Mercedes-Benz EQC boot space, practicality and safety

• Not as space-liberating as other EVs
• Comparable room to a GLC, though
• No extra storage with a front boot

Car makers often reference the space efficiency of their electric vehicles, given the small size of the motors compared with petrol and diesel engines, and the fact that the batteries are usually housed neatly under the floor.

That works well on dedicated EV designs such as the Jaguar I-Pace and much larger Tesla Model X, but as the EQC is a re-engineered Mercedes-Benz GLC, it doesn’t feel any more spacious or practical because much of the structure is very similar.

What that leaves you with is a relatively compact SUV with ample space for four adults, but a fifth sat in the centre rear seat will inevitably make things feel snug.

Additionally, the centre position itself is less comfortable, being narrower, with less under-thigh support and compromised space for feet due to the central tunnel – many dedicated EVs have a flat floor.

Dotted around the cabin is a plentiful array of cubbies and spaces for drinks and bottles, including in all the doors.

Boot space is good at 500 litres to the roofline with the seats up and 1,060 with them folded over to a near-flat angle. For convenience they split 40:20:40 allowing you to juggle longer loads with passenger space.

Covering the boot is a roller blind that feels well-engineered, plus there’s a quartet of hooks for hanging shopping in the boot and a storage net to the side for restraining smaller loose items.

Again, unlike some other purpose-designed electric cars, when you pop the bonnet of the EQC you won’t reveal a dainty, but plush-lined front boot – or froot as they are sometimes called. Instead, it’s fully of electric motor and other gubbins, such as the washer bottle reservoir.

How safe is the EQC?

• Five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating
• Lots of standard safety kit
• Batteries well protected within the structure

When crash-tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP in 2019, the EQC was assessed as being a full five-star car.

Mercedes’ name is synonymous with safety, so that in itself is not a surprise, but the high individual scores for adult and child occupant protection – 96% and 90%, respectively – are especially laudable.

All of the key items of safety kit are standardised across the range, including all-round parking sensors, a reversing camera, lane-departure warning and blindspot assistance, autonomous emergency braking, cruise control and superb LED headlamps.

AMG Line Premium Plus models also come with a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display projecting key driving information onto the windscreen.

An option bundle definitely worth considering is he Driving Assistance Plus package that comprises of adaptive cruise control, lane-changing assistance, evasive steering assistance – to automatically steer you away from danger – and active braking that recognises corners and cross-traffic scenarios.

Watch: Mercedes-Benz EQC Euro NCAP crash test