Hippo guide to the Mercedes-Benz electric and hybrid car range

Date Posted 30th September 2020
Read Time 8 min read

For now, there are only two vehicles in Mercedes-Benz’s electric car range; the EQC and EQV. 

Like BMW and Audi, Mercedes were late to the electric party. While the likes of Volkswagen were testing the waters of sustainable driving as far back as 1970, the German manufacturer focussed their attention towards fossil-fueled vehicles. 

However, after it became clear which direction motoring was heading, they had to react. And in 2016 at the Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled what would become their first all-electric car; the EQC. 

Nevertheless, despite lagging behind in electric production, they intend to make their mark on the future, and sooner than you may think. 

The 2022 Goal

In just a short time from now, Mercedes-Benz plans on making drastic changes to their production line, both in terms of what’s rolling off and the technology used. 

Not only does the Three-Pointed Star aim to offer 10 all-electric vehicles by 2022, some of which we’ll cover later, but they’ll be produced, along with every other Merc, in a carbon-neutral environment. 

By using renewable energies, such as local wind and solar farms to power the plants, as well as offsetting all other ‘unavoidable’ CO2 emissions expelled during the production of their vehicles, Mercedes will become the first major European car manufacturer to leave no carbon footprint. 

Mercedes-Benz Electric Car Range

The EQC: Mercedes-Benz’s Electric SUV

The Mercedes-Benz EQC was the company’s first out-and-out electric car. It won’t be available in petrol or diesel, and it’s paved the way for what will become an entire Mercedes EQ range.

One of the standout characteristics of the EQC is that it doesn’t look or feel like an electric car. Unlike some other brands, Mercedes has ensured the EQC retains a luxurious aura, despite being ecologically-minded.  

And with the change in power source comes the benefits of an electric ‘engine’. Like all EVs, raw acceleration is available on demand. And even though its range of 259 miles from a full charge is less than its main competitors, and it’s charging time isn’t industry-leading, the EQC still covers more than enough miles for your average commute. 

In terms of styling, Mercedes-Benz spent 500 hours fine-tuning the vehicle’s aerodynamics in their wind tunnel to ensure it was as economical as possible. And it’s clear to see the results. 

Its rounded front both looks good and reduces drag, while the light-alloy wheels highlight its prestigiousness and save weight. The same goes for the aluminuim-looking door sills and rear spoiler. 

Inside, the EQC also provides one of the most relaxing cabins on the market today. 

Even with no engine noise, the cockpit is quiet and refined, wind and road noise aren’t an issue, and technology-wise, you’re still treated to same luxuries as you would be in any other high-quality Mercedes. 

Saying that, there are slight tweaks to give the all-electric EQC a different feel. Such as rectangular air vents rather than circular turbines, and there’s the odd dash of blue ambient lighting for distinctivity. 

But the real wonder lies in the materials. Although electric cars are kinder on the environment in terms of CO2, they still deal a lot of damage during production.

However, in the Mercedes-Benz EQC, there are over 100 elements created from either recycled or naturally-sourced materials. For example, each seat cover is created by using 12 recycled single use plastic bottles, providing a more sustainable driving experience. 

EQC Front View

Models
  • Sport
  • AMG Line
Engines
  • 80 kWh 405 V lithium-ion
Advantages of Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Low running costs
  • Takes sustainability further than almost any other EV 
Disadvantages of Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV
  • Relatively high charging time
  • Smaller boot space than competitors

The EQV: Mercedes-Benz’s Electric MPV

The EQV is the second addition to the Mercedes electric car range. 

It’s a versatile, robust but luxurious MPV, and has a battery range of 213 miles. 

On the outside, the EQV features what’s become Merc’s customary EQ all-black front grille, while aerodynamically-minded alloy wheels and vents ensure the vehicle extracts every ounce of mileage from its 100 kWh 400 V lithium-ion battery. 

Inside, there’s space for seven, with two rows of rear seating split two and three. Behind the wheel, you’re greeted by a high-definition 10-inch infotainment screen which features the critically-acclaimed MBUX – Mercedes-Benz’s voice assistant – as well as other amenities, such such as sat-nav and media. 

