The Mercedes EQC is arguably the German automaker's most important model in years since it represents Mercedes' first ever fully electric vehicle that will compete with the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model X. As it moves closer to production, Mercedes has released a new video showing the electric SUV completing its gruelling hot weather testing in the Tabernas desert in Andalusia.

It's covered in the same camouflage we saw in the last batch of hot weather testing photos Mercedes released, but recent spy shots have confirmed the sleek design will stay faithful to the Generation EQ concept, albeit with toned-down bodywork and a less dramatic front fascia.

According to chief engineer Michael Kelz, Mercedes has spent three years testing the EQC. In total, 90 prototypes and 30 pre-production models that are "very close" to the production model have racked up millions of kilometres across four different continents.

The extreme hot weather testing in the Tabernas desert is crucial as it allows Mercedes to assess how the battery cooling system copes in the scorching heat. It also allows engineers to test the electric SUV's stability on gravel roads. Mercedes seems happy with the results, as Kelz described the EQC as a "game changer," concluding that "the last three years of testing were a big adventure".

Mercedes still hasn't revealed the EQC's specifications, but the Generation EQ concept had two electric motors providing a combined output of 402 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. A 70+ kWh lithium-ion battery pack also gave the crossover a range of up to 310 miles.

We're just two weeks away from the electric SUV's world debut, as Mercedes will be unveiling the EQC in Stockholm on September 4. This gives Mercedes a good head start over its main rival, as the Audi e-tron will debut a few weeks later on September 17 at an event in San Francisco.