Stuttgart/Stockholm. It was at the 2016 Paris Motor Show that Mercedes‑Benz first presented its new product and technology brand for electromobility. In mid-2019 the time has now come: The EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures) is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to be launched under the EQ brand. With its seamless, clear design and colour highlights typical of the brand, it is a pioneer for an avant-garde electric look while representing the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. With respect to quality, safety and comfort the EQC is the Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles, and highly convincing in the sum of its attributes. These are accompanied by dynamic performance, thanks to two electric motors at the front and rear axles with a combined output of 300 kW. A sophisticated operating strategy enables an electric range of more than 450 km according to NEDC (provisional figure)1. EQ also offers comprehensive services with Mercedes me, and makes electromobility convenient and suitable for day-to-day motoring. The EQC also symbolises 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. This arises from the combination of a previously unknown beauty, the conscious clash of digital and analogue elements as well as the seamless merging of 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 coupé-like roof recess at the rear visually position it between an SUV and an SUV coupé.
A striking feature at the front is the large black-panel surface enclosing the headlamps and grille. For the first time, the black panel is bordered at the top by an optical fibre as a visual link between the torch-like daytime running lamps as 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 – a high-tech, high gloss cassette housing flat air vents with key-shaped, rosé-gold coloured louvres.
[1] 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.
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 development with compact electric drivetrains at each axle. These give the EQC the driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive.
To reduce power consumption and increase dynamism, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is optimised 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 and a maximum torque of 765 Nm.
Mercedes-Benz engineers have enhanced noise comfort 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) 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 so-called 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 by 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[1]
CO2 emissions | 0 g/km |
Power consumption (NEDC) | 22.2* kWh/100 km |
Range (NEDC) | more than 450* km |
Drive system | 2 asynchronous motors, all-wheel drive |
Output | 300 kW (408 hp) |
Peak torque | 765 Nm |
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 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
[1] 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.
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 at a Mercedes-Benz 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, 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 optimised 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 electromobility 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-climatises the interior.
The EQ optimised 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 optimised navigation, Mercedes-Benz customers can easily find charging stations, and Mercedes me Charge gives them convenient access to the charging stations of numerous providers, also beyond national borders. In this case customers benefit from an integrated payment function with simple accounting.
Active and passive safety: EQC-specific safety concept
The EQC is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. In the Driving Assistance package, these include new functions such as predictive speed adjustment when approaching the end of a tailback: when a tailback is detected, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC reduces the speed to around 100 km/h as a precaution. In a tailback on the motorway, the lane guidance system keeps the vehicle off-centre to leave space for the emergency services.
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.
Mechanical protection of the battery: the high-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: the extensive experience of Mercedes-Benz 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 absolved tests covering several million kilometres across four continents (Europe, North America, Asia and Africa). The test program comprises more than 500 individual tests. Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the EQC must absolve the demanding standard test programme. There are also special tests for the electric powertrain, the fuel cell, and the interplay of all powertrain components.
In the process the test experts are able to build upon the extensive findings from their digital testing work, used to ensure both the buildability of the vehicle and for the simulation of e.g. 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.
Production: Preparations in full swing in the Bremen plant
Series 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 recognised as electric models with the help of data tags attached to the body, and equipped with a battery. The body is suspended from a so-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 in place.
In parallel with this, production of our own batteries for the EQC is coming on stream 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.
The EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional data)1, the first Mercedes-Benz representative of the new product and technology brand EQ, features an all-new drive system development. The interplay between performance and dynamism in combination with a high level of efficiency and comfort was a particular focus of the developers. The EQC has a compact electric drivetrain at each axle, giving the vehicle the driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive. Over a wide operating range, the intelligent control allows dynamic torque distribution between the two driven axles, creating the conditions for high vehicle dynamics. The asynchronous motors have a combined maximum output of 300 kW. The centrepiece of the Mercedes‑Benz EQC is the lithium-ion battery from in-house production housed in the vehicle floor. With an energy content of 80 kWh (NEDC), it employs a sophisticated operating strategy to supply the vehicle with power, enabling an electric range of more than 450 (according to NEDC, provisional figure)1.
