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Mercedes-Benz EQC

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Expert Rating

Mercedes-Benz EQC

(2019 – present)

    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


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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    Company Car Today

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    Evo

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    Green Car Guide

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

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    Move Electric

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    Parkers

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which EV?

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    Which?

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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

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    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

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
    EV models245 milesB244 – 255 milesB – B
    Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
    EV models3.1 m/KWhE3 – 3.2 m/KWhE – E
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models50F50 – 50F – F
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£393C
    Year 2£842C
    Year 3£1,224C
    Year 4£1,361C
    Year 5£1,829C
    Overall£5,649C

    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


    More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz EQC at The Car Expert

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    Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)

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    The Mercedes-Benz EQC takes on premium medium SUV rivals with pace and a classy interior, but loses out on space and driving fun. Mercedes-Benz EQC