The 80 kWh traction battery could limit consumer appeal. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – November 20, 2019 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC SUV Los Angeles, CA -- Mercedes-Benz introduced its new EQC, its first fully electric to launch globally under the new EQ brand. The EQC 400 4MATIC AWD is scheduled to reach Mercedes dealerships in early 2020 with a starting price of just $67,900. The EQC features electric motors on each axle with the front powering during low to medium load demands and the rear engaged only with wheel slip or a more exhilarating driving experience. Both motors are used during braking regeneration. The new Mercedes BEV has a system output of 402 hp and peak torque of 561 lb-ft. The Mercedes-Benz EQC is built upon a small 80 kWh Li-Ion battery located in the vehicle floor. Complementing the traction battery is a unique liquid cooled onboard 7.4 kW charger. Charging from a home 32A, 240v Level2 charger, the EQC 400 4MATIC can be brought from 10 percent to full in 10-hours. While charging from at least a 110 kW DC CCS Fast Charger, the pack can be brought from 10 to 80 percent in 40-minutes. The EQC is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system standard. The EQ-specific functions include range, charge status and energy flow. MBUX uses the standard EQ Optimized Navigation and Mercedes me Charge to calculate the most efficient route for any trip. MBUX recommends the shortest amount of time needed to get to your destinations and uses online services to find available DC Fast Charging stations. 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC Interior The first Mercedes-Benz EQ includes unique design details and colors. The louvered trim in the upper dashboard and door panels resembles the cooling fins of a high-end amplifier. 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC Trims There will be three available tiers including the base Progressive, mid-trim Premium, and the luxury packed Advanced trim. The Progressive and Premium tiers offer two uniquely curated paint and upholstery options, while three selections will be available for the Advanced. Standard features include DYNAMIC SELECT with EQ optimized drive modes, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia and infotainment system with EQ optimized navigation, dual-10.25” digital displays with touchscreen, Mercedes Me Charge with 3 years’ service included, 64-color ambient lighting with “EQC” illuminated door sills, Active Brake Assist with autonomous emergency braking, Car-to-X Communication and LED Intelligent Light System Headlamps with adaptive high beam assist. The Premium adds to the Progressive trim the AMG Line Exterior Package, Parking Assistance Package with 360-degree surround view, wireless charging with NFC pairing, Natural Grain Wood Trim and Aero Package. The Aero Package includes aluminum-look running boards that improve aerodynamics and add extra aero elements under the body of the car to help reduce the coefficient of drag. The Advanced adds to the Premium leather upholstery, heated outboard rear seats, ventilated front seats and the Driver Assistance Package. The Driver Assistance Package offers the latest suite of Mercedes-Benz driver assistance systems. This include new functions such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC predictive speed adjustment that can reduce speed as a precaution when approaching traffic. Production of the EQC started in 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The new EQC will be integrated into ongoing series production as a fully electric vehicle, and the very latest production technologies will be employed. The all-new EQC will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2020. Base Pricing: Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC: $67,900 + a $995 D&H Charge Motor: 2 asynchronous motors, AWD Battery: Li-Ion Battery Capacity: 80kWh Charging time Level2 J1772 (240V/32A): 10 hours (10 – 100%) CCS DC Fast Charging (110kW): 40 min (10 – 80%) Length: 187.4” Width w/mirrors / w/o mirrors: 82.5”/74.2” Height: 63.9” Wheelbase: 113.1” Drive Config.: Fully Variable 4MATIC AWD Transmission: Single-speed Performance: 402 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque 0-60 mph (sec): 4.8 Top speed (mph): 112 (electronically limited) 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC Early conclusions It is relatively quick to 60 so it probably lighter than the 2019 Audi e-tron SUV. However, an 80-kWh traction battery with maybe 70 useable kWhs is only going to provide approximately 180 to 200-miles of range on our EPA. With Model Xs pumping out 328 miles in long range trim, the EQC engineers targeted well short of the gold standard and it will cost sales. On a positive note, I really like the looks of the floating driver/central display. I also do not have passenger and cargo volume specs yet. Since the EQC is built upon the GLC platform with 113.1” wheelbase and the pack is located beneath the floor, I suspect the EQC will offer the same 19.4/56.5 cu. ft. of cargo volume. A compact for sure.
