Mercedes-Benz Unveils EQC Electric SUV

What’s EQ? Let’s start with that basic question. Mercedes says it isn’t all that complicated; it simply means ‘electric intelligence’. And that it combines the brand’s core values of emotion and intelligence. Right. The bigger picture here is that the SUV you see here is not a flashy concept dressed in space-grade aluminium and isn’t packing batteries made up of Chemical X. It’s a vehicle you and I can buy. Well, eventually at least.

Looks a lot like the GLC, doesn’t it?

Yes, it does. Because that’s what it is underneath. Sure, there have been a raft of design changes to make the EQC look a lot more approachable (friendlier, if you will) than the GLC that has a hint of aggression in its design. Take the front end for instance, the lines on the bonnet are softer and there’s a new set of headlamps, grille and bumper. We like how the two headlamps are connected by a light element on top of the grille.

The connected theme continues at the rear too, with an almost Porsche Cayenne-like tail lamp setup. Rounding things off at the rear is a low-set spoiler. Subtler design cues include the absence of roof rails and blue elements on the wheels.

Does it have a futuristic cabin?

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Not exactly. If you’ve been in a modern-day Mercedes-Benz vehicle, like the new E-Class for instance, or seen pictures of the new A-Class sedan, this setup will familiar. The dual 10.25-inch screens (one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment) look like they’re one single slab of glass. Even the buttons on the centre console and the steering wheel are instantly recognisable.

What properly sets the EQC apart is the ambience of the cabin. And Mercedes-Benz it has really paid close attention to the details here. Look at the rose-gold coloured louvres on the AC vents, the metallic surround around the instrument cluster or the metallic trim on the door handles — all work in harmony to tie the cabin together.

What’s driving it?

One big 80kWh battery that’s connected to two independent motors placed on each axle. Together, these motors dish out a healthy 408PS of power and a whopping 765Nm of torque. That’s plenty enough to let the EQC hit the ton in just 5.1 seconds, and go on to a limited top speed of 180kmph. But that isn’t really the number we’re interested in. The big highlight is the 450km range, and that CO2 emission are non-existent.

The electric energy too, is cleverly managed. Under low load, only the front motor is in action, reducing the overall consumption of electricity. The rear likes to play naughty and kicks in under high load, or when you’re acting silly with the gas…err..accelerator.

The EQC comes bundled with a water-cooled 7.4kW on-board charger. While total charge time greatly depends on the source, Mercedes-Benz claims the EQC will charge faster on DC compared to AC. In the right conditions, it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in a mere 40 minutes.

Talk tech to me

Ooh, now we’re getting somewhere. There’s a lot of interesting tech in the EQC - beginning with the climate control. One can set the temperature before entering the car. What’s so special about that, you might ask? Even a Mahindra E2O can do that. What’s unique to the EQC is the way it does it, going as far as utilising the waste heat from the battery to warm the interior. This includes a separate heat pump and two heater boosters located in the left and right wheel arch. To cool things down, there’s a water-cooled condenser and the evaporator coil features an electric expansion valve. This helps in modulating temperature in a more controlled manner. And Mercedes-Benz claims that it allows for ‘more usable performance’.

Mercedes-Benz has also reimagined the purpose of the paddle shifters tucked behind the steering wheel. Since the vehicle is electric, and in-effect has one gear, the paddles are used to determine the level of recuperation from deceleration. ‘Downshift’ and you have more energy fed from the brakes to the battery. ‘Upshift’ reduces regeneration. Set to max recuperation, the EQC can be driven with just the accelerator. Simply lift off the A-pedal if you want it to slow down: “the recuperative deceleration is enough not to require operation of the brake pedal,” says Mercedes.

Then there’s the awesome Eco Assist function that eggs on the driver to drive in a more responsible manner. On-board computers take into consideration the location, speed and proximity of other vehicles. Then, under certain conditions, it will prompt the driver to take his/her foot off the accelerator. For instance, while approaching the brow of a hill (where the speed limit is marginally lower) or on a decline, the driver is asked to stop accelerating. And while going downhill, the EQC switches into coasting mode and in turn starts charging the on-board battery. In slow moving traffic too, Mercedes-Benz wants you to decelerate gradually instead of brake. Again, the manufacturer claims the regeneration decelerates the vehicle enough to not warrant the use of the brake pedal. In case the vehicle ahead starts moving again, the EQC is clever enough to stop decelerating and switch to coasting mode immediately.

Is it coming to India?

We’ve got enough reason to believe it will. With stricter emission norms kicking in and manufacturers having to maintain an average of emissions across its range, Mercedes-Benz India will need EVs to offset the big diesel SUVs. We expect to see the EQC at the 2020 Auto Expo and a launch soon after.