Mercedes EQC electric SUV (2019): data, pictures, information

Mercedes is starting the electric future and is not taking any risks: With a length of 4.76 meters, a width of 1.88 meters and a height of 1.62 meters, the EQC fits in almost exactly between the GLC and GLE and also rides perfectly on the global SUV wave. A recipe that seems to work so far, Mercedes itself is currently assuming that both 2019 and 2020 customers with EQC needs will go away empty-handed. Means: The E lektro-Benz is sold out . In concrete terms: The Mercedes EQC can be ordered from spring 2019, the first vehicles will be handed over to selected customers in June 2019. As a fairly extensively equipped EQC 400 4Matic, the electric SUV costs from 71,281 euros. With a net base price of less than 60,000 euros, it qualifies for funding through the environmental bonus in Germany - regardless of the individual equipment.

That sounds like a celebrity bonus, but it mainly means customers who have signed up beforehand have registered. The heart of this registration is the so-called “EQ Ready Score”, with which Mercedes tries to classify potential EQC customers into nine levels. Part of this evaluation is, among other things, the location and distance to the next charging point. The higher the “EQ Ready Score”, the more interested a customer actually is in an electric car and may receive preferential treatment upon delivery. Sounds complicated, but it is actually an attempt not to have to meet the high demand with a kind of lottery.

The drive train in the EQC has an output of 300 kW (408 PS) and 765 Newton meters of torque, the range is up to 450 km. At least on paper. In the real world, the range will probably level off between 300 and 350 kilometers. To increase efficiency, the front electric motor takes over the weak to medium load range, while the rear motor determines the dynamics.

The modular lithium-ion battery comes from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche Accumotive, weighs 650 Kilos and has a capacity of 80 kWh - a maximum of 110 kWh should be possible. Speaking of capacity: the trunk swallows 500 liters, a maximum of 505 kilos can be loaded. The EQC consumes 22.2 kWh per 100 kilometers. Daimler specifies the curb weight at 2,425 kg, the trailer load at 1,800 kg.

Electric SUV EQC on new electric architecture

The electric SUV is then on a specially designed battery-electric Models developedElectric vehicle architecture made of steel, aluminum and carbon: wheelbase and track width as well as all other system components, especially the batteries, are variable thanks to the modular system construction kit.

Mercedes

The connecting LED strip on the front is the hallmark of the Mercedes EQC.

The Mercedes EQC is an offshoot of the Paris study 'Generation EQ'. It has a slight coupé shape, the lower window line rises slightly to the rear, while the roof slopes down to the rear. Instead of camera mini-mirrors, the EQC has classic exterior mirrors, which are housed in the window triangle. The front houses narrow headlights with a circumferential LED strip that are connected by a light guide. A black panel houses the brand logo and is optionally surrounded by a black or chrome-plated clip. As if a slight smile were playing around the EQC face. A diffuser is emblazoned at the rear and the taillights are reminiscent of the Porsche Macan. A continuous light strip on the tailgate seems to have become the design element of choice these days and adorns the rear of the EQC accordingly. The rear window is small and is shielded by a spoiler.

More electric Mercedes are coming in 2020

Mercedes

Charging is done via CCS plug with alternating current (AC) up to 11 kW or at fast charging stations withDirect current (DC). The maximum charging power is 110 kW.

In addition to the EQC on the EVA I platform, there will be other models on EVA II from 2020 Give platform. For example an EQ sedan the size of a Mercedes C-Class. This is followed by a sedan in S-Class format and two SUVs the size of the GLS and GLE Coupé. They all have one thing in common: They are based on the look of the F 015 research car and have an apparently floating cockpit with a 24-inch TFT display. There is another screen in the steering wheel, which replaces the conventional rotary push button. 'With the ten EQ models announced, we cover 60 percent of all vehicle segments,' says Mercedes boss Dieter Zetsche. Despite the new electric strategy, Zetsche announced at the Detroit Motor Show that the company wanted to meet the EU requirements for CO2 emissions by 2021, but that it was not giving any guarantee.

