Mercedes-Benz may be the world’s oldest manufacturer, but that doesn’t make it old-fashioned. From the creation of the world’s first gasoline-powered automobile to the development of groundbreaking safety features and technological advancements, this German manufacturer has long been a pioneer. The upcoming EQC – an all-electric sporty SUV coupe – promises to follow in these footsteps. In fact, it is the beginning of an era, as the EQ name will become the automaker’s electric vehicle brand. Without waiting, here’s what you should know about this ground-breaking model.
It works in the real world
There’s no getting around it: electric vehicles are a new breed, and must therefore prove themselves to consumers as a viable alternative. As such, they are often judged not on the capabilities and advantages they confer, but on their limitations. In the case of the EQC, Mercedes-Benz has addressed those limitations to ensure that the EQC is a vehicle that is simple to operate, hassle-free and viable in the real world.
For starters, the battery range of up to 500 km is not unlike that of many gas-powered vehicles. But it gets even better, as it will be possible to charge the EQC at home – a process that will be far less expensive than fuelling up a gas tank, and allow owners to skip an unwanted detour to a gas station. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz projects that on public charging stations with DC current, the EQC will be able to charge from near empty to 80% in around 40 minutes. And that’s not all; the EQC will not only be simple to run, it will also serve its function as an SUV to perfection, with power available to all four wheels, ample interior space and an impressive towing capacity of 1,800 kg. Mercedes-Benz are adamant about leaving no room for compromise and making top-quality products, and it shows in the investment they’ve made in the EQC.
“By market launch, 200 prototypes and pre-production vehicles of the EQC will have finished tests covering several million kilometres across four continents”
It will have the latest tech
A vehicle is more than just its powertrain. We’re proud to say that the onboard technology and connectivity features of the EQC will more than match the technology that’s under the hood – or rather, under the floor in this case. MBUX, which stands for the Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system, will be standard. It will allow drivers to optimise navigation, driving modes, charging current and departure time, while also making use of artificial intelligence to progressively shape its operation to driver habits. For instance, the MBUX will automatically raise or lower the climate control temperature if you tell it that you are cold or warm – you won’t need to explicitly tell it to increase the temperature. The EQC will also allow its driver to choose between five driving programmes, which will maximize efficiency and performance in different situations. The EQC promises to be intuitive to use, because it will tailor itself to its owner.
The Mercedes of electric cars
Engineers responsible for the project have left no stone unturned to ensure that people think of the EQC as a Mercedes first and foremost – not as an electric vehicle. Performance-wise, the EQC will combine the capabilities of an SUV with the dynamic character of a coupe. And it won’t just be in its looks; the EQC will boast upwards of 400 hp in the most powerful variant and a maximum torque of over 500 lb-ft. This will allow the EQC to accelerate to 100 km/h in around five seconds. And of course, the vehicle will unite the essential Mercedes-Benz strengths of safety, refinement and comfort, without compromising functionality. All in, the EQC promises to be a game-changer.
At Mercedes-Benz Saskatoon, we are incredibly excited about the prospect of adding this vehicle to our lineup in the near future. Stay tuned!
