The New Mercedes-Benz EQC

September 4th, 2018 by

 

  • EQ stands for “Electric Intelligence”
  • It is derived from the Mercedes-Benz brand values of “Emotion” and “Intelligence”
  • The EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures) (*European figures) is part of a growing family of all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz
  • The EQC’s impressive comfort, quality and operating range make it a battery-electric vehicle worthy of the three-point star
  • An electric range of more than 450 km according to NEDC (provisional figure) (*European figures)

Progressive Design

  • The pioneer of an avant-garde electric look: Progressive Luxury
  • Large black-panel surface is a striking front feature of the vehicle
  • Sporty, elongated silhouette
  • Innovative interior design inspired by the world of consumer electronics

 




 

Excitingly Dynamic

  • A compact electric drivetrain at each axle with a combined output of 300 kW (402 hp)
  • Superior driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive vehicle
  • Various driving modes with different characteristics
  • Battery recuperation can be adjusted using gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel. In “D Auto” mode, the EQC can also adapt recuperation according to the situation with the aid of ECO Assist

An electric vehicle worthy of the three-pointed star

  • Latest-generation driving assistance systems
  • Extensive crash testing
  • Stringent additional requirements for the battery and all components carrying electrical current
  • Pre-climatization means no scraping ice in the winter and no perspiration in the summer
  • Extremely quiet interior
  • Trailblazing MBUX multimedia system – Mercedes-Benz User Experience with numerous EQ-specific functions
  • Integration into ongoing series production at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen
  • Battery produced by the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche Accumotive

A symbol of a new era in mobility

  • Comprehensive services for the electro mobility of today and tomorrow
  • Relaxed, uncomplicated travel with transparency and planning certainty
  • Dialogue with visionaries, business people and opinion leaders in the “EQ Community”
  • New event formats “EQ Dinner” and “EQ Nights”
  • Entry into Formula E for the 2019/20 season

Summary: The new Mercedes-Benz EQC1

An electric vehicle that is very much a Mercedes-Benz

It was at the 2016 Paris Motor Show that Mercedes‑Benz first presented its new product and technology brand for electro mobility: EQThe first Mercedes-Benz from the EQ line is now making its world premiere: The EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures) (*European figures). With its seamless, sleek design and colour highlights typical of the brand, it is a pioneer for an avant-garde electric look, representing the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. With respect to quality, safety and comfort, the EQC is the Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles. It boasts dynamic performance, thanks to two electric motors at the front and rear axles with a combined output of 300 kW(*provisional European figure). A sophisticated operating strategy enables an electric range of more than 450 km according to NEDC (provisional European figure).The EQC symbolizes the start of a new mobility era at Daimler.

As the first Mercedes-Benz model under the new product and technology brand EQ, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has many trailblazing design details and colour highlights typical of the brand. Both inside and out, the EQC embodies the design idiom of Progressive Luxury, which consciously clashes digital and analogue elements and seamlessly merges intuitive and physical design.

By virtue of its muscular proportions, the EQC is classed as a crossover SUV. The extended roofline and window layout with a low waistline and the coupe-like roof recess at the rear visually position it between an SUV and an SUV coupe.

A striking feature at the front is the large black-panel surface enclosing the headlamps and grille. The black panel is bordered at the top by an optical fibre as a visual link to the torch-like daytime running lamps that are a typical Mercedes-Benz feature. At night this creates an almost uninterrupted, horizontal light band. The inner housings and tubes of the standard MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are in high-gloss black.

Contrasting colour highlights discreetly confirm the model’s membership of the new EQ family: blue stripes on a black background, and MULTIBEAM lettering also in blue.

The high-quality interior of the EQC also pioneers an avant-garde electro-look. One example is the ribbed edge of the instrument panel, which resembles the cooling ribs of a hi-fi amplifier. The instrument panel is designed as a driver-oriented cockpit. The typical Mercedes-Benz wing profile is asymmetrical, with a “cut-out” in the driver area. This is where one of the visual highlights of the cockpit is located – flat air vents with key-shaped, rose-gold coloured louvres.

