Review: Mercedes-Benz EQC

We put the Mercedes-Benz EQC through its paces – and it’s pretty much everything you’d expect from a car adorned with a three-pointed star…

Launched in 2019, the EQC was Merc’s first all-electric model and, in truth, it’s a bit of an ‘old-school’ EV in that it’s based on the underpinnings of the ICE-powered GLC.

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The EQC’s plush medium-sized SUV rivals include the Jaguar I-Pace, BMW iX3, Audi Q8 e-tron, Tesla Model X and Genesis GV70.

First impressions are good. It’s a handsome, well-proportioned beast that looks just as much ‘sport’ as ‘utility’. And if it wasn’t for the solid front grille, badging and the green flash on the number plate, you probably wouldn’t realise it’s an electric car at all.

It’s the same story inside with that classy, but familiar blend of technology, comfort, space and build quality.

For starters, there’s the latest MBUX infotainment and driver information system which is made up of a large display in a panel that runs across the dashboard.

Thankfully, there are still plenty of switches and buttons dotted around so not all car functionality is controlled via the central touchscreen.

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There’s a decent amount of space in the cabin, though thanks to that elegant roofline, taller rear passengers may struggle for headroom. It should also be noted that this is a five-seater – you’d have to go for an EQB if you want three rows.

Boot capacity is a useful (though not over-generous) 500 litres, expanding to 1,460 litres with the 40/20/40-split back seats folded.

The 80kWh battery pack sits in the floor, while two electric motors are positioned on each axle, allowing the EQC to have four-wheel-drive.

Producing a whopping 402bhp and 560lb ft (760Nm) of torque, it can sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds, and on to a top speed of 112mph.

Range is up to 254 miles, which is now average – especially in real-world driving where it’s closer to 200 miles.

As for charging, the EQC can be plugged in at rates of up to 110kW, and using the quickest connector the battery can be topped up from 10-80% in 40 minutes. Naturally, it will also charge overnight at home if you have a wallbox fitted.

On the road, Mercedes-Benz has done a great job of masking the EQC’s 2.5-tonne weight. In fact, it’s only when you push in on fast, twisty roads that you realise that discretion is the better part of valour.

Overall, it’s an effortless, refined and relaxed cruiser, with plenty of punch in reserve should you need it.

The steering is accurate and well weighted, especially around town. There’s also ample grip from those enormous wheels (20 or 21 inches, depending on the trim level).

The ride is excellent, and for the most part it wafts over poorer road surfaces. However, it can come unstuck over sleeping policeman and steep driveaways, for instance, where the low front air dam rubber flaps scrape unless you’re super cautious.

One other observation. Those running boards look the business, but they’re a magnet for grime which then transfers to the back of your trousers as you exit.

So, while the EQC may not be the most dynamic vehicle in its class or have the longest range, it’s still an impressive piece of kit with serious kerb appeal.

However, it doesn’t come cheap. The entry-level AMG Line starts at £74,330, AMG Line Premium is £78,975, while the range-topping AMG Line is priced from £81,225.

Vehicle tested: Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC AMG Line