Mercedes-Benz EQC

Mercedes-Benz EQC Overview

The concept is rather simple. Take out the combustion engine, exhaust, fuel tank, and transmission from the Mercedes-Benz GLC, then insert two electric motors, one on each axle and juiced by an underfloor battery. 

The Mercedes-Benz EQC runs predominantly in front-wheel-drive mode, but the rear electric motor is called to serve when extra performance is required. The more organic and streamlined profile with distinctive features such as the blue stripes in the headlights exemplify its zero-emission status. The EQC 400 4Matic is the sole variant available and retails at an estimated price of RM 600,000.

Mercedes-Benz EQC Design

Inspired by the Concept EQ, the Mercedes-Benz EQC attempts to reinterprets Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy of sensual purity, showcasing its avant-garde, contemporary and distinctive electro-look. The basic silhouette is similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLC but with a softer edge.

Despite being fully electric, the car comes equipped with a conventional Mercedes-Benz radiator grille, surrounded by a gloss black panel, and punctuated by a massive three-pointed star. Distinctive C-shaped daytime running light graphics are joined together by a light strip across the top of the grille, only briefly interrupted by the chromed grille surrounds.

A streamlined profile and subtle body contours accentuate its more organic form. The absence of roof rails aids in better aerodynamics, helping to achieve a drag coefficient figure of just 0.29, but only to be disrupted by the rugged-looking aluminium running board with rubber studs.

The rear is perhaps where the car looks best with the slim taillight strip that runs across the entire rear section, accentuating the rear’s visual width.

Mercedes-Benz EQC Dimension

While the car looks visually similar in size to the Mercedes-Benz GLC, it is quite a bit larger in size. It measures 105 mm longer, 206 mm wider and 15 mm lower, although its 2,873 mm wheelbase is only 3 mm longer than the fossil-fuel powered sibling.

Mercedes-Benz EQC Interior

Gone are the jet turbine inspired circular air vents in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, now replaced by the horizontal and vertical air vents, accented by rose gold insert. The very familiar centre console design with a massive gloss black insert features touch pad control for the now ubiquitous MBUX infotainment system.

Standard upholstery comes with multi-tone Artico faux leather and fabric combination. The 3 mm longer wheelbase means that there are no noticeable changes to the interior cabin space. It is adequate at best, and the slopping roof line design compromises head room at the rear. The boot space is pretty decent though at 500 litres.

Mercedes-Benz EQC Features

Pre-entry climate control allows you to program the cooling or heating of the car before driving, via either the MBUX system or the Mercedes Me smartphone application. It will also run automatically once you unlock the car, for a period of up to five minutes. Other standard features include an Electric Line interior, 19-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, sunroof, head-up display, a 360-degree camera, and a premium Burmester audio system.

In terms of safety and driver assistance tech, the Mercedes’ first EV SUV comes equipped with a comprehensive Driving Assistance package featuring Distronic adaptive cruise control with automatic restarts, Active Steering Assistant with Active Lane Change Assistant and Active Emergency Stop Assistant, Active Brake Assistant, evasive steering assistance, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, a pedestrian warning system and Pre-Safe Plus.

Mercedes-Benz EQC Driving Performance

Engine

Powering these motors is a modular 80 kWh (405 volts, 230 Ah) lithium-ion battery, made up of two modules with 48 cells each and four with 72 cells each, making for a total of 384 cells. The battery cells alone account for almost a quarter of the car’s total weight, 652 kg to be exact.

Transmission

Mercedes-Benz EQC Ride Comfort

The overall ride on the non-adaptive dampers feels refined and edging towards the softer side. Chucking the 2.5-ton car around corners and you will find that it rolls and pitches but not in any way detrimental. NVH level is excellent too, low-speed motor whine is absent, and high-speed tyre and suspension noise are also greatly suppressed. 

Mercedes-Benz EQC Fuel Consumption

Mercedes-Benz EQC Conclusion

Recent announcement of partnership with Petronas to get EV fast charger by first half 2022 is a testament to Mercedes’s commitment in the future of EV in Malaysia. If you have RM 600,000 to spare, the Merecedes-Benz EQC is an excellent vehicle that offers you a gradual introduction into the inevitable future of electrification.