Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has made Malaysia the first Southeast Asian appearance of the Mercedes-Benz EQC fully electric vehicle. This is the first Mercedes-Benz under the product and technology brand EQ,which will define the future of mobility according to the Three Pointed Star. Right now the EQC 400 has been previewed in Left-Hand Drive form and it should be on sale here sometime next year.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC combines the know-how from more than 130 years of automobile engineering with the mobility requirements of the future It isn't just full electrification of a vehicle. It is about innovation, and makes e-mobility simple, reliable and convenient for the customer. Yet it is still recognisably a Mercedes-Benz SUV in terms of overall styling.
The EQC has an official emissions rating of 0 g/km carbon dioxide emission. It is fitted with asynchronous motors which generates an output of 300 kW (408 hp) and a maximum combined torque of 760 Nm. Having seen it in action during its launch this fully electric SUV has very good acceleration. Typically electric in that torque is instantaneous and on demand at all times.
According to the folks at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is not just a vehicle with electric drive. It is part of the growing family of all- electric vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. With this vehicle, Mercedes-Benz is entering a new era of mobility, offering its customers progressive design and unique ride comfort. It all comes under the heading Electric Intelligence – a mobility package that goes well beyond the vehicle itself.
While we had a chance to try one out over at the #SwitchtoEQ launch at Bandar Malaysia, Sg Besi, it is in left hand drive form so it isn't actually fully accurate of what we can get when it is sold here sometime next year. What I can say is that the overall material quality inside of this SUV sits somewhere in between a C-class and an E-Class. The EQC was previewed together with the C300 e Plug-in Hybrid and also as part of the launch of the flagship S 560e Plug-in Hybrid limousine which is now on sale (seen above, right).
In terms of refinement, the electric SUV seems to ride quite well (although we couldn't really tell as the test circuit was quite flat and mostly devoid of bumps). In terms of noise suppression, it is quiet as it is full electric. Even full bore acceleration brings a hint of the motors spooling up with instant acceleration forward. Brakes are also very good and they offer regenerative action to recharge the batteries slightly when used. It is also stated to have a range of 445km before you need to recharge the batteries, so you could use it for an outstation jaunt to Ipoh and back to Kuala Lumpur if all goes well...with maybe a short recharge when you reach Ipoh first just in case.
It still is a familiar place to sit inside as everything is familiar even the nice digital display which can been seen in the latest line of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars sold here today. So while being super modern and something that is showcasing the near future, it still has some familiar styling and controls.
Oh, in terms of size, it is quite like the current model GLC. This is a C-Class SUV as it does have the 'C' in EQC.
Did I say that this is fast? It is, and this EQC isn't even an AMG variant yet. So the future is going to be an interesting place indeed.
Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing (Left) and Dr Claus Weidner, CEO & President, standing proud with the Mercedes-Benz EQC at its first Southeast Asia premiere.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC Design Brief
Connected: Intelligently conceived operating concept with EQC specifics
No other system epitomises the "Connected" CASE field more than the Mercedes-Benz infotainment system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience. It is fitted as standard in the EQC and, as part of the comprehensive control and display concept, creates an emotional link between driver, vehicle and passengers. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX with Widescreen Cockpit comprising two 10.25" displays and touchscreen control (right screen) has the ability to learn.
The touchpad in the centre console is likewise included as standard. One unique feature is the voice control, which can even understand dialects and EQC-specific commands.
A special drive system for efficiency and dynamics
To exploit the advantages of locally emissions-free electric drive, the developers of the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle under the new product and technology brand EQ decided on a completely new developed drive system with intelligent control. Both the electric powertrains (eATS) and the battery were tailor-made for the Mercedes-Benz EQC.
Tractive power is provided by an asynchronous motor at each axle (one front & one at the rear). The asynchronous motors generate an output of 300 kW and a maximum combined torque of 760 Nm. The electric motor, a fixed-ratio transmission with a differential, the cooling system and the power electronics form a highly integrated, very compact unit.
The compact electric powertrains (eATS) at the front and rear axles give the EQC the driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive. Intelligent control allows dynamic torque distribution between the two driven axles over a wide operating range, creating the conditions for high driving dynamics. Torque shifting allows the torque to be distributed dynamically between the front and rear axles, ensuring that there is always a satisfying balance between power and efficiency.
Strategic driving for longer range
The power consumption and range of electric vehicles greatly depend on the driving style. The EQC supports its driver with driving modes that have different characteristics. In the more economical driving modes, the haptic accelerator pedal that prompts the driver to conserve power plays an important role.
The following programs are available:
COMFORT: Default setting; accelerator pedal characteristic supports a comfortable driving style, but also automatically becomes more dynamic depending on the driving style.
ECO: Driving program focused on high efficiency and low consumption.
MAX RANGE: Intelligent driving program that can help the driver achieve the maximum possible range.
SPORT: Driving program focused on the best response for the highest driving performance.
INDIVIDUAL: There is also an individual driving program which allows the various parameters to be adjusted separately.
The Battery
The centrepiece of the Mercedes-Benz EQC is the lithium-ion battery arranged in the vehicle floor. With an energy content of 80 kWh, it employs a sophisticated operating strategy to supply the vehicle with power, enabling an electric range of 445 – 471 km.
The latest-generation lithium-ion battery consists of 384 cells and is located in the vehicle floor, between the two axles. The battery system is modular in design, consisting of two modules with 48 cells each and four with 72 cells each. The powerful high-voltage battery has a maximum voltage of 405 V and a nominal capacity of 230 Ah.
The entire battery system is liquid-cooled. At low temperatures a battery heater ensures outstanding performance and efficiency, especially while charging. The battery is an integral part of the crash concept for the vehicle as a whole. Its low, central location also has a positive effect on the handling characteristics of the EQC.
Efficient charge management
The EQC can be charged at a domestic power socket, but with the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home, all battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids by Mercedes-Benz can be charged much faster than from a domestic socket. The Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home is a charging station that allows fast, safe and convenient recharging at home.
In cooperation with a country-specific charger installation partner, Mercedes-Benz also offers easy and rapid installation of the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox and professional advice on all aspects of e-mobility.
To ensure that the technical operating range is used to the maximum, the Mercedes-Benz EQC also charges its batteries when on the move. On the overrun or when braking, the mechanical rotation is converted into electrical energy and used to charge the high-voltage battery (recuperation). During this process, both electric motors are used as generators. This achieves the maximum recuperative deceleration.
Wellness while driving
ENERGIZING comfort package is also made available in the Mercedes-Benz EQC, with a combination of the AIR BALANCE package and extended ambient lighting, which is harmoniously tailored to each of the individual screen designs. The light stages the interior like a work of art by composing color worlds from different colors.
With 64 colours, the optional extended ambience lighting offers a wealth of individual settings. It adds lighting highlights, for example, on the trim elements, the central display, the stowage facility at the front of the centre console, the handle recesses, the door pockets, in the front and rear footwells, on the overhead control panel, and on the tweeters as the vehicle is equipped with the Burmester® surround sound system.
2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC (CBU)
CO 2 emissions 0 g/km
Power consumption (NEDC) 20.8 - 19.7 kWh/100 km) 10
Maximum Rated output (kW/hp) 300 (408)/5500-6000
Maximum Rated torque electric (Nm) 760
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) 5.1
Top speed (km/h) 180
EV Driving Range (km) approximately 450
Total Battery Capacity (kWh) 80
Onboard Charger (kW) 7.4
Domestic Charger – Duration (hours) 11
DC Fast Charger – Duration (hours) 10% to 80% in 40 mins
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