Mercedes-Benz EQC Review

I travelled to Stuttgart, Germany, to drive the new Mercedes-Benz EQC. The EQC is a significant new model for the brand because it’s Mercedes’ first all-electric model to be brought to market. The new SUV has arrived in Ireland and is available from €89,450.

Styling

The EQC is based on the Mercedes-Benz GLC, however classic Mercedes-Benz design has been given a fresh twist for this pioneering new electric model. This is a large and imposing car in the metal with an extended roofline and low waistline placing it visually between a conventional SUV and an SUV Coupé. A striking feature at the front is the large black-panel surface enclosing the LED headlamps and grille bearing the three-pointed star motif and bordered at the top by an illuminated optical fibre. The horizontal LED light bar at the rear also distinguishes this new model.

Interior

Inside, the EQC has a very conventional Mercedes-Benz interior that means that all the equipment, screens and controls will be familiar to any owners of the current generation of Mercedes’ models. Material quality is high and some new trim elements include rose gold accents on the air vents and a ribbed edge on the instrument panel. The MBUX multimedia system comes as standard and has ‘Hey Mercedes’ driver assist and command features. EQC-specific MBUX functions include display of range, charge status and energy flow.

Practicality

The EQC is a mid-size SUV with seating for five. The use of the GLC platform rather than a bespoke EV platform means that there have been some compromises to interior space including a large transmission tunnel in the rear. Still, two adults will be comfortable back here. The boot has a decent 500 litre capacity and an electrically opening tailgate of course! The EQC can tow up to 1800 kgs.

Powertrain

The EQC has an 80 kWh battery and there are two electric motors mounted at each axle, front and rear. Together they generate 408 hp and a massive 765 Nm of torque! The WLTP range is rated between 374 and 417 km. The EQC is suitable for AC charging at home or using faster DC charging on the public charging networking using the CCS connector. According to Mercedes-Benz, a fast charge can increase battery power from 10 to 80 percent in just 40 minutes.

On the road

The EQC has a permanent all wheel drive system and selectable driving modes also feature. Battery recuperation is also possible using gearshift paddles located behind the steering wheel. On the road, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is powerful and extremely refined. Acceleration between 0 and 100 km/h is a brisk 5.1 seconds, while the EV transmission is effortless and smooth. Steering is fluid and intuitive. The EQC handled our twisty test route with ease though it does feel heavy and rolls a bit in the corners.

Pricing

The EQC 400 is available from €89,450 before Government grants and reductions (€79,450 after). With an AMG exterior, it costs €91,897, with an AMG Electric Art Interior (€92,713) and with full AMG Exterior and Interior fitments (€93,546). A limited edition EQC Edition 1886 model is available from €105,882 before grants and reductions. These models are available exclusively in metallic high-tech silver and include special badging, styling tweaks and equipment. The Edition 1886 recalls the year in which Karl Benz invented his famed Benz Patent Motorwagen.

A small number of dedicated EQ dealers will be appointed from the current Mercedes-Benz Irish dealer network.

Rivals

Mercedes-Benz is not the first premium brand to bring an electric SUV to market. Buyers may also be interested in the Tesla Model X, the Jaguar I-PACE and the Audi e-tron.

Verdict

The EQC is an exciting new pioneering model for Mercedes-Benz, marking the debut of the EQ brand and the first Mercedes-Benz electric production vehicle. The EQC is the trailblazer for what will be a growing family of all-electric vehicles to come from Mercedes-Benz under its EQ branding. And it’s a very good entrant into this new market, being stylish and innovative enough to turn heads, with a powerful battery delivering competitive range for these times and impressive performance. Mercedes-Benz values have not been compromised and the EQC is sophisticated on the road and in the cabin.

Ultimately, the EQC carries a premium but is a highly desirable all-electric SUV!

Caroline Kidd