mercedes-benz EQC reveals avant-garde design of their first production EV

first conceptualized in 2016, mercedes-benz has long been moving towards a future of electro-mobility. with its world debut in stockholm, the mercedes-benz EQC provides a taste of tomorrow, being set for production in mid-2019 and is the first vehicle to be launched under their EQ brand. the design of the SUV highlights an avant-garde electro-look that explores the theme of progressive luxury, which we previewed earlier in 2018.

designboom joined mercedes-benz in the swedish captial for the exclusive unveiling of the EQC.

all images courtesy of daimler AG

with the start of their electro-venture, much of the focus of the mercedes-benz EQC is on its performance: power consumption of 22.2kWh/100 km and zero CO2 emissions. as well, two electric motors combine to deliver an output of 300 kw and torque of 765 nm. the front motor is optimized for efficiency in low to medium load range, while the rear determines the dynamism. the EV’s lithium-ion battery provides a range of more than 450 km depending on which of the five driving modes are selected: COMFORT, ECO, MAX, RANGE, SPORT and an individually adaptable program. it features a water-cooled onboard charger with a capacity of 7.4 kw, making it suitable for charging at home or at public stations. with the fastest DC or mercedes-benz wallbox charging options, the battery level can go from 10 to 80% in around 40 minutes.

live from stockholm

the EQC displays a seamless, sensual, sculptural exterior design with muscular proportions detailed by a wide shoulder line, extended roofline and window layout, and a coupe-like roof recess that lowers the car more so than a typical SUV. however, as a significant element of the progressive luxury design idiom, the front highlights the car’s conscious clash of digital and analogue. a large black-panel surface, which encloses the grille and headlamps, provides a striking but still recognizable feature and contrast to the clean body. this is then heightened by an optical fiber that borders the top.

the contrast between avant-garde and electric luxury is also apparent in the interior. high crafted and highly textured materials are paired with electric-color highlights, rose-gold details and ribbed edges, most clearly demonstrated with the instrument panel. this element is set up with a driver-orientated cockpit, showcasing a spacious, asymmetrical wing profile. luxury is continued to excel with the care for an enhanced noise control. with the removable of the combustion engine, mercedes-benz has improved the sound of interior even further by isolating two points with rubber mounts: where the powerpack connects to the subframe and where the subframe connects to the body.

to complete the experience, the SUV features an innovative multimedia system MBUX – mercedes-benz user experience. this includes EQ specific functions such as display of range, charge status and energy flow. furthermore, the model showcases an array of services for the electro-mobility of today and tomorrow, including comfort settings like pre-entry climate control, and active and passive safety assist technologies.

designboom editor tim spears with the EQC