When Mercedes-Benz decided to abandon its electric SUV in early 2021, it had expected to join the fray with the EQC as an increasing number of automakers now offer electrified transportation. Mercedes-Benz was cautious to note that while the EQC may eventually be offered in the United States, for the time being it will only be available in foreign markets. The EQC would have been a small SUV with room for five people.
With a totally electric drivetrain, it would have had silent operation in addition to the quick acceleration common to many high-end EVs. Its cabin appeared to be adequately luxury, with high-gloss plastics, lovely fabrics, and contemporary architecture. Overall, the EQC would have been a desirable choice for eco-conscious luxury-SUV purchasers due to its combination of Mercedes-Benz splendour and environmentally responsible electricity.
The Mercedes EQC is the German brand’s mid-sized all-electric SUV, which is now available from the majority of luxury automakers. It served up excellent elegance and comfort in line with its upscale image and was also its first popular EV. Although it’s not inexpensive, the EQC’s equipment and technology help to justify its price.
What’s new and prices ?
Originally planned to be an entirely new model for the 2021 model year, the Mercedes-Benz EQC will no longer be sold in the United States as the German automaker has changed its mind. The Progressive level of the Mercedes-Benz EQC would have had enough standard equipment to satisfy the majority of consumers of luxury SUVs. A sunroof to bring in natural light and rain-sensing wipers to keep the windshield clear on stormy days were standard on all versions. Along with LED headlights, a motorised liftgate would have been included as standard. It comes in three variants :
- Progressive – $68,895
- Premium – $73,265
- Advanced – $77,615
EV : Power and Performance
The EQC would have combined a lithium-ion battery with two electric motors. All four wheels were driven by a one-speed direct drive system. The combined output of this engine would have been 402 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-Benz predicted that the EQC would have completed the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, but we never got the chance to test it.
That would have put it behind the Tesla Model X, which is its main opponent in this market. For the Long Range model, Tesla claims a zero-to-60-mph duration of 4.4 seconds, and for the high-performance model with Ludicrous mode activated, 2.7 seconds.
EV : Range and Battery
The EQC’s 80kWh battery is said to provide a range of up to 255 miles, which is slightly less than that of competitors like the Model X, I-Pace, and iX previously stated (the latter is capable of up to 380 miles in xDrive50 guise). We saw an indicated real-world range of well over 200 miles on our first test trip around Norway, which included primarily calm A-roads or urban streets, which is comparable to both the I-Pace and e-tron.
However, we were only getting about 180 miles per charge when we tested the EQC in the UK to evaluate how it would be to live with. However, the range will grow if you drive about town a lot and use the regenerative braking well (which, interestingly, you must activate via the steering-wheel paddles).
The majority of public chargers are accessible to the EQC thanks to Type 2 and CCS outlets. You can obtain a 10-80% charge in under 40 minutes if you can locate a public rapid charger with a maximum charging speed of 112kW (the EQC’s maximum charging speed). You can expect a full charge in about 13 hours if you plug into a dedicated 7.4kW home wall-box.
To reach a charging speed greater than 7.4kW, you must utilise a public quick charger. These use a cable that is permanently attached to the charging station to connect to the CCS connector on the back of the vehicle. A charger with a speed of 50kW can charge the EQC from 10% to 80% in around 90 minutes, whereas one with a speed of 100kW or higher can do it in about 40 minutes. Although this is fairly speedy, keep in mind that the BMW iX can charge at up to 200kW if you anticipate taking longer trips that call for many charging stops.
EV : Dashboard, Interior and Comfort
The dashboard of the EQC is an eye-catching, yet understated design that centres on a massive single-piece screen that extends from behind the steering wheel to beyond the middle of the dashboard. It houses the driver’s customizable digital readouts and the touchscreen infotainment system.
Although some people may find the rose-gold vents a little too “Beckham,” the basic row of switches placed on a gloss-black frame and the way the central vents create a sophisticated, architectural-looking overhang are both quite attractive. With the exception of the somewhat overly sophisticated infotainment system, everything feels wonderful and is simple to use.
Even in the base Sport trim, the EQC is impressively well-equipped by premium SUV standards, including leather trim, heated and power-adjustable seats with adjustable lumbar support, a reversing camera, keyless entry and go, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The AMG Line, the next trim level up in the lineup, comes with carbon-fibre trim, 20-inch wheels, and a gloss-black grille that, in our opinion at least, significantly improves the EQC’s otherwise somewhat garish chrome front end. Most purchasers will, however, choose for a higher grade.
The EQC’s competitors all have high-tech touch screens with a variety of smart navigation and media features; only the Mercedes has one of the most cutting-edge systems. All EQCs include a large 10-inch touchscreen, a digital driver’s readout that can be adjusted, and a touchpad that is more intuitive than the one used by Lexus. Despite having to bend a little to reach it, we still preferred the touchscreen, and the two tiny touchpads on the steering wheel are much simpler to operate than they appear.
EV : Interior Space and Boot Space
The EQC has plenty of space for people and equipment. Fixed cupholders are located in the front of the vehicle under a glossy panel at the base of the dash. There is also a net in the passenger footwell, a helpful cubby (with USB connections) under the armrest, and large doorbins in addition to the glovebox.
Although you can feel like there’s never quite the ideal position for your legs because of the high floor (caused by the batteries under the carpets) and a seat that doesn’t seem to drop low enough in relation to the wheel and window line, the seats are supportive and offer a good range of adjustment in most directions.
The 500-liter boot of the EQC will more than suffice for most family dog and/or buggy needs, but it is less spacious than the 660-liter boot in the Audi e-tron and is not as large as the spacious, seven-seat interior of the Tesla Model X. On the bright side, pressing switches in the load bay causes the EQC’s seats to fold down fully flat, leaving a long, continuous boot floor. If you’re tired of shoving cables into awkward cases, there is also a cubby off to the side of the boot that is the perfect size for one of the cable bags, or there is underfloor storage that is perfect for keeping loose cables out of sight.
EV : Verdict
Although there aren’t many options in this segment of the SUV market (yet), the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi E-Tron, and Jaguar I-Pace are the three primary contenders, and they all have unique selling points. One is not clearly superior to the other as a whole, therefore each has a different attraction.
Accordingly, we advise the EQC for drivers who prefer physical buttons over dashboards covered in touchscreens and who don’t want to flaunt their green driving status too loudly. It’s effective, has a respectable real-world range, is nicely put together, and has a tastefully finished inside. Due to the fact that it wasn’t specifically created as an electric vehicle from the outside, it is less roomy than its competitors.
If your budget allows, we’d advise getting the AMG Line Premium trim with the Driving Assistance Plus package and Burmester radio upgrade choices. Although it is not a cheap car to purchase outright, leasing deals are attractive, resale prices are high, and operating costs are minimal.
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