Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the latest EQ range of vehicles for the local market. Featuring the brand’s latest range of plug-in electrified vehicles, they took the opportunity to roll out the first-ever plug-in S-Class, the S 560e limousine, first all-electric vehicle under the EQ brand, the EQC SUV and the latest C 300e sedan.
Mercedes-Benz S 560e
This latest S-Class joins the present S 450L facelift that was introduced last year and is also locally assembled. Apart from the badges, visually the new S 560e comes in the Exclusive line and is distinguishable from the more executive front bumper compared to the AMG Line in the S 450L.
The introduction of the first-ever plug-in S-Class brings with it the latest powertrain, features, safety and assistance systems to the flagship limousine. For the latest S 560e, power comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine outputting 367 hp with 500 Nm of torque and is joined with an electric motor with 121 hp and 440 Nm. Together the figures bring a combined 476 hp and 700 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 9G-Tronic Plus automatic that is designed to work with the hybrid system. From a standstill, the S 560e is capable of a 5.0-second century sprint. The claimed all-electric range is listed at 50 km.
Inside, comfort is as expected from Mercedes-Benz. The Exclusive trim package comes with the high-gloss brown burr walnut wood trim including the steering wheel and Nappa leather seats. It is also equipped with the Chauffeur package that comes with the Chauffeur position front-passenger seat, Easy Adjust luxury head restraint for the front passenger and footress that is power-retractable on the front passenger side.
Seats for the rear passengers are executive and multi-contour units. Info and entertainment includes rear-seat entertainment system with two wireless headsets, 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, wireless chargers for mobile phones at the front and rear, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Most interesting is the Eco Assist mode that helps the driver to achieve the most efficient driving experience via haptic feedback on the accelerator pedal. For example, a point of resistance will indicate that the maximum amount of electric power is being delivered, while a double pulse will recommend drivers to take their foot off the accelerator to turn the petrol engine off.
Mercedes has mentioned that it will take approximately 6 hours to fully charge the car from a standard domestic wall plug, and a much quicker 1.8-hours when used with Mercedes’ Wallbox. The S 560e is priced at an estimated RM 658,888 on-the-road without insurance.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
The first all-electric SUV in the form of the EQC 400 4Matic makes its first appearance in Southeast Asia. While only available for booking next year, the EQC 400 4Matic previewed here is a look into the future of Mercedes-Benz that is emissions free and fully electrified.
In terms of power, the EQC’s drive comes from two electric motors, one on the front axle and the other at the rear. Total output is 402 hp with a mind blowing 765 Nm of torque which is available instantly and goes to all four-wheels through Mercedes’ 4Matic. Here the motors are asynchronous, and is paired with a fixed ratio transmission, driving the front wheels for efficiency, and all wheels at full throttle. Foot down, the EQC 400 takes a mere 5.1-seconds from a standstill and tops out at 180 km/h.
The lithium-ion battery has 384 cells and is located at the vehicle floor between the axles. It is liquid-cooled and comes with a battery heater to provide optimal temperatures when charging in colder climates. Mercedes states that the EQC will take approximately 11 hours to charge fully on a standard domestic wall socket, and from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes with a DC fast charging station. As for range, the EQC is stated to be able to achieve approximately 450 km on a full charge.
Size-wise, the EQC has some cues that resemble the GLC, and this is because it uses the same platform as its petrol SUV cousin. Style wise is overall new but still retains distinct Mercedes SUV looks (especially at the rear). On the inside, the familiar modern Mercedes-Benz cabin is injected with trim differences and unique styling to bring forward the EQ brand.
Here the left-hand drive example used in the preview features the customary two 10.25-inch displays and is powered by Mercedes’ MBUX system.
Mercedes-Benz calls this trim the Electric Art interior and comes with a brown-open pore ash wood trim, a mix of beige and dark leathers, as is the rectangular air-conditioning vents with copper-coloured vents and fins that stretch from the door to door across the front of the dashboard. The EQC also does come with the Energizing comfort package, extended ambient lighting with 64 colours, Burmester surround sound system and heads-up display for driving assistance.
When it comes to driving, the EQC comes with a list of mode programs that have different characteristics to strategize better range. Similar to that found in their petrol cars, there’s Eco, Max Range, Sport, Individual and Comfort, where the latter most is the default setting that supports a comfortable drive but changes depending on the driving style.
There isn’t a price yet, but the EQC 400 4Matic is estimated to cost RM 600,000 when it comes next year.
Mercedes-Benz C 300e
Together with the S 560e and EQC 400, the C 300e also gets an early preview. The C-Class plug-in despite having a smaller number than the previous C 350e is more powerful than before.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine outputs 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque from 1,200 to 1,400 rpm is synced with a 122 hp electric motor. Together, the system is mated to a 9G-Tronic automatic and has a combined number of 320 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Century sprint is 5.4-seconds onto a top speed of 250 km/h.
Because of an increased capacity lithium-ion battery inside, full electric range of approximately 50 km. As for the looks, the C 300e is kit in the AMG Line, with leather upholstery, pre-installed memory seat package and open-pore black ash wood trim. The C 300e does get the updated 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment that follows the facelifted C-Class range.
Unfortunately, there are no estimated prices for the C 300e and future date of introduction yet.
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