We get behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz EQC – the EV model of the mighty GLC…
The EQC was the primary all-electric mannequin from Mercedes-Benz when it was launched in 2019, and its upmarket rivals embrace the BMW iX3, Audi Q8 e-tron, Jaguar I-Tempo, Tesla Mannequin X and Genesis GV70.
Good-looking and well-proportioned, it has aged nicely and has severe highway presence. Inside, it’s a cultured mix of know-how, consolation, house and wonderful construct high quality.
The EQC’s 80kWh battery pack sits within the ground, whereas two electrical motors are positioned on every axle, enabling four-wheel-drive.
Producing a considerable 402bhp and 560lb ft (760Nm) of torque, it may possibly dash from 0-62mph in simply 5.1 seconds, and on to a prime velocity of 112mph.
Claimed vary is as much as 254 miles, which is common today, and nearer to 200 miles in real-world driving.
The EQC has a most 110kW charging functionality, that means a lift from 10-80% can take 40 minutes. Naturally, it’s going to additionally cost in a single day utilizing a 7kW wallbox.
To place that into context – cheaper, newer rivals such because the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 have a cost fee of as much as 350kW – that’s 10-80% in simply 18 minutes.
Naturally, there’s the commanding view of the highway you’d anticipate from a giant SUV, whereas the newest MBUX infotainment and driver info system (which stretches throughout a lot of the dashboard) is a specific inside spotlight.
The MBUX’s celebration piece is the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice-control function which, for essentially the most half, understands instructions stated in plain English.
And fortunately, there are nonetheless loads of switches and buttons unfold round so not all performance is managed through the touchscreen.
There’s a good quantity of house within the cabin too, although taller rear passengers may battle for headroom, due to that elegant roofline. It also needs to be famous that it is a five-seater – you’ll need to go for an EQB in order for you three rows.
Boot capability is a helpful 500 litres, increasing to 1,460 litres with the 40/20/40-split again seats folded.
On the highway, Mercedes-Benz has finished a nice job of masking the EQC’s 2.5-tonne weight and it’s solely while you push on in sooner, twisty roads that you simply realise that discretion is the higher a part of valour.
In its component on motorways and quick A-roads, the place it’s a simple, refined and relaxed cruiser, there’s additionally loads of punch in reserve do you have to want it.
The steering is gentle and exact, particularly round city, plus there’s ample grip from these enormous wheels (20 or 21 inches, relying on the trim degree).
The trip is great, and for essentially the most half it glides over poorer highway surfaces, solely coming unstuck over sleeping policeman and steep driveways, as an example, the place the low entrance air dam rubber flaps scrape except you’re further cautious.
So, the EQC is a powerful EV, but it surely comes at a worth. The entry-level AMG Line begins at £74,330, the AMG Line Premium is £78,975, whereas the range-topping AMG Line is priced from £81,225. To present it its full title, our check automobile was an EQC 400 4MATIC AMG Line.
And as you’d anticipate from a automobile on this worth vary, the EQC is without doubt one of the most secure autos on the highway, reaching a most five-star Euro NCAP score. A full suite of security and driver help techniques can be found, with parking sensors, a reversing digicam, blind-spot alert, autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning and LED headlights as normal.
Verdict: The Mercedes-Benz EQC ought to positively be in your shortlist in case you’re on the lookout for a premium zero emissions SUV. It could not have class-leading dynamics or vary, but it surely’s quick, secure, spacious, comfy, loaded with tech and oozes class.
