Mercedes-Benz launches EQ electric mobility brand in India, EQC EV SUV showcased

Mercedes-Benz has launched it's EQ electric mobility brand in India at an event at its plant in Pune today, January 14. The firm also showcased its first offering under this sub-brand, the Mercedes-Benz EQC  EV SUV.

The EQC at this event was in the limited edition Edition 1886 trim, this version gets a host of optional extras with customer-friendly services related to electric mobility. The standard EQC will be shown at the 2020 Auto Expo and will see an Indian market launch in April 2020.

The EQ brand is a full ecosystem of electric mobility solutions. This includes everything from charging services, EV-specific features and all electrified Mercedes vehicles, like the EQ Boost electrified petrol engines and EQ Power PHEVs. The brand's goal is to ensure that PHEVs and EVs account for 50 per cent of Mercedes' sales by 2030.

The EQC looks very similar to the GLC-Class in profile, with which it shares its underpinnings. The multi-spoke alloys are especially unique and a nice design touch to go with the car's futuristic outlook. The front and rear fascias though are completely new and do a good job of being relatable to the standard Mercedes range, while establishing the EQC as its own thing. The front gets an EQ-specific grille with illuminated Mercedes badging with LED strip connecting the new headlights. This design element is carried over to the rear as well, with the slim tail lamps also being similarly connected. This design element is expected to be an EQ-brand signature. A more aggressive AMG-line design package is also available.

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The interior also follows a more sleek and futuristic adaption of traditional Mercedes design cues. The MBUX infotainment system with the two 10.3-inch screens dominates the interior with its many features and voice-activated functions. Other touches which distinguish this car are new AC-vents and rose-gold cabin accents.

The EQC is powered by two electric motors mounted on each axle which gives it all-wheel drive capabilities. This set up combines to put out 407PS and 765 Nm. The two motors are not identical, the one in front is tuned towards efficiency while the latter is tuned towards spirited driving. Power comes from an 80 kWh battery which can get from 10 to 80 per cent charge in 40 minutes with a fast charger.

The launch variant, the EQC 400, will get from 0 to 100 in 5.1s and onto a top speed of 180 kmph. Mercedes claims a range of 471 km for the EQC as per the NEDC cycle.

The launch of the EQ brand is the next step towards sustainability for the brand. It's range is fully #BSVI compliant now. With the brand's global ambition to make its passenger cars carbon neutral by 2039, making sustainability is a key focus for Mercedes-Benz India in 2020.  It target is to ensure that 50 per cent of sales come from PHEVs and BEVs by 2030.

Also, the brand will continue it's strong product offensive in 2020 by launching 10+ models in India in 2020. This will begin with the launch of the new GLE SUV on January 28. Other models to follow are the new GLS, the new CLA and GLA, and the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door.