Mercedes-Benz EQC 2020 review

As marketing slogans go it would seem a bit arrogant from any car company other than Mercedes-Benz. After all, the German firm literally invented the car so it has more experience than anyone else.

So, its arrival into the electric vehicle race, alongside Tesla, Jaguar, BMW and co. comes with great expectations. Fortunately, Mercedes doesn’t do things by half and has plans to unleash seven fully-electric models into Australia by the end of 2023.

That’s a lot of EVs in a relatively short period of time, so Mercedes is looking to leverage what it already has available to help short-cut the process. Thankfully it has not only 133-years of car building knowledge to call upon, but also an extensive range of popular luxury vehicles that can be electrified.

Which is effectively what they’ve done with the EQC, taken the GLC as a starting point and turned it into a sleek, uniquely styled and powered EV that’s ready to hit Australian roads.

It arrives to take on the likes of the Tesla Model X, Jaguar I-Pace and upcoming Audi e-tron.

So, it has big pressure to not only take on those rivals, but also live up to Mercedes’ reputation. Read on to find out how it fares.

As the world shifts towards electric vehicles the arrival of Mercedes-Benz, the inventor of the automobile, is a big moment. But unlike its rivals that have made bold and dramatic EVs that buck many conventions, Mercedes has opted to build a traditional car, dare I say, conservative SUV. And it’s all the better for it.

Unlike the Tesla Model X, or even the Jaguar I-Pace, with is radical looks, the EQC takes what people know and love about luxury SUVs and swaps internal combustion power for electricity. This is perhaps the most approachable EV yet, with its understated styling, conventional but classy cabin and easy-to-use drivetrain. While it certainly isn’t an EV for the masses with its $140K asking price, given the technology it offers and value added by the Chargefox subscription, it’s a very competitively priced vehicle.

Even putting aside the electric powertrain, it’s an impressive luxury SUV that's enjoyable to drive and looks and feels premium. But what else would you expect from Mercedes-Benz?

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[frieza]

It's something special. The car has alot of heart. It means something to me like the S500 did in 2013. The design is just so nice, like maybach GLS 600. It's admirable and timeless.

[damirmajer]

For me panoramic roof is missing the rest looking nice

[Manonsilvermountain]

407KM is the range for 2021 model. also a number of upgrades to interior. like usb plug, separate climate control in the back seat. I'm waiting for my delivery 😊

[e.w.]

They NEED to offer more range. I DEMAND 400Km range.

[TheABS]

Mercedes bought tesla shares and got into their board since 2 decades ago

[edgarchieng]

The price really makes it uncompetitive against the Tesla, pay less to get the Model 3 with more range, performance and storage spaces (plus better tech too), or pay a little bit more to get into the Model X territory. The only thing that would entice me to get the Merc over the Tesla is obviously their dealer and service network support.

[TrustMeIKnowEverything]

Those rims in the picture are 21 you can see it written on the tire in the video lol

[linasmarcinkevicius]

I test drove it! 😊 It is really exciting car! 🏁

[sfiron]

I was hoping for more range...much more range actually...

[Hiltsuk]

Hope you get more interior choices of colour then we do in the UK black only

[supaahflyy]

anyone else just see this and think Tesla has been doing this and better for about 3-4 years now. Granted the Mercedes interior might be more to your taste but 350km on a 100% charge on this vs a Model X which is a much larger car giving you 520km range on the more stricter EPA cycle. The WLTP for the Tesla should give it even more theoretical range. Its not even close in terms of range.

Then you match by price $140k for the EQC and $160 for the Model X. A car much larger, more space, much more range. This really isnt stacking up well for the Mercedes so far.

Then you look by charging infrustructure. An electric car is only as useful as where it can drive. Mercedes is relying on chargefox. Tesla has their own network which is already more extensive and more serviced than chargefox and on top of that, Tesla owners can also use chargefox chargers if they want. A mercedes owner cant use the Tesla chargers though.

The EQC is just for a guy who wants to stick to mercedes. On most other fronts the Tesla still remains the superior Electric Vehicle. And before anyone says interior, yes i mentioned that is one of the main (and only) benefit of going with the Mercedes as opposed to the Tesla.

[alongkornbuaphun]

Does Mercedes Benz have a turn assist system? When the speed and curvature are not consistent

[anthonybrunotheodd]

I doubt this will cause Tesla to loose much sleep. This ev is just a GLC with a battery and electric motor jammed into it.

[AznSulja]

it looks like an A-Class inside.. it needed to be more 'different' imo

Mercedes Benz make cars and everyone else imitates them.

[ColinFox]

People give Mercedes WAAAAY too much credit, because decades ago they made good cars and they've been coasting on that reputation ever since. Seriously - why the hell does the EQC only have air shocks on one axel, and steel springs on the other. What kind of budget-car level crap is that? Teslas either have coilovers all around or air shocks all around. My Model S came with air shocks 7 years ago - ALL AROUND. Also a touch screen & infotainment system that STILL TODAY hasn't been matched.

And of course the whole world knows about Tesla's dragstrip dominance, and range dominance, and popularity dominance.

The days of the old brands are *over*, as we can see with this pathetic example right nere. BMW has mostly given up, Jag isn't even making their own car, and the Audi E-tron is a snoozefest that's too expensive, heavy & underperforming.

Stop giving these brands so much credit - they don't deserve it. Look at their offerings objectively, and it's clear they don't know wtf they're donig. The head of Volkswagen admitted as much - They don't even have their own in-house programmers! WHAT A JOKE.

This is the end of the dinosaur era - both as fossil fuels, and as "dinosaur" (ancient) car companies.