Wraps are off Mercedes’ new all-electric EQC SUV, with 280-mile range

● Brand new Tesla rival revealed ahead of Paris show debut ● Tech-packed 402bhp SUV heads new pure-electric range

THIS is the all-new Mercedes EQC, the German manufacturer’s first purely electric model and a rival for the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-pace, as well as the forthcoming Audi e-tron.

Revealed ahead of a public debut at next month’s Paris Motor Show, the EQC is a 4.7-metre-long, five-seat SUV. It’s slightly lengthier than the I-pace, but its wheelbase is around 11cm shorter than the Jag’s, at 2,873mm. As with most of its rivals, the EQC is based on a bespoke pure-electric, scalable platform that will ultimately support a family of models.

The looks of the EQC are arguably more conventional than those of the Model X and I-pace, although there are still more than enough design touches to highlight its alternative powertrain.

A grille has been kept at the front end, but it has a solid black section that runs between the headlight units, along the lower edge of the bumper. This panel also has a line of optical fibre at the top, which is designed to emit light, that joins the daytime running lights.

The EQC’S side profile is similar to that of the firm’s current small family SUV, the GLC, especially around the C-pillar, and the slab-bladed alloy wheels are another hint at the car’s eco-focus. The rear end mixes some cues from recent conventional models, such as the A-class, with a tail-light design that runs across the hatchback panel.

The model in the initial images is badged EQC 400 – a hint that there are likely to be variants within the line-up, offering different power outputs and ranges. Inside, the standout feature is MBUX, the dashboard layout that was introduced on the recent A-class. It combines a fully-digital instrument cluster with an ultra-wide infotainment display in what looks like a single, slim panel running across the top of the facia.

This system incorporates eco-optimised navigation, which calculates the fastest route including charging time, as well as specific voice control commands that are unique to the EQ.

Smartphone connectivity will be offered via the ‘Mercedes me’ app, allowing the owner to check charge levels and pre-set the vehicle’s climate control so it is cooled or heated prior to use.

There’s also a charging app which the marque claims will give access to stations from a variety of providers, including those in other countries, and offer an integrated payment function. Mercedes has not issued details on the scope of the service, however.

The boot capacity of the EQC will be around 500 litres – about 70 litres less than the I-pace’s. Mercedes also says the car can tow up to 1,800kg – that’s 700kg less than the similarly-sized GLC.

Technical details released so far state that the EQC has a pair of asynchronous motors, one on each axle, giving it four-wheel drive. The front unit is said to be focused on efficiency in low to medium loads, while the motor at the rear is designed to enhance the car’s dynamism by boosting performance.

Mercedes says the total output of the system is 300kw (402bhp) and peak torque is 765Nm, which is enough to take the 2,425kg

EQC from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds, and on to a limited top speed of 112mph.

The 80kwh battery pack, which weighs 650kg alone, gives the newcomer a range of around 450km, or 280 miles, on the forthcoming, tougher WLTP test cycle. The model has an onboard 7.4kw charger for AC charging and all EQCS will get DC charging as standard; Mercedes claims this faster configuration will allow the car to be taken from 10 per cent to 80 per cent of charge in around 40 minutes.

There will be a choice of five driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Max Range, Sport and an ‘individual’ program that can be configured by the user. The car’s throttle pedal will give haptic feedback to the driver to encourage a more efficient driving style in the eco-focused modes, and the driver will also be able to adjust the level of brake energy recuperation via paddles behind the steering wheel.

Drivers will also be prompted to lift off the accelerator and use energy recuperation instead of brakes if the system expects an imminent reduction in speed, say for a speed limit change.

The EQC is the first of a new family of all-electric Mercedes. The firm has already previewed what’s likely to be the second model with a three-door hatch called Concept EQA. It’s expected to produce that vehicle at the same factory in France that builds electric Smart cars.

The EQC, which will be manufactured in Bremen and China, is weeks away from its public debut, but sales and deliveries are a longer-term process.

Mercedes UK is unlikely to start taking orders for the new model until spring next year, and the first cars won’t be in the hands of British customers until the end of 2019 or the start of 2020.

“The car’s throttle pedal will give haptic feedback to the driver to encourage an efficient driving style”