Debut electric crossover Mercedes-Benz EQC

5 September 2018

The future begins?

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new electric crossover EQC. What's new, if the concept Generation EQ with the same looks we saw back in 2016? Since that time, all had become accustomed to his appearance, so this car seems familiar. But the fact that Mercedes-Benz EQC — already the production version, which will soon go on sale.

Important detail: the novelty will become the first-born electric sub-brand EQ. Under them will come out of future electric vehicles of the company. At the same time, the manufacturer has tried to keep a visual link with the usual cars Mercedes-Benz. From some angles, crossover similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Mercedes-Benz EQC have in common with the GLC and some technical aspects. The two models have the same wheelbase — 2 mm. 873 unlike other manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz decided not to reinvent the wheel based electric car took the already existing conventional model. It retains even the transmission tunnel, which usually is absent in "pure" electric cars. It is considered that the developed zero-electric vehicles have higher efficiency: they lower the center of gravity and less mass, because engineers initially adapted to the installation, only electric motors and batteries. Will give the competitors the Mercedes-Benz EQC — time will tell. Although it is already known that the new product weighs about 300 kg more similar the capabilities of the Jaguar I-Pace.

Another unusual detail is hidden under the hood. In the electric vehicle corresponds to the internal combustion engine, so in its place is usually an additional Luggage compartment. Albeit small, but still it is in the Tesla Model X Jaguar and I-Pace. Mercedes-Benz EQC trunk rear only. Under the hood is hiding a big plastic overlay under which as if hiding the internal combustion engine. It actually hides the unit control electronics.

At the moment, Mercedes-Benz EQC announced in the only version — EQC 400. The modern "Mercedes" index 400 often hides a three-liter gasoline engines. Recoil electric novelty are much higher: the manufacturer stated 408 horsepower and 765 nm.

Mounted in the floor of the lithium-ion battery offers a charge of 80 kWh By the standards of industry leaders is not so much (in the "T" happens to 100 kWh), although an obvious outsider like this "Mercedes" will not be called. A full charge should be enough for 450 kilometers. However, in real conditions from this figure we can safely subtract 20 %, and even more: this figure was obtained in the outdated driving cycle NEDC, which in Europe has declined due to its unrealistic tests.

Already known dynamic characteristics of the Mercedes-Benz EQC. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h will be the new in 5.1 seconds. Maximum speed is artificially limited: up to 180 km/h the crossover to accelerate will not.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz EQC will begin in 2019. The price is not yet disclosed, but we can focus on key competitors: Tesla Model X Jaguar and I-Pace. They will be the new Audi e-tron, serial production of which started just a few days ago.