*Model Shown is for illustration purposes only.
Vehicle Information
The EQC represented Mercedes' first serious foray into the full-EV market. Jonathan Crouch drives it.
The Mercedes EQC is a large luxury SUV that's fully electric but it's very much a product typical of the Three Pointed Star. It's extremely class-competitive in terms of things like driving range, cabin practicality and charging time replenishment. And arguably segment leading in terms of interior finish and driving refinement.
As the biggest premium automotive brand in the world, Mercedes has been a little slow off the mark when it comes to full-electric technology. A decade ago, an 'E-Cell' version of the A-Class was piloted with a few buyers; a few years on from that, there was a battery-powered version of the old MK2 model B-Class co-developed with Tesla; and there've been various battery-powered smart models. That's been about it though, for full-EVs from the Three-Pointed Star. Until the launch in the Spring 2018 of this EQC Crossover. It's directly aimed at three arch-rivals, the Audi e-tron, the BMW iX3 and the Jaguar I-PACE. How does it stack up? Let's find out.
This EQC's 80kWh battery is of slightly lower capacity than the one you'll find in either of its two biggest rivals, the Jaguar I-PACE and the Audi Q8 e-tron quattro 50, but it doesn't affect the eagerness of this car's drive dynamics in comparison to these key competitors, thanks to a slightly greater torque output. This Mercedes is lighter than the Audi, but the EQC's maximum 254 mile driving range is still 27 miles behind the Q8 e-tron. On the move, all electric vehicles are of course very quiet, but this one is particularly silent, Mercedes having taken great trouble to reduce the levels of road and tyre roar that always become more evident at the wheel of any EV. There's plenty to get to grips with if you're to make the most of the EQC driving experience. There are five driving modes ('Comfort', 'Sport', 'Eco', 'Individual' and 'Maximum range'); and five different battery regeneration programs (the latter selectable via paddles behind the steering wheel). There's also an 'auto' regeneration mode that uses the car's speed limit detection, navigation systems and radar cruise control to blend the regenerative braking of the electric motors up and down automatically. Switch to 'Sport' and it's certainly quick, thanks to a 408hp total output and 765Nm of torque. As a result, 62mph from rest occupies just 5.1s, but the top speed is limited to 111mph.
Size-wise, the EQC sits between the Mercedes brand's mid-sized GLC and large GLE SUV models. It shares most with the GLC, though is 100mm longer but, like its main European rivals, can only take two rows of seats. Though the outward styling may be somewhat generic, the car is more recognisable as a Benz when you take a seat within. The brand's usual twin widescreen dashboard displays feature again here. In addition, there are a few fresh design details, some extra ambient lighting features, some eco-orientated trimming materials, plus of course you get a range of EV-specific displays. There's a significantly higher-set driving position than you get in, say, a Jaguar I-PACE, which helps with all-round visibility. And there's the neat MBUX Mercedes infotainment system with its clever "Hey Mercedes" voice-controlled functionality, though it's very far from being infallible. In the rear, it's reasonably spacious, though headroom isn't helped by the raised floor (necessary to accommodate the large battery pack beneath) and what is a relatively low roofline for a family-shaped SUV. There's a 500-litre boot out back, which is reasonably large by class standards, but some way off the 660-litre trunk size of an Audi e-tron. It's easy to fold the 40:20:40-split rear bench.
There's a single 'EQC 400' package on offer at present, but it's available in three different trim packages at prices starting at just under £75,000 and range to just under £82,000. The spec options start at 'AMG Line', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus'. Even base models come as standard with Multibeam LED Headlights, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels and Active Parking Assist with a reversing camera. Inside, there's a 10.25-inch touchscreen media display and instrument cluster, a Seat Comfort package with electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support for the front heated chairs, plus you get ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours. Blind Spot Assist and a Keyless-Go Comfort keyless-entry package also feature. The various 'AMG Line' trims also include an AMG black panel radiator grille in a twin-blade design, running boards, an AMG front apron in a jet-wing design, plus chrome and high-gloss black-trimmed air inlets high-gloss black. Inside, there are AMG sport seats in leather upholstery, along with carbon fibre trim. Ritzier versions add niceties like a surround view camera system, a wireless charging mat, a powered sliding roof, leather upholstery and a premium Burmester sound system.
