2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV Review
The new electric Mercedes SUV has arrived
Review
The electric revolution rages on. This is the EQC, Mercedes’ first electric SUV and an enticing alternative to other premium EVs such as the Audi E-Tron, Jaguar i-Pace and Tesla Model X. The EQC offers an electric range of up to 420 kilometres, powerful performance, a premium cabin and lots of interesting technology, and it recently launched to the Irish market with a special unveiling event at Palmerstown House in Kildare.
The EQC is the first all-electric Mercedes model to go on sale in Ireland, and also the first of 10 electric vehicles that the brand will launch here between now and 2022
The EQC uses the same platform as the latest Mercedes GLC, but it is slightly longer and certain features distinguish it at as an all-electric model. An LED lighting band runs across the front and rear of the EQC, while it is suitably sleek and futuristic from the outside. The EQC gives us a taster of what’s to come from the brand's electric division over the next few years.
Mercedes' striking MBUX multimedia system takes centre stage inside, with high quality materials featured throughout
Inside, the EQC is typically Mercedes, which is a good thing. Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment takes centre stage, and fit and finish is suitably premium throughout. There’s enough room to seat four adults comfortably and the boot offers 500 litres of room, so it’s practical too. The EQC will initially be offered at six Mercedes dealerships in Ireland, which represents 30 percent of the network.
The EQC supports rapid charging and it can charge from 10 to 80 percent battery capacity in around 40 minutes
The EQC is powered by an 80-kilowatt battery and a pair of electric motors, producing 408 horsepower. This means it can power from 0-100km/h in just over 5.1 seconds, and it’s faster off the line than the Audi E-Tron. The EQC gathers momentum very quickly and it accelerates much faster than its looks would suggest.
The EQC is powered by a permanent all-wheel-drive system and boasts a selection of different driving modes
The thing that strikes you most from the driver’s seat is just how quiet the EQC really is. It is noticeably quieter than other premium electric cars with less whine from the motors during acceleration. It’s relaxing to drive as a result, and very much a premium electric SUV.
The EQC will be offered at a small number of Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Ireland
Prices for the entry EQC 400 4-Matic start from €89,450 excluding SEAT grants in Ireland, which means it undercuts both the Audi E-Tron and Tesla Model X. It is also available with full AMG interior and exterior styling from €93,546. Speaking at the launch of the EQC 400, Ciaran Allen. sales manager for Mercedes passenger vehicles in Ireland said "Trailblazer for what will be a growing family of all-electric vehicles to come from Mercedes-Benz under its EQ branding, other models in a 10-vehicle pipeline scheduled to launch here between now and 2022 are an EQV personnel carrier, EQA, EQB, EQS and EQE models based on their current petrol-diesel equivalents, and others yet to be announced."
Test Car Details:
Model driven: Mercedes EQC 400
Prices from: €89,450
Annual Motor Tax: €120
Power: 400bhp
0-100km/h: 5.1 seconds
Transmission: Automatic
Body style: SUV
Boot Space: 500 litres
Rivals:
Audi e-Tron
Jaguar i-Pace
Tesla Model X