Mercedes

EQC

Based on the GLC SUV platform, Mercedes has launched a premium EV to compete against other big hitters from the likes of Audi and Jaguar. It’s named the EQC and apart from its dynamic styling and impressive handling, the vehicle boasts a range of 259 between charges.

The good

Styling, handling and range

The bad

Price - ouch!

Tech Specs

Price from

£65,720

Combined Fuel up to

Range 259 miles

0-62 from

5.1 seconds

max speed up to

111mph

co2 from

0g/km

Test Drive

Mercedes EQC 400 4 MATIC AMG Line Premium Plus

Mercedes has launched its very own fully-electric luxury SUV to challenge the likes of the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace and it’s pretty impressive.

Called the EQC, the vehicle is built on the same platform as the stylish GLC. It offers five-seat practicality, four-wheel drive plus the choice of well-equipped trim levels.

But one figure that will stop any doubters in their tracks is the EV range of up to 259 miles between charges and that figure certainly dispels any fears of range anxiety.

Customers can choose from four generously-equipped trim levels called Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus. In addition, there are two limited run versions called Edition 1 and Edition 1886.

We opted for the Mercedes EQC in AMG Line Premium Plus grade costing £74,530, excluding the Government plug-in grant. But as is the way with most premium car makers, the vehicle’s final price-tag crept up to £77,120 thanks to the addition of a number of optional extras.

From a design point of view, the EQC looks muscular and athletic from any approach and although it resembles the GLC in many ways, it still has its own distinctive styling. There is a new grille and the tapered roofline is also EQC-specific, plus there are new rear lights. The car also features lots of blue accents as an indication that it is an EV, along with some bespoke EQC badging and truly stunning alloy wheels.

Move inside and the interior is very classy  with exceptionally high comfort levels. The car boasts fine leather upholstery and powered seats that can also be heated, along with lots of soft-touch surfaces plus distinctive copper-coloured air vents that look really eye-catching.

The car features a 10.25-inch MBUX multi-media touchscreen that flows beautifully into the instrument cluster behind a glass panel. MBUX is Mercedes’ innovative multi-media system with the ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant that is voice activated and can help with all manner of requests, including finding a particular radio station, accessing the phone book, adjusting the temperature and lots more. It is brought into life by simply saying the magic words: “Hey Mercedes”.

Techno treats are plentiful too and include a Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers, full smartphone integration, sat nav, wireless phone charging and a head-up display.

The EQC has an 80kWh lithium-ion battery and there is a compact electric drivetrain on each axle with a combined output of 408hp and 765Nm of torque. When it comes to performance, the EQC can power its way from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds and onto a top speed of 111mph.

With its all-electric power, the acceleration is instant although pulling away in absolute silence still takes some getting used to. The driver can flick through five driving programmes called Comfort, Eco, Max Range, Sport and Individual that alter the manner in which the EQC reacts. While the Comfort mode is ideal for most day-to-day driving, it’s worth experimenting with the Sport setting which really sharpens up the responses.

Out on the country lanes, the road holding is assured and body sway is kept to a minimum so long as sharp bends are treated with a degree of respect. There is a constant stream of power on tap and the EQC can easily overtake slower-moving vehicles thanks to sharp bursts of pace.

It’s also nicely at ease on motorways where it cruises effortlessly at 70mph, but keep a watchful eye on the speedo as it can easily creep up without any strain. There is also lots of EV data to digest with information about charge levels, range and power distribution , etc.

The automatic transmission has just one single speed but there are steering wheel mounted paddles that are used to help regenerate the battery charge with five settings to choose from.

Just like the GLC, the EQC is a practical car with ample space for five adults and all their luggage. The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and can accommodate 500 litres of kit – a limit that increases to 1,060 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat at the press of a button.

And as one would expect, the EQC is packed with safety systems and driver aids to help protect occupants and pedestrians as well as prevent accidents happening in the first place.

All in all, the EQC is a beautifully crafted EV that offers SUV practicality, excellent driving dynamics, a wealth of on-board technology, impressive range and is even good for the planet. What’s not to like!