Electric cars have been really getting very popular among Indian audience due to its sheer performance, long claimed ranges, cheaper to maintain and zero emissions. But Indians are a bit skeptical to buy them as EV infra is still under development which can hamper a peace of mind ownership experience. Still, world’s one the best carmaker Mercedes Benz has launched its first Electric car or else, electric SUV, the EQC to garner some sales who are interested in buying a luxury electric car. So, we shall test whether this SUV is up to the standards of the other Mercedes Benz cars.
Exterior
The EQC is based on the GLC SUV and it is evident in its design language. The front profile is dominated by a piano black grill that accentuates with the smart looking headlamps that feel quite upmarket. The grill is loaded with a lot of chrome that looks a bit outlandish. There is a thin strip of LED light which resembles Kia Seltos’s lights. Lower down, there is black cladding in the bumper and fog lamp housings (sadly there are no fog lamps). The side profile is an evidence that EQC is based on GLC; the strong shoulder line finished in chrome, the clean designed doors and large glass area. The distinguishing factor is the batch which states EQC and 1886 (this is the year when Mercedes Benz was founded). The rear profile is quite appealing with the same connected light strip that runs through the boot lid. The rear is different from the GLC and lights look classy. The rear end is quite muscular with the upright boot lid. Lower down, notice faux exhausts done on the bumper which I don’t understand because this is an electric car. The 18 inch wheels have blue accents that speaks that this isn’t a regular car. Overall, it’s a great looking SUV with spot on body proportions.
Interior
The interior is a piece of art. I mean, its so gorgeous that I don’t have words to explain. Those copper ac vents, the dashboard and door trims oozes a lot of character and quirkiness. But it isn’t cheap by any standard, it has every doorpads, trims and common touchpads in leather. Lower down, there are no hard plastics that tone down cabin experience. The seats are extremely comfortable; there is generous amount of side bolstering, lumbar support that will make your journeys in extreme comfort. The rear seat is also quiet supportive and comfortable. There is good amount of under thigh support but the seats are bit upright. Also, there isn’t much legroom which is shocking at this price point. Thus, the EQC has a well-appointed cabin with a lot of good quality material but space isn’t as good as it should be of an expensive car.
Features
The Mercedes Benz EQC is a luxury SUV and it is priced at a premium than its regular counterpart, the GLC and to lure customers and convince them to buy an electric SUV, the have put a lot of comfort and convenience features. First up, you will get a LED headlamps, taillamps 360 parking camera, front-rear- side parking sensors, electric tailgate with smart swipe function, puddle lamps and side footstep runner. Coming to the interior, it gets a 10 inch touchscreen with MBUX system which boards in AI-powered voice commands that controls your every setting like AC, music, sunroof, navigation and it houses all the settings regarding lights, batteries, instrument displays and fortunately, its touchscreen but still it gets a track pad. Also it tells you the charging information, real-time range and regenerative braking taking place. It gets ambient lighting, 3 zone climate control with charcoal air filter, air canister (this is a system where you can perfume given by Mercedes and it will dissipate through ac vents). The EQC also comes loaded with fully digital instrument cluster with customizable skins (sport, progressive and classic). It also gets electric parking brake, 10 way powered and heated front seats along with various massages, wireless charger, Burmester sound system that has terrific sound quality, Mercedes me app connect that help you know the car’s health, service intervals, geofencing, live location tracking and can handle remote operations of the car.
Performance and drive
The EQC is powered by a pair of synchronous electric motor that makes this car 4wd but the default mode is two wheel drive mated to a single speed gearbox which delivers colossal 403 horsepower and 760 nm of torque from 0 RPM. The performance, as expected from an electric car and that too from Mercedes, is absolutely ravishing. Just put your foot down, the car gives sudden response and it moves effortlessly. 0- 100 as tested will be done in just 5.6 secs which is overwhelming considering the weight of the car.
The EQC gets 3 drive modes Eco, normal and sport that configure the power delivery and steering feel. So driving an EQC will be fun as well as easy.
Steering, handling and ride quality
The handling of the EQC isn’t as good as some of the other Merc’s in the market due to its sheer size and weight. It feels unnerving around corner and doesn’t has that confidence that is present in some of the cars of same segment. The ride quality is at par with other Mercedes cars. It soaks up the bumps quite easily and wont filter them to the cabin, and the credit goes to air suspension that works flawless. The steering is extremely precise and easy to twirl in heavy traffic condition. Thus, its makes this huge car easy to drive.
Charging options and range
The EQC comes with 80kW battery comes with a regular 15 Amp socket which you can plug and charge which takes 20 hrs to charge. Also it comes with wall box charger, a 7.4 kw charger, and it will charge the car in just 10hrs. If you go and charge the car at a DC industrial fast charger then it will charge the car in just 90 mins. The range claimed is 400 kms.
Conclusion
The Mercedes EQC 400 4 matic is priced at INR 1.04 crore ex-showroom, which makes it quite expensive for a relatively small car, but the refinement, features and plush interior. I think Mercedes should increase the range as it isn’t much impressive.
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