is higher in New Zealand than Australia.
Daimler chief executive officer Dieter Zetsche with the Mercedes EQC.
Stylistically related to the GLC crossover but 105mm longer and 315mm lower, and also underpinned by Daimler’s new Electric Vehicle Architecture platform, the EQC is the first of 10 Benz full-electrics arriving by 2022.
A 2425kg kerb weight is almost identical to the GLCs and while overall top speed is more modest – 180kmh to avoid stressing the battery – a claimed 0-100kmh sprint time of 5.1 seconds makes it almost GLC63 AMG quick. It also has towing capability, with a 1800kg rating.
Comprising 384 cells over six modules, the mid-mounted lithium ion battery feeds two asynchronous electric motors, each driving an axle, ancillary electronics locating under the bonnet. The front motor optimises for maximum slower driving efficiency. The rear is for dynamism. Range was achieved using the now defunct NEDC formula, but Benz vows a WLTP figure is coming.
The battery recharges to 80% in 40 minutes when hooked to a charging station with an output of 110kW or 10-11 hours with a 240-volt home recharger likely to be included into buy-in here. It takes a Type 2 CCS plug (importers note it’s Chademo in Japan) and the battery warranty is for eight years or 160,000km use.
Deformation elements absorb energy in the event of an accident. The high-voltage system also automatically shuts down to prevent critical build-up.
Looking like a regular Benz is important. The black-panel frontage encompassing the headlights keeps a grille, even though it’s not needed, because “a car needs a face”, explains designer Robert Lesnik – one that it will share with all EQs.
The five-chair cabin has the latest MBUX infotainment system and design elements intended to enforce an electro-cool and premium.
Benz expects its customers will easily accept EQC but also believes more than half of buyers will come from other brands.
