Special Offers
30th September 2020 
8 min read 
Overall Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is the Three-Pointed Star’s first all-electric car. It doesn’t stray too far from Merc’s current SUV range – with no bespoke chassis platform like other manufacturers – and it’s targeted towards those who are willing to take the leap to electric but aren’t bothered about advertising the fact, like when driving a Tesla, for example.
On the whole, the EQC is a brilliantly refined, luxurious electric vehicle which caters to the needs of almost any SUV driver. It takes sustainable motoring to a new level with over 100 recycled components used in the manufacturing, as well as its zero-emissions powertrain. But there are a few issues to highlight.
For example, by using a lot of the pre-existing GLC chassis rather than one specifically designed for an electric car, there’s significantly less space inside the cabin compared to some competitors. And it’s also extremely heavy.
The weight won’t kill your range, in fact, it uses it to its advantage through Mercedes’ regenerative braking system, but it’s definitely not a sports SUV. And when you throw it into the corners, you can really feel the extra pounds.
However, if what you’re looking for is a comfortable, more conventional electric driving experience surrounded in luxury with great tech and elegant styling, the EQC is certainly a viable candidate.
What’s Great About This Car?
- Luxurious drive
- Outstanding interior & tech
- An electric car without shouting about it
What’s Not So Great About This Car?
- Less space than some rivals
- Not great around corners at high speeds
- Weighty
Use the titles below to navigate to which section you want to read next.
- Exterior Design & Styling
- Range, Running Costs & Environment
- Engines, Drive & Performance
- Interior
- Practicality & Boot Space
- Reliability & Safety
- Model Variants
- Cost & Deals
1. Exterior Design & Styling
The exterior styling of the Mercedes-Benz EQC is notably similar to that of other big Mercedes SUVs. And that’s done on purpose, as to not draw too much attention to its electric powertrain.
Some hints give it away, such as the front and rear light bars, but for the most part, it looks like a conventional ‘off-roader’.
That’s because Mercedes has been clever in their design of the EQC. Although it may not look it, every inch of the exterior has been created and styled with aerodynamics in mind to improve the vehicle’s range.
It may not be surprising, considering the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, CLA and S-Class are three of the most aerodynamic vehicles you can buy. And the EQC isn’t far off, with a Cd. of 0.27.
Merc mastered this design through more than 500 hours in the wind tunnel and over 5,000,000 hours of computer simulation time – the equivalent of 100 years. Their research resulted in a more rounded front end, to allow the air to pass around the sides and over the top easily, a completely closed underbody, and light-alloy wheels.
Also added were aerodynamic running boards, a roof and integrated side spoiler, an active cooling shutter system build into the front grille to regulate airflow and, in the AMG Line model, huge air inlets, or air curtains, which push the air to the sides of the vehicle as it drives along.
Really, then, as much as the Mercedes-Benz EQC looks and feels like a conventional SUV, it’s not. It’s an incredibly intelligently designed, beautiful piece of science.
2. Range, Charge Time, Running Costs & Environment
The Mercedes-Benz EQC has a WLTP range of 259 miles, and it has the technology to help ensure you have access to every one of those miles.
As you’re driving, it will use your current location, as well as where you’re going, what the upcoming terrain will be like, your speed and the vehicles around you to inform you of when to lift and coast or when to put the power down to get the most miles from a full charge.
The at-home charge time through a 7kW charging point is 12 hours from 0%-100%, while 20%-80% at a fast charger will take around 30 minutes.
In terms of running costs, if you charge the vehicle at home, you can expect to pay around £11-£12 for a full charge at a cost per mile of roughly 5p-6p. Meanwhile, at a fast charge station, it’s between £12-£13 for 20%-80% charge, which is around 9p-10p per mile.
In comparison to Mercedes’ petrol GLC, it’s a saving of around £46 every time you top up.
And there’s also further economising to enjoy, as with it being an all-electric car, there’s no road tax to pay on the EQC.
3. Engines, Drive & Performance
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is driven by an 80 kWh 405 V lithium-ion battery.
As with any electric vehicle, acceleration is on demand. The EQC will cover 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds, which is sports car territory, and accelerate all the way to 112mph.
Ride
On everyday roads, the EQC is calm and eloquent. There are better cars at dealing with potholes – the Audi e-tron being one – but it doesn’t ruin your enjoyment of the drive. It’s also one of the quietest electric vehicles you can buy.
Steering
While at low speeds or on the motorway, the steering is light and precise. Ask the Mercedes EQC to change direction quickly, however, and it’ll get all out of shape before running out of front-end grip.
Then again, it’s not a sports car. It’s a luxury SUV.
4. Interior
The Mercedes-Benz EQC interior, like the rest of the vehicle, is styled in a way to reflect the manufacturer’s other SUVs.
There are signature details, such as square copper air vents, rather than the brushed steel turbines in the internal combustion Mercs, and dashes of light blue ambient lighting. But for the most part, it looks and feels like a Mercedes.
You’re provided two high definition screens, one for the driver instrument display and the other housing Mercedes-Benz’s critically-acclaimed MBUX infotainment system. The centre console receives a black gloss finish and you’re surrounded by plush leather and expensive-feeling materials.
However, hidden away, there are tells of this vehicle’s eco origin. The seats, for example, are made up of 12 recycled plastic bottles, adhering to Merc’s sustainability goals. And they join other elements of the cabin which use naturally sourced materials as their foundations.
On the whole, it’s a comfortable, airy space which allows for a relaxing and quiet driving experience.
5. Practicality & Boot Space
In terms of practicality, the Mercedes-Benz EQC doesn’t take full advantage of its all-electric powertrain like some of its competitors do.
Despite the removal of the driveshaft and exhaust, there’s still a centre tunnel in the rear, rather than the flat floor you find in the Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X.
And it’s the same story in the boot. The EQC only has 500 litres of available rear storage with the seats up – 100 litres less than the e-tron – and 1,060 litres with the rear seats down – more than 1,300 litres less than the Tesla Model X, which also has a storage compartment under the bonnet.
6. Reliability & Safety
The Mercedes-Benz received a five-star rating in its NCAP test in 2019. That’s partly down to the designers keeping a lot of the standard vehicle support beams in, despite their lack of need.
It’s also due to Merc narrowing the vehicle’s battery, so there’s a bigger field of crash resistance on the sides.
There’s also a large number of safety features built into the EQC, such as lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and blind-spot assist. That’s in addition to the excellent optional driving assistance package and mild autonomous driving.
7. Model Variants
At this point, there’s only one model variant available in the Mercedes-Benz EQC, although there’s expected to be a coupe version arriving in 2021.
8. Specification Variants
The Mercedes-Benz EQC comes in two specification variants:
- Sport
- AMG Line
9. Cost & Deals
Right now, you can get behind the wheel of a brand-new Mercedes-Benz EQC with Hippo Leasing from just £597 per month, including delivery, warranty and breakdown cover.
