Mercedes EQC 400: performance, price, and range of the electric SUV

Germany’s premier electric SUV, the Mercedes EQC is a large and powerful vehicle, offering up to 437 km of range.

Before the EQC, Mercedes-Benz had invested little in electric cars, aside from the Smart Fortwo and Forfour, or the B-Class Electric Drive. But the new strategy was born in 2016 when the Mercedes EQ concept appeared at the Paris Motor Show. Imposing and 100% electric SUV, it announced the sub-brand EQ, and the first production model unveiled in September 2018. Mercedes EQC finally arrived in dealerships in mid-2019. It comes with an 11 kW charger as standard in 2020 but significantly increased its prices in 2022. Ultimately, it becomes less relevant from 2023 onward, as the new generation EQE SUV surpasses it in range, offers more space inside, and is priced just slightly higher.

Design and Dimensions of the Mercedes EQC

The only electric SUV in its launch lineup, the EQC is positioned between a GLC (4.73 m) and a GLE (4.92 m). Thus, this model measures between 4.76 and 4.83 meters long, making it smaller than an Audi Q8 e-tron and larger than a BMW iX3. The Mercedes EQC also has a width of 1.88 meters excluding mirrors (2.10 m with mirrors) and a height of 1.62 m. Its cabin is spacious, comfortably accommodating 5 people. However, there is no 7-seater version, and its trunk is small for the category, with 500 liters under the parcel shelf.

The “EQ” style stands out from other Mercedes models with a more distinctive grille, surrounded by glossy black, and a luminous strip at the rear. However, two versions offer different front facades: the base with a chrome grille and the AMG Line with a black grille with double bars and a sportier bumper. Inside, the Mercedes EQC is quite less luxurious than the EQE or EQS, but the dashboard is noteworthy. Classic at the center console, it houses two continuous screens with striking displays and the infotainment system.

Motors and Performance of the EQC 400 4Matic

If the brand studied a more modest EQC 300 version, it ultimately only marketed the Mercedes EQC 400. This number indicates the maximum power of 408 horsepower (300 kW), with a torque of 760 Nm. Like any electric vehicle, driving is compatible with energy recovery during deceleration and braking. The manufacturer divides it into 5 modes: Auto, +, D, – and –, for varying recovery intensity.

This is possible thanks to two motors, one per axle, providing all-wheel drive (4Matic in Mercedes-Benz terms). Weighing nearly 2,500 kg, the electric SUV can still accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h. It can also tow up to 750 kg unbraked and allows braked towing up to 1,800 kg.

Range, Charging, and Autonomy of the EQC

The Mercedes EQC has a single motor offering and only one battery option. The SUV features an 80 kWh gross capacity battery, located in the floor within the wheelbase, beneath the seats. This energy provided a range of 414 km at launch according to the WLTP mixed cycle, and between 373 and 437 km depending on versions in 2022. The EQC’s energy consumption varies between 19.8 and 23.3 kWh/100 km.

Mercedes’s first foray into modern electric vehicles, the EQC does not offer the same charging speeds as its rivals. Its onboard AC charger only supports 11 kW, not 22 kW, introduced as standard since November 2020. This still suits most customers, charging via a wall box of 7.4 kW in about 11 hours (from 10 to 100%), compared to 7.30 hours at 11 kW. On DC fast charging, the EQC has a drawback, with a maximum power of only 110 kW, compared to 200 kW for recent EQS models or EQE. It would take roughly 40 minutes to go from 10 to 80% on a fast charger.

Equipment and Price of the Mercedes EQC

Available since July 2019, the Mercedes EQC launched with a special “Edition 1886” version, priced at €92,450. It completed the lineup with a single trim level: AMG Line, costing €78,950. The EQC’s price gradually increased over time: €79,800 in 2020, then €82,650 in spring 2022, and finally €86,149 in fall 2022.

Here are the main features of the two variants of the Mercedes EQC:

EQC 400 AMG Line: 

• 19-inch alloys
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Cruise control
• Blind spot detector
• 3D navigation with real-time traffic
• Sports seats
• Leatherette upholstery and trim
• Auto climate control with dual zones
• Two 10.25-inch screens
• Reversing camera
• Ambient lighting
• 3-year Mercedes Me Charge subscription

EQC 400 Edition 1886: AMG Line +

• Specific grille and bumpers
• 20-inch alloys
• Special silver paint
• Leather steering wheel
• Black/blue indigo faux leather/tapestry trim
• Pre-Safe system with seatbelt alerts
• Adaptive cruise control with active lane keeping assist
• Head-up display
• 360° camera
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated, massaging, memory front seats
• Wireless induction charging for smartphones

Mercedes EQC Price

Photos of the Mercedes EQC

Technical Sheet of the Mercedes EQC 400

Also read: Mercedes EQV 300: info, range, and price of the minivan