Mercedes F1 Champ Swaps AMG V8 for Electric Powered EQC
After being allowed to drive the all new Mercedes-Benz EQC prototype, Hamilton decided to exchange his V8-powered AMG for this electric powerhouse.
Display at the Australian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton was among the first people to test drive the EQC, an all-new Tesla rival electric car from Mercedes. This was at the Australian Grand Prix where the five-time Formula One champion had a 10-minute drive in the battery-powered electric machine. He was en route to a customer function that Thursday night.
Photo Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
The Swap
The Grand Prix champion couldn't get enough from a mere 10-minute drive in the EQC prototype. He told the Mercedes-Benz team in Australia that he wanted to exchange his V8-powered fuel guzzler for the electric SUV. Mind you, the EQC isn't sold anywhere in the world. It debuts in October. Mercedes-Benz had no choice but to bend the rules for the champion by letting him drive and own a left-handed vehicle that is normally built for test engineers.
Photo Courtesy of News.com.au
Preparation for Qualification
A quick drive to the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit in the high-voltage EQC helped Hamilton relax. At least this is what he told his race fans on Saturday morning. It also helped him prepare for the upcoming race. "I love driving so much", Hamilton said. "I don't like driving on the road, normally, except for this morning." In 2010, Hamilton had a run-in with the authorities after performing a burnout in his V8 AMG C63. His car was impounded and he later apologized for driving "exuberantly."
Power
The EQC runs on an 80 kW/h battery that gives a range of over 200 miles. The EQC 400 will be the first among 10 battery-powered Mercedes-Benz cars lined up for the near future. It will be a mid-sized SUV that can accommodate up to 5 passengers. Two electric motors will work hand-in-hand to produce up to 402 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque. Top speed is rated at 112 mph with the car being able to get from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.
Based on the GLC, but futuristic
The EQC is largely based on the GLC, but is distinct enough to separate itself from the model. It's a smart-looking SUV that combines futuristic and conventional aesthetics. A set of multi-spoke 21-inch alloy wheels works well to complement the plastic chest plate grille that features a shiny monobrow. This connects the headlights and improves on the vehicle's character with the help of steeper rakes that extend to the rear windscreen.
Not Ready to Give Up on Cars
Hamilton is not giving up on cars anytime soon. He told his fans that he has already ordered an example of the anticipated Mercedes-AMG One Hypercar worth $4 million. It's a Formula One-powered coupe that could be the fastest hypercar in the world. There's no other car that carries a formula one engine at the back. "I think it's going to be the baddest car on the road," Hamilton said. "It's probably just going to be an art piece in the garage."
Not Until Later for the AMG One Hypercar
Hamilton will not be driving the Mercedes-AMG One at the Australia Grand Prix in 2020. At least this is according to what he told his fans. When asked about it, he said that he'll be driving the EQC. We wait eagerly to see if this will be the case.
For service and maintenance information on your car, check the how to section of MBWorld.com