2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4Matic Debuts With 402 HP

The first model produced under Mercedes-Benz’s new EQ sub-brand has been revealed. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4Matic is an all-wheel-drive, all-electric SUV that makes 402 hp and can go up to 200 miles on a charge.

From the profile view, the EQC doesn’t look too different from the GLC on which it’s based. But unique front and rear ends inspired by the Generation EQ concept help identify this as the battery-electric variant. As we’ve seen in the many teasers for the EQC, the SUV receives a chrome grille with LED accent lighting spanning the top and connecting with light piping in the Multibeam LED headlights. If you choose the AMG Line exterior, you get a blacked-out grille with the characteristic AMG twin-blade horizontal slats, along with unique front and rear fascias. All EQC models get an illuminated three-pointed star badge as standard, along with EQ badging in a different font from what Mercedes usually uses.

Power for the EQC comes from two asynchronous electric motors, with one placed at each axle for dual-motor all-wheel drive and a combined output of 402 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque. Each compact motor unit includes a fixed-ratio transmission and differential, but the two are not identical. Mercedes says the front is programmed to prioritize efficiency while the rear has a sportier character. The EQC is estimated by Mercedes to hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Meanwhile, top speed is electronically limited at 112 mph. The motors are fed by an 80-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack housed in the floor, which grants a range of about 200 miles, according to Mercedes. That number is on the low end of earlier estimates that placed range between 200 and 240 miles, and lower than competitors like the Jaguar I-Pace (240 miles) and Tesla Model X 75D (238 miles).

The EQC comes with a 7.4-kW onboard charger, which allows it to plug in at a number of different charging sources. Mercedes doesn’t give estimates for charge time with the slowest AC chargers, saying charge time depends on the available infrastructure and country-specific equipment. It does say, however, that with the EQC’s standard DC fast charging capability the battery can be charged from 10 percent up to 80 percent in around 40 minutes.

To help alleviate range anxiety, the EQC offers a special navigation system that takes factors like current range, energy consumption, route topography and traffic, and available charging stations into account to chart the most efficient course to your destination. Drivers can customize parameters based on their own road trip preferences.

That navigation system is just one of the EQ-specific features of the new MBUX touchscreen infotainment system, which first debuted in the new A-Class. The system relies on two 10.3-inch screens, which make up the instrument cluster and central media display. Taking a page out of Apple’s playbook, MBUX’s voice controls can be initiated by speaking the phrase “Hey Mercedes.”

Pricing for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4Matic will be announced closer to its arrival at U.S. dealers in 2020.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

 

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