Mercedes-Benz kicks off all-electric EQC production, sales and pricing

German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has kicked off production and sales of its first ever all-electric vehicle, the EQC compact SUV in Europe.

The EQC, which will be priced from €71,281 ($A114,168 at today’s rates) for its “generously equipped” basic version, is being produced from Mercedes-Benz’s Bremen factory in north-western Germany, on the same production line as the carmaker’s C-Class Saloon and Estate, GLC and GLC Coupé models.

With a range of 445-471km (based on the NEDC cycle), the EQC represents the first of Mercedes-Benz’ EQ series which was first announced globally in September 201, and is marketed as a “family-friendly” SUV.

First unveiled in Australia at an exclusive event in Melbourne in March, the EQC is just the start for Mercedes-Benx which has promised 7 pure battery electric vehicles across all its segments.

As the carmaker so elegantly puts it, “Electric now has a Mercedes”.

“With the Mercedes-Benz EQC, we are entering a new era of mobility. It is part of the growing family of all-electric vehicles at Mercedes-Benz and combines brand-defining features such as quality, safety and comfort,” said Britta Seeger, head of Mercedes-Benz car sales for parent group Daimler in a statement.

“We offer our customers progressive design and unique ride comfort – and this with a range absolutely suitable for everyday use,” states Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales.

The EQC will also initially be available is a limited special edition “1886” which offers an extensive range of “customer-friendly” electric mobility extras, according to the carmaker.

“The EQC Edition 1886 not only stands for progressive design, exciting driving dynamics and a range more than suitable for daily use, it also stands for intelligent additional services that anticipate and fulfil the driver’s needs. Long-term, worry-free vehicle use is the focus here,” said Seeger.

Coming in at under €60,000 ($A96,100) for the basic net price in Germany means it will be eligible for Germany’s €4,000 ($A6,410) environmental subsidy.

How the vehicle is configured in the carmaker’s online configurator will determine the vehicle’s driving range, with energy consumption ranging from 20.8 – 19.7kWh per 100 kilometres.

“With the start of production of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, we are turning the switch today – for the electric mobility of the future,”said Markus Schäfer, member of Mercedes-Benz’s board for cars, production and supply chain in a statement.

The EQC is expected to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2019.

“We expect to have the first vehicles in Australia in October, and first arrivals to customers shortly after that, and stock in dealers for people to experience the EQC in person” said a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia.