Mercedes-Benz Starts EQC 400 Horsepower Crossover EV Production To Battle Tesla Model X

Mercedes-Benz first announced the EQC back in September 2018, but the company today announced that the first production models are now rolling off the assembly line in Bremen, Germany. In fact, rather than getting its own bespoke factory, the EQC is being produced at the same facility that cranks out the C-Class sedan and GLC crossover (among other vehicles).

If you're hoping to get your hands on one of the first vehicles to roll off the assembly line, you're out of luck unless you already plunked down some cash a while back. Mercedes-Benz says that the entire first year of production has already been sold out.

The EQC is a crossover SUV that has dual asynchronous electric motors (one per axle) giving it all-wheel-drive. Peak combined power from the two motors comes in at an impressive 408 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to scoot the vehicle from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds. According to Mercedes-Benz, the vehicle has an NEDC-rated driving range of 276 to 292 miles. However, the NEDC is notoriously optimistic in its ratings, so we should probably expect EPA ratings of closer to around 230 miles.

For comparison, the Tesla Model X Long Range can travel up to 325 miles per charge (EPA-rated). In addition, the Model X Standard Range (250 miles) can go from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, while the Model X Performance (305 miles) can do the deed in a stunning 3.4 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz has yet to announce pricing (or a launch date) for the EQC in the United States, but it is priced at 71,281€ in Germany ($79,800).