Mercedes EQC Range is Actually 279 Miles, Automaker Says

The German luxury brand said the electric car would go 200 miles on a single charge from its 80-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Now, Mercedes-Benz said to scrap that figure.

Green Car Reports reported Wednesday the EQC’s initial range estimate is “incorrect,” according to Mercedes-Benz product and technology public relations manager Michael Minielly.

In a statement, Minielly said, “Our colleagues in Stuttgart have advised us that the preliminary estimated range figure for the EQC of 200 miles for the U.S. market is incorrect. For now, we ask that you please use the 450-kilometer NEDC figure. The official U.S. range will be communicated closer to market launch.”

SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz EQC Lands With 400 HP, 200 Miles of Range

NEDC, or New European Driving Cycle, is a soon-to-be obsolete test cycle to estimate fuel economy and electric cars’ range. The Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) will replace it this month. Using the 450-km NEDC figure equates to a 279-mile electric range, but the NEDC is known for being extraordinarily liberal in its estimations.

Mercedes-Benz did not disclose how or why it initially touted a 200-mile range estimate for the EQC electric car and it’s unclear how it plans to increase the crossover SUV’s range.

What is clear is the fact many rivals already offer a greater range currently, and the EQC isn’t due for launch until next year. Meanwhile, Audi will launch its e-tron electric crossover SUV and Jaguar currently offers the I-Pace. While we await final figures for the Audi, the I-Pace offers 240 miles of estimated electric range. Another rival, the Tesla Model X, provides 237 miles of estimated range with its smallest battery pack. The range climbs to 295 miles with the larger battery.

[Source: Green Car Reports]

A version of this story originally appeared on Hybrid Cars.