Mercedes-Benz Ireland introduces its first electric car

While the first of a range of electric cars from Mercedes-Benz is now available to order in Ireland, buyers will in reality have to wait until 2020 for delivery, writes Brian Byrne.

Those who do acquire an EQC will also number no more than 60 next year as that's all that the Irish distributor expects to be allocated.

But the car is here, and for those prospective customers, demonstration drives will be available over the remaining months of 2019. Such a drive will likely enhance their wish to have one.

The Irish media launch today offered motor journalists like myself a relatively short opportunity to drive the EQC, a crossover that offers almost supercar acceleration in a much more refined manner.

The car is based on the GLC crossover, but looks and feels larger. The stylists appear to have consciously avoided making the car seem significanly different to the current crop of 'normal' Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Though the EQC badging tells the electric tale.

Inside, the car is also familiar in the current Mercedes-Benz style, including the dual screens of the MBUX instrumentation/infotainment interface. Even the thin steering column mounted drive selector is the same as every other M-B automatic car.

EQC is roomy, and five occupants front and rear will find ample space for legs, head and shoulders. Luggage capacity is up to needs also — one of the advantages of building the battery into the floor.

That 80kWh battery energises a pair of electric motors, providing standard AWD, a 5.1 seconds 0-100km/h, and a claimed range of around 450kms.

There's an 8-year 160,000kms guarantee on the battery, which can be recharged in a range of options from standard home current — very slowly — through to a 10pc-80pc charge in 40 minutes from a high-output charger.

The drive experience is virtually silent, smooth, and real push in the back acceleration if you want it.

Over the next three years, Mercedes-Benz is planning the introduction of ten fully-electric cars, the second being the EQV 7-seat MPV revealed last week and coming to Ireland next summer. EQA, EQB, EQS and EQE, will follow, complementing the current conventionally-powered model ranges.

The EQC is being sold in Ireland through a small number of the Mercedes-Benz network, geographically chosen. Corporately, the EQ will be an independent division within the Daimler organisation.

At launch the price range for EQC starts at €89,450 and goes to €105,882 for a special 'Edition 1886', that last referring to the year Karl Benz rolled out his Patent Motorwagen.

Stephen Byrne, Chief Executive Mercedes-Benz Ireland, with Sales Manager for the brand Ciaran Allen.

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