Much of the secret when it comes to creating the ideal luxury EV lies in the delicate balance between battery capacity and weight. The EQC's 80kWh battery is larger than that of a BMW iX3 (70kWh) but smaller than that of a Jaguar I-PACE (90kWh) or an Audi Q8 e-tron quattro 50 (95kWh). The EQC's WLTP-rated operating range (up to 254 miles) compares well to those rivals. Measured under the same WLTP cycle, an iX3 goes 249 miles and an e-tron 55 just 241 miles, though the I-PACE manages a 292 mile reading thanks to its slightly lighter weight. As usual with an EV, steering wheel paddles help you vary brake energy regenerative harvesting and there's a selectable 'Maximum Range' driving mode too. To further help you maximise distance you can travel on a single charge in this Mercedes, the EQC's MBUX multimedia system has numerous EQ-specific functions, such as range display, charge status and energy flow. EQ-optimised navigation can also be set via MBUX, which bases its calculation on the fastest route taking into account the shortest charging time. It also informs the driver of nearby charging points. When you're charging the car from a typical 7.4kW garage-mounted wallbox, you'll need around 11 hours to fully replenish it from empty.
It's fortunate for Mercedes that its premium brand rivals have been equally tardy about joining the EV revolution. Can they provide a better large electrically powered luxury SUV than this one? After trying an EQC, you might decide not. It might not be as boldly innovative as, say, a Jaguar I-PACE or a BMW iX, but in some ways, it's a more appealing package. After all, you get a nicer cabin than the Jag offers and better build quality than is found in the Tesla. And both of the other two key contenders in this segment (the BMW iX3 and the Audi e-tron) offer a shorter potential operating range. So the EQC looks like a very complete package. It doesn't have the handling prowess of an I-PACE or the streetside wow factor of an iX but you might think this Merc to be an arguably more complete product than both these two rivals. Just as perhaps you expected it to be.
Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty:70
Battery Capacity in kWh:80
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins):2445
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change:10-100
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW:3
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins):450
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change:10-100
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW:11
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins):42
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change:10-100
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW:110
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins):Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change:Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW:Not Available
Battery Leased:No
Battery Type:Lithium-ion
Charging Port Location:Right Side Rear
Coupler/Connector Type:CCS Type 2
Maximum Charging Rate - kW:110
NEDC Maximum EV Range Miles:259
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage:100000
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years:8
Usable Battery Capacity:80
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb:22.9
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH:23.8
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL:22.4
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb:2.7
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH:2.6
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL:2.8
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb:408
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH:388
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL:410
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb:254
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH:241
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL:255
CO:Not Available
CO2 (g/km):Data Not Available
HC:Not Available
HC+NOx:Not Available
Noise Level dB(A):68
NOx:Not Available
Particles:Not Available
Standard Euro Emissions:Not Available
Camshaft:Not Available
Catalytic Convertor:Not Available
CC:1
Compression Ratio:Not Available
Cylinder Layout:Not Available
Cylinders:Not Available
Cylinders - Bore (mm):Not Available
Cylinders - Stroke (mm):Not Available
Engine Code:Not Available
Engine Layout:Not Available
Fuel Delivery:Not Available
Gears:1 SPEED
Number of Valves:Not Available
Transmission:AUTO
EC Combined (mpg):Not Available
EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies:Not Available
EC Extra Urban (mpg):Not Available
EC Urban (mpg):Not Available
AdBlue:No
Alternative Fuel Qualifying:Yes
Badge Engine CC:Data Not Available
Badge Power:408
Based On ID:Not Available
Coin Description:80kWh
Coin Series:Amg Line Premium
Generation Mark:1
Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07:50E
Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years:6
Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years:2
NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %:96
NCAP Child Occupant Protection %:90
NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09:5
NCAP Pedestrian Protection %:75
NCAP Safety Assist %:75
Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?:No
Service Interval Frequency - Months:12
Service Interval Mileage:15500
Special Edition:No
Special Order:No
Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage:Unlimited
Standard manufacturers warranty - Years:3
Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months:Not Available
Timing Belt Interval Mileage:Not Available
Vehicle Homologation Class:M1
0 to 62 mph (secs):5.1
Engine Power - BHP:408
Engine Power - KW:300
Engine Power - RPM:4080
Engine Torque - LBS.FT:561
Engine Torque - MKG:77.5
Engine Torque - NM:760
Engine Torque - RPM:1495
Top Speed:112
Emissions Test Cycle:WLTP
RDE Certification Level:N/A
Alloys?:Yes
Space Saver?:No
Tyre Size Front:235/45 R21
Tyre Size Rear:255/40 R21
Tyre Size Spare:TYRE REPAIR KIT
Wheel Style:AMG MULTI SPOKE
Wheel Type:21" ALLOY
Height:1624
Height (including roof rails):Not Available
Length:4762
Wheelbase:2873
Width:1884
Width (including mirrors):2096
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres):Not Available
Gross Vehicle Weight:2940
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down):1460
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up):500
Max. Loading Weight:445
Max. Roof Load:75
Max. Towing Weight - Braked:1800
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked:750
Minimum Kerbweight:2495
No. of Seats:5
Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb:11.8
The EQC represented Mercedes' first serious foray into the full-EV market. Jonathan Crouch drives it.
