Mercedes Benz Introduces EQ Electric Mobility Brand In India
Mercedes-Benz launches ‘EQ’ Brand in India. Brand EQ is a product and technology ecosystem that aims to shape the future of mobility, which derives from the Mercedes brand values of ‘Emotion’ and ‘Intelligence.’ ‘EQ’ is the first dedicated electro mobility brand in the luxury segment and will launch its first product ‘EQC’, in April 2020.
Speaking on the occasion, Martin Schwenk said, “As the inventors of the automobile and pioneers of luxury mobility in India, we are launching the brand ‘EQ’ that will establish luxury electric motoring in India. The ‘EQ’ brand is a key pillar of our ‘Sustainable Luxury’ objective and is the first dedicated luxury electric brand in India. We felt the time was right to introduce EQ brand in India and our first product for India will be the EQC EV. We are confident that EQ will lay a strong foundation for our electric ambition in India, which will see further expansion of our green cars portfolio and also for our future.”
Martin Schwenk elaborated, “With the launch of EQ we firmly announce Mercedes-Benz’s arrival into the new era of electro mobility. We want the EQ brand to create an ecosystem in which electric mobility is reliable, simple and at the same time exciting. The ‘EQC Edition 1886’ illustrates progressive design, exciting driving dynamics and a range more than suitable for daily use. Long-term, worry-free vehicle use is the sole focus for us in launching the EQ brand in India.”
Carefully coordinated elements on the exterior and interior are among the optional extras for the EQC Edition 1886. The black panel radiator grille with louvres and edging in high-gloss black ensure a particularly exclusive character on the exterior. The ‘EQC Edition 1886’ is available exclusively in metallic high-tech silver. Further individual features include the high-gloss black badge with ‘EQC Edition 1886’ lettering on the mudguard and the 10-spoke 20-inch light-alloy wheels in high-gloss black with white decorative elements.
The exclusive appeal continues in the interior, for example with the new seat designs with upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/ DINAMICA microfibre in indigo blue and black. A special ‘EQC Edition 1886' lettering is embroidered into the seat backrests. The lettering can also be found as a badge on the centre console. This level of detail is also evident in the specific trim elements in silver matrix look as well as the floor mats with the “EQC” embroidery.
The EQC Edition 1886 has driving assistance systems for the better safety and driving comfort. The Burmester surround sound system shows its potential in the extremely quiet interior of the EQC.
The ENERGIZING comfort controller combines various systems in the car, thus creating an optimal environment from the lighting mood to the fragrance and ionisation of the air to keep the user fresh and vitalised. The ENERGIZING COACH uses data from the vehicle and surroundings to recommend one of the ENERGIZING programmes that fits the situation and the individual. Aspects such as the traffic situation, weather and length of the journey, for example, are included in the assessment. In addition, data providing information on the driver's current well-being can also be used. This is made possible by networking with available Garmin® wearables (smartwatches/fitness trackers). Further optional extras such as electric adjustable driver and front passenger seats with memory function round off the Edition package.
Like every EQC, the EQC Edition 1886 has a water-cooled on-board charger (OBC) with an output of 7.4 kW and is therefore ready for charging with alternating current (AC) at home and at public charging stations. Charging with a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is up to three times faster than at a domestic power socket. It is even faster with DC charging – which is standard for the EQC, with a suitable market-specific plug. 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.
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.
