[EmAdmin]

Powertrain

Joining an entire line up of next-generation products, the EQC Crossover SUV receives a unique configuration you'll see more of, that being electric drivetrains at each axle. Both motors serve different purposes to deliver typical Mercedes driving characteristics, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and 402 hp/564 lb-ft of torque, delivered from an 80 kWh (NEDC) battery. Complementing this setup are five driving programs and an "extremely quiet" ride unlike some hot Benz products currently out.

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 vehicle.

To reduce power consumption, the electric drivetrains are configured differently: the front electric motor is optimized for best possible efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear motor adds sportiness. Together, they generate an output of 402 hp and a maximum torque of 564 lb-ft.

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 greatly depend on the driving style. The EQC supports its driver with five driving programs through DYNAMIC SELECT, each with different characteristics: COMFORT, ECO, MAX RANGE, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL for an individually customizable 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 paddles behind the steering wheel.

The ECO Assist system gives the driver comprehensive support by prompting the driver when it is appropriate to lift off the accelerator, for example when the vehicle is approaching a change in 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.

Source: Mercedes Global​

Charging

Come time to charge the 80 kWh setup, a 7.4 kW water-cooled charger supports both charging at home or on the go. Mercedes-Benz Wallbox can charge anywhere from 3-8 times faster depending on region (its faster in the U.S. due to existing higher capacity sockets). Fastest charge time so far achieves an 80 percent charge in just 40 minutes.

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.

Within the EU the charging process at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is up to three times faster than at a household socket; in the U.S. the time advantage when charging at a Wallbox is even up to eight times as much, because here the voltage at a household socket is usually 120 V. It is faster with DC charging – which is standard for the EQC, with a suitable market-specific plug – 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. It then takes around 40 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent SoC (provisional figures).

Source: Mercedes Global​

Technology

Mercedes is no stranger to products with cutting edge technology and the EQC is no different. MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is available, displaying a host of EQ specific information to create a fluid ownership experience. MBUX Interior Assistant adds to this fluidity with non-contact operation and even intelligently distinguishes commands from both driver and passenger. Intelligent services adds pre-entry settings and route planning optimized for EQ vehicles.

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-optimized navigation, driving modes, charging current and departure time can also be controlled and set via MBUX.

The MBUX touchscreen display has a special EQ menu where numerous EQ features are grouped. Alternatively the user can access the EQ menu of the MBUX system directly using a hard key in the lower left control panel. Thanks to natural language recognition, the EQ-specific voice control helps the driver operate the EQC.

MBUX Interior Assistant: an even greater experience

By recognizing movements, MBUX Interior Assistant brings added intelligence to the interior. Thanks to innovative technology, MBUX now supports the occupants by making various comfort and MBUX functions even simpler and more intuitive. MBUX Interior Assistant operates in non-contact mode and functions both in sunlight and in complete darkness.

It enables the adaptation of screen content as soon as a hand approaches the touchscreen in the dashboard or the Touchpad on the center console, for example. Individual elements are highlighted according to the currently active menu. In addition, the system is able to distinguish between the driver's and front passenger's wishes and thus knows for whose seat the seat heating is to be activated, for example.

A special feature of Interior Assistant is the personal favorites function, which is initiated using a horizontally outstretched index and middle finger. In this way, any command which is controllable via MBUX can be stored for simple access. One typical favorite command is "navigate me home." The system is also in a position to detect reliably whether it is being operated by the driver or front passenger. This even means that they can each assign their own different favorites to the same hand position.

There are other functions which can be controlled intuitively, without any need to practice corresponding gestures: In the dark, the reading lamp can be switched on and off by briefly extending a hand towards the rear-view mirror, for example. If the driver reaches over towards the unoccupied front passenger seat in the dark, it will be illuminated automatically. This makes it easier to find any items which may have been set on the seat. As soon as the person's hand leaves this area, the light automatically switches off again.

Intelligent services: Relaxed travel from start to finish

EQ with Mercedes me connect provides comprehensive services for the electric mobility 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 connect app. A sophisticated system with a heat pump and electric heater boosters pre-climatizes the interior.

EQ optimized navigation bases its calculation on the fastest route, taking into account the shortest charging time and the topography. The route planning also responds dynamically to changes, and can take place both offboard and onboard, externally (via the Mercedes me connect app) and within the vehicle. Thanks to EQ-optimized navigation, Mercedes-Benz customers can easily find charging stations, and Mercedes me Charge gives them convenient access to the charging stations of numerous providers.

