Mercedes-Benz EQC Vs. Audi E-Tron: Spec Sheet Comparison
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Like an overloaded toaster, the electric SUV segment is heating up, with the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace leading the charge – so to speak. But things are about to get even hotter as two German heavyweight brands prepare their responses to these vehicles.
The Audi E-Tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC are all-electric luxury utility vehicles that are set to go on sale in the U.S. relatively soon. Similarly sized and equipped, they both represent the future vision of each automaker; the former is Audi’s first all-electric SUV, the latter will launch Mercedes-Benz’s EQ sub-brand globally, and here’s how they stack up.
Range and Battery Capacity
Arguably the most important specification of any electric vehicle is driving range, and here the Benz appears to have an edge. Its 80-kWh lithium-ion battery pack should propel the EQC a maximum of about 279 miles or 450 kilometers. The Audi’s larger 95-kWh battery is could clock in at 250 miles or 402 clicks. Again, these are both estimates and are subject to change.
Both SUVs feature two electric motors, one driving the front wheels and another powering the rears providing four-corner traction. The EQC’s front motor is configured for efficiency at low and medium loads while its rear motor adds sportiness.
Output, Acceleration and Top Speed
Total horsepower for each should be around 402, with the Mercedes-Benz having torque advantage, topping out at 564 pound-feet compared to the Audi’s 475, though official figures have been released by Ingolstadt just yet.
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In the dash to 60 miles an hour the EQC once again has a slight advantage, doing the deed in about 4.9 seconds; the Audi takes 5.5, though it wins the top-speed derby, topping out 124 miles an hour, that’s 200 kilometers per hour compared to the Benz’s 112 and 180, respectively.
Dimensions and More
When it comes to size, each vehicle is within a couple inches of the other in critical dimensions like wheelbase, overall length and width, though the e-tron is slightly larger in each measurement.
The Audi also features things like an air-suspension system that can raise or lower the body up to 3 inches or 76 millimeters. It rolls on standard 20-inch wheels and features perfect 50:50 weight distribution for enhanced driving dynamics. Most interestingly, it’s also rated to drag up to 4,000 pounds, more than 1,800 kilograms when equipped with the optional tow package.
In comparison, the EQC’s standard wheels measure only 19 inches, though you can get 21s. It also features the company’s latest infotainment system, called MBUX, which is colorful and immersive. As for quality, Mercedes-Benz has built more than 200 EQC prototypes, which have been tested for several million miles across four continents.
But What About Pricing?
Base price for the new e-tron is around $76,000, though the folks in Stuttgart have not shared pricing details on the EQC yet, but we imagine it will be quite similar. Look for the Audi at U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2019. The Mercedes-Benz should go on sale in 2020.
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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