This is the Mercedes-Benz EQC – it was the first in the German brand’s onslaught of all-electric vehicles, launched under the EQ sub-brand.

Though Mercedes has previously dabbled with electric vehicles (EVs) before – in particular the B-Class Electric Drive and battery powered derivatives of its Smart Fortwo and Forfour ranges, the EQC is its standalone electric range.

• Read more: We rate the best electric SUVs for 2020

To call the EQC a purpose-built electric car, in the same way that key rivals such as the Audi E-Tron and Jaguar I-Pace are, is rather generous. Its silhouette confirms that this is an electrified version of the Mercedes GLC, much in the same way that the forthcoming BMW iX3 will be related to the X3.  

What’s the EQC’s range between recharges?

Under the latest WLTP efficiency tests, the EQC is rated at a range of 252-256 miles – on par with the 250 miles an Audi E-Tron 55 claims, but less than the 292 miles you officially get from a Jaguar I-Pace. These figures are all very dependent on how you drive the car, though, and the EQC is competitive in its field – certainly on test, 230-240 miles seemed achievable.

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Mercedes has put a lot of work into easing range anxiety, with very clear dashboard displays showing rate of consumption and remaining range. If you begin to worry you might run out, there’s a bespoke Max Range mode, which alters the car and coaches the driver in a bid to maximise efficiency.

This mode uses sat-nav data and traffic sign recognition to encourage you to back off the throttle at opportune moments. It alters the energy recuperation, working to charge the battery where it can but freewheeling if it’s more efficient to carry speed. The sat-nav’s also capable of planning routes around tactical charging stops.

The EQC’s 80kWh battery pack can be charged from 10-80% in around 40 minutes at an appropriate fast charger, but it can also draw power from a home wallbox, taking the EQC from empty to full in around 11 hours.

Is the EQC easy to drive?

Very. In fact, it’s easy to drive the EQC quickly, should you wish to.

So far just one power option is available, badged EQC 400 4Matic. The 400 references the EQC’s power output – okay, 408hp rounded down a tad, almost identical to the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi E-Tron – while the 4Matic references the car’s four-wheel drive system, accomplished by installing an electric motor on each axle.

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Outright performance is impressive, and the Mercedes EQC will beat almost any comparable petrol or diesel SUV away from the traffic lights due to the instant response of its electric motor. It doesn’t respond well to being driven hard, though, and a Jaguar I-Pace will prove a more involving steer for the keen driver.

Familiar Mercedes interior

In contrast to the stark, minimalist approach employed in the E-Tron and I-Pace, the EQC’s interior is very similar to Mercedes’ other models with a long horizontal dual-screen dashboard arrangement and plenty of physical buttons for various controls. That’s not a bad thing, though.

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What’s particularly different is the choice of materials used: it’s still largely plastic, but many surfaces have a contemporary dimpled finish, rather than a leathery appearance. Plus, the colours aren’t the usual Mercedes fare, either with pale greys and rose golds in lieu of blacks and silvers.

Perhaps a little surprisingly, the trim level structure for the EQC is broadly in line with what you’ll find elsewhere in Mercedes range, starting at Sport and progressing through AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz EQC including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.

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