The EQV comes in three specs, ranging from the entry-level Sport to the top-of-the-range Sport Premium Plus. As you scale the trim levels, you can expect bigger alloy wheels, privacy glass, a 360-degree camera view and air suspension, as well as other niceties. 

EQV Side View
Models
  • Sport
  • Sport Premium
  • Sport Premium Plus
Engines
  • 100 kWh 400 V lithium-ion
Advantages of Mercedes-Benz EQV MPV
  • Luxurious driving
  • Ample space
  • Premium design
Disadvantages of Mercedes-Benz EQV MPV
  • Expensive
  • Not the highest range

Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Range

While choice is currently lacking in the Mercedes electric car range, they don’t have the same issues with their hybrid variants. 

Over half of Mercedes come with a hybrid powertrain option, including: 

  • A-Class
  • B-Class
  • A-Class Saloon
  • C-Class Saloon
  • E-Class Saloon
  • CLA Shooting Brake
  • C-Class Estate
  • E-Class Estate
  • GLA
  • GLC 
  • GLC Coupe
  • GLE
  • CLA Coupe

And although the all-electric drive available in these models isn’t groundbreaking, for example, the A-Class will cover just 44 miles on battery-power alone, it drastically reduces the vehicle’s carbon dioxide output; expelling a combined 33g/km. 

CLA Shooring Brake

Mercedes-Benz Electric Car Range Software & Technology

Unlike a lot of other brands who use fancy phrases for their latest technological innovations to emphasise their strive for a greener drive, Mercedes-Benz has one simple message; making driving sustainable. 

Sure, they use these technologies in their cars, such as regenenitative braking to harness power lost under braking and an adaptable chassis, however, Merc is more focussed on the bigger picture. 

Sustainability 

It’s all well and good creating an electric car than produces zero-emissions, but if the process to get to that point is an unecological one – as it is with some electric cars – is it actually doing greater harm? 

We’ve already covered how Mercedes use over 100 recycled and natural materials in the EQC, and that their plants are to be carbon neutral by 2022. But there are other strides they’re taking in ensuring sustainable motoring is an achievable goal. 

Batteries

After a Mercedes’ battery comes to the end of its life, it’s not thrown away. 

Instead, they’re either restored to their original capacity and used in another vehicle, or recycled into Mercedes’ back-up electrical storage system inside their plants. 

That means, should there ever be a power cut or a reduction in available electricity via the grid, they can use the power stored in the used car batteries to continue production. 

Mercedes-Benz Electric Car Concepts

It’s already been said that Mercedes-Benz targets to produce 10 all-electric cars by 2022. That’ll be split across both Mercedes and Smart. 

But which new vehicles can we expect to see in the next couple of years? 

Vision EQS

The Vision EQS is a glimpse into what the future holds for luxury saloons. It already meets the needs of today’s sustainably-minded driver, but it also pushes the boundaries of motoring exploration. 

For example, the rear lights are integrated into the vehicle’s bodywork through 229 individual LED Mercedes-Benz logos and the luxurious four-seater interior takes its inspiration from high-end yachts. 

It’s not a vehicle that’s likely to be part of Mercedes’ 10 in 2022, but one that could be a cornerstone in years to come. 

Concept EQ

Not too dissimilar to the EQC, the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ is an SUV coupe which expands the possibilities of practicality, speed and range. 

With two electric motors, the concept breaks 62mph from a standing start in under five seconds. And with its sophisticated operating strategy, it also provides 500 miles of range. 

Although the numbers must be taken with a pinch of salt – it is a concept after all – it won’t be long until these types of vehicle become a reality. 

Concept EQA

A car we’re likely to see much sooner is the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQA. Originally based on the A-Class, but now expected to take form in the shape of the GLA, the Concept EQA is Mercedes’ first all-electric hatchback. 

With two electric motors, a 0-62mph time of five seconds, a range of around 250 miles and a 100-mile charging time of just 10 minutes, it could be the most important vehicle released over the next few years. 

Go Mercedes-Benz Electric

You can search the entire Mercedes-Benz electric car range on our website. Just click the button below to get started. 


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