Introduction: Mercedes-Benz released its first fully electric car to Australia the 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 and Simone gives it a full review.
It’s called the Mercedes Benz EQC and it’s an SUV and it’s a proper luxury electric vehicle. It is usually pitted against the Model X, much like any electric car would be pitted against a corresponding Tesla model, but The EQC is still very different and it doesn’t try to follow Model X in all aspects. But instead, Mercedes chose to make a car at their own pace and level, which means it is better than the Model X in some aspects and needs to catch up in some others.
Two electric motors power the EQC, adding up to the total of 300 kW of power and mountain-moving 760 Nm of torque. This electric SUV reaches 100 in a notch above 5 seconds. The official range stands at 434 km. In reality, the driving conditions and style play a really big role, even bigger than on some other EVs we drove, so I wouldn’t be surprised if a really careful drive actually delivered more than that.
The manufacturer’s recommended retail price is at almost $140k and it includes GST, but not on-roads. In most other respects, the EQC is a proper Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Now we look forward to reviewing the EQA. The Mercedes-Benz EQC (N293) is a fully-electric compact luxury SUV, production started in 2019 by Mercedes-Benz. It is the first member of the fully electric Mercedes EQ family, a range that will expand to include 10 new models by 2022. While the EQC will run predominantly in front-wheel drive mode, the rear electric motor is called to serve when extra performance is needed by flooring the throttle. The EQC is based on the Generation EQ concept that was unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
Starting at $68.895
Highs Plush cabin, refined handling, costs less than some competitors. Lows Some rivals offer quicker acceleration, shorter driving range than some competing models, infotainment system's touchpad comes with a learning curve.
Verdict The EQC isn't the quickest pick in its class, but it's an excellent choice if you're looking for an electrified SUV that rates highly for comfort and luxury.
Overview:A growing number of carmakers offer electrified transportation, and Mercedes-Benz had planned to enter the fray with the EQC before pulling the plug on its electric SUV in early 2021. Mercedes-Benz was careful to say that the EQC could be introduced to the U.S. in the future, but for the time being it will remain an option only in overseas markets. The EQC would have been a compact SUV that offered seating for five. Its fully electric powertrain would have delivered quiet performance, along with the crisp acceleration that's part of the package with many luxury EVs. Its cabin looked appropriately deluxe, with high-gloss plastics, attractive textiles, and modern design. Overall, the EQC's blend of Mercedes-Benz opulence and eco-friendly electrification would have made it an attractive pick for green-minded luxury-SUV buyers.
What's New?
The Mercedes-Benz EQC was initially intended to be all new for the 2021 model year, but unfortunately that plan has changed and the German automaker has decided not to bring the EQC to market in the United States.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC's Progressive trim would have come with enough standard features to keep most luxury-SUV buyers happy. All models come were going to offer a sunroof to let natural light into the cabin, and rain-sensing wipers to keep the windshield clear on stormy days. A power liftgate would also have been standard, along with LED headlights.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance:
The EQC would have paired two electric motors with a lithium-ion battery. A one-speed direct-drive transmission was used to power to all four wheels. This powertrain would have provided a total output of 402 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. We never had the chance to test the EQC, but Mercedes-Benz estimated that it would have made the sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. That would have put it behind its key rival in this segment, the Tesla Model X. Tesla claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds for the Long Range model and 2.7 seconds for the high-performance variant with Ludicrous mode engaged.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life:
We expected the EQC would have delivered a driving range of 200 miles or less. That would have put it well behind the Tesla Model X, which can travel for more than 300 miles on a single charge. It's perhaps this shorter driving range that ultimately led to the decision to cancel the EQC for the United States.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo:The EQC's cabin would have provided more outright luxury than buyers will find in rivals such as the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace. The construction was solid, the execution was impeccable, and the quality of the materials used was above reproach. The high-quality cabin is yet another reason to be disappointed in the EQC's cancellation. Mercedes never disclosed final cargo capacity for this SUV. However, as a reference point, the GLC-class upon which the EQC would have been based provides about 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats.
Infotainment and Connectivity:
As you'd expect, the EQC would have come with an up-to-date selection of tech features. SiriusXM satellite radio and a Burmester sound system were going to be standard. The cabin would have offered two 10.25-inch screens; one for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. Combined, they would have given the cabin a contemporary look.
Electric: 2 Asynchronous electric motors with 80 kWh Lithium ion battery, 408 HP power, 765 Nm torque, 0-100 kmph in 5.1 seconds, 180 kmph top speed, 417 range, Home charger- 21 hrs full charge, AC Wall box charger- 10 hrs full charge, DC Fast charger- 90 mins full charge.