The Mercedes-Benz EQC 400
The Mercedes-Benz EQC 400
Since the launch of the EQ family in 2019 with the Mercedes-Benz EQC, the manufacturer has been ramping up its production of all-electric cars.
While Mercedes-Benz, like many other manufactures, has focussed on SUVs for their first electric offerings, the EQE and EQS represesnted a significant step forward. These were the electric equivelent of Mercedes-Benz’s more traditional E and S-Class saloons, although they were by no means like-for-like comparisons.
So, just when you think you're getting the hang of 21st-century Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, you realise the EQC bears no resemblance to the C-Class. To confuse matters even more, the EQC is based on the same platform as the fossil-fuelled GLC.
What exactly is the EQC, then? Well, it’s a compact crossover, rivalling reputable competitors, such as Audi’s e-tron, BMW’s iX, and the Tesla Model X.
The vehicle is only available with one powertrain, called the 400. It produces 408PS and includes all-wheel drive thanks to Mercedes’ 4MATIC system.
The entry-level Sport trim includes 19-inch alloys, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with SatNav, DAB Radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with auto-folding door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, heated and power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, a sports steering wheel, climate control, a reversing camera, and keyless entry/go.
The AMG Line adds 20-inch alloys and an AMG carbon fibre-style interior. Meanwhile, the AMG Line Premium gets 21-inch rims, a sunroof and a wireless phone charger. It also houses voice control, an augmented reality sat nav and a Burmester premium sound system.
The top-of-the-tree AMG Line Premium Plus gets memory seats, a 360-degree camera and a head-up display.
Got all that? Good.
Due to different wheel sizes and equipment levels, the claimed range figure varies slightly between trims. But you’ll get between 252 and 266 miles, with the highest range being the lowest trim and vice versa.
While those figures are better than the Audi e-tron, they're short of the BMW iX and Tesla Model X. You’ll also likely get less than the quoted figures in practice, so expect low 200s.
All EQCs come with an 80kWh battery, which takes little more than half an hour to top up from 10-80 per cent at a maximum charging speed of 112kW. At the other end of the scale, it’ll take just under 13 hours to get from 0-100 per cent using a typical 7.4kW home wall box.
Zero to 62mph is executed in just 5.1 seconds, which is impressive for a 2,495kg car designed to appeal to SUV fans.
The brawn is delivered with an instant burst of torque, which makes things easier when overtaking at higher speeds on motorways. Although the front motor generally does most of the work, the muscle can be sent to the rear when needed.
When driving through cities and town centres, the EQC wafts along without a hint of its pacey capabilities. But pressing the throttle will see you handily darting in and out of traffic to ensure you continue to make good progress.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
‘Darting’ isn’t really what this car is about, though. Regardless of the impressive acceleration, you’re aware you’re in a heavy vehicle. It is especially noticeable around corners, where it doesn’t quite have the agility to match its challengers, despite having a Sport mode.
You can push as many buttons as you want, but, even with the adaptive dampers switched on to firm up the suspension, the handling doesn’t feel nimble.
While, for example, Audi has opted for a blend of ride comfort versus handling, the Mercedes-Benz is resolutely positioned towards the former. But that means it’s the class leader in terms of suppleness.
Since launching the EQ range, Mercedes has taken its interior design to a new level. And while there are even more striking examples than the EQC’s cabin, it's lovely to sit in.
The slightly flat-bottomed button-laden steering wheel is bathed in silver, while the shiny piano black centre console curves upwards.
The infotainment screen and digital instrument display sit together in one unit, looking like an ultra-widescreen tablet. Mercedes’ system is impressive, superbly clear, and quick to respond. It is not as refined as BMW’s iDrive system, though, and can be overcomplicated and unintuitive once you delve deeper into its menus. You can also control it from a rotary dial and, in higher trims, through voice-activated commands and even touch-free hand gestures.
Space is generous inside the EQC, with plenty of room for loftier front seat occupants. At the same time, two adults can fit comfortably in the back. There is also plenty of interior storage in the cabin.
You get a 500-litre boot, expanding way beyond that capacity when you press a button to fold the rear seats flat in a 40/20/40 split. Plus, there’s underfloor storage and no boot lip, which is convenient if you need to transport oversized items.
The EQC was given a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, scoring 96 per cent for adult occupants, 90 per cent for children and 75 per cent for safety assists. The safety kit includes blind-spot assist, a reversing camera, automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and autonomous traffic driving are part of an optional extra safety pack, which is unavailable on the entry-level Sport trim.
In terms of running costs, no emissions mean no road tax. Plus, it’s in the lowest band for benefit-in-kind tax, making it attractive as a company car.
Overall, the Mercedes-Benz EQC makes a good case for itself. It has many strong points, including practicality, a great-looking interior, low running costs and an impressive (if slightly complex) infotainment system.
It is undoubtedly the model to go for if you prioritise ride comfort over drivability. While the handling is not poor for a heavy SUV, other automakers sacrifice some of the suspension's absorption to make their cars more fun to drive. Not so with the EQC, which could well carve out a market segment all to itself by sticking to its guns.
