Mercedes Revs Up Electric Crossover

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit took the wraps off its EQC small crossover vehicle at an event in Stockholm on Tuesday.

Due next year, the five-seater is the first model in Mercedes’ new EQ line of electric vehicles. The EQC will compete against the Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X and upcoming Audi E-tron Quattro electric crossovers.

Built on Mercedes’ new electric vehicle architecture, the five-seat EQC is four inches longer and about 12 inches shorter than the conventionally powered midsize GLC crossover. Curb weight is listed at 5,350 lbs—about the same as the GLC.

Power will come from a pair of electric motors (one at each axle) that produce a combined 402 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque. The front motor is optimized for efficiency in the low- to medium-load range, while the rear motor boosts performance.

Mercedes says the EQC can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds and reach a speed-limited top velocity of 112 mph. Towing capacity and payload are listed at of 3,970 lbs and 1,135 lbs, respectively.

The EQC’s 80-kWh lithium-ion battery, which is sourced from Daimler’s Deutsche Accumotive subsidiary, provides an estimated driving range of 450 km (280 miles) on the European cycle. The battery can be replenished to 80% capacity within 40 minutes using a 110-kW charging station. There are no immediate plans to offer multiple battery sizes and performance levels.

Users can choose among five driving modes and varying levels of regenerative braking. In ECO Assist mode, the system analyzes GPS, sign recognition and speed limits to advise drivers when they can coast to save energy.

The EQC’s athletic stance features a coupe-like roofline. The front end gets a large black-panel that combines the headlamps and grille, and an LED light band that runs across the top of the panel to connect the headlights and the grille.

The interior is highlighted by an integrated display that combines the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system in a long, continuous unit. Other goodies include louvered trim across the dashboard and doors, a multifunction three-spoke steering wheel, redesigned air vents with rose-gold accents and heated, leather seats.

Daimler plans to introduce at least 10 electric Mercedes and Smart vehicles by 2022. The EQC will be built at Mercedes’ plant in Bremen, Germany, and at a joint-venture factory in Beijing.