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Mercedes EQC video review
Will the Mercedes EQC give Teslas a run for their money? Rory Reid investigates.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 6 August 2020 | 0 min read
Tesla has been dominating the EV market for a while, but established manufacturers like Mercedes are looking to close that gap with their own range of premium EVs.
Rather than starting from scratch with a new platform, Mercedes have adapted the tried and trusted formula that brought them the Mercedes GLC – stripping the engine and installing a pair of electric motors to an 85kWh lithium-ion battery pack (more on electric car batteries here). Proven tech in a proven platform, from a proven manufacturer. Simple.
Rather than starting from scratch with a new platform, Mercedes have adapted the tried and trusted formula that brought them the Mercedes GLC – stripping the engine and installing a pair of electric motors to an 85kWh lithium-ion battery pack (more on electric car batteries here). Proven tech in a proven platform, from a proven manufacturer. Simple.
So, who is the Mercedes EQC for?
Well, it’s being pitched as a family car. The rear seats have a decent amount of legroom and headroom, and there’s a handy step on the outside for kids to climb in and out of the car.
Size-wise, it’s between the Tesla Model 3 and the Model X. There’s a 500-litre boot, and the seats fold down at the touch of a button for extra space.
Size-wise, it’s between the Tesla Model 3 and the Model X. There’s a 500-litre boot, and the seats fold down at the touch of a button for extra space.
Mercedes EQC interior and design
Mercedes maintain their advantage over rivals when it comes to interiors. There’s a strong variety of materials and fancy design work, including super-fabric doors with contrasting stitching, and chrome highlights.
There’s a gloss black centre console with shortcuts to heating and climate control features, plus a trackpad controller for the multimedia system that offers haptic feedback when selections are made. There’s also dual-screen feedback on the dashboard, which show your driving info (including speed and remaining battery range) and another screen for things like the augmented-reality sat nav.
There’s a gloss black centre console with shortcuts to heating and climate control features, plus a trackpad controller for the multimedia system that offers haptic feedback when selections are made. There’s also dual-screen feedback on the dashboard, which show your driving info (including speed and remaining battery range) and another screen for things like the augmented-reality sat nav.
Mercedes EQC sports mode
The Mercedes EQC uses two electric motors. The front motor does most of the standard work, and the rear motor kicks in for accelerating and sports mode.
Combined, the two engines give you 300kW or power (equivalent to 400 horsepower) and should get you from 0-62 in about five seconds.
Combined, the two engines give you 300kW or power (equivalent to 400 horsepower) and should get you from 0-62 in about five seconds.
What’s the verdict?
The Mercedes EQC is probably one of the most refined EVs on the market. It’s very quiet by virtue of being a) an electric car b) a Mercedes and c) decked out with extra sound deadening material.
It’s easy to drive; with light steering, simple controls and comfy seats. But it is heavy (2,500kg) so you’ll notice when you hit a pothole. Be sure to check out the full video review and head over to our YouTube channel for more.
It’s easy to drive; with light steering, simple controls and comfy seats. But it is heavy (2,500kg) so you’ll notice when you hit a pothole. Be sure to check out the full video review and head over to our YouTube channel for more.