The Mercedes-Benz EQC 2021 has been a long time coming. Although Mercedes is a company that is keen on technological innovation, it has been relatively slow to introduce electric vehicles. The EQC, the first mass-produced German EV, did not arrive in Europe until long after Tesla, Jaguar, and even Kia and Hyundai had launched family-friendly EVs that offered impressive, everyday usable range.

But Mercedes is one of the oldest car brands, and it seems they waited until they had the EV recipe perfected; the EQC is, in case you hadn't already guessed, the same SUV as the existing C-Class in terms of size and design.

Roughly based on the GLC, it boasts an 80 kWh battery pack and asynchronous electric motors mounted on each axle. All of which deliver 408hp and 760Nm (560 ft lbs) of torque to all four wheels when needed.

Unfortunately, Mercedes-Benz continues to delay the EQC's U.S. launch date, and as of this writing, no release date has been set. Indeed, it is unclear if the car will ever arrive on this side of the Atlantic.

For now, Mercedes' launch schedule positions the Mercedes EQS as the automaker's first electric vehicle to be released in the United States.

Initially, the EQC was slated to start at $68,895, with prices rising to $77,615 for the highest-specification Advanced model. In the UK, where the EQC is currently sold, prices start at £65,720 for the entry-level Sport model and rise to £74,610 for the AMG Line Premium Plus version.

Compared to many rival SUVs currently on sale, the EQC is far less impressive, which means that Mercedes' designers were not as careful as they could have been. Like it or not, the more expensive Tesla Model X features Falconwing doors, while Jaguar's innovative I-Pace successfully blends a sporty stance with futuristic SUV credibility.

The EQC is far more traditional in its approach, but features (at least outwardly) a sleek radiator grille up front that helps improve aerodynamics and an LED wraparound light bar at the rear. This is now found on many cars.

The inside is a bit more striking, with designers drawing inspiration from circuit boards and other technical components. These embellishments are incorporated into the dashboard, vents, and speaker slots. It also features customizable ambient lighting and an impressive twin widescreen infotainment system. The infotainment system, which occupies half of the cabin, is responsible for navigation, audio, and many other functions.

All trim levels come with these fancy twin displays, but for more money you can get augmented reality navigation, a heads-up display, a premium Burmester sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and even Mercedes' MBUX You even get an interior assistant; MBUX is like Siri or Alexa, reading messages and handling natural voice recognition input.

At least in the UK, the EQC will have only one battery, and that is the aforementioned 80kWh unit. Since the performance and technical stats are the same for all series, the only difference is the equipment level, for which customers will pay more.

Nevertheless, the Mercedes-Benz EQC accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 112 mph; the EQC's vehicle weight is 2,495 kg (5,500 lbs), making its quick acceleration even more impressive.

Thanks to a variety of clever energy regeneration modes and settings that rely heavily on autonomous driving to make the most of the battery pack, the Mercedes-Benz EQC boasts an official WLTP electric range of 241 to 255 miles, depending on the level of specification and size of wheels etc. The EQC is available with a range of 241 to 255 miles.

The EQC is also capable of rapid public charging at 110 kW and can be charged to 10 to 80 percent in 40 minutes, and a very standard 400 V wall box can be fully charged in about 11 hours. If you are fortunate enough not to have one installed in your home, it takes 41 hours to fully charge a car using a standard 230 VAC outlet in Europe.

Mercedes was able to extend the battery's range thanks to a variety of clever energy regeneration modes and settings that rely heavily on autonomous driving. This means that the official WLTP range of the Mercedes-Benz EQC is between 241 and 255 miles. The final range will depend on the level of specification and the size of the wheels.

Perhaps the EQC's biggest party trick is its ability to cleverly maximize its 80 kWh battery pack through a custom-built maximum range mode. This mode synchronizes with the vehicle's radar cruise control, navigation system, and speed limit detection technology to determine the optimal amount of regenerative braking for the driving situation.

This mode would go a step further and also provide tactile feedback via the accelerator pedal. It is designed to assist the driver with gentle inputs, thereby preserving battery life for the remaining driving time. Intelligent navigation also plans routes based on battery life and suggests places to refuel along the way.

By their very nature, electric vehicles are quiet, relaxing machines to drive. This is because there is no internal combustion engine or moving mechanical parts, and the general atmosphere is more relaxed than, say, a burly diesel unit.

However, the lack of engine noise also means that wind noise and tire roar leak into the cabin, and many competitors struggle with overall refinement. On top of that, small squeaks and rattles become increasingly annoying on long trips.

The Mercedes-Benz EQC focuses on refinement and promises the most relaxing and quiet driving experience when left in comfort mode. Even established rivals such as Tesla cannot match the general ride and ambience offered by the large Merc.

Meanwhile, cheaper rivals from Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia do not use enough sound deadening material to come close. They may not be the most dynamic cars to drive, but they are certainly the most serene.

Mercedes may have been a little late to the electric drive party with the EQC, but that extra time seems to have been put to good use. Cheaper electric cars may exist, but none of them will ever match the look and feel of the real Merc.

The only downside here is that American buyers may have to wait a long time for the car to arrive at their local Mercedes dealer. Especially if they are one of the many people who value comfort on public roads.