The Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV has been launched at an introductory price* of Rs 99.30 lakh (ex-showroom, India). With this, Mercedes-Benz has become the first automaker to introduce an all-electric luxury car in India, while rival firms such as Audi and Jaguar are also readying their own EV offerings for the Indian market.
- The EQC is Mercedes’ first standalone EV model.
- The 5-seat luxury EV is priced at Rs 99.30 lakh (ex-showroom).
- It produces 408hp and 765Nm, with a claimed 400km of range.
Mercedes EQC design
Although the EQC shares its underpinnings with the combustion-engined GLC, Mercedes has extensively reworked the styling of the car in a bid to ensure it stands out. With a unique grille and headlamp treatment, punctuated by an LED bar, a few blue accents, and tail-lamps that are joined by a light strip, there’s enough to set it apart from the rest of Mercedes’ SUVs.
Mercedes EQC features and safety
The futuristic-design theme continues on inside. Although it is typical new-age Mercedes, with its dual-screen infotainment and instrumentation display, details like the bronze inserts in the air-con vents, and unique seat design set it apart as an EV.
On the equipment and safety front, the SUV features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected tech, a sunroof, seven airbags, and Attention Assist, amongst other features.
Mercedes EQC power and range
Powered by two asynchronous motors, one on each axle, the EQC produces a combined output of 408hp and 765Nm of torque. It’ll do a WLTP-certified 400km on a single charge, with energy being stored in a floor-mounted 85kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Charging times vary depending on the electrical supply, with a full charge from a standard 15A (3.4kW) domestic socket taking 21 hours, or 10 hours with the 7.5kW wall-box charger provided by Mercedes. These charging times can be cut down considerably using the network of 50kW DC fast chargers (90min claimed) that is slowly coming up across different cities.
Owners will be able to access over 100 EQ charging points in 48 cities across the country.
Mercedes EQC competition
Being a fully imported EV, the EQC is by no means inexpensive. Although it isn’t in direct competition with any other cars at the moment, the luxury EV will eventually have to battle it out with the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace that are also India-bound in the near future.
The EQC will be available in Mercedes-Benz showrooms in six cities initially - Mumbai, Delhi,Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, and also via the brand's online portal.
*Introductory prices are for the first 50 customers only
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
