The all-electric EQC SUV. Source: Mercedes-Benz
The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC will go on sale in 2020 and will have a starting price in the US of $US67,000 ($A102,567 converted, and before taxes and on-roads), Daimler announced on Thursday (Australian time).
The EQC is the first all-electric vehicle from the German car-maker under its zero emissions EQ brand, and will feature an 80kWh battery with dual motors delivering 300kW maximum power and 760Nm torque.
It is due to arrive in US showrooms in early 2020 (and will have its official launch next month in Australia, when timing of Australian deliveries and pricing will likely be revealed).
Its range is alo unclear, but recent European WLTP ratings suggest a range of between 370 and 417 kilometres is achievable, and a test drive in an early prototype by Roadshow in December 2018 achieved 367 kilometres with 7% left to spare on the battery.
Charging of the EQC, which can fast-charge at a rate of up to 100kW, can be done in just 40 minutes using a DC charger from 10-80%. At home, on a 7kW wall charger, expect about 10 hours to charge to full from near empty.
Along with Mercedes-Benz’s standard sophisticated multimedia interface, numerous EV functions will allow the driver to monitor range, battery status and energy flow. The in-built navigation system assists drivers with finding nearby chargers and plotting the quickest route.
Inside, the luxury styling synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand feature “avante-garde” highlights to distinguish the EQC as an electric-powered vehicle, and will be available in three trims from the entry-level “Progressive” to “Premium” and the top-level “Advanced”.
All trims come with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX dash interface including two 10.25″ touchscreens, ambient door sill lighting, drivers assist features such as brake assist including auto emergency braking.
The Premium trim also includes an AMG Line exterior package, parking assistance, mobile phone wireless charging, natural wood grain trim and an aerodynamic package to reduce drag.
The Advanced trim brings all this plus leather seats and upholstery, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and a top level driver assist package that includes the ability to adjust speed in traffic.
Pricing for the premium trims for the EQC, which will be built at Daimler’s Bremen facility in Germany, have not been given at this time.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.
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