Powertrain: Dynamic performance meets efficiency
As the first Mercedes-Benz model to be launched under the new product and technology brand EQ, the EQC features an all-new drive system with compact electric drivetrains at each axle. These give the EQC the driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive vehicle. To reduce power consumption and increase dynamism, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is optimized for best possible efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear one determines dynamism. Together, they generate an output of 300 kW (402 hp) and a maximum torque of 765 Nm (564 lb-ft) (provisional European figure)

Mercedes-Benz engineers have reduced noise with a number of measures. In the EQC the powerpacks are isolated by rubber mounts at two points: where the powerpack connects to its subframe and where the subframe connects to the body. This effective isolation is supplemented with insulation measures. As a result, the interior of the EQC is extremely quiet.
The lithium-ion battery, which has an energy content of 80 kWh (NEDC)(European figure) supplies the vehicle with power. The power consumption and range of electric vehicles depend very much on the driving style. The EQC supports its driver with five driving programs, each with different characteristics: COMFORT, ECO, MAX RANGE, SPORT and an individually adaptable program. In the more economical driving modes, the haptic accelerator pedal that prompts the driver to conserve power plays an important role. The driver is also able to influence the recuperation level using paddles behind the steering wheel.
The ECO Assist system gives the driver comprehensive support when driving predictively: by prompting the driver when it is appropriate to come off the accelerator, e.g. because the vehicle is approaching a speed limit, and with functions such as coasting and specific control of recuperation. For this purpose, navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the intelligent safety assistants (radar and stereo camera) are linked and processed.

Technical data

CO2 emissions 0 g/km
Power consumption (NEDC) 22.2* kWh/100 km (European figure)
Range (NEDC) more than 450* km (European figure)
Drive system 2 asynchronous motors, all-wheel drive
Output 300 kW (402 hp)
Peak torque 564 lb-fit
Top speed 180 km/h (governed)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 5.1 s
Battery Lithium-ion
Battery energy content (NEDC) 80 kWh
Battery weight 650 kg
Length/width (with mirrors)/height 4,761/1,884 (2,096)/1,624 mm
Track width (FA/RA) 1,625/1,615 mm
Wheelbase 2,873 mm
Boot capacity (depending on optional equipment) ca. 500 l
Kerb weight/perm. GVW/pay load (DIN) 2,425*/2,930/505 kg
Trailing load max. (12 %) 1,800 kg

*provisional data

Charging: Flexible and fast
As standard the EQC is equipped with a water-cooled onboard charger (OBC) with a capacity of 7.4 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations.

Charging with Wallbox is up to three times faster than at a domestic power socket. It is faster still with DC charging – which is standard for the EQC – for example via CCS (Combined Charging Systems) in Europe and the USA and Canada, CHAdeMO in Japan or GB/T in China. Depending on the SoC (status of charge), the EQC can be charged with a maximum output of up to 110 kW at an appropriate charging station. In around 40 minutes, the battery can be charged from 10 – 80 percent SoC (provisional data).

The multimedia system MBUX: with EQC-specific functions
The EQC features the innovative multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience – which has numerous EQ-specific functions such as the display of range, charge status and energy flow. EQ-optimized navigation, driving modes, charging current and departure time can also be controlled and set via MBUX.

The MBUX display has a special EQ tile where numerous EQ features are grouped. Alternatively, the user can access the EQ menu of the MBUX system directly using a key in the lower left control panel. Thanks to natural language recognition, the EQ-specific voice control helps the driver to operate the EQC.

Intelligent services: Relaxed travel from start to finish
EQ with Mercedes me provides comprehensive services for the electro mobility of today and tomorrow. The most important new services and functions of the EQC planned for market launch include:
Pre-entry climate control:This ensures that the vehicle interior is already at the desired temperature on departure. It can be programmed directly via MBUX or via the Mercedes me App. A sophisticated system with a heat pump and electric heater boosters pre-climatizes the interior.

The EQ-optimized navigation always bases its calculation on the fastest route taking into account the shortest charging time. The route planning also responds dynamically to changes, and can take place both offboard and onboard, i.e. externally (via the Mercedes me App) and within the vehicle. Thanks to EQ-optimized navigation, Mercedes-Benz customers can easily find charging stations.

Active and passive safety: EQC-specific safety concept
The EQC is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. In the Intelligent Drive package, these include new functions such as predictive speed adjustment when approaching busy traffic: when congestion is detected, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution.

The EQC also meets the highest requirements with respect to passive safety: in addition to the usual, extensive programme of crash tests, Mercedes-Benz applies further, particularly stringent safety standards to the battery and all component parts carrying electrical current. These standards exceed legal requirements. The vehicle structure of the EQC has been adapted to suit the special requirements of the electrical components and battery, and is configured to achieve the usual high safety level. For example, a new subframe surrounds the drive components located in the front section, and this unit is supported by the usual mounting points.

