Mercedes-Benz EQC 2021 Car Review

The EQC is also the first vehicle with the ‘EQ’ name - the division of Mercedes-Benz tasked to guiding the company’s transition towards electric mobility. EQ will offer a range of options, including electrically-boosted combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and fully electric models like the EQC.

When it was first announced just over a year ago, Mercedes used a fun play on words, with the ‘Electric now has a Mercedes’ marketing campaign. New Zealand was among the first countries in the world to receive stock of the ground-breaking SUV, and what a perfect market we have for it!

While there aren’t many similarities with the GLC from which the EQC is based, the new electric SUV still isn’t a ground-up clean sheet EV design. There are even ‘dummy’ engine and transmission blanks under the bonnet to ensure the front of the vehicle still behaves the same in an accident.

Exciting performance

Weighing in at 2,500kg, the EQC is by no means a featherweight. However, ample performance comes standard, courtesy of two asynchronous 150kW electric motors generating a total of 300kW of power and 760Nm of torque.

Via a single-speed, fixed ratio transmission on each axle and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive with dynamic torque distribution, the EQC 400 can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds. The 405-volt, 80kWh lithium-ion battery forms part of the EQC’s floor, providing the low centre of gravity, creating a stick-to-the-road drive handling characteristic.

Modern cabin

Fitted with a generous standard specification, the EQC is set to impress. A highlight of the interior is the side-by-side 10.25-inch digital screens, which include information displays and functions specific to the emerging EQ family of electric vehicles.

The futuristic feel is augmented by the acclaimed MBUX operating system, which allows voice-actuated control of dozens of common functions and also has the ability to ‘learn’ the driver’s habits and preferences. Our car for review included the Augmented Reality Navigation package, as well as 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Augmented reality in the navigation is a very cool upgrade. The camera view of the road ahead is displayed on the screen at times when specific detail is required, and an arrow or sign is layered over the screen to provide detailed direction.  

Charging

For the EQC, Mercedes-Benz has outlined a very handy insight into the charging options and approximately how many km’s you can achieve after a 30-minute charge.

The EQC is fitted with a lithium-ion battery pack and comes with an eight-year, 160,000km warranty, while a three-year, unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty applies to all other items, with annual servicing intervals.

Our test car had a tow bar, which is currently under evaluation with the tow rating to be confirmed at a later date.

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz has plans to release more than 10 all-electric vehicles by the end of 2022, and they’ll also be electrifying the entire Mercedes‑Benz portfolio so customers will have the choice of at least one electric alternative in every Mercedes‑Benz model series, taking the total to 50 overall. Let’s hope the pandemic and a parts shortage don’t delay this too much.

Safety systems

• Driving Assistance Package
• Electronic Stability Program
• Attention Assist
• Active Parking Assist with 360-degree view
• Nine airbags
• Acoustic ambient protection (audible warning for pedestrians)
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Active Lane Keep Assist

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