The vehicle concept of the EQC is designed for all the requirements of a battery-electric drive system. Both the electric powertrains and the battery are tailor-made for the EQC. Tractive power is provided by an asynchronous motor at each axle. The electric motor, a fixed-ratio transmission with a differential, the cooling system and the power electronics form a highly integrated, very compact unit. To reduce power consumption and increase dynamism, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is configured 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 and a maximum torque of 765 Nm.
[1] 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.
The key drive system data:
CO2 emissions | 0 g/km |
Power consumption (NEDC) | 22.2* kWh/100 km |
Range (NEDC) | more than 450* km |
Drive system | 2 asynchronous motors, all-wheel drive |
Output | 300 kW (408 hp) |
Peak torque | 765 Nm |
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 |
*provisional data
Maximum variability for more efficiency and stability
In both their drive and recuperation functions, the electric motors operate and function irrespective of the direction of rotation. On the overrun or when braking, the mechanical rotation is converted into electrical energy and used to charge the high-voltage battery (recuperation). In the interests of maximum driving stability and efficiency, the power requirement between the front and rear axle is regulated according to the driving situation. Torque shifting allows the torque to be distributed dynamically between the front and rear axles, ensuring that there is always a satisfying balance between power and efficiency. This gives the EQC the superior driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive.
Under low to medium load conditions, only the front electric motor is operated for efficiency reasons. Maximum recuperative deceleration is achieved by using both electric motors as alternators.
Extremely quiet thanks to sophisticated decoupling
Electric vehicles are commonly known to be almost silent – above all because they have no noisy internal combustion engine. However, maximum rotational speeds of around 13,000 rpm in the electric motors pose special challenges with respect to noise insulation. Mercedes-Benz engineers have achieved an impressive level of noise comfort. 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 battery: a “heart” from Saxony/Germany
The EQC is equipped with the latest generation of a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery serving as the energy source for both electric motors. The battery consists of 384 cells and is located in the vehicle floor, between the two axles. The battery system is modular in design, consisting of two modules with 48 cells each and four with 72 cells each. The powerful high-voltage battery has a maximum voltage of 408 V and a nominal capacity of 210 Ah, for an energy content of 80 kWh (according to NEDC).
The integral overall cooling concept of the EQC, consisting of a heat pump function and two electric PTC heater boosters, not only includes the power electronics, the electric motor and the rotor, but also the battery. The entire battery system is liquid-cooled. At low temperatures a battery heater ensures outstanding performance and efficiency (see Climate control section).
The battery is an integral part of the crash concept for the vehicle as a whole. Its low, central location also has a positive effect on the handling characteristics of the EQC (see Safety section).
The battery is produced in Germany, by the wholly-owned Daimler subsidiary Deutsche Accumotive in Kamenz/Saxony (see Production section).
As for all other high-voltage batteries, Mercedes-Benz issues a battery certificate as a commitment to the battery performance.
Charging options: Flexible and fast charging
Whether at home via a wallbox, while shopping, at work or ultra-fast on the motorway: there are various ways to supply electric vehicles with power. Intelligently networked charging solutions focussed on the mobility needs and convenience of customers are an integral part of the new product and technology brand EQ.
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. The charging time required for a full charge depends on the available infrastructure and the country-specific vehicle equipment. Charging at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is much faster than at a domestic power socket (see section “The intelligent services for the EQC).
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, CHAdeMO in Japan or GB/T in China. This usually public quick-charging system expands the existing technical standard for AC charging of electric vehicles with the capacity for DC fast charging. 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).
Energy management: The link between the battery and the power consumers
High-voltage energy management (HV-EMM) provides the link between the battery and the HV components (electric motors, air conditioner compressor, heating elements, DC/DC converter to power the 12 V components).
The functions of HV-EMM include:
- Determining the usable energy remaining in the battery
- Activation and deactivation of the high-voltage components on the basis of the available energy, and with due regard for safety requirements
- Prediction of the currently available electrical output of the powertrain
- Coordination of the charging process between the battery and charging components
- Calculation of the electric operating range and consumption for EQ optimised navigation
Driving modes: The driver has a choice of drive strategies
The power consumption and range of electric vehicles greatly depend on the driving style. The EQC supports its driver with driving modes that have different characteristics. In the more economical driving modes, the haptic accelerator pedal that prompts the driver to conserve power plays an important role.
The following programs are available:
- COMFORT: Default setting; accelerator pedal characteristic supports a comfortable driving style, but also automatically becomes more dynamic depending on the driving style.
