Mercedes is gearing up for the debut of their first fully electric SUV in September, the 2019 EQ C. The electric SUV will rival the also upcoming Audi E-Tron, as well as the Jaguar I-Pace and the Tesla Model X.
The Mercedes EQ C will be the first model under the EQ brand, which will serve as the EV division of Daimler. The German manufacturer has invested heavily in EV technologies and plans to launch four electric models in the near future: the EQ C, the EQ E, the EQ S and the compact EQ A.
In addition, Smart will stop offering its models with internal combustion engines and brand its electric offerings as Smart EQ.
Michael Kelz, the chief engineer of the 2019 Mercedes EQ C, took Jonny Smith of Fully Charged for a ride in a late prototype, revealing along the way their approach to the EV revolution.
Daimler’s main goal was to make their first electric SUV as quiet as possible for maximum comfort and hone its chassis with a fun to drive character that’s usually reserved for models like the CLS.
In terms of size, the EQ C is close to the GLC but rides on a longer wheelbase that’s comparable to that of an E-Class. Mercedes expects a total driving range of around 310 miles (500km), with the EQ C to feature a battery pack with a capacity of “around 70kWh” and a 0-62mph (100km/h) in around 5 seconds.