Source: Mercedes Global​

Safety

Also joining the latest in technology is the Driver Assistance Package that provides increased safety with features like predictive speed adjustment for varying road conditions, Active Distance Assist and more. Passive safety developemnt exceed legal requirements, recently producing impressive crash test results, just in case you're skeptical about those active systems. Driver error aside, focus was also put on ensuring safety concerns relating to the battery and high-voltage system won't cross your mind.

The EQC is equipped with the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems. With the Driver Assistance package, these include new functions such as predictive speed adjustment when approaching traffic; when a traffic jam is detected, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC reduces the speed as a precaution.

The EQC also meets the highest requirements with respect to passive safety: in addition to the usual, extensive program 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 road debris.

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, according to the severity of the accident. There are also shutdown points where emergency teams can deactivate the high-voltage system manually.

Source: Mercedes Global​

Timeline

The EQC enters production around Q2 this year possibly designating the EQC as a 2019 model year product. While we've waited, extensive testing was done with 200 examples, some already sent to members of the press like Jay Leno, hopefully resulting in a vehicle that will stand the test of time. Expect to hear more about future EQC products in the coming months.

Testing: Endurance tests around the world
By market launch, 200 prototypes and pre-production vehicles of the EQC will have covered several million miles across four continents (Europe, North America, Asia and Africa). The test program is comprised of more than 500 individual tests. Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the EQC must pass the demanding standard test program. There are also special tests for the electric powertrain, the battery, 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 crash behavior, aerodynamics and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). In addition there are intensive tests on numerous test rigs at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center in Sindelfingen. The ratio between digital and real testing is roughly 35 to 65 percent.

Production: Preparations in full swing in the Bremen plant

Production of the EQC will start in 2019 at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. The new EQC will be integrated into ongoing series production as a fully electric vehicle, and the very latest production technologies will be employed.

In series production, the joining of the powertrain to the body is called the “marriage.” One decisive innovation is the battery-joining center where the EQC undergoes a second "marriage" following installation of the two electric motors in the bodyshell. This is where the EQCs are equipped with a battery for the first time. The body is suspended from a C-carrier and deposited on a frame. Support arms raise the battery to the vehicle's floor from below, and 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).

Source: Mercedes Global​

 

[PetersBenz]

I fond it weird that under the hood Mercedes made no effect to hide the system under an engine cover like they do with ICE engines, as seen in that Jay Leno review

 

[Quinn]

Has there been mention of low/high range variants? There is a typical hierarchy that we see with the launch of new EV's but I haven't seen in mentioned anywhere yet for the EQC. Diversification could bring more newcomers to the brand.

 

[PetersBenz]

Has there been mention of low/high range variants? There is a typical hierarchy that we see with the launch of new EV's but I haven't seen in mentioned anywhere yet for the EQC. Diversification could bring more newcomers to the brand.

The '400' designation has me believing that will be the case.

 

[Enzo]

That's not the case for the I-Pace and I haven't seen that mentioned for the E-Tron either. I think Merc and others may be going monospec just for the launch of their new EV's.

 

[Quinn]

I suppose that's because the range benchmark for premium EV's has been unofficially set at 230+miles. Since everyone is going with modular architecture that should mean that range will steadily increase across all EV models in their lineup.

 

[PetersBenz]

That's not the case for the I-Pace and I haven't seen that mentioned for the E-Tron either. I think Merc and others may be going monospec just for the launch of their new EV's.

Fair to say that Mercedes has a far bigger customer base and would benefit from selling different trims.

The only thing I see stopping that are other Mercedes EQ products that slot above and below the EQC that i'm not aware of right now.

 

[Enzo]

I think its a matter of mitigating risk and reducing their production costs. The more diversification they do early on, the more problems that can arise with a given powerplant.

 

[PetersBenz]

I agree and to be honest its better they roll everything up than how they've been doing it in the past.
If it saves money and keeps products going for longer then its a win for everyone

 

[PetersBenz]

I agree and its really about real world testing because they can show us all the concepts and ideas they want but it comes down to how these models perform it the real world as we're ready to buy, how long we keep them and ultimately if we come back to the brand.

 

[benzguy]

I think its a matter of mitigating risk and reducing their production costs. The more diversification they do early on, the more problems that can arise with a given powerplant.

Now that we seen the EQS in spy shots it seems Mercedes is finally diversifying the EQ range.