- ECO: Driving program focused on high efficiency and low consumption.
- MAX RANGE: Intelligent driving program that can help the driver achieve the maximum possible range.
- SPORT: Driving program focused on the best response for the highest driving performance.
- INDIVIDUAL: There is also an individual driving program which allows the various parameters to be adjusted separately.
One-pedal driving: manual selection of braking recuperation
The driver is also able to influence the recuperation level using so-called paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddle on the left increases the level of recuperation, the paddle on the right reduces it. The following stages are available:
- D Auto (recuperation via ECO Assist to suit the situation)
- D + (coasting)
- D (low recuperation)
- D – (medium recuperation)
- D – – (high recuperation). This makes one-pedal driving possible, because in most situations the recuperative deceleration is enough not to require operation of the brake pedal.
ECO Assist: Intelligent efficiency through the use of sensor fusion
Predictive driving for economy – the ECO Assist assistance system comprehensively supports drivers in implementing this effective efficiency strategy: by prompting the driver when it is appropriate to come off the accelerator, e.g. because the vehicle is approaching a speed limit, and by 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.
ECO Assist takes the following traffic situations and information into account in its driving recommendations and efficiency strategy:
- Route profile (bends, junctions, roundabouts, gradients)
- Speed limits
- Distance from vehicles travelling ahead
ECO Assist continuously generates coasting simulations in the background: depending on the traffic situation, it computes whether the vehicle should ideally be allowed to coast with the lowest possible driving resistance with the driver’s foot off the accelerator, or whether it should be decelerated so that the battery can be efficiently charged (recuperation).
Within the limits of the system, ECO Assist controls the overrun according to the situation as soon as the driver’s foot leaves the accelerator. The driver is given a discreet prompt to do this by a “foot off accelerator” symbol in the media display (or, if installed, in the head-up display). At the same time, a diagram gives the driver the reason for the recommendation (e.g. “Junction ahead” or “Gradient ahead”).
ECO Assist predictively computes the driving situation when deciding whether to drive with the lowest resistance or whether to recuperate. Examples include dips, brows or speed limits ahead, which the system recognises from the map data.
- Dip: the vehicle recognises that a downhill gradient is followed by a climb, and that a speed limit is shown. The driver receives the prompt “Foot off accelerator” in good time. As soon as the driver acts on this, the vehicle continues with the drive switched off. Recuperation takes place on the downhill stretch, but only enough to ensure that the maximum permitted speed is maintained. Recuperation ends just before the lowest point in the dip, and coasting commences to maintain as much impetus as possible for the uphill stretch in the interests of energy efficiency.
- Brow: There is a speed limit of 90 km/h before the brow of a hill, and afterwards 100 km/h. Once again the driver is prompted with “Foot off accelerator” before the brow is reached, followed by coasting when the driver complies. On the following downhill stretch, the new target speed of 100 km/h can be reached by coasting and maintained by recuperation.
- Speed limit: When the system recognises a speed limit from the navigation data or via Traffic Sign Assist, the driver is once again prompted with “Foot off accelerator pedal”. The vehicle is then gently decelerated (while recuperating) to the new speed, followed by coasting. In this way suitable speeds for junctions, roundabouts and bends are also supported.
- Slow-moving traffic: when the radar sensors of the system recognise slow-moving vehicles ahead while coasting, coasting is automatically interrupted if necessary. Deceleration with recuperation takes place to the extent that braking action by the driver is often unnecessary. If the vehicle ahead accelerates, coasting is reactivated automatically so as to cease deceleration and maintain the current speed as much as possible. The driver operates the accelerator if needed.
… the first Mercedes-Benz under the product and technology brand EQ
- 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)1 is part of a growing family of all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz
- Conceived to meet all the requirements for a battery-electric drive system
- Convincing in the sum of its attributes with respect to comfort, quality and operating range
- An electric range of more than 450 km according to NEDC (provisional figure)
It was at the 2016 Paris Motor Show that Mercedes-Benz first presented its new product and technology brand for electromobility: EQ. The name stands for “Electric Intelligence” and is derived from the brand values of “Emotion and Intelligence”. The goal has been clearly defined: Within a very short time, EQ is to become one of the most desirable electro-technology brands in the automobile sector. In this context, excitement and fascination are just as important as the message about holistic solutions that provide maximum customer benefit with state-of-the-art technologies. At the same time EQ uses electrification to create added value that cannot be achieved with conventionally powered vehicles.
