Mercedes-Benz Commences Production Of The All-New EQC SUV

There’s absolutely no running away from the fact that electric vehicles (or EVs) are more than just a fad. They’re here to stay, whether you like it or not. With companies like Tesla aiming to score hits by releasing models that cover almost every segment, one segment ranks above them all – SUVs. Those looking towards ze Germans now have real reasons to get excited as Mercedes-Benz has got its very own all-electric SUV. The German luxury carmaker had announced its EQ sub-brand a few years back, and the 2020 EQC has now become the first EQ model to be officially available for sale.

Mercedes-Benz has finally started full-scale production of the EQC, and is now accepting orders from customers in the domestic market. The EQC will be built at the carmaker’s Bremen plant in Germany, alongside pre-existing models such as the C-Class and GLC-Class. In preparation for their EQ sub-brand, Mercedes-Benz had invested in digital solutions incorporating sophisticated mobile devices, driverless transport systems and a ‘paperless factory’ method to assist the assembly team.

In order to further streamline processes, the carmaker has utilised in-depth data analysis and artificial intelligence assists to aid in predictive maintenance. Its investments in maximum flexibility and hi-tech equipment will help in increasing the efficacy in due time. However, due to slight delays in the production schedule, most customers might have to wait till November 2019 to accept delivery of their brand-new EQC. With that being said, a few lucky ones will get their hands on their purchase as early as June 2019.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain said in a statement, “Flexibility and efficiency are decisive pillars of the strategy in our global production network at Mercedes-Benz Cars. Production of the EQC is perfect proof of this. The staff in Bremen have many years of experience in the production of vehicles with a wide range of drive types. We are building on this know-how in the electric age, too. With the start of production of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, we are turning the switch today – for the electric mobility of the future.”

For the time being, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC range kicks off at 71,281 euros for the base EQC 400 4MATIC variant. It comes equipped with an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which provides the necessary juice to two electric motors – one on each axle. Combined, these asynchronous motors produce 300 kW (or 402 hp) and 765 Nm of torque. According to Mercedes-Benz, the EQC’s locally-manufactured batteries can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes via a 110 kW DC fast charger. Once fully charged, the 80 kWh batteries in the EQC 400 4MATIC will allow for a maximum range of 471 km. In terms of its outright performance, the carmaker claims the 2.4-tonne EQC can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and ultimately, hit an electronically-limited top speed of 180 km/h.

Meanwhile, Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales further added, “With the Mercedes-Benz EQC, we are entering a new era of mobility. It is part of the growing family of all-electric vehicles at Mercedes-Benz and combines brand-defining features such as quality, safety and comfort. We offer our customers progressive design and unique ride comfort – and this with a range absolutely suitable for everyday use.” The EQC constitutes the first of 10 EQ models that will be launched by 2022.