With various driving modes from ' Max Range ”via“ Eco ”to“ Sport ”the driver can adapt the characteristics of the drive. In addition, the “Eco Assistant” gives tips and advice on using functions such as sailing or for the targeted use of recuperation. The batteries manufactured in Kamenz, Saxony, are housed in a crash-proof steel box that sits in the underbody between the axles and ensures optimal weight distribution.

Charging system of the EQC

The battery is charged as with Almost all electric cars also use alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), for which a CCS connection is used. CCS stands for 'Combined Charging System', ie a plug that transmits both types of electricity. The built-in AC charger is designed for single-phase only, but it can withstand charging currents of up to 32 A, which leads to a charging capacity of 7.4 kW. This is sufficient for the wallbox in the home garage and overnight charging, but the EQC does not benefit from public AC chargers with 11 or even 22 kW. Since there is no three-phase power grid in many countries, Mercedes has dispensed with the faster AC inputs.

If things are to be faster, a DC charging station is required that can supply up to 110 kW. To recharge the battery from 10 to 80 percent, Mercedes specifies a duration of 40 minutes, which is surprising at first glance: from 10 to 80 percent ultimately corresponds to a charging stroke of 70 percent, which means 56 kWh for an 80 kWh battery. At 110 kW, however, 73 kWh would have to be tapped in 40 minutes, which is why the EQC does not fully utilize its maximum charging capacity. What is even more serious: Most public CCS chargers only deliver 50 kW. The expansion of more powerful charging stations on European expressways is only just beginning, which is why it will be a few years before EQC customers have a charging network that corresponds to that of Tesla's superchargers.

Inside, the A-Class says hello

Patrick Lang

The cockpit is dominated by a large free-standing display. There is an extra tile in the infotainment for the EQ functions.

The MBUX infotainment system, which is debuting in the A-Class also works in the EQC. Of course, the system was supplemented with EQ-specific content on range, state of charge and energy flow. There is also an optimized navigation that calculates the fastest routes taking into account the shortest loading times. The MBUX bundles the extra functions in an EQ tile. Although MBUX is operated via a 10.4-inch touchscreen and touchpads, buttons for the main functions are located in the center console. In comparison, the Comand system offered in the GLC now looks outdated. The interior can be preconditioned via app while charging, and the EQC has a heat pump and an auxiliary heater on board.

MBUX also offers voice control, many online functions and augmented reality display of navigation instructions when it comes to the range of functions nothing to be desired. There is also a choice of all of the company's level 2 assistance systems. However, real autonomous driving on level 3 is not planned.

Space like in the GLC

Patrick Lang

The rear passengers have a good laugh. Despite the sloping roof line, there is enough space above the head and also the legs have enough space.

Seats,The center console or door panels are reminiscent of the GLC, as is the spaciousness of the approximately 4.70 meter long Stromer. The rear seat can also be folded down into three parts in the EQC. After all, the “electric high seat” should be a fully-fledged everyday car. The passengers in the rear also benefit from this. Knees and head do not hit, there is enough space in each direction. In general, the coupé line with the sloping roof does not penetrate as much on the inside than it might appear from the outside. Even through the inside mirror you can see a reasonable section of everything that is going on behind the EQC. Incidentally, the idea of ​​sustainability also affects the interior. Some parts of the seats are made from recycled PET bottles. Although it does not take over a single sheet metal part from the GLC, the EQC is built on the same line at the Bremen plant. In this way, Mercedes can react very flexibly to the demand for the different types of drive in its mid-range SUV.

The manufacturer also spans the EQ network across other locations. In the future, the EQ compact class models will roll off the assembly line in Rastatt, and the upper and luxury classes in Sindelfingen. The plant in Hambach (France) is to provide another EQ compact model in the future, in Tuscaloosa (USA) the EQ SUVs will see the light of day in the future. For the Chinese market, the EQC and a compact model originate from the Beijing plant. Mercedes intends to invest more than ten billion euros in the EQ sub-brand over the next few years. But not in their own electrical plant, as Dieter Zetsche revealed on the sidelines of the EQC premiere: “I see no benefit in setting up a pure electric car production. The significantly larger part of the Mercedes works will be able to build electric cars. Interested parties have to be patient: The delivery of the EQC will start in spring 2019.