The EQC is a subtle and restrained design in the Mercedes-Benz mould; unless your neighbours are car fans, they’ll only realise you’ve bought an electric vehicle when they see the charging cable from your wallbox. The EQC shares its platform architecture with the GLC, though it’s slightly longer. It is a handsome machine, with a fastback profile to the rear tailgate and adaptive multibeam LED headlamps that neatly flow into that familiar Mercedes-Benz grille. The interior is nicely executed too, with a widescreen infotainment display and neat design touches like the speaker grilles and the air vents to draw the eye.
TECHNOLOGY
The EQC is powered by an 80kWh battery and two electric motors, one on each axle. However, they’re not identical. The stator of the front motor is less tightly wound for better operating efficiency, and it’s this that powers you along in cruising mode. The rear’s stator is more tightly wound for greater torque, so when you press hard on the throttle it’s from the rear that most of the urge will come. It’s quick, too; 0-62mph takes just 5.1 seconds. Claimed maximum range is 241-255 miles, depending on your chosen specification, and if you find a rapid charging point (110kW) en route you can top up from 10% to 80% battery capacity in 40 minutes.
SAFETY
All EQC models come with Active Brake Assist, Active Land Departure Warning, Blind Spot Assist and Urban Guard vehicle protection. The optional Driving Assistance package includes Active Distance Assist to adjust your speed to vehicles in front when in cruise mode on the motorway, an additional blind spot warning function for when you’re about to open the door, Active Steering Assist and Evasive Steering Assist – the last two being activated if the systems detect a potential collision. Pre-Safe Plus monitors the rear of the EQC and initiates preventative measures if it detects the possibility of a rear-end collision.
FEATURES
Starting with the Sport model, there’s an impressive list of standard equipment. Star of the show is the MBUX infotainment system, with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control, a 10.25-inch instrument display and 10.25-inch central media display with touchscreen. You also get a choice of 64 colour ambient lighting, EQ-specific navigation (which also allows you to programme charging settings and pre-entry climate control) and a 225W sound system. AMG Line Premium models add luxuries like a 590W Burmester surround sound system, augmented reality navigation, head-up display and the ‘Energizing’ package that offers intelligent cross-linking of all comfort systems to relax you (or keep you alert) on longer journeys.