The Mercedes EQC is a large luxury SUV that's fully electric but it's very much a product typical of the Three Pointed Star. It's extremely class-competitive in terms of things like driving range, cabin practicality and charging time replenishment. And arguably segment leading in terms of interior finish and driving refinement.
As the biggest premium automotive brand in the world, Mercedes has been a little slow off the mark when it comes to full-electric technology. A decade ago, an 'E-Cell' version of the A-Class was piloted with a few buyers; a few years on from that, there was a battery-powered version of the old MK2 model B-Class co-developed with Tesla; and there've been various battery-powered smart models. That's been about it though, for full-EVs from the Three-Pointed Star. Until the launch in the Spring 2018 of this EQC Crossover. It's directly aimed at three arch-rivals, the Audi e-tron, the BMW iX3 and the Jaguar I-PACE. How does it stack up? Let's find out.
This EQC's 80kWh battery is of slightly lower capacity than the one you'll find in either of its two biggest rivals, the Jaguar I-PACE and the Audi Q8 e-tron quattro 50, but it doesn't affect the eagerness of this car's drive dynamics in comparison to these key competitors, thanks to a slightly greater torque output. This Mercedes is lighter than the Audi, but the EQC's maximum 254 mile driving range is still 27 miles behind the Q8 e-tron. On the move, all electric vehicles are of course very quiet, but this one is particularly silent, Mercedes having taken great trouble to reduce the levels of road and tyre roar that always become more evident at the wheel of any EV. There's plenty to get to grips with if you're to make the most of the EQC driving experience. There are five driving modes ('Comfort', 'Sport', 'Eco', 'Individual' and 'Maximum range'); and five different battery regeneration programs (the latter selectable via paddles behind the steering wheel). There's also an 'auto' regeneration mode that uses the car's speed limit detection, navigation systems and radar cruise control to blend the regenerative braking of the electric motors up and down automatically. Switch to 'Sport' and it's certainly quick, thanks to a 408hp total output and 765Nm of torque. As a result, 62mph from rest occupies just 5.1s, but the top speed is limited to 111mph.
Size-wise, the EQC sits between the Mercedes brand's mid-sized GLC and large GLE SUV models. It shares most with the GLC, though is 100mm longer but, like its main European rivals, can only take two rows of seats. Though the outward styling may be somewhat generic, the car is more recognisable as a Benz when you take a seat within. The brand's usual twin widescreen dashboard displays feature again here. In addition, there are a few fresh design details, some extra ambient lighting features, some eco-orientated trimming materials, plus of course you get a range of EV-specific displays. There's a significantly higher-set driving position than you get in, say, a Jaguar I-PACE, which helps with all-round visibility. And there's the neat MBUX Mercedes infotainment system with its clever "Hey Mercedes" voice-controlled functionality, though it's very far from being infallible. In the rear, it's reasonably spacious, though headroom isn't helped by the raised floor (necessary to accommodate the large battery pack beneath) and what is a relatively low roofline for a family-shaped SUV. There's a 500-litre boot out back, which is reasonably large by class standards, but some way off the 660-litre trunk size of an Audi e-tron. It's easy to fold the 40:20:40-split rear bench.
There's a single 'EQC 400' package on offer at present, but it's available in three different trim packages at prices starting at just under £75,000 and range to just under £82,000. The spec options start at 'AMG Line', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus'. Even base models come as standard with Multibeam LED Headlights, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels and Active Parking Assist with a reversing camera. Inside, there's a 10.25-inch touchscreen media display and instrument cluster, a Seat Comfort package with electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support for the front heated chairs, plus you get ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours. Blind Spot Assist and a Keyless-Go Comfort keyless-entry package also feature. The various 'AMG Line' trims also include an AMG black panel radiator grille in a twin-blade design, running boards, an AMG front apron in a jet-wing design, plus chrome and high-gloss black-trimmed air inlets high-gloss black. Inside, there are AMG sport seats in leather upholstery, along with carbon fibre trim. Ritzier versions add niceties like a surround view camera system, a wireless charging mat, a powered sliding roof, leather upholstery and a premium Burmester sound system.
Much of the secret when it comes to creating the ideal luxury EV lies in the delicate balance between battery capacity and weight. The EQC's 80kWh battery is larger than that of a BMW iX3 (70kWh) but smaller than that of a Jaguar I-PACE (90kWh) or an Audi Q8 e-tron quattro 50 (95kWh). The EQC's WLTP-rated operating range (up to 254 miles) compares well to those rivals. Measured under the same WLTP cycle, an iX3 goes 249 miles and an e-tron 55 just 241 miles, though the I-PACE manages a 292 mile reading thanks to its slightly lighter weight. As usual with an EV, steering wheel paddles help you vary brake energy regenerative harvesting and there's a selectable 'Maximum Range' driving mode too. To further help you maximise distance you can travel on a single charge in this Mercedes, the EQC's MBUX multimedia system has numerous EQ-specific functions, such as range display, charge status and energy flow. EQ-optimised navigation can also be set via MBUX, which bases its calculation on the fastest route taking into account the shortest charging time. It also informs the driver of nearby charging points. When you're charging the car from a typical 7.4kW garage-mounted wallbox, you'll need around 11 hours to fully replenish it from empty.
