CO2-less SUV gets 408hp of power and driving range of 450km to rival the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X.
Is it based on the GLC?
Welcome to the EQC, Mercedes-Benz’s first all-electric SUV that was first previewed as a concept two years ago.
The EQC is broadly based on the current GLC sharing the same 2,873mm wheelbase length, although it is slightly longer overall and shorter in height.
The face of the EQC is a new design theme for Mercedes’ range of EVs. The same goes for the Porsche-like rear-lamp strip.
The cabin’s widescreen incorporates the brand’s new MBUX technology featuring the latest in connectivity, usage and voice control. There are five seats inside making the EQC a natural rival for the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X (which can be opted with seven seats).
Is it all-wheel drive?
There are two electric motors powering the EQC, one for each axle to essentially make it all-wheel drive (4Matic in Mercedes speak).
Total power and torque are rated at 408hp and 765Nm to help the EQC accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.1sec. Top speed is limited to 180kph.
There’s an 80kWh lithium-ion battery weighing 650kg to bring the total weight of the EQC to a portly 2,425kg. It can be recharged to between 10-80% within 40min, according to Mercedes. Total driving range is claimed at 450km.
Will it be built in Thailand?
At the moment, Mercedes only plans to build the EQC in Germany and China with sales starting next year.
The Thai Mercedes office has shown interest in building EVs in the country due to privileges in investment and taxation handed out by the government. Battery production is currently in the works at the brand’s factory in Samut Prakan.
If the EQC comes to Thai shores as a fully built-up import from Germany, its price would be as high as five million baht.
In fact, the Thai Jaguar importer reckons that the I-Pace would cost around six million baht when sales start toward the end of this year.
