We get in the back of the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz EQC – the EV version of the effective GLC…
The EQC became the first all-electric version from Mercedes-Benz when it turned into released in 2019, and its upmarket rivals encompass the BMW iX3, Audi Q8 e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X and Genesis GV70.
Handsome and nicely-proportioned, it has aged nicely and has serious avenue presence. Inside, it’s a classy mixture of technology, consolation, ara and exceptional construct first-class.
The EQC’s 80kWh battery percent sits in the ground, while two electric cars are placed on every axle, permitting four-wheel-power.
Producing a enormous 402bhp and 560lb ft (760Nm) of torque, it could dash from zero-62mph in just 5.1 seconds, and on to a top velocity of 112mph.
Claimed variety is as much as 254 miles, which is common in recent times, and closer to 2 hundred miles in real-global using.
The EQC has a maximum 110kW charging functionality, meaning a lift from 10-80% can take forty mins. Naturally, it’ll additionally fee overnight the use of a 7kW wallbox.
To placed that into context – inexpensive, newer rivals including the Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 have a charge price of up to 350kW – that’s 10-eighty% in only 18 minutes.
Naturally, there’s the commanding view of the street you’d assume from a big SUV, at the same time as the trendy MBUX infotainment and driver data system (which stretches across maximum of the dashboard) is a particular indoors highlight.
The MBUX’s celebration piece is the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice-manipulate characteristic which, for the maximum element, is aware instructions stated in plain English.
And happily, there are still plenty of switches and buttons unfold round so not all capability is managed via the touchscreen.
There’s a respectable amount of space in the cabin too, though taller rear passengers would possibly battle for headroom, thanks to that stylish roofline. It ought to additionally be referred to that that is a five-seater – you’ll ought to cross for an EQB if you want 3 rows.
Boot ability is a useful 500 litres, expanding to 1,460 litres with the forty/20/forty-cut up again seats folded.
On the street, Mercedes-Benz has done a exceptional process of covering the EQC’s 2.Five-tonne weight and it’s most effective whilst you push on in faster, twisty roads which you comprehend that discretion is the better a part of valour.
In its element on motorways and rapid A-roads, wherein it’s an effortless, subtle and relaxed cruiser, there’s also plenty of punch in reserve have to you need it.
The steerage is mild and specific, specially round town, plus there’s enough grip from those massive wheels (20 or 21 inches, relying on the trim level).
The experience is excellent, and for the maximum element it glides over poorer avenue surfaces, most effective coming unstuck over drowsing policeman and steep driveways, for example, wherein the low front air dam rubber flaps scrape until you’re more cautious.
So, the EQC is an excellent EV, however it comes at a rate. The entry-stage AMG Line begins at £seventy four,330, the AMG Line Premium is £seventy eight,975, while the variety-topping AMG Line is priced from £eighty one,225. To give it its full name, our test vehicle changed into an EQC four hundred 4MATIC AMG Line.
And as you’d expect from a car in this fee variety, the EQC is one of the most secure cars on the road, accomplishing a maximum 5-megastar Euro NCAP rating. A full suite of safety and motive force assistance structures are available, with parking sensors, a reversing digicam, blind-spot alert, self sustaining emergency braking, lane-departure warning and LED headlights as fashionable.
Verdict: The Mercedes-Benz EQC must actually be on your shortlist in case you’re seeking out a top class 0 emissions SUV. It might not have class-main dynamics or variety, however it’s speedy, secure, spacious, cushty, loaded with tech and oozes magnificence.
