Mercedes’ EQC Electric Crossover Has Been Forced To Jump Through Many Hoops

Mercedes-Benz has built almost 200 prototypes and pre-production units of the new EQC electric crossover.

Set to launch next year, the EQC has been in development since 2015. During this time, it has been subjected to various testing phases, including extreme temperature conditions, from -35C (-31F) to +50C (+122F).

The automaker promises that by the time it hits the market, the EQC would have been driven in Germany, Spain, Italy, Finland, Sweden, USA, China, Dubai and South Africa. The purpose of the extensive real-world testing is to ensure the durability of certain components, such as the drivetrain, with a special attention paid to the electric powertrain and battery.

Also, since it will rely solely on electric power, the EQC needs to be dead quiet. Mercedes says that their “may years of experience in the area of NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness)”, will help them meet these requirements.

Before hitting the assembly lines, the battery-powered crossover will continue testing, and will need to be “validated by numerous individuals from many different development departments”, the brand says. “A total of several hundred experts are involved in testing. From the specialist departments, which approve their components and modules, to testing/endurance testing of the complete vehicle.”

For their next testing phase, the EV will be taken to Spain, where engineers will focus on charging, air conditioning and other parts in extreme conditions, as “the EQC must offer the quality and driving experience of every Mercedes-Benz”.

While there’s no official word regarding its specs, the all-electric crossover has been said to feature two electric motors and travel for up to 500 km (310 miles) on a single charge.