Exclusive Mercedes-Benz EQ: The Silver Star Goes Electric

The E and the Q in small, bluish letters on the front fenders of this vehicle indicate that this is an intelligent electric vehicle with advanced technological capabilities. EQ represents the dawn of a new era for Mercedes-Benz. Just this week, the automaker is unveiling the first of 10 new fully electric models slated to hit the market by 2022. From the smart car to the brand’s SUVs, sedans and roadsters, an entirely electric vehicle will be offered in almost all segments. The Stuttgart-based firm gives new meaning to the term BlueTEC. Of course, it isn’t actually used in this context, but it could’ve been.

Stockholm, Sweden

Mercedes-Benz chose to raise the curtain on the EQC as part of the pre-opening to the #meconvention in Stockholm, a major event on technologies and lifestyles of tomorrow. It didn’t choose this event by accident. The image the manufacturer wants to project with its EQ vehicles is perfectly aligned with the #meconvention, which takes place in a region where electric transportation is among the most advanced on the planet.

• Also: Mercedes-Benz EQ-Boost: the 48-volt Mild-hybrid Wave
• Also: Mercedes-Benz Concept EQA: World Debut in Frankfurt

Mercedes-Benz introduced its new SUV in various workshops. The presentations covered its design, development, manufacturing process and artificial intelligence. They went to great lengths to explain that electric vehicles were not simply a necessary evil for Mercedes-Benz. The EQ family is the manufacturer’s fourth sub-brand. The manufacturer invariably defines its lines by luxury: modern luxury for its traditional vehicles, ultimate luxury for the Maybach family and performance-oriented luxury for the AMG lineup. The EQ is defined as progressive luxury. Basically, there are different philosophies for each of the vehicle lines and that doesn’t make them any less remarkable.

First and foremost an SUV

Launched in 2007, the smart EV was Mercedes-Benz's first electric vehicle and it has been quite successful on a global scale. But let's face it, this type of vehicle isn’t for everyone and electrifying the smart wasn’t exactly the best way for the manufacturer to line its pockets. Since the SUV segment is the fastest-growing worldwide and because they can be sold at a high price, it was only logical that Mercedes-Benz would choose this class of vehicle. At one of the conferences, they also admitted that it was easier to adapt electric technology to an SUV than to a small car, as it helped them lower the often criticized centre of gravity and there is more room available for various elements such as batteries.

The EQC joins the GLC in the compact SUV segment and the two vehicles will be built in the same factory in Bremen, Germany. Some five countries have been selected to produce Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicles. This list includes Germany, of course, but also the United States and China.

With proportions similar to those of the GLC, the EQC features a more slender exterior that, all things considered, could be described as an amalgam of the GLC and GLC coupe. It features more streamlined tail end, a good amount of cargo space and a practical side that makes it superior to the coupe.

Why a Grille?

Mercedes-Benz’s response to that question is quite simply that it looks good. Without naming names (i.e., the Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq), Robert Lesnik, who led the EQC’s design, drew our attention to the lack of substance in the design of certain models that are devoid of front grilles. In any case, he said, the EQC’s front grille is functional and seamlessly integrated into the product design. He seemed pretty proud of his work.

This grille, which is surrounded by LED headlamps and has an LED strip along the top, constitutes the visual signature that will be applied to all future models of the EQ family. Ditto for the taillights that, like those on the Dodge Dart, Charger and Durango, form a continuous strip along the trunk. 19- to 21-inch rims will also be offered on the EQC, which isn’t reinventing automobile design, but does help it stand out from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Welcome aboard

The cockpit is futuristic and refined thanks to two key aspects. First, there’s the design of the decorative accessories such as the air vents and the aluminum strips that overhang the door panels. Second, there’s the giant, ultramodern 10.25-inch screen. The presenters couldn’t stop bragging about its ergonomics and degree of innovation. It uses the MBUX operating system first introduced in the new A-Class (that is going to arrive in Canada shortly), which pushes the limits of connectivity and assistance. Then there’s the MercedesMe technology that allows connecting to your car remotely to program different settings like preheating, air conditioning, starting, programmed charging and even more.

The EQC also comes with different driving modes for improved performance or fuel efficiency. You can even use the navigation system to plan a trip by taking various parameters into consideration, including energy use, speed, traffic flow and even weather conditions. Of course, it will also help you find and plan stops at charging stations, which remain strategic during long trips.

Speaking of charging, Mercedes-Benz says it will take 7 or 8 hours on a 240-volt outlet, but that time could be reduced significantly using fast charging. If you do that, a 10% to 80% charge would only take 40 minutes. Not too shabby!

They’re also promising 450 kilometres of range based on the European cycle. This would be closer to 200 miles (320 km) using North-American calculation methods. That means it isn’t the leading electric vehicle in terms of operating range. For instance, the Jaguar I-PACE claims it can cover up to 386 kilometres on a single charge.

The drivetrain includes an electric motor mounted on each axle supplied by an 80-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This battery pack is housed at floor level, lowering the centre of gravity and maximizing interior space. Fun fact: the EQC is built on new modular architecture that can be assembled in different plants and adjusted to different vehicle types.

When Will we See it?

Mercedes-Benz states that the vehicle will be available throughout the world in the spring of 2020. We don’t know how much this 402-horsepower SUV with a towing capacity of 1800 kilograms (4000 pounds) will cost. Logic dictates that you should expect a price tag similar to that of the Jaguar I-PACE, which is currently considered its closest rival and has a starting price of $86,500.