Luxury on wheels
Mercedes-Benz, even though it was the inventor of motor cars, has been a little slow in the EV segment. In October 2020, Mercedes launched their first-ever luxury EV in India, named EQC.
Features
Mohd Haroon Siddiqi
Ten to fifteen years ago, betting on an electric car future was a bit of a gamble. But today, not betting on an electric car is a much bigger gamble. Every car manufacturer is trying to build an EV (electric vehicle) in one form or another. Mercedes-Benz, even though it was the inventor of motor cars, has been a little slow in this segment. In October 2020, Mercedes launched their first-ever luxury EV in India, named EQC.
The Mercedes EQC is in the price range starting from Rs 1.04 Crores (ex-showroom). The EQC is based on the Mercedes GLC platform and comes with a modern flat battery placed between the wheels. The centre of attraction is the huge 85 kWh lithium-ion battery which weighs a whopping 652 kgs, that is the kerb weight of a Maruti 800! This massive battery with twin induction motors produces an output of 408 HorsePower (HP) and a huge torque of 760 Nm (newton metre) which is almost similar to a twin turbo diesel V8.
The motor at the front is powered to provide higher efficiency and smoother drive while cruising, and the one at the rear end is engineered to provide maximum performance to the EQC. So when you cruise at a steady speed, only the front motor drives the EQC but the moment you accelerate the rear motor comes into action and takes over the whole process.
The space inside this SUV is similar to that of Mercedes GLC as both the SUVs are built on the same wheelbase. There is plenty of legroom in the rear but it is a bit low in height.
If you are more than 6 feet tall, it might be a bit difficult for you to sit at the back as the roof is too close to the head. The front console of EQC steals the show as the flat-panel infotainment system goes from the driver's side to the middle of the car. New in the segment as compared to petrol and diesel ones is some rubberised touch to the front panel near the Mercedes signature copper air vents.
