German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz is likely to introduce its full-electric SUV either towards the end of this year or sometime early next year. However, instead of just importing it now, Autocar India has learnt that Mercedes-Benz is also seriously looking at assembling the EQC here.
One of the main reasons for this is the reduction in import duties on the components for electric vehicles brought in as a completely knocked-down unit (CKD) or semi-knocked down (SKD), from between 15 to 30 percent to between 10 and 15 percent.
What also helps is that Merc’s all-electric series production car is built on the same platform and happens to have the same production line as the Mercedes-Benz GLC – an SUV the carmaker already assembles here. So, adapting the EQC for local assembly will be technically feasible without the need for any real large investment.
However, as things stand, the all-electric EQC won't benefit from the incentives offered to electric vehicles under the Indian government's recently approved FAME II scheme, and that is because it is only applicable to EVs and hybrids prices under Rs 15 lakh.
In terms of design, the EQC is quite close to the early Generation EQ concept showcased in 2016. It retains the same basic shape and five-door layout of the concept but is 105mm longer and a considerable 315mm lower than the GLC. The wheelbase of the GLC and EQC, however, are the same at 2,873mm. Under the EQC's hood are two electric motors – one powering the front wheels and the other the rear. Together, they deliver a strong 407hp and a hefty 765Nm of torque.
In Sport mode, the EQC will sprint from a standstill to 100kph in 5.1sec. Top speed is limited to 180kph. The motors are powered by an 80kWh battery, with the SUV said to have a range of 400km on the WLTP cycle.
Once Mercedes launches the EQC in India, it will take on electric cars like the Audi e-tron which is expected to be introduced middle of 2019. The big question here is how much will local assembly affect the price of Merc’s first all-electric? In international markets, the EQC will go on sale later this year and is expected to be priced starting at around £67,500 (Rs 62 lakh).
Click here for prices, reviews, details and images of Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs in India
from Autocar India https://ift.tt/2VSmjc9
Related Posts :
Subscribe by Email
Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email
No Comments