Mercedes-Benz and Canadian singer The Weeknd have joined forces to promote the 2020 EQC crossover, scheduled to go on sale early next year from $67,900 in the U.S.
The spot was merged with the artist’s brand new single “Blinding Lights”, which was just released on November 29. In reality, this EQC ad is as much musical video as it is a commercial for the all-electric crossover.
What makes it special though, aside from the soundtrack, is the fact that Mercedes themselves went above and beyond, making the clip about more than just the EQC – they achieved this by bringing out several iconic models, creating dynamic and meaningful moments with them on-camera while exhibiting a whole bunch of different time periods.
Also watch: Audi Gets U.S. Pumped Up About RS6 With Touching ‘Avant Story’ Spot
Speaking of really well-made car ads, we could argue that Mercedes’ and The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” is right up there with Audi’s “Avant Story” spot for no.1 car ad of the year. Both rely heavily on a dynamic and soulful soundtrack, and both feature iconic models from the past.
Unlike Audi’s ad, which was 6 minutes and 40 seconds long, “Blinding Lights” is only 2 minutes and 20 seconds long, as far as on-screen action goes. The remaining minute or so is for the song to actually conclude – hence the music video feel of the clip.
As for the EQC, it undercuts the Tesla Model X by roughly $17,000 and will be available in three trim levels – Progressive, Premium and Advanced. All versions will be powered by an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, feeding the front and rear electric motors a total output of 402 HP (408 PS) and 561 lb-ft (760 Nm) of torque, for a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.8 seconds.