To ensure the mechanical protection of the battery, safety design begins with the installation position of the high-voltage battery beneath the vehicle floor. The energy storage unit is surrounded by a stable frame that can absorb energy. Deformation elements are installed between the frame and the battery, and these are able to absorb additional forces in the event of a severe side impact. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects.

Electrical protection of the high-voltage system: Mercedes-Benz’s extensive experience with high-voltage drive systems has led to a multi-stage safety concept that deploys in the event of an accident. The high-voltage system automatically shuts down, reversibly or irreversibly, according to the severity of the accident. There are also shutdown points where emergency teams can deactivate the high-voltage system manually.

Testing: Endurance tests around the world
By market launch, 200 prototypes and pre-production vehicles of the EQC will have completed tests covering several million kilometres across four continents (Europe, North America, Asia and Africa). The test program includes more than 500 individual tests. Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the EQC must complete this demanding standard test program.

Additionally, there are special tests for the electric powertrain, the fuel cell, and the interplay of all powertrain components.

Throughout the process of testing, experts are also able to build upon the extensive findings with digital testing for the simulation of crash behaviour, aerodynamics and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). In addition there are intensive tests on numerous test rigs at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre in Sindelfingen. The ratio between digital and real testing is roughly 35 to 65 percent respectively.

Production: Preparations in full swing in the Bremen plant
Production of the EQC will start in 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The preparations for this are already fully under way. The new EQC will be integrated into ongoing series production as a fully electric vehicle. The very latest production technologies will be employed.

One decisive innovation is the so-called battery-joining centre where the EQC undergoes a second “marriage” following installation of the two electric powerpacks in the bodyshell. This is where the EQCs are recognized as electric models with the help of data tags attached to the body, and equipped with a battery. The body is suspended from an apparatus called C-carrier and deposited on a frame. Support arms raise the battery to the vehicle’s floor from below. An employee monitors the automatic bolting of the battery and frame into place.

In parallel with this, Mercedes-Benz is producing batteries for the vehicles at the expanded battery plant in Kamenz (near Dresden).

Alongside Bremen, the Sino-German production joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd. (BBAC) is also preparing for the production start-up of the EQC for the local market.

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For more information, please contact:

JoAnne Caza  416-847-7550 [email protected]
Sinead Brown 416-847-7588 [email protected]

Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at media.mercedes-benz.ca.

About CASE:
CASE – these letters will shape the future of mobility. They stand for the fields of networking (Connected), autonomous driving (Autonomous), flexible use (Shared & Services) and electric powertrains (Electric). The four CASE fields are an integral part of the corporate strategy of Daimler AG. The aim is to shape intuitive mobility for our customers through intelligent dovetailing of the CASE topics.

Mercedes-Benz Cars already plays a leading role in all four areas today. For example, all activities in the area of connectivity are focused on the digital brand Mercedes me, which gives customers access to an extensive and personalised range of services by app, website or straight from their car.

On the road to autonomous driving, Mercedes-Benz has for years been a key driver of development and has repeatedly set the benchmark. To this end, the Mercedes engineers use what is known as sensor fusion. The data from different sensors, such as cameras, ultrasound and radar, are intelligently combined and analysed. With the smart vision EQ fortwo, the smart brand also demonstrates how driving without a steering wheel could look in the future of car sharing.

The inventor of the car already plays a leading role in the field of ‘Sharing & Services’. The mobility services, which are used by more than 18 million people, range from free-floating car sharing (car2go) and ride hailing (mytaxi) to a mobility platform (moovel).

Mercedes-Benz pursues a holistic approach in powertrain electrification, and is developing the EQ brand with a family of vehicles and an all-encompassing ecosystem, which, in addition to the vehicle itself, also comprises a comprehensive range of products related to electric mobility. This ranges from intelligent services to energy storage, and charging technologies, to sustainable recycling. On the road to emission-free driving, Daimler is systematically pursuing a three-pronged powertrain strategy to be able to realise maximum environmental compatibility across all vehicle classes (incl. commercial vehicles, vans) – with an intelligent mix of state-of-the-art internal combustion engines and partial electrification through 48-volt technology, tailor-made EQ Power plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles with battery or fuel cell powertrains.

By focusing on CASE, Daimler is preparing for the intuitive mobility of the future.

More at: http://www.daimler.com/CASE

Figures for power consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the German Technical Service corporation. The range figures are also provisional. EC type approval and conformity certification with official figures are not yet available. There may be differences between the stated figures and the official figures.

Figures for power consumption and CO2 emissions are provisional and were determined by the technical service. The range figures are also provisional. EC type approval and conformity certification with official figures are not yet available. There may be differences between the stated figures and the official figures.

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