Mercedes-Benz has launched its first electric car, the EQC onto the Irish market ahead of its Q4 sales launch. Flicking the switch on a mid-sized SUV whose design is inspired by the latest Mercedes- Benz GLC model, EQC is said by Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes passenger vehicles in Ireland, to have been “conceived to meet all the requirements for a battery- electric drive system whilst meeting every demand in terms of contemporary, sustainable mobility”.
“Trailblazer for what will be a growing family of all-electric vehicles to come from Mercedes-Benz under its EQ branding, other models in a 10-vehicle pipeline scheduled to launch here between now and 2022 are an EQV personnel carrier, EQA, EQB, EQS and EQE models based on their current petrol-diesel equivalents, and others yet to be announced,” Mr. Allen said.
Marketed through a small, geographically selected body of dealers recruited from the wider Mercedes-Benz dealer network, sales of EQC will commence in earnest during Q4 ahead of the 2020 registrations period and after the necessary technical staff training and familiarisation processes have been completed.
Heading the model offering will be an EQC 400 4-Matic, 300Kw/408hp model whose price begins at €89,450 – some €3,445 and €10,800 lower than its two main rivals. Though exceedingly well specified, it can be further enhanced with an AMG exterior (bringing the price to €91,897), AMG Electric Art Interior (€92,713) and with full AMG Exterior and Interior fitments (€93,546).
Partnering its introduction will be a fully specified EQC ‘Edition 1886’ version – a model some believe will become a collectors’ item. Listed at €105,882, its purchase price reduces by €10,000 to €95,882 when SEAI grant and VRT tax rebate are deducted. Delightfully finished in what Mercedes-Benz calls ‘metallic, high-tech silver’ and subtly furnished with 1886 adornments, the Edition 1886 model recalls the year in which Karl Benz brought motoring to the world with his famed Benz Patent Motorwagen invention.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC’s standard battery power is 80kWh that produces a very impressive 408hp and 765Nm of torque through a permanent all-wheel-drive system. Its lithium-ion-battery comes with an 8 years or 160,000kms factory guarantee and can charge from ten to 80 percent in just 40 minutes using a rapid charging system.
We took the EQC for a short test-drive earlier today and it’s fair to say it didn’t disappoint. Two things stand out for us, the performance and comfort, it accelerates fiercely at any speed while at the same time affording its occupants exemplary levels of refinement. We will have a full review in the coming weeks, the future for Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles is exciting.
