The Star: July 30, 2020

MERCEDES-
BENZ ON A
CHARGE WITH
ELECTRIC SUV
BY ROSS KIDDIE
Don’t put me down as a non-believer, but I have always
been a little sceptical that burning fossil fuel is the cause of
all our climate change and global warming issues.
But the recent coronavirus alert levels 3 and 4 lockdown
indicated that without so many cars on the road, air quality
improved, and pollution, which is claimed to affect climate
change, was lower.
I’ll take that on the chin and going forward I’ll be more
aware of how burning oil products seemingly affects our
everyday life.
I guess that’s where electricity comes in, cars with motors
as opposed to engines have become the vehicles of choice
for those who vehemently believe electric vehicles are the
way of the future.
EVs aren’t new but they are resurgent at the moment, and
you can buy anything from a Nissan Leaf to a Tesla; inbetween
there are a myriad of other options and one which
clearly sits in the luxury car class is the Mercedes-Benz
EQC 400, also branded as a sport utility vehicle.
It’s no surprise that Mercedes-Benz is marketing its first
EV down under, it’s only a matter of time before more
luxury car brands ply their electric technology globally.
However, a big surprise is the EQC 400’s price tag. At
$142,900 it’s not cheap, but when you think a few years ago
a new Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi iMieV was around half
that price, and today’s fully electric Kia Niro and Hyundai
Kona both sit around $70k, the EQC 400 seems like a real
bargain.
I think it is, if you take into account what you get in terms
of luxury, specification and technology, it is an absolute
champion financially.
The EQC 400 is all electric, there’s no hybrid technology
here, it is powered by two electric motors, one up front and
one in the rear obviously creating drive to all four corners.
Pumping out 300kw and a massive 760Nm of torque,
power is developed from zero revolutions, the instant
you depress the accelerator full power is available;
consequently, the EQC 400 is quick, it will launch to
100km/h from a standstill in 5.1sec, and to make a quick
highway overtake it will blast from 80 to 120km/h in
4.5sec. Of course, that’s not how we drive on an everyday
basis but it’s nice to know if you need the energy it is there
on tap. That’s some of the appeal of electric, there is a
vibrancy you don’t get with internal combustion engines,
unless you are buying a vehicle with an incredibly high
performance engine.
Mercedes-Benz wouldn’t have built a fully electric vehicle
had it not been able to provide the performance and
luxury akin to what the brand represents, and the EQC
certainly delivers in those areas.
It also has to be user-friendly, just like the raft of EVs that
are plying our market it’s a simple procedure to plug in at
home or any of the charge stations that are being rolled out
nationwide.
On the road the EQC drives like any normal SUV, and the
way you drive is no different to any other Mercedes-Benz
SUV. The controls and instruments are pretty much the
same. There are even several drive modes that you choose,
from economical to sport. I only tried sport for a short
burst and came to the realisation you don’t really need that
mode; sure it delivers a vivid response but even in standard
mode there is an underlying feel of power.
The downside of using the wonderful burst of energy is the
rapid depletion of battery energy. Mercedes-Benz rate the
EQC 400 as having a 430km range, that would be under
the most favourable operating conditions, you need to be
mindful that stop-start driving and exploring acceleration
will quickly deplete the batteries of their energy.
In terms of cost to replenish battery supply there are
complicated mathematical equations to consider,
everything from service provider to night and day rates,
but a rough figure of around $5 to $10 to fully charge from
zero per cent is a guideline.
Not only does the EQC 400 have the latest generation
mechanical and electronic technology, it is also the
quintessential SUV for today’s busy lifestyle. It has space
and functionality that will appeal to the modern family,
and it is loaded with all the gadgetry that will satisfy an
owner for decades.
It’s fair to say the EQC 400 is an enjoyable drive, and those
who do go down that road, so to speak, will reap many
benefits along with knowing they are doing their bit for the
environment.
As for me, I need to get over range anxiety, I was very
mindful of the distance I travelled, knowing that at
some point I’d need to find a charger. That’s a matter of
reconfiguring the way my mind is mapped and adjusting.
Price – Mercedes-Benz EQC 400,
$142,900
Dimensions – Length, 4761mm; width,
1884mm; height, 1623mm
Configuration – Two electric motors,
four-wheel-drive, 300kW, 760Nm,
automatic
Performance – 0-100km/h, 5.1sec
7
LIVING
LIFE
MOTORING
Mobility Madness!
Scooter Sale
40%
Off!
$6,490 Retail
$3,895 Special
EziShopper 214
Luxury Seat
Full Suspension
LED Lights
Speed 14 kph
Distance 40km
Full Warranty
Free!
3 Day Home Trial
Showroom - We 18 Come Main North To you Road. Papanui.
Canterbury We /South Come To Canterbury You wide
Canterbury / South Canterbury wide
Call 0800 1155 76
Call 0800 1155 76
Thinking about pre-arranging
your funeral?
A funeral plan provides you
and your family peace of mind
in knowing that your funeral
wishes are in good hands.
The Lamb & Hayward Funeral
Trustee Ltd. is a secure scheme.
For more information call
0800 99 22 00
or to request a free information pack
www.lambandhayward.co.nz