We were surprised to learn last week that the Mercedes EQC electric crossover is no longer coming to the US, despite America's strong appetite for compact crossovers. In Europe, however, the EQC range has expanded with a new sports variant. Priced from €66,068.80 ($79,831.79) in Germany, the EQC 400 4MATIC is now the base model in the range. Topping the range is the EQC 400 4MATIC AMG Line that comes equipped with several sporty enhancements applied to the exterior and interior.

As standard, the sportier EQC comes equipped with the AMG Line Exterior package, which includes a more aggressive AMG black front grille with a high-gloss black surround. Other styling improvements include an AMG front apron with chrome-trimmed air inlets, high-gloss black accents, and functional vents that improve the airflow.

This new sporty EQC variant rides on 19-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels finished in tantalum grey. At the back, the wider AMG-Line-specific rear bumper features faux vents and a chrome-trimmed black diffuser.

Inside, the AMG Line's interior is upgraded with a multifunction sports steering wheel trimmed in Nappa leather, sports seats with an AMG-specific pattern, and leather upholstery with grey topstitching. The dashboard is also trimmed in Nappa-style leather. Elsewhere, the door panels feature black trim, while the center console has black topstitching. Grey topstitching is also applied to the armrest. Additional carbon fiber-style trim, stainless steel AMG sports pedals, AMG floor mats, and chrome door pins round off the interior improvements.

Other standard features for the AMG Line include a luggage compartment cover, seat comfort package, mirror package, interior light package, parking assist with parktronic, noise-canceling acoustic glass, a parking package with reversing camera, advanced sound system, ambient lighting, and remote and extended charging services.

In Germany, prices for the EQC 400 4MATIC AMG start at €73,208.802 ($88,428.91). Since the changes are purely cosmetic, the AMG Line has the same electric powertrain as the regular EQC 400, with two electric motors producing a combined 408 horsepower and 564 lb-ft of torque. While the EQC is forbidden fruit in America, Mercedes is still planning to sell the EQS sedan in the US to take on the Audi e-tron GT.