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Mercedes EQC

Mercedes has unveiled its first all-electric SUV

The Mercedes EQC is expected to arrive September 2019.

MERCEDES HAS LAUNCHED its first all-electric SUV, the EQC, which will be the first model released under Mercedes’ sub-brand, EQ. 

It is the German manufacturer’s first serious entry into the high-end EV market, where the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace also compete.

The most striking feature of the all-electric crossover is the large black-panel front surface that encloses the headlamps and grille. The black panel is bordered at the top by an optical fibre as a visual link between the torch-like daytime running lamps. At night this creates an almost uninterrupted, horizontal light band. There are hints of a coupe roofline and the rear end features a strip of LED lighting across the full width.

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Mercedes is calling the interior a “avant-garde electro-look” saying that the ribbed edge of the instrument panel resembles the cooling ribs of a hi-fi amplifier. Another visual highlight are the flat air vents with key-shaped, rosé-gold coloured louvres.

The large display screens are part of Mercedes’ multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience – which has numerous EQ-specific functions such as displaying the range, charge status and energy flow. EQ-optimised navigation, driving modes, charging current and departure time can also be controlled and set via MBUX.

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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 100km/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.

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. Combined, the motors generate an output of 300kW (408hp) and a maximum torque of 765Nm.

The battery has a capacity of 80kWh (double that of a Nissan Leaf), which should, according to Mercedes, give the EQC a range of over 450km (NECD) putting it near-enough to the I-Pace and Tesla Model S. A fast charge at a normal EV charging point should take the battery range from 10 per cent up to 80 per cent within 40 minutes.

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The EQC goes into production next year and should be hitting Irish roads in September 2019.

READ: The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is coming to Ireland >

READ: New Dacia Duster launched in Ireland >

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