The brand includes major aspects that make entry into the world of electromobility as easy as possible for customers. Accordingly, EQ is a comprehensively positioned brand that goes well beyond the vehicle itself. EQ offers a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem of products, services, technologies, innovations and inspirations. Alongside a vehicle family of modular structure, via Mercedes me, the brand provides comprehensive services that make electromobility more convenient and accessible. The intelligent services and functions available for the EQC (combined power consumption: 22.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2emissions: 0 g/km, provisional data)1 extend from Route Planning and auxiliary climate control to new assistance functions and convenient charge handling.
In the increasing broad portfolio of Mercedes-Benz, the EQ brand provides easy and transparent guidance for customers interested in electric drive. For the brand as a whole, EQ is a further, logical step within the sales and marketing strategy “Best Customer Experience”. All in all, more than ten billion euros will be invested in expansion of the electric fleet in the next few years, and more than a further billion in battery production. At the same time we are also investing in the systematic expansion of the charging infrastructure.
On the road to locally emission-free driving, the company is following a three-track drive strategy with electric vehicles (EQ), hybrid models (EQ Power) and electrified combustion engines (EQ Boost).
[1] 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.
Brand philosophy and brand experience for the mobility of the future
With EQ Mercedes-Benz has set the scene for the future. The entire know-how of Mercedes-Benz Cars relating to intelligent electromobility is consolidated into this brand. At the same time EQ is creating a new and unmistakable brand look. Just as Mercedes-Benz stands for Modern Luxury, Mercedes-Maybach for Ultimate Luxury and Mercedes-AMG for Performance Luxury, EQ is pointing the way to the future with Progressive Luxury.
Featuring a completely new design, the battery-electric models will have their own distinctive “electro-look” styling (see Design section).
Communication with a mission: “Educate, Entertain, Inform”
Four topic areas will fundamentally transform the mobility of the future: the increasing connectivity of vehicles, autonomous driving, the development of digital mobility and transport services and electromobility. With EQ the company already offers a comprehensive range of services for electromobility.
In its communication, the motto of EQ is “Educate, Entertain, Inform”. This means that factual information is coupled with a surprising, at times humorous presentation heavily characterised by visual content. In this way complex inter-relationships such as technical features relating to electromobility are tangibly and simply explained. The aim is not only to increase awareness of the EQ brand, but also to promote general acceptance of electromobility amongst customers, potential customers and society in general. In the second phase, which is now beginning with the world premiere of the brand’s first Mercedes-Benz vehicle, the focus is on hallmark Mercedes-Benz attributes, for example quality, safety, comfort and design, which influence the individual’s decision to buy. In this way customers are being prepared for the market launch of the EQC.
Whether the day-to-day mobility needs of customers are compatible with an electric vehicle can be easily established with the EQ Ready App. The App helps motorists decide whether it makes sense for them personally to switch to an electric car or hybrid. The smartphone app can record real journeys made by users, analyse their everyday mobility behaviour and compare it with numerous parameters of electric and hybrid vehicles. This makes it possible to try out e-mobility in a virtual, yet realistic way. The EQ Ready app also recommends which alternatively powered model by smart or Mercedes-Benz best matches the user’s individual characteristics. This is just one example of EQ’s end-to-end approach, and the strategy of “human-centred innovation” which systematically places the focus on customers and their needs.
Experiencing electromobility
The brand can be experienced virtually in the EQ Ready App, for example – and for real e.g. in Formula E: When the sixth season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship commences, Mercedes-Benz will open a new chapter in its long and successful motorsport history. At the start of the 2019/20 season, two fully electric racing cars will be fielded by the new Mercedes EQ Formula E team for the first time. In 2018 Mercedes-Benz with its EQ brand has already been involved as a partner in the European Formula E races in Rome, Paris, Berlin and Zurich. For EQ, Formula E is far more than motorsport championship, but instead an exciting festival that attracts progressive people with urban lifestyles and new target groups. Visitors to Formula E are manifestly interested in mobility, cars and alternative drive systems.
