Mercedes EQC Won't Hit American Dealerships Until 2021
Mercedes' new EQC is a victim of its own popularity, and unfortunately, that means U.S. customers have to wait a bit longer to get one.
Waiting Game
Mercedes-Benz just unveiled the all-electric EQC at the 2019 L.A. Auto Show, a move that, well, electrified fans of the brand. Especially since the EQC's starting price is actually lower than the competition. But as it turns out, MB giveth, and MB taketh away. The brand also recently announced that those of us here in the U.S. will have to wait one more year to buy our EQC than expected, due to a number of reasons.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
High Demand
The EQC, already on sale in Europe since early this year, was supposed to reach our shores in early 2020. So what would cause them to push back a North American rollout a full model year? According to the brand, they made a "strategic decision to first support the growing customer demand for the EQC," noting "high interest worldwide" in the new model.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Victim of Popularity
Thus, it appears that the EQC is a victim of its own popularity. Rather than spread its inventory thin, Mercedes is opting to try and catch up with European demand before rolling the SUV out to other markets. Which makes sense to a certain degree.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Major Differences
The U.S. is the world's second-largest automotive market, however, lagging only behind China. The difference? Europe is the world's biggest market for all-electric vehicles, at least right now. There, strict emissions regulations are forcing automakers and consumers to make the switch, and a better charging network doesn't hurt, either.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Range Anxiety
Of course, we must also consider the range. The EQC is only rated for 200 miles, which lags considerably behind the competition. Porsche recently found itself the target of some negative feedback when it announced the Taycan's range was 201 miles. So perhaps Mercedes will work on improving this number before a U.S. rollout.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Struggling Market
Of course, the average American only drives around 70 miles per day, so this number is wholly adequate. Perhaps the bigger issue is electric vehicle sales in the U.S. as a whole. While Tesla has enjoyed some success here, other automakers are struggling to move their EVs in a market where gasoline is still pretty cheap (in most places, anyway).
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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Waiting Game
Chances are, all of these factors played a role in Mercedes' decision to delay the EQC. It's disappointing for those of us that were looking forward to owning and driving an electric Benz, of course. But if we've waited this long, we suppose we can hold off another year. Especially if that time results in some positive changes in regards to range.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
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