It's fortunate for Mercedes that its premium brand rivals have been equally tardy about joining the EV revolution. Can they provide a better large electrically powered luxury SUV than this one? After trying an EQC, you might decide not. It might not be as boldly innovative as, say, a Jaguar I-PACE or a BMW iX, but in some ways, it's a more appealing package. After all, you get a nicer cabin than the Jag offers and better build quality than is found in the Tesla. And both of the other two key contenders in this segment (the BMW iX3 and the Audi e-tron) offer a shorter potential operating range. So the EQC looks like a very complete package. It doesn't have the handling prowess of an I-PACE or the streetside wow factor of an iX but you might think this Merc to be an arguably more complete product than both these two rivals. Just as perhaps you expected it to be.
Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty:70
Battery Capacity in kWh:80
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins):2445
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change:10-100
Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW:3
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins):450
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change:10-100
Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW:11
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins):42
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change:10-100
Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW:110
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins):Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change:Not Available
Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW:Not Available
Battery Leased:No
Battery Type:Lithium-ion
Charging Port Location:Right Side Rear
Coupler/Connector Type:CCS Type 2
Maximum Charging Rate - kW:110
NEDC Maximum EV Range Miles:259
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage:100000
Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years:8
Usable Battery Capacity:80
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb:22.9
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH:23.8
WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL:22.4
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb:2.7
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH:2.6
WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL:2.8
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb:408
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH:388
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL:410
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb:254
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH:241
WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL:255
CO:Not Available
CO2 (g/km):Data Not Available
HC:Not Available
HC+NOx:Not Available
Noise Level dB(A):68
NOx:Not Available
Particles:Not Available
Standard Euro Emissions:Not Available
Camshaft:Not Available
Catalytic Convertor:Not Available
CC:1
Compression Ratio:Not Available
Cylinder Layout:Not Available
Cylinders:Not Available
Cylinders - Bore (mm):Not Available
Cylinders - Stroke (mm):Not Available
Engine Code:Not Available
Engine Layout:Not Available
Fuel Delivery:Not Available
Gears:1 SPEED
Number of Valves:Not Available
Transmission:AUTO
EC Combined (mpg):Not Available
EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies:Not Available
EC Extra Urban (mpg):Not Available
EC Urban (mpg):Not Available
AdBlue:No
Alternative Fuel Qualifying:Yes
Badge Engine CC:Data Not Available
Badge Power:408
Based On ID:Not Available
Coin Description:80kWh
Coin Series:Amg Line Premium
Generation Mark:1
Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07:50E
Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years:6
Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years:2
NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %:96
NCAP Child Occupant Protection %:90
NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09:5
NCAP Pedestrian Protection %:75
NCAP Safety Assist %:75
Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?:No
Service Interval Frequency - Months:12
Service Interval Mileage:15500
Special Edition:No
Special Order:No
Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage:Unlimited
Standard manufacturers warranty - Years:3
Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months:Not Available
Timing Belt Interval Mileage:Not Available
Vehicle Homologation Class:M1
0 to 62 mph (secs):5.1
Engine Power - BHP:408
Engine Power - KW:300
Engine Power - RPM:4080
Engine Torque - LBS.FT:561
Engine Torque - MKG:77.5
Engine Torque - NM:760
Engine Torque - RPM:1495
Top Speed:112
Emissions Test Cycle:WLTP
RDE Certification Level:N/A
Alloys?:Yes
Space Saver?:No
Tyre Size Front:235/45 R21
Tyre Size Rear:255/40 R21
Tyre Size Spare:TYRE REPAIR KIT
Wheel Style:AMG MULTI SPOKE
Wheel Type:21" ALLOY
Height:1624
Height (including roof rails):Not Available
Length:4762
Wheelbase:2873
Width:1884
Width (including mirrors):2096
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres):Not Available
Gross Vehicle Weight:2940
Luggage Capacity (Seats Down):1460
Luggage Capacity (Seats Up):500
Max. Loading Weight:445
Max. Roof Load:75
Max. Towing Weight - Braked:1800
Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked:750
Minimum Kerbweight:2495
No. of Seats:5
Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb:11.8
EQC 400 300kW AMG Line Premium 80kWh 5dr Auto
*Model Shown is for illustration purposes only.
