- As the first Mercedes-Benz model under the Mercedes-EQ banner, the EQC has many trailblazing design details and colour highlights typical of the brand.
- These attributes are accompanied by dynamic performance, thanks to two electric motors at the front and rear axles with a combined output of 300 kW.
- A sophisticated operating strategy enables an electric range of up to 437 km (WLTP)
25 August 2022 – As the first Mercedes-Benz model under the Mercedes-EQ banner, the EQC has many trailblazing design details and colour highlights typical of the brand. Both inside and out, the EQC embodies the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. This arises from the combination of a previously unknown beauty, the conscious clash of digital and analogue elements as well as the seamless merging of intuitive and physical design.
“This crossover SUV with a dynamic and modern look as well as a striking avant-garde design offers the latest technology and a sophisticated operating system,” says Mark Raine, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. “The EQC has a real edge to its rivals and is a forerunner in this segment.”
In brief: EQC 400
The EQC is being launched as the EQC 400 4MATIC with 300 kW and a range according to WLTP of up to 437 km. The “double-decker” lithium-ion battery has an energy content of 80.0 kWh.
The EQC 400 4MATIC will be available in South Africa with a price of R1,679,00. This includes a standard 5-year/100,000 km warranty, 5-year/100 000km PremiumDrive Maintenance plan, and an 8-year battery warranty.
In depth: EQC 400
By virtue of its muscular proportions, the EQC is classed as a crossover SUV. The extended roofline and window layout with a low waistline and the coupé-like roof recess at the rear visually position it between an SUV and an SUV coupé.
A striking feature at the front is the large black-panel surface enclosing the headlamps and grille. For the first time, the black panel is bordered at the top by an optical fibre as a visual link between the torch-like daytime running lamps as a typical Mercedes-Benz feature. At night this creates an almost uninterrupted, horizontal light band. The inner housings and tubes of the standard MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are in high-gloss black. Contrasting colour highlights discreetly confirm the model’s membership of the new EQ family: blue stripes on a black background, and MULTIBEAM lettering also in blue.
The high-quality interior of the EQC also pioneers an avant-garde electro-look. One example is the ribbed edge of the instrument panel, which resembles the cooling ribs of a hi-fi amplifier. The instrument panel is designed as a driver-oriented cockpit. The typical Mercedes-Benz wing profile is asymmetrical, with a “cut-out” in the driver area. This is where one of the visual highlights of the cockpit is located – a high-tech, high gloss cassette housing flat air vents with key-shaped, rosé-gold coloured louvres.
Powertrain: Dynamic performance meets efficiency
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 vehicle.
To reduce power consumption and increase dynamism, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is optimised for the best possible efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear one boosts dynamism. Together, they generate an output of 300 kW and a maximum torque of 760 Nm.
Mercedes-Benz engineers have enhanced noise comfort with a number of measures. In the EQC, the powerpacks are isolated by rubber mounts at two points: where the power pack connects to its subframe, and where the subframe connects to the body. This effective isolation is supplemented with insulation measures. As a result, the interior of the EQC is extremely quiet.
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 new MAX RANGE driving mode, the haptic accelerator pedal that prompts the driver to conserve power is a special highlight. 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.
Charging: Flexible and fast
As standard. 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. Depending on the SoC (status 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.
The multimedia system MBUX: with EQC-specific functions
The EQC features the innovative multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience – which has numerous EQC-specific functions such as the display of range, charge status and energy flow. EQC-optimised navigation, driving modes, charging current and departure time can also be controlled and set via MBUX.
The MBUX display has a special EQC tile where numerous EQC features are grouped. Alternatively, the user can access the EQC menu of the MBUX system directly using a key in the lower left control panel. Thanks to natural language recognition, the EQC specific voice control helps the driver to operate the EQC.
Intelligent services: Relaxed travel from start to finish
EQ with Mercedes me provides comprehensive services for the electromobility of today and tomorrow. The most important new services and functions of the EQC planned for market launch include:
Pre-entry climate control: This ensures that the vehicle interior is already at the desired temperature on departure. It can be programmed directly via MBUX or via the Mercedes me App. A sophisticated system with a heat pump and electric heater boosters pre-climatises the interior.
The EQC-optimised navigation always bases its calculation on a fast and comfortable route taking into account a short charging time. The route planning also responds dynamically to changes, and can take place both offboard and onboard, i.e. externally (via the Mercedes me App) and within the vehicle. Thanks to EQC optimised navigation, Mercedes-Benz customers can easily find charging stations, and Mercedes me Charge gives them convenient access to the charging stations of numerous providers in various countries. In this case, customers benefit from an integrated payment function with simple accounting.
Active and passive safety: EQC-specific safety concept
The EQC is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. In the Driving Assistance package, these include new functions such as predictive speed adjustment when approaching the end of a tailback: when a tailback is detected, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution. In a tailback on the motorway, the lane guidance system keeps the vehicle off-centre to leave space for the emergency services.
The EQC also meets the highest requirements with respect to passive safety: in addition to the usual, extensive programme of crash tests, Mercedes-Benz applies further, particularly stringent safety standards to the battery and all component parts carrying electrical current. These standards exceed legal requirements. The vehicle structure of the EQC has been adapted to suit the special requirements of the electrical components and battery, and is configured to achieve the usual high safety level. For example, a new subframe surrounds the drive components located in the front section, and this unit is supported by the usual mounting points.
Mechanical protection of the battery: the high-safety design begins with the installation position of the high-voltage battery beneath the vehicle floor. The energy storage unit is surrounded by a stable frame that can absorb energy. Deformation elements are installed between the frame and the battery, and these are able to absorb additional forces in the event of a severe side impact. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects.
Electrical protection of the high-voltage system: the extensive experience of Mercedes-Benz with high-voltage drive systems has led to a multi-stage safety concept that deploys in the event of an accident. The high-voltage system automatically shuts down, reversibly or irreversibly, according to the severity of the accident. There are also shutdown points where emergency teams can deactivate the high-voltage system manually.
Technical data
| EQC 400 4MATIC | |
| Drive system layout | Front and Rear |
| Electric motor, front axle | Asynchronous motor |
| Rated output (kW) | 300 |
| Rated torque (Nm) | 760 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) | 5.1 |
| Top speed (km/h) | 160 |
| Battery capacity, usable (WLTP) (kWh) | 80.0 |
| WLTP range (km) | Up to 437 |
The stated figures are the measured “WLTP CO2 figures” in accordance with Article 2 No. 3 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. Electrical consumption and range were determined on the basis of Commission Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151. Electrical consumption and range are dependent on the vehicle configuration, and in particular on the selected maximum speed restriction.
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