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Mercedes-Benz EQC Review 2021

If you're looking for a luxury SUV with superb levels of comfort, plenty of tech and a decent electric range, the Mercedes EQC may be the car for you. 

As Mercedes' first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) with no petrol or diesel versions on offer, the EQC is one of three cars under the Mercedes EQ sub-brand, rivalling the Audi e-tron, BMW iX3 and Jaguar I-Pace in an increasingly competitive market. 

Our Mercedes-Benz EQC review covers:

• Key Features
• Design and Practicality
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

Mercedes-Benz EQC Key Features

• Elegant exterior design with curvy roofline and sweeping chrome grille
• Upmarket interior with space enough for four adults
• 500-litre boot with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats
• 80kwh battery for 403bhp and a claimed 255-mile range
• Four models available, including Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus

Design and Practicality

Unlike other EVs on the market, which boast a sporty or futuristic look, the EQC's elegant exterior certainly stands out from the crowd, with its sweeping chrome grille, narrow headlights, curvy roofline, and shapely window openings.  

Inside, the EQC's roomy cabin offers more than enough space for four adults, although leg and headroom are more restrictive than rivals such as the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace. However, there are plenty of storage compartments, including decent-sized door pockets, a lidded cubby with integrated cupholders, and additional stowage space under the central armrest. 

Shame then that the Mercedes EQC's 500-litre boot is smaller than that in the I-Pace, e-tron and Tesla Model X, mainly due to its shallow design. That said, there's still room enough for a few large suitcases or a couple of sets of golf clubs, as well as some underfloor storage space. 

There's also no annoying boot lip to lift heavy items over, and the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats fold down with a flick of a switch, allowing for a completely flat extended load area.

Interior and Trims

The EQC boasts an upmarket interior with its mix of gloss black plastic, leather and polished metal highlights. Build quality is good but isn't quite on a par with the e-tron or BMW iX3, thanks to wobbly fixtures like the centre air vents and their plastic surrounds.

Four models are available, including the Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus. The entry-level Sport models come well-equipped with keyless-go, privacy glass, MBUX multimedia system, heated seats and 19" alloy wheels. AMG Line models add a sporty element with an AMG-specific rear apron, a Multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, AMG floor mats and AMG sports seats.

The AMG Line Premium further enhances interior comfort with its electric sliding sunroof, Burmester surround sound system and wireless charging. The top-of-the-range AMG Line Premium Plus adds even more tech, including a parking package with a 360-degree camera, a head-up display and MBUX interior assistant.

Power and Performance

Under the bonnet, the EQC is powered by an 80kwh battery and an electric motor at each axle for 403bhp and a claimed 255-mile range. Charging times vary from 75 minutes using a 50kWh fast charger to 13 hours using a 7kWh home charger.

Where the EQC impresses is with acceleration, going from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds, which is faster than most hot hatchbacks and rivals the Audi e-tron and BMW iX3. It also delivers a quiet, relaxed drive, soaks up bumps and potholes impressively well around town, and its advanced driver assistance systems help relieve stress on longer drives. 

Leasing vs Buying

Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz EQC start from £69,175.00 OTR* or to lease from £709.78 per month.

Interested in leasing the Mercedes-Benz EQC? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a great range of lease deals to suit almost every budget, including road tax, breakdown cover and free mainland GB delivery, direct to your door (exclusions apply).

Leasing offers many benefits over buying, including fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay, and flexible mileage and contract terms to suit your needs. You also have the option to change your vehicle every two, three or four years, allowing you to take advantage of enhancements with technology, range and style.

*'On the road' price correct at time of publication and typically includes one year’s road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Always check with the manufacturer.