The Mercedes EQC...a Tesla Model 3 competitor?

Of all the EVs hitting the Aussie market in the short term, the Mercedes-Benz EQC looks pretty good.

Featuring many elements of classic Mercedes styling, the German manufacturer are following the lead of other major players by making this EV largely unrecognisable from its ICE counterparts (unlike a certain Tesla CyberTruck we've all been talking about).

But that doesn't make it any less appealing...in fact, we think the look of the EQC is classically sleek. And, even better, the EQC is the first in a stable of ten EVs that Mercedes say will become available worldwide over the next 12-24 months. This announcement, which is becoming standard for the traditional manufacturers who are no doubt watching Tesla's progress with interest, is just another nail in the coffin of ICE vehicles across the globe.

Mercedes EQC specs

Under the beautifully styled exterior there's 300kW (408HP) of power, a range of 434 kilometres and enough torque to move it from 0-60kmph in 4.6 seconds, making the EQC a Tesla Model 3 challenger (but only if getting away at the traffic lights faster than everyone else is your goal in life).

The EQ from the name means 'Electric Intelligence' and with their new tagline of 'We're flicking the switch', it's clear Mercedes are taking the electric driving EVolution seriously.

Mercedes EQC price

Realistically, you're looking at around the $140k mark to get one of these EVs on the road in Australia, with a healthy chunk of that - almost $15k - being LCT (luxury car tax) of course. And, just for fun, here's their video of the - largely automated - EQC production line...all we want to know is, how do we get a job caressing car parts all day?

Sustainability & renewable resources

What we found really interesting about the EQC is the number of renewable materials that have gone into making

it a more sustainable run-around. Believe it or not, the Mercedes EQC has paper, cotton, natural rubber, hemp and wool used in it's construction, a mix we're keen to see more of as major manufacturers race to not only make their vehicles low-emission, but also as planet-friendly as possible.

Mercedes EQC or a Tesla Model 3?

Is it a competitor to the more moderately priced Tesla Model 3 that's been taking over Aussie streets since deliveries started in October? Only time will tell, but if it's size you're after and money is not really an issue, then the EQC should definitely be on your test-drive list.

Along with the EQC, Mercedes are also spruiking their existing stable of plug-in hybrid EVs, including the C300e, E300e and GLC300e which have been popular with many of our customers for a number of years. There's also the hybrid-assist range, consisting of the CLS 450, GLE 450 and AMG E 53 which are ICEs essentially, but with an electric motor that allows the car to be turned off when coasting or sitting in traffic.

They've also launched an app that prepares drivers for the switch to electric by measuring their distances travelled

and mobility behaviour in order to recommend which EV or PHEV would suit. This is pretty smart tech, and something - surprise! - the Tesla team haven't offered in the past.

Charging your Mercedes EQC

In terms of charging, Mercedes have obviously really thought about how to make it as easy as possible for the end user, with an at-home charging unit and rate settings via a phone app. Pretty similar to the Tesla Model 3 and many other EVs currently on the market, however it's currently unclear whether the at-home unit will come with the EQC or have to be bought separately.

However, as their options don't make best use of your solar PV and/or battery storage, naturally we recommend the myenergi zappi as your home charging unit so you can comfortably drive your EQC - or your Tesla Model 3 or any other EV or PHEV - while only using your self-generated renewable energy.

Oh, and if you don't have solar at your place, we can help you with that too.

Are you interested in Mercedes-Benz's first all-electric SUV when it becomes available in Australia in 2020? Tell us in the comments!