Mercedes-Benz has announced both official European pricing and the production start of its all-new EQC. The all-electric SUV debuted last year and represents only the beginning of a long line of future EQ-branded vehicles from the German automaker. All of these vehicles will be, of course, pure electrics. For 2020, the Mercedes EQC will have a starting price of €71,281, including tax. The also new Audi e-tron SUV, for comparison's sake, begins at €79,900. We're still waiting for US pricing to be announced, so don't do conversions just yet.

The entry-level EQC, more specifically the EQC 400, comes well-equipped with a range of standard features including the MBUX infotainment system with dual 10.25-inch displays, navigation, and voice control.

For another €2,297, buyers can add the Driving Assistance Package, which offers a number of safety features. There's also the AMG Line exterior for €1,607 and the AMG Line interior for €1,083. Also now available is the launch edition, very appropriately called the EQC Edition 1886, which we saw displayed last month at the 2019 New York Auto Show. It's priced from €84,930.

All EQCs come powered by two electric motors, located on the front and rear axles, with a total output of 402 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph. The 80-kWh battery pack can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 40 minutes with a DC fast charger. Mercedes claims a maximum driving range on a single charge of 259 miles. The Tesla Model X 100D, to compare, is rated up to 295 miles.

EQC production is already underway at Mercedes' factory in Bremen, Germany, which also builds the C-Class sedan and wagon, and GLC SUV. Previously, we learned of production delays for unknown reasons, causing a delay in customer deliveries until this November. The original plan was for a June launch.

However, Mercedes' so-called "VIP customers" will receive their EQCs in June as planned. It sounds like the automaker experienced last-minute delays getting the Bremen facility ready to go, thus resulting in a slow rollout. Still, this is a big deal for Mercedes and though full-on EQC production may be delayed slightly, it's the beginning of a new era. We're hoping to receive pricing and specs for North America very soon.