According to a series of recent reports, Mercedes-Benz will launch an electric saloon smaller than the EQE in 2024. This model will be similar in size to the CLA and C-Class (approximately 4.70 meters long), becoming the first member of the German manufacturer’s new “Entry Luxury” access range.
Everything indicates that the vehicle will take the commercial name EQC since next year the production of the homonymous SUV will be discontinued. From a technical point of view, it will be related to the Vision EQXX prototype, which was recently able to complete a journey of 1,200 km on a single charge.
The new Mercedes-Benz EQC will use the MMA modular platform, which will feature an 800-volt electrical system. This advance will allow our protagonist to offer very competitive charging times, recovering 80% of its autonomy in approximately 20 minutes.
Thanks to its aerodynamic bodywork and the use of an efficient drive unit (eATS) with an efficiency of 95%, its consumption will be very low. Although its batteries will always have a capacity of less than 100 kWh, its autonomy will be between 650 and 850 km under the WLTP cycle depending on the version chosen.
The new Mercedes-Benz EQC will be located between segments C and D
The access models probably have LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, more affordable than the NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) of the rest of the range. Compared to the 107.8 kWh pack used in the EQS and EQS SUV, the Vision EQXX batteries have a 50% smaller volume and are 30% lighter. These improvements will likely carry over to the EQC.
Of course, high-performance versions prepared by Mercedes-AMG will also be offered. The sportier EQCs are confirmed to have active aerodynamics based on the Vision EQXX, including a moveable diffuser and active spoiler. AMG models are expected to have 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It is not yet clear if the entry variants will be front- or rear-wheel drive.
In addition, it will also be in charge of launching the new MB.OS operating system. Its rivals will include the BMW i4, BYD Seal, NIO ET5, Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3, and XPeng P5, as well as future electric Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4 e-Tron, BMW i3, and Lexus Electrified Sedan.
