NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-Benz EQC Edition 1886 revealed

The first tranche of Mercedes-Benz EQC all-electric SUVs will come in the form of an Edition 1886 limited-edition model revealed at last week’s New York motor show.

Only available in its own metallic silver paint scheme, the EQC SUV will also feature unique Edition 1886 badging, 20-inch alloy wheels and gloss-black surrounds for the wheel-arches.

Unveiled last October, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is the first of a new generation of full-line production electric cars from Daimler.

Full Australian pricing and specifications of the initial EQC 400 will be announced at the global launch in May, ahead of first local deliveries in October.

Already, however, limited (but so far undisclosed) supply levels will see the Australian waiting list stretch out to 2020.

Unlike the rival Volkswagen Group, which has five EV platforms either already beneath cars or in development, Daimler has followed BMW down the path of making one standard architecture to share between combustion and electric cars.

Direct-current charging can top up the EQC Edition 1886’s battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 40 minutes.

The first-edition customers will also be able to charge at 110kW while receiving discounted power from the Ionity fast-charging network in Europe.

Its power outputs are unchanged from the standard model, with the dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout delivering 760Nm of torque and 300kW of power between them.

Benz claims that’s good enough for a sprint to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h, and it has a claimed NEDC range of 450km.

That puts the EQC Edition 1886’s power consumption at 22.2kWh, with zero CO2 emissions from its 80kWh Accumotive-built lithium-ion battery.

Its energy recuperation under braking can be adjusted via the steering-wheel paddles, plus it can automatically adjust its recuperation for different situations.

The interior of the Edition 1886 is also a variation on the standard versions, with its own black-and-blue colour combination, embroidered headrests and silver trim, while they also include Burmester audio systems and memory-fitted electric seats standard.

Unusually, the Edition 1886 (named after the first Mercedes car) also scores a longer six-year warranty, covering all maintenance for a car that will be picked up from the owner’s garage.

“Back then, we were the ones to first revolutionize individual mobility,” Mercedes-Benz board member Britta Seeger said.

“The EQC now once again marks the departure into a new era. An era in which electric mobility is reliable, simple and at the same time exciting.”