Electric SUV wins NZ Car of the Year title

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating after the marque’s EQC was crowned the 2020 New Zealand Car of the Year.

It is the second year running an electric vehicle (EV) has taken the top accolade after the Jaguar iPace triumphed in 2019.

Lance Bennett, general manager at Mercedes-Benz Cars New Zealand, says the company is proud of the EQC, pictured, and feels honoured to land the award. 

“New Zealanders love their SUVs and exploring the outdoors, and we believe the EQC offers a new way to do this with everything our customers expect from a Mercedes-Benz SUV – including refinement, safety, style and practicality - plus the added benefits of near-silent EV power,” he adds.

“The EQC is a powerful first step towards our vision of a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.”

The New Zealand Car of the Year, which is in its 33rd year, is selected by members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild. 

Ten new vehicles contended the 2020 award with the EQC picked ahead of the Audi Q3, Ford Fiesta, Kia Seltos, Land Rover Defender, Mazda CX-30, Mercedes-Benz GLB, Peugeot 2008, Skoda Kamiq and Toyota Yaris.