2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC is here, will cost $ 137,900

To lock horns with the likes of the Tesla Model X and the Jaguar I-Pace SE, Mercedes-Benz's EQC 400 has arrived down-under. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV), which is also a first by Mercedes-Benz in the country, will be in the showrooms on December 9, later this year and the automaker will start delivering unit by early 2020. With a price tag of $137,900 (excluding on-road costs), the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC is cheaper than the GLC63 S ($161,000) and relatively expensive as compared to the GLC43 ($109,900).

Both of the GLC43 and the GLC63 S are also quite popular AMG-badged GLC performance SUVs by the automaker in Australia. Comparing the price of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC with that of the  Jaguar I-Pace SE ($135,400) and the Tesla Model X ($131,900 to $141,100), the German offering seems to be priced just right to gain attraction. Besides, another German auto giant, Audi is also all set to introduce its e-tron and e-tron Sportback BEVs in 2020. This will not only make the competition stiffer but also provide the potential buyer with an array of options. In case you are not yet aware of the title "EQ", it is sub-brand by Mercedes-Benz that will offer all-electric, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and even ICE cars with 48 V onboard power systems.

Following the launch of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC, other models that the EQ sub-brand is said to introduce include the EQA (fully electric hatchback) and EQS (electric limousine). Speaking of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC in particular, the German EV is quite different than its rivals since it sports a heavily modified GLC and C-Class platform instead of an EV-dedicated underpinning. This not only results in less expenditure for Mercedes-Benz but also allows the automaker to produce the EV at very Bremen factory where the GLC and C-Class models are also built.

"The EQC is a game-changer for Mercedes-Benz, but also it imposes a more luxurious standard of electric vehicle ownership. Our aim has never been to be the first to this market, but to offer the most complete solution possible to the question of future mobility. With the all-electric EQC, we are confident we have done just that. Electric now has a Mercedes", cited Mercedes-Benz Australia-Pacific CEO and managing director Horst von Sanden.

Similar to any other Mercedes-Benz car, the 2020 EQC follows the automaker's design philosophy and features standard equipment like a pair of 10.25-inch digital screens for the MBUX infotainment system and a three-year warranty. The battery pack, on the other hand, comes with an eight-year/160,000km warranty. In case you want your unit to stand out from other EQCs, just pay additional $6900 and you will get dual-tone Nappa leather upholstery with diamond-stitched inserts, ventilated front seats, 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, MBUX navigation with AR, and "Edition 1" badge on the B-pillars.

Powering the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC are two electric motors which produce 407 hp of maximum power and a peak torque of 760 Nm combined. Then it is an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack along with a 405V architecture that sends the required juices to the two batteries. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC is capable of doing a 0 to 100 kmph run in just 5.1 seconds and boasts a single-charge range of 434 km. However, the European WLTP cycle claims the range to be 414 km.

Thanks to the SUVs onboard charging rate of 110kW, you can get a range of 220 km from 30 minutes of charging. Moving on, the 50kW DC fast-chargers with a compatible Type 2 CCS plug will result in a range of 100 km from a 30-minute charge. Other charging options include AC wall boxes with 7.4kW single-phase or 22kW three-phase outputs and a 240V trickle-charger.

Also read: 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 & GLE63 S get a mild-hybrid V8