Summary
Not long ago every manufacturer wanted to build an SUV and now the same is happening with electric SUVs, led by the premium brands. Launched in 2019, the Mercedes-Benz EQC was the first ‘proper’ production EV of any sort from the three-pointed star brand.
Reviewers point out that the car is a late arrival to a class already boasting the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and the car that started it all, the Tesla Model X. But some, such as Honest John, dub the Mercedes “a worthy adversary to any of them.”
Opinions on the EQC are mixed, starting with the styling, Autocar commenting that it looks a bit like a Mercedes-Benz GLC but a lot like any generic mass-market SUV, which might defeat its badge-desirability.
The EQC also loses out on practicality, being slightly smaller than its main rivals – opinions are divided over the rear-seat head and legroom, though most agree the small rear door aperture doesn’t make it easy to get into the car.
The interior comes in for much praise – “it looks and feels a quality bit of kit” says the Sunday Times. Reviewers particularly like the high-tech infotainment system, though its full capabilities are only available on higher-spec versions.
The EQC impresses with its performance. Each axle has its own electric motor, producing all-wheel-drive, total power of 408hp and a huge 760Nm of torque – 0-62mph time is a shade over five seconds.
Mercedes claims a range of up to 252 miles between charges though some reviewers suggest enthusiastic driving will drop this considerably. As well as being fast, the EQC is refined – “beautifully smooth” according to the Sunday Times though hard cornering highlights its weight with notable body roll.
As of August 2023, the Mercedes-Benz EQC holds an Expert Rating of 66% from 20 reviews. That’s considerably lower than the best vehicles in its class.
EQC highlights
- Refined on-road comfort
- Rapid performance
- Stylish, well-designed interior
- Impressive infotainment system
EQC lowlights
- Innocuous exterior styling
- Not exactly roomy, especially in rear
- Less fun to drive than some rivals
- Best infotainment functionality requires spending
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £74,330 on-road
Launched: Summer 2019
Last updated: N/A
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQC luxury SUV delivers good electric range and superb levels of comfort and refinement, but it’s expensive and a little uninspiring to drive.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 400 4Matic AMG Line
Score: 9 / 10
“Anyone ready to take the plunge with a luxury EV should certainly give the EQC some serious thought.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Mercedes’ first proper electric car hits a competitive mark dynamically and might exceed rivals for comfort and refinement. Big appeal for the eco-conscious and tech-savvy; maybe a touch less for the interested driver.”
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Car
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC isn’t as boldly innovative as a Jaguar i-Pace or Tesla Model X but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a very good car. What’s more, it feels tailor-made for buyers keen to go electric but worried about the switchover.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“With its brilliant refinement, great performance and focus on quality, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is a well-rounded electric car that fits the bill nicely if you’re looking for something a little more premium.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQC gives EV buyers a luxurious and comfortable option that’s incredibly refined.”
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Carwow
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQC is an upmarket electric car that’s very comfortable to drive and comes with a spacious, well-built cabin but alternative SUVs have greater ranges and bigger boots.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: AMG Line Premium Plus
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The first EQ-branded model is a good one, and is another compelling argument for making the switch from internal combustion engine to electric power.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC feels fast-tracked and undercooked.”
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Green Car Guide
Score: 9 / 10
“The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC is excellent to drive, it looks good, it has a very upmarket interior and lots of space. It could just do with a bit more range…”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC does a very solid job in every area, so it’s a good all-rounder. And, if tech is your thing, then it has the wow factor to steal your heart, and more importantly for Mercedes, your custom. Not quite one of the best electric cars, but well worth considering.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC does a very solid job in every area, so it’s a good all-rounder. And, if tech is your thing, then it has the wow-factor to steal your heart, and more importantly for Mercedes, your custom. Well worth considering.”
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Move Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Comfort and luxury are the Mercedes-Benz EQC’s biggest calling cards, but it’s also spacious and good to drive. And while its range isn’t anything to write home about, it’s long enough that it should fit into most owners’ lives without big compromises. Mind you, it’s not cheap.” (James Disdale)
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Parkers
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Electric SUV with added lustre of the three-pointed star.”
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The Sunday Times
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQC is refined, comfortable, solid and rapid, and surprisingly nimble for a lump of metal that weighs two and a half tons, too.”
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The Telegraph
Score: 8 / 10
“Basing its new battery-electric vehicle on an existing conventional chassis means this volt powered Merc SUV is heavy and occasionally lumbering, but it drives well, is very comfortable and is somehow more than the sum of its parts. Expensive and it’s not going to save the planet, but it’s a strong contender in this rarefied class of vehicles.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Comfy, refined and reassuringly normal car-ish. But it’s also hamstrung by not being a bespoke EV.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Mercedes EQC is beautifully appointed and brilliant if you want to maximise the peace and quiet offered by going electric.”
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Which EV?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.5 / 10
“The powerful motor and AWD give the Mercedes-Benz EQC fantastic acceleration from the lights and, in performance terms, it will keep pace with the Polestar 2. It’s slower than almost all Teslas but it’s faster than an Audi e-tron. Climbing in and out of the driver’s seat feels more awkward than for the e-tron, but the EQC’s boot is a better shape and the vehicle has much better battery life.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The EQC is an excellent zero-emissions debut into the luxury SUV market for Mercedes. It’s comfortable, loaded with tech and has a reasonable driving range. We have some criticisms relating to rear passenger space and payload, but it’s not enough to prevent us awarding a Best Buy rating.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 90%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%
The Mercedes-Benz EQC gained a top five-star rating when tested by Euro NCAP in 2019, including scoring maximum points in the side-barrier impact test and the standard-fit active safety, including autonomous emergency braking praised for its response in a wide range of situations.
Eco rating
No eco rating
As of August 2023, the Mercedes-Benz EQC has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the EQC is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
As of August 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz EQC to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusive from extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the EQC, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 245 miles | B | 244 – 255 miles | B – B |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 3.1 m/KWh | E | 3 – 3.2 m/KWh | E – E |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 50 | F | 50 – 50 | F – F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £393 | C |
| Year 2 | £842 | C |
| Year 3 | £1,224 | C |
| Year 4 | £1,361 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,829 | C |
| Overall | £5,649 | C |
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is not the most cost-effective electric vehicle you can buy, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon in a petrol or diesel car) is poor compared to other EVs, meaning that you don’t go as far on a full battery charge as you’d expect.
Insurance costs are likely to be high, as the EQC is ranked in the top group as set by the UK’s insurance assessor, Thatcham Research. Servicing costs are average for a car of this price and sophistication, but other EVs will be cheaper.
The good news is that EVs currently don’t have to pay any road tax, so that will save you hundreds of pounds over a new petrol or diesel car for the first five years.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz EQC, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q8 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Genesis GV60 | Genesis Electrified GV70 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Kia EV6 | Nissan Ariya | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq | Tesla Model Y | Volkswagen ID.4
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More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz EQC at The Car Expert
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