Now in testing phase, ahead of 2019 launch.
When Mercedes-Benz showed us the Concept EQ in 2016, they told the world that the production version of that car would hit the roads in 2020. Since then, we’ve learned that it’s slated for launch in 2019, and that it’ll be made to be slightly larger than a GLC, and rival cars like the Tesla Model X, the Audi E-Tron, and the Jaguar I-Pace.
It will be the very first purpose-built electric Mercedes, built on an all-new platform called EVA (or Electric Vehicle Architecture) using hot-pressed steel and aluminium. Further, Mercedes-Benz will utilise a new wiring loom that permits the transmission of up to 100% to either the front or rear wheels depending on demand. In concept guise, the EQ C packed a dual-motor setup that promised to deliver more than 300kW, which could leave some of Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance internal-combustion SUVs red-faced.
That said, the EQ C will likely be significantly heftier than its internal-combustion counterparts, due to the batteries (mounted under the floor). It’s said that the EQ C will tip the scales at a figure north of two tonnes, though that’ll be nullified somewhat by the sheer amount of torque on offer.
When not impressing passengers with the sub-5.0sec century sprint time, the EQ C should be capable of managing about 500km on a single charge, matching its competition. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz has resisted making the EQ C look too distinctive and try and mark it out as an electric car, instead adopting a design that looks broadly similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
The cabin of the EQ C is also not expected to stray too far from Merc’s established design language, with a massive widescreen display spanning 2/3rds the way across the dash, as well as a touchscreen input panel beneath on the centre console too, the way the Audi A8 and Range Rover Velar have.
And once the EQ C is settled, Mercedes-Benz will quickly populate the EQ brand with an EQ A (a compact hatch not too dissimilar to an A-Class), which was first seen in concept form at the Frankfurt motor show last year.
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