Mercedes-Benz EQC

[Aveyro]

 

 

Overall verdict

The Mercedes EQC is a bit like a mime at a Metallica gig. Traditionally the loudest large SUVs make the biggest statement, but a new raft of silent electric cars is starting to turn heads just as much. Indeed, the EQC is up against electric cars like the Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X.

 

Of course, all these EVs are futuristic, but the EQC’s stood out enough for it to win the carwow Innovation Award for 2019.

 

And you certainly won’t mistake the Mercedes EQC for any of these cars on the outside. Rather than look overtly sporty or futuristic, the EQC looks like a slinkier, more elegant version traditional Mercedes SUVs. At the front, there’s a sweeping chrome grille which flows into two narrow headlights while at the side you’ll spot a curvier roofline and some more shapely window openings than on the likes of the Mercedes GLC and GLE.

 

It’s a similar story inside, where the Mercedes EQC doesn’t look or feel radically different from any other Mercedes on sale. Sure, you get some neon-blue details and a set of square air vents in place of the round turbine-like items in most Mercedes cars, but the metal switches on the centre console and dual-screen infotainment system look just like those in the GLC.

 

The infotainment system itself is very easy to use, and actually edges out the systems in the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace for general intuitiveness. The central display works as a touchscreen, but there’s also a touchpad on the centre console and some touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel which makes it easier to sift through the high-resolution menus when you’re driving. The system’s party piece, however, is the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice-control feature which understands commands said in plain English.

 

Less exciting – but arguably more important – is the Mercedes EQC’s roomy cabin. There’s more than enough space for four adults to stretch out and each seat has ample support to help you feel as fresh as a daisy after a long drive – unlike in some SUVs with oddly low rear seating positions.

 

 

 

The Mercedes EQC isn’t just a posh electric SUV that’s nice to look at and cheap to run, it’s also incredibly comfortable and exceptionally quiet to travel in.

 

There isn’t quite so much to shout about when you come to load the Mercedes EQC’s 500-litre boot. It’s smaller than the load bays you get in an I-Pace, e-tron and Model X, but there’s still space for a few large suitcases or a couple of sets of golf clubs.

 

The EQC officially goes 259 miles between full charges. It’ll take you around 75 minutes to get it to 80% charge on a 50kWh fast charger when out and about, or nearly 13 hours using a 7kWh charger at home. To give some context, charging it fully from empty at home will cost you around £12, which is some £18 cheaper than getting the same range from the average petrol car.

 

You’ll find the Mercedes EQC soaks up bumps and potholes impressively well around town and it takes uneven road surfaces in its stride once you’re out in the countryside too. It even has a clever all-wheel-drive system that’ll run in front, rear or all-wheel drive depending on your situation.

 

Turn onto a motorway and things get even better. Like a mouse hoarding loft insulation away in its nest, Mercedes’ engineers have packed the EQC with layer upon layer of sound deadening to eliminate almost all wind and tyre noise.

 

Still, the EQC’s advanced driver assistance systems help relieve the stress of long drives. Just like in other Mercedes models, these let the car accelerate, brake and steer for you to keep you within your lane – providing you keep your hands on the wheel.

 

All this makes the Mercedes EQC one of the best electric cars on sale. It’s noticeably cheaper than the Audi e-tron too, but it’ll still set you back significantly more than most petrol and diesel-powered alternatives. Still, you can save thousands when you buy the car through carwow. To see how much you could save, have a look at some of the latest Mercedes EQC deals.

 

 

 

Edited April 5, 2020 by -Dark
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