Mercedes-Benz has begun manufacturing the EQC, an electric SUV, which is the automaker’s first EV to be developed from the ground up. Mercedes has also begun taking orders for the EQC with deliveries expected to begin next month.

Mercedes-Benz stated today that at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant “the EQC can be flexibly integrated into the ongoing series production of vehicles with combustion engine or hybrid drive.” The company promises that the brand’s production standards will guarantee premium quality across all vehicle models. Mercedes-Benz added that “As a CASE pioneer, the EQC 400 4MATIC offers extensive standard equipment and attractive services.”

Daimler stated that the vehicle is being manufactured on the same assembly line as the C-Class Saloon, the Estate and the GLC and GLC Coupé. Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, Production and Supply Chain, added that the company’s production strategy is focused on “flexibility and efficiency,” which he believes will be guaranteed by the production staff’s experience and know-how.

“With the start of production of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, we are turning the switch today – for the electric mobility of the future,” Schäfer said.

Mercedes-Benz has released a video showcasing the EQC electric SUV manufacturing process:

Mercedes-Benz had announced a range of a 280 miles, though the NEDC standard was still being used when the announcement was made. Experts believe the real-world range might be closer to 200 miles on a single charge. The battery pack will be driven by two asynchronous motors with a total capacity of 408 hp. The EQC can reach a top speed of 111 mph and an acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds.

According to the model spec sheet, the EQC, which debuted at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, features a water-cooled onboard charger with a capacity of 7.4 kW and a maximum capacity of “up to 110 kW at an appropriate charging station.“

The interior of the EQC is modern and features renewable materials for the upholstery, such as hemp, kenaf, wool, cotton, paper, and natural rubber, rose gold finishings, and a cutting-edge Widescreen Cockpit. The impressive sound quality is provided by the exclusive Burmester® Surround-Sound system. The EQC also features the The MBUX intuitive system, which includes the MBUX interior assistant, the innovative infotainment system: with natural voice control, touch-sensitive surfaces, and Augmented Reality for navigation.

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Mercedes-Benz has yet to verify the price of the EQC, but it has an MSRP of 71,281.00 euros in Germany (including 19% VAT).