Mercedes EQC base model arrives in Europe, electric SUV not coming to US

Mercedes is making the EQC more attainable in Europe by launching a cheaper variant of its GLC-derived electric crossover. At home in Germany, it carries a starting price of €66,068 (including value-added tax) and therefore it qualifies for the local environmental bonus of €5,000 for EVs that cost less than €65,000 without the 19% value-added tax. It means the asking price comes down to around €61,000.

But wait, there’s more. Mercedes has its very own €2,500 subsidy to offer, and once you factor that in, the starting price before options drops to precisely €58,093, including VAT. The three-pointed star explains it was able to reduce the price by developing this new base version with an identical configuration throughout Europe.

There’s also a more expensive EQC 400 4Matic AMG Line joining the range and it starts off at €73,208 before incentives. It gets a slightly sportier look with a black panel front grille featuring a twin-blade design and a high-gloss black surround. The front apron design is also exclusive to the AMG Line trim level, and so are the 19-inch aero-optimized wheels with a five dual-spoke design and a tantalum gray look.

Stepping inside, the fancier AMG Line has a wide array of upgrades, varying from a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather to carbon-effect trim on some of the surfaces. Mercedes also throws in stainless steel pedals, chrome door pins, AMG-branded floor mats, and leather on the dashboard. The seats are part leather part microfiber and there’s a choice between rose gold or gray stitching.

The AMG Line variant justifies its premium by featuring a lot of standard kit, such as thermal and noise-insulating acoustic glass, reversing camera, upgraded sound system, ambient lighting, and several packages: Mirror Package, Seat Comfort Package, Interior Light Package, and others.

Both are available for pre-ordering and will reach dealers in May, complete with a standard 11-kW charger. In addition, both flavors of the electric SUV can be had through vehicle subscriptions in some European markets.

While the launch of a cheaper EQC is certainly good news for the European market, there’s some bad news about North America where Mercedes has decided not to bring the electric SUV after all. In an interview with Autoblog, a company spokesperson said the decision was taken “following a comprehensive review of market developments.”

Source: Mercedes-Benz