Despite being around since 1926, Mercedes-Benz has been decidedly late to the EV party. While there was the previous-gen B-Class Electric Drive, it was more of a toe-in-the-water effort and was never officially offered in Australia. Instead, the EQC400 represents Mercedes-Benz’s first concerted effort at making a true BEV.
Although based on a legacy ICEV (sharing the underpinnings from the GLC) the EQC is a remarkably competent crossover SUV. With twin motors and all-wheel drive, the Mercedes-Benz EQC400 can do the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.1 seconds. The combined output of the motors is a respectable 300 kW, with 760 Nm of torque on tap too.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC has an 85 kWh battery and a claimed range of 464km, which translates to 370km of real-world range. This is greater than both the Audi e-tron 50 and e-tron 55 but doesn’t match the Tesla Model X, which boasts a claimed range of 630km (470km real range) for the Long Range Plus variant.
However, the Mercedes-Benz EQC aims to score points with brand value. And with the EQC, they’re not just resting on the Merc name to win fans. There is a visible effort that has been put in to ensure it looks, feels and rides as a Mercedes-Benz should.
The interior is not merely a carbon copy of the GLC it is based on. The EQC gets Mercedes-Benz’s Siri-like voice assistant, along with the class-leading MBUX infotainment system. Wherever possible, materials are of high quality, and noise within the cabin is kept to an absolute minimum thanks to the use of even more sound-deadening materials. Overall, the EQC lives up to the premium badge it trades on.
The EQC also provides owners with a five-year Chargefox subscription. This allows complimentary recharging at all Chargefox ultra-rapid and fast-charging stations across Australia. The EQC comes with both type-2 and CCS fast-charge compatibility, allowing recharges at all other stations, while a home wall-box will offer full juice in around 12 hours.
The EQC is a sure sign of more positive BEV models from Mercedes-Benz. Although based on the GLC platform it shines as a Mercedes-Benz EV in its own right. At $144,470 driveaway, it’s also cheaper than its main rivals in Australia — namely the Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-tron and Tesla Model X.
