Mercedes-Benz’s debut in the world of full electric vehicles (EVs) is now on sale with prices for the new zero-emission EQC SUV priced from £65,640.

The long-awaited new model is available to order in Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus trim levels and deliveries to UK dealerships are expected to commence in July, the brand revealed in a statement issued today (May 8).

Two range-topping special edition versions will also be initially available to customers committing to the German premium brand’s new alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) technology – the Edition 1 and Edition 1886.

Powered by an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery, the EQC claims to offer a range of 259 miles (WLTP) alongside a power output of 408PS and 765 Nm of torque which will propel the all-wheel-drive model to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 111 mph.

Speaking at the unveiling of the EQC in September last year, Dieter Zetsche, chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “Electric drive is a major component in the mobility of the future. We are therefore investing more than ten billion euros in the expansion of our EQ model portfolio, and more than one billion euros in global battery production.”

In August last year research carried out by PA Consulting suggested that Mercedes-Benz was expected to overtake Tesla to become the market leader in electric vehicle (EV) production by 2021.

Tesla is predicted to sell the most electric cars in 2019, but will fall to seventh place by 2021, it claimed.

German carmakers Mercedes, BMW and VW will come first, second and fourth respectively, while Renault Nissan Mitsubishi are expected to be ranked third.

Mercedes’ first pure EV model features an MBUX multimedia system which has numerous EQ-specific functions such as range display, charge status and energy flow and also features EQ-optimised navigation which can base its route calculations on the fastest route taking into account the shortest charging time. It also informs the driver of nearby charging points.

EQC Sport is the entry-level trim and come as standard with Active Parking Assist with a reversing camera; Blind Spot Assist; Keyless-Go Comfort package; Multibeam LED Headlights; 19-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels; 10.25-inch touchscreen media display and instrument cluster; and ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours.

AMG Line trims add AMG black panel radiator grille in a twin-blade design; AMG sport seats; 20-inch multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels; and AMG front apron in a jet-wing design, air inlets with trim parts in chrome and inserts in high-gloss black.

AMG Line Premium models add an electric sliding roof; Burmester surround sound system; ENERGIZING package; MBUX Augmented Navigation; smartphone integration; and wireless charging (for compatible smartphones).

EQC AMG Line Premium Plus trims add MBUX Interior Assistant; head-up display; Parking package with 360o camera; and memory seats.

The Edition 1 features all of the Sport equipment and adds an electric sliding roof; MBUX Augmented Navigation; ENERGIZING package; Burmester surround sound system; black or polar white paint; leather upholstery; 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels; smartphone integration; and wireless charging.

The limited edition EQC Edition 1886 comes as standard with the Sport equipment line and adds MBUX Interior Assistant; Driving Assistance package; Parking package with a 360-degree camera; electric sliding roof; Memory seats; Burmester surround sound system; ENERGIZING Comfort; wireless charging; head-up display; 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels; smartphone integration; and MBUX Augmented Navigation.

A Driving Assistance Package Plus is available for £1,695 (only in conjunction with AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus models) and includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC; Active Steering Assist; Active Lane Changing Assist; Active Braking Assist; Pedestrian warning function near pedestrian crossings; Evasive Steering Assist; and Congestion Emergency Braking Function.