Mercedes EQC India launch on October 8, 2020

The Mercedes-Benz EQC will be launched in India on October 8, 2020. With the market debut of the SUV, Mercedes will become the first luxury automaker to introduce an all-electric model in the country, beating the likes of Audi and Jaguar which are also readying their own EV offerings for our market. 

• The Mercedes EQC is based on the platform of the GLC SUV
• It gets a 408hp electric powertrain, with a 400km of range
• Price expected to be in the region of Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom)

Mercedes EQC design and features

Though the EQC shares its underpinnings with the conventionally-powered GLC, Mercedes has reworked the styling enough to ensure that it stands out. The front fascia looks distinct, with its piano black grille flanked by a pair of swanky LED headlamps. The rear is marked out by a continuous light band interlinking the sleek tail-lamps, and the uniquely designed alloy wheels, with blue detailing, reaffirm the vehicle’s green credentials.

The cabin is a similar affair. It is typical, new-age Mercedes, but with details like the ribbed finish on the door pads, bronze inserts in in the air-con vents and new-age fabric upholstery giving away the EQC as Mercedes’ all-electric offering.

In terms of equipment, the e-SUV will come with seven airbags, Attention Assist, a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car tech, voice assistant and a sunroof, among other features.

Mercedes EQC battery and electric motor   

The EQC is powered by two asynchronous motors, one on each axle, producing a combined 408hp and 765Nm of toque. A floor-mounted 85kWh lithium-ion battery pack is capable of delivering a WLTP-certified range of 400km on a single charge.

Charging times are pegged at 21 hours from a standard 15A (3.4kW) domestic electrical supply, or 10 hours with the 7.5kW wall-box charger provided by Mercedes. These charging times can be considerably reduced using the network of 50kW DC fast chargers that is slowly coming up across different cities.

Mercedes EQC price estimate and competition

Being a fully imported electric vehicle, the EQC won’t come in cheap. Expect prices in the range of Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom). Though it will have no direct competitors at launch, the Mercedes EQC will eventually have to contend with the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace that are also India-bound in the coming months.

Also see:

Mercedes-Benz EQC India review, test drive

2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC India video review