EQ Community – shaping the future of mobility
A further initiative that exposes EQ to new target groups is the “EQ Community”. This is based on the conviction that EQ is best able to meet the challenges of the mobility of tomorrow by entering into a dialogue with visionaries, businesspeople and opinion leaders. Accordingly EQ has a specific presence in the environment of these target groups at international, innovation-oriented and trendsetting conferences such as the Tech Open Air (TOA, the leading European interdisciplinary technology festival in Berlin), the Collision (Jazz) Festival in New Orleans, the Web Summit in Lisbon or the RISE (Tech Conference) in Hong Kong.
With “EQ Dinner” and “EQ Night”, Mercedes-Benz has created two solid event formats in which inspiring personalities come into contact with the brand and engage in a exchange about the mobility of tomorrow with like-minded individuals. EQ seeks to inspire, and also looks for inspiration from the members of the Community.
The exclusive EQ Dinners are small-scale events under the motto “ share the table – and shape the future”. This is where future experts from Daimler come together with invited visionaries to discuss approaches for shaping the future of mobility. A wider public takes part in the EQ Nights. Their purpose is both to familiarise interesting and inspiring personalities with the EQ brand and to discuss the mobility needs of today and tomorrow with the guests. The objective is to better understand and cater for mobility needs. After the events, dialogue within the EQ community continues on digital channels such as the Mercedes Brand Hub, the Mercedes-Benz social media channels and the EQ LinkedIn presence. In this way EQ provides many ways in which its community and the visionaries can exchange views with the brand and between themselves.
Online registration for first movers
Timed to coincide with the world premiere of the new EQC, Mercedes-Benz is providing an exclusive online registration service with “EQC Registration”. Interested parties not only receive continuous updates about the EQC, but also about the EQ brand and electromobility in general [mercedes-benz.com/eqc].
… progressive in design
- Pioneer of an avant-garde electric look
- Progressive luxury points the way to the future
- Large black-panel surface as a striking front feature
- Optical fibres as a visual link to the torch-like daytime running lamps
- Sporty, stretched 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
- Superior driving characteristics of an all-wheel drive vehicle
- Various driving modes with different characteristics
- Battery recuperation can be adjusted as the customer requires, 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
… the Mercedes-Benz among electric vehicles
- Latest-generation driving assistance systems with new tailback management functions
- Extensive crash test programme
- Stringent additional requirements for the battery and all components carrying electrical current
- Pre-climatisation 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
- A trailer coupling is available on request. The maximum towing capacity (braked) is 1800 kg
- Integration into ongoing series production at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen
- Battery produced by the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche Accumotive
… more than just a car, and a symbol of a new era in mobility
- Comprehensive services for the electromobility 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 Formel E for the 2019/20 season
“With the EQC – the first fully electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz – we are flipping the switch. Electric drive is a major component in the mobility of the future. We are therefore investing more than ten billion euros in the expansion of our EQ model portfolio, and more than one billion euros in global battery production.”Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars
“The new EQC is a genuine Mercedes-Benz. This particularly applies to classic attributes such as quality, safety and comfort. These are accompanied by dynamic performance, thanks to two electric motors at the front and rear axles with a combined output of 300 kW, and an intelligent operating strategy for a superior electric range. The EQC is part of a growing family of purely electrically powered vehicles from Mercedes-Benz.” Ola Källenius, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development
“Electric now has a Mercedes – with the EQC, we are putting the first Mercedes‑Benz of our new product and technology brand EQ onto the roads. EQ stands for ‘Electric Intelligence’, and represents Mercedes-Benz in its most progressive way. We are systematically using human-centred innovation by incorporating intelligent services and networked charging solutions for our customers from the very start.” Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales
“At Mercedes-Benz Cars we are integrating the EQC into our series production at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. One major pillar of our strategy is flexibility. Our decision to produce electric vehicles on the same line as models with combustion engines enables us to respond flexibly to demand and use plant capacity to best effect. In this way we can continue to ensure both high efficiency and top quality with well-proven production processes. On the way to smart production we are already employing future-oriented Industry 4.0 solutions such as virtual and augmented reality, human-machine cooperation and big data analysis. Digital solutions help us to network Production with Development and Sales even more effectively. The electric initiative means two things for us: emission-free vehicles and ‘clean’ production. With a CO2-neutral energy supply to our German plants by 2022, we are actively promoting the sustainability of our production.” Markus Schäfer, Executive Board member Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain