Mercedes-Benz EQC Electric Crossover-SUV Unveiled

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Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the first member of its EQ electric vehicle line-up: the new Mercedes-Benz EQC crossover SUV. The EQC marks the start of a new mobility era at Daimler. Featuring two asynchronous electric motors at the front and rear axles with a combined output of 300 kW, an 80 kWh Li-ion battery pack and a (provisional) combined power consumption of 22.2 kWh/ 100km, the EQC delivers an electric range of more than 450 km according to the NEDC. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5.1 seconds, and the top speed is 180 km/h (112 mph).

As the first Mercedes-Benz model to be launched under the new product and technology brand EQ, the EQC features an all-new drive system development with compact electric drivetrains at each axle. These give the EQC the driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive.

To reduce power consumption and increase dynamism, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is optimized for best possible efficiency in the low- to medium-load range, while the rear one determines dynamism. Together, they generate the output of 300 kW and a maximum torque of 765 N·m (564 lb-ft). The EQC is equipped with a water-cooled onboard charger (OBC) with a capacity of 7.4 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations.

Charging at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is up to three times faster than at a domestic power socket. It is faster still with DC charging—which is standard for the EQC—for example via CCS (Combined Charging Systems) in Europe and the USA, CHAdeMO in Japan or GB/T in China. Depending on the SoC (state of charge), the EQC can be charged with a maximum output of up to 110 kW at an appropriate charging station. In around 40 minutes, the battery can be charged from 10 – 80 percent SoC (provisional data).

The EQC supports its driver with five driving programs, each with different characteristics: COMFORT, ECO, MAX RANGE, SPORT and an individually adaptable program. In the more economical driving modes, the haptic accelerator pedal that prompts the driver to conserve power plays an important role. The driver is also able to influence the recuperation level using so-called paddles behind the steering wheel.

The ECO Assist system gives the driver comprehensive support when driving predictively: by prompting the driver when it is appropriate to come off the accelerator, e.g. because the vehicle is approaching a speed limit, and by functions such as coasting and specific control of recuperation. For this purpose, navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the intelligent safety assistants (radar and stereo camera) are linked and processed.