Saar: It is the first pure electric car to flaunt the three-pointed star.

At the 2018 @Me Convention in Stockholm last evening, Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off its first-ever pure electric vehicle (EV). It is called the Mercedes-Benz EQC. It has been designed and engineered to take on the likes of the Tesla Model X, Jaguar I-Pace and the upcoming Audi e-Tron, which will break cover on September 17, 2018. More importantly, the EQC is one of the ten EVs that the Stuttgart-based automaker plans to launch by the middle of next decade. In short, the Mercedes-Benz EQC will act as a cornerstone for all the pure electric models which will wear the three-pointed star.

The EQC is the first model from Mercedes-Benz, which falls in Daimler’s sub-brand EQ. However, the first EQ model from the automotive group was the Smart EQ ForTwo, which made its debut in March this year. The said model was earlier known as the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive but was rebranded to carry the EQ moniker. As far as the EQC is concerned, it won’t go on sale until the middle of next year and its entry into India is highly depended on what kind of support the government will give on imported EVs. Although, Mercedes-Benz India did hint at the possibility of making EVs locally. But, that too is depended on several aspects such as the supporting infrastructure.

Anyway, let’s get back to the EQC. It is built on a modified platform that underpins the Mercedes-Benz GLC. In terms of dimensions, the EV is 4,761mm long, 1,884mm wide, 1,324mm tall and has a wheelbase length of 2,873mm. Compared to the GLC, the EV is 105mm longer and a whopping 315mm lower. As far as looks are concerned, they look quite similar to the EQC Concept that premiered in 2016. Obviously, it isn’t as ground-breaking due to production feasibility. But, you still get a host of LED lights front and back, a choice of bi-colour alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches in diameter, a sloping roofline which gives it a crossover SUV look and generous use of glossy black elements which deliver a sporty stance to the EQC.

Inside the cabin, the very first thing that catches the eye is the wide glass panel which stretches from behind the steering wheel towards the centre of the dashboard. Housed inside are two displays, both of which stretch 10.25 inches diagonally. For the EQ range of models, Mercedes-Benz has tweaked the MBUX system to accommodate some features which are bespoke to pure electric vehicles, such as Mercedes Me and charging point locator. Other features include a multifunction steering wheel, a touchpad on the centre console, ambient lighting and Burmester sound system.

Over to the powerplant. It is the EQC 400 variant that was unveiled in Sweden and, it houses two electric motors, one for each axle. Both motors draw their juices from an 80kWh, lithium-ion battery pack which can give a range of over 400km on a single charge under stricter measuring norms. The dual electric motors work intelligently and deliver a perfect balance between four-wheel-drive grip and the best possible range. How? The one that powers the front axle has been tuned to for efficiency in the low- and mid-load range, whereas the rear-mounted electric motor is more performance-oriented and brings a punch in the mid- to the high-load range.

Put together, the motors produce 408PS of power and 765Nm of torque. The top speed is electronically limited to 180kmph, while the 0-100kmph sprint can be completed in 5.1 seconds. As far as charging capabilities are concerned, the Mercedes-Benz EQC can take a DC (direct current) feed up to 150kW under the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard. Do the math and the, battery pack can get 80 per cent of its charge back in 40 minutes. The EQC comes with five driving modes – Comfort, Eco, Max Range, Sport Plus and an Individual mode, which allows the driver to choose from several options to suit the driving style. The driver can also choose the intensity of the recuperation level using paddles behind the steering wheel.

So, there you have it. Expect the Mercedes-Benz EQC to wear a minimum price tag of around Rs 70 lakh without taxes and import duties. By the year 2020, the EQC is set to gain a couple of more direct competitors in the form of the Tesla Model Y and the BMW iX3.