While we wait for the official reveal of the BMW iX3 and Audi e-tron, both brands’ rival has beaten both to the punch and released its newest competitor — the Mercedes-Benz EQC.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is the brand’s first-ever all-electric SUV. Its naming structure is pretty easy to follow; all of Mercedes-Benz’s electric products will bear the “EQ” name and the “C” refers to its size and place in the segment, which is aligned with the GLC-Class SUV. So it’s quite simple to understand that the EQC is an electric version of the Mercedes GLC. Though, the EQC seems to be a bit longer and has slightly different styling overall, even if it is similar to the GLC.
On the surface, the Mercedes-Benz EQC seems to do a better job of showing its electric nature than both the BMW iX3 and Audi e-tron. While we haven’t officially seen either of those aforementioned EQC competitors, we’ve seen enough to know they both look more traditional than the Benz.
Up front, the headlights looks very futuristic and work their way into a trim piece that swoops under the new grille and connects both lamps. While its face is really the only aspect of the design that screams of electricity, it’s more so than on the iX3 and e-tron from what we’ve seen.
There’s also an optional AMG Line package, that brings much more aggressive wheels and a new grille. It looks much better, if you ask us, but many electric SUV owners aren’t really looking for anything sporty looking.
On the inside, it’s far more like a regular Mercedes GLC-Class. Though, that’s not bad thing, as it’s a handsome cabin. Though, there are some subtle details to differentiate the EQC from its GLC underpinnings. Rather than three round air vents in the front of the GLC’s interior, the EQC sports rectangular ones with orange accents. In fact, those orange accents make their way throughout the entire cabin, such as the air vents and seat controls.
Under the skin, the Mercedes-Benz EQC packs good enough specs for a current electric car but it seems a bit behind on the times already. Packing an 80 kWh battery, the EQC is capable of powering its twin electric motors for up to 200 miles. Considering that the Chevy Bolt can do over 200 miles already and both of its competitors have claimed ranges of almost 250 miles. the EQC is lacking a bit.
Admittedly, the Mercedes-Benz EQC is the most powerful and fastest car of the bunch. With those two electric motors making 402 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque, the EQC is capable of getting from 0-60 mph in a claimed 4.9 seconds. That would make it faster than any electric car in the segment no named the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC seems to be an interesting electric SUV, one that can provide real world EV usage to a wide variety of customers. We can’t wait to see what happens with its competitors from Mercedes’ German rivals.
