Mercedes EQC - C-CHANGE

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A MERCEDES EQC FROM OSV: bit.ly/2Hz7qqi
The EQC represents Mercedes' first serious foray into the full-EV market. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.
Ten Second Review
The Mercedes EQC is a large luxury SUV that's fully electric but it's very much a product typical of the Three Pointed Star. It's extremely class-competitive in terms of things like driving range, cabin practicality and charging time replenishment. And arguably segment leading in terms of interior finish and driving refinement.
Background
As the biggest premium automotive brand in the world, Mercedes has been a little slow off the mark when it comes to full-electric technology. A decade ago, an 'E-Cell' version of the A-Class was piloted with a few buyers; a few years on from that, there was a battery-powered version of the old MK2 model B-Class co-developed with Tesla; and there've been various battery-powered smart models.
That's been about it though, for full-EVs from the Three-Pointed Star. Until the launch in the Spring 2018 of this EQC Crossover. It's directly aimed at three arch-rivals, the Audi e-tron, the BMW iX3 and the Jaguar I-PACE. How does it stack up? Let's find out.
Driving Experience
This EQC's 80kWh battery is of slightly lower capacity than the one you'll find in either of its two biggest rivals, the Jaguar I-PACE and the Audi e-tron quattro 55, but it doesn't affect the eagerness of this car's drive dynamics in comparison to these key competitors, thanks to a slightly greater torque output. Because this Mercedes is lighter than the Audi, the EQC can also slightly improve upon that Ingolstadt model's total potential driving range, managing a potential 259 mile WLTP-rated figure that's 10 miles higher. On the move, all electric vehicles are of course very quiet, but this one is particularly silent, Mercedes having taken great trouble to reduce the levels of road and tyre roar that always become more evident at the wheel of any EV.
There's plenty to get to grips with if you're to make the most of the EQC driving experience. There are five driving modes ('Comfort', 'Sport', 'Eco', 'Individual' and 'Maximum range'); and five different battery regeneration programs (the latter selectable via paddles behind the steering wheel). There's also an 'auto' regeneration mode that uses the car's speed limit detection, navigation systems and radar cruise control to blend the regenerative braking of the electric motors up and down automatically. Switch to 'Sport' and it's certainly quick, thanks to a 408hp total output and 765Nm of torque. As a result, 62mph from rest occupies just 5.1s, but the top speed is limited to 111mph.
Design and Build
Size-wise, the EQC sits between the Mercedes brand's mid-sized GLC and large GLE SUV models. It shares most with the GLC, though is 100mm longer but, like its main European rivals, can only take two rows of seats. Though the outward styling may be somewhat generic, the car is more recognisable as a Benz when you take a seat within. The brand's usual twin widescreen dashboard displays feature again here. In addition, there are a few fresh design details, some extra ambient lighting features, some eco-orientated trimming materials, plus of course you get a range of EV-specific displays.
There's a significantly higher-set driving position than you get in, say, a Jaguar I-PACE, which helps with all-round visibility. And there's the neat MBUX Mercedes infotainment system with its clever "Hey Mercedes" voice-controlled functionality, though it's very far from being infallible. In the rear, it's reasonably spacious, though headroom isn't helped by the raised floor (necessary to accommodate the large battery pack beneath) and what is a relatively low roofline for a family-shaped SUV. There's a 500-litre boot out back, which is reasonably large by class standards, but some way off the 660-litre trunk size of an Audi e-tron. It's easy to fold the 40:20:40-split rear bench.
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[@franka1621]

This is like watching a documentary. OSV is rapidly establishing itself as the gold standard of in-depth and intelligent car reviews. There’s obviously a ton of work involved in presenting such a fact-filled segment. Well done, OSV and thanks.

[@etoile2003]

Coming in expecting a 10 min review and got a 1 hour (!) extensive review. Absolutely brilliant! Thank you for your effort and attention to detail.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

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[@mattwoor4610]

This review was so good - I ordered my new EQC yesterday. Thanks for the honest, well-considered, and brilliantly delivered information.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching 👍 Great to hear about your new EQC! If you enjoyed the video, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@heinzh.8066]

Verry good professional review

[@DenzelGee33]

Excellent professional review. I have watched all the other EQC reviews and this one is the most detailed honest report. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Tim, Thank you. We try and make our reviews interesting and informative. We want them to help people make the right decision, or at least get an idea before they look at a new vehicle. Of course, the entertainment is also a big factor!

[@philipclaeys6920]

@OSV, Mercedes EQC has air suspension on the rear ax. And the 80 kWh is the net capacity ... meaning the battery has a bigger capacity.

[@TheShelaz]

This is the most comprehensive review of a car I've watched. Very well done

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching 🙏 Don't miss out on the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@user-dr9ul9yx9d]

Brilliant video. So well put together and information is great.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching, Philip! If you enjoyed the video, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@Cobraguy321]

Excellent review thank you. The most comprehensive review on the EQC.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for watching! Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@robertninic5555]

Fantastic review - it's obvious you know your stuff. This is a true in-depth car review!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you, Robert. We aim to be as informative as possible 👍

[@lucaparker1084]

Not mad on the look of it, looks like a Porsche cayenne from the back.

[@milesgixxer]

Is it me or is this video just being uploaded multiple times?

[@hadtobe4502]

Will look at the Mercedes BEV when it has at least 480kms (300 miles) of range, can go 0 to 100 kph in under 5 seconds, has at least 500 litres of boot space and is made on an all electric chassis - not the current ICE one.

[@andrewsmactips]

Plus points for the conventional door handles. Minus points for the nasty shiny plastic sunglasses holder.

[@paul756uk2]

Is it me or is that a dreadful orange peel paint finish I can see at 5:51?

[@jefdamen2977]

Mercedes has it for years now, very ugly.

[@peterh1875]

{laughs uproariously} why on earth would you like to have Android Auto (never mind pay for it) when you can have the sophisticated system Mercedes Benz has designed. The former is clumsy, clunky and a pain to use by comparison. Last time I used it in my Kona it didn't work with plugshare, it completely befuddled the radio .... no need to go on. You don't want it in this car. You certainly don't want to pay for it ... (I can't speak for the Apple equivalent, not much of an Apple fan myself).

[@matrixsenior]

An hour too long.

[@karlp8484]

The styling really lets it down. Just looks like a big blob. I've seen the new E-Class too and the styling is equally forgettable. That maybe OK for a cheaper car, but they're not cheap are they.

[@jak493]

So far this has been a disaster for Mercedes, hardly any sales anywhere to date

[@TheAegisClaw]

Probably because it's completely boring compared to the competition. Same with the Etron.

[@lucaparker1084]

It looks hideous that's why

[@philipclaeys6920]

And where do you got that info from? In my country they were only available early december 2019 for a testdrive... I took a testdrive with it, of course i did the same with the direct competitors (I-Pace, E-Tron, Model X) and I have ordered an EQC last week, and now I have to wait till June for delivery.

[@jak493]

@@philipclaeys6920 Hi, I know its the classic answer but I was reading a journal about electric car sales and the Merc was literally at the bottom. Something like 600 sales in USA compared to thousands of Tesla's. Not knocking the car, just has not been a success story for them so far by the sound of what I read.

[@philipclaeys6920]

@@jak493 well, I have ordered an EQC last week and it's scheduled for production early May ... weird if those sales figures were correct, if that was true I would not have to wait that long ... or do i make a wrong assumption?

[@grahamclark4518]

Mercedes keeps to the habit of making chronically ugly cars