Mercedes Enters The Electric Era With All-New EQC Crossover

The electric vehicle wars are kicking into high gear as Mercedes has unveiled the highly anticipated EQC in Sweden.

Set to compete with the upcoming Audi e-tron, the EQC was previewed by the Generation EQ concept and it features a “large black-panel surface enclosing the headlamps and grille.” While it’s not as distinctive as the front fascia used on the concept, it has fiber optic lights which effectively connect the LED headlights.  This promises to give the model an unmistakable appearance at night.

Moving further back, the EQC has flowing bodywork and front fender vents with a high-gloss black finish. Other notable features include a dynamic roofline, high-gloss aluminum window surrounds and a charging port which is located just ahead of the taillight on the passenger side.

While most crossovers have roof rails, Mercedes says they were “deliberately” omitted from the EQC to improve aerodynamics. The wheels are also aerodynamically optimized and the lightweight alloy units are available in sizes ranging from 19- to 21-inches.

The rear of the EQC is a tad plain as only major styling features are a tailgate-mounted spoiler and slender taillights which are connected by a thin strip which emphasizes the vehicle’s width. Further below, there’s a black plastic bumper with chrome accents that appear to replicate exhaust tips.

Moving into the cabin, there’s an “avant-garde electro-look” which should be familiar to current Mercedes owners. Drivers sit behind a three-spoke steering wheel and find themselves facing two 10.25-inch displays.

While much of the cabin is familiar, there are a handful of unique touches which separate from the EQC from more mainstream models. One of the most noticeable design elements is the rosé-gold colors louvers in the air vents. Another unique feature is the metallic ribs which are reminiscent of those found on “high-quality music amplifiers.” The ribbed pattern wraps around the entire dashboard and continues onto the doors.

Elsewhere, designers installed an ambient lighting system and unique seats which feature indigo blue or beige centers with “Sunnyvale” upholstery that is constructed from recycled material. An assortment of different options will be available including wood trim and a Burmester audio system.

Speaking of options, Mercedes will offer three different styling packages. The AMG Line Exterior features a single bar grille, a sportier front bumper and a unique rear end with an integrated diffuser. Customers can also amplify the AMG look by ordering 20- or 21-inch AMG wheels.

The AMG Line Interior package brings sporty styling features into the cabin as it includes a flat-bottom steering wheel and brushed stainless steel pedals. The package also adds faux-leather / microfiber seats and AMG floor mats. Customers will also have the option of ordering real leather seats and faux carbon fiber trim.

Last but not least, there’s an Electric Art package which adds additional rose-gold accents to the interior.

Electric vehicles are all about the powertrain and the EQC has electric motors that power each axle. They produce a combined output of 402 hp (300 kW / 407 PS) and 564 lb-ft (765 Nm) of torque. This enables the all-wheel drive crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.1 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 111 mph (180 km/h). More importantly, the EQC has an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which enables the model to travel more than 279 miles (450 km) in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

While the EQC has all-wheel drive, Mercedes says the crossover is primarily front-wheel drive. In an effort to improve efficiency, only the front electric motor is used during low and medium demand conditions.

When it comes to charging, the EQC is equipped with a water-cooled onboard charger that has a capacity of 7.4 kW. Owners looking for a faster charge can use the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox which is three times faster than a domestic power socket. Mercedes didn’t go into specifics, but said the battery can be charged from 10 – 80 percent in approximately 40 minutes.

Mercedes is currently gearing up to produce the EQC in Bremen, Germany and the Beijing Benz Automotive plant in China. There’s no word on pricing or launch details, but we’re likely hear more in the coming months.

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