2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC Electric

The 2021 EQC is offered at a starting price of $67,900 for the base Progressive trim which comes loaded with almost all the necessary features and creature comforts we expect from a sophisticated Mercedes-Benz SUV. The Premium trim adds a few more convenience features and technology while the Advanced trim features all the state-of-the-art safety and driver assistance feature packages to provide the ultimate experience.

Which trim should you buy?

Since the powertrain remains standard throughout the trim range and the upper trims cost considerably more, it is best to opt for the base Progressive trim. It doesn’t miss out on any necessary features, saves money, and can be added with preferred options if need be. 

Mercedes has developed a modular style lithium-ion battery pack to fit in different EQ ranges of cars and in the 2021 EQC, we get an 80 kWh unit under the floorboard. Although the rated range is 279 miles, many tests have shown a real-world range of just about 200 miles which isn’t the greatest in today’s day and age.

The charging times have been the biggest concern for EV adopters and although the 3-phase high-performance DC charging stations do a great job of recouping 80% of the battery in just 40 minutes from 10%, the household AC outlet would need an overnight charging for about 11 hours to bring it from 10-100%. 

The Tesla Model X outshines all others in this comparison with its superior efficiency due to its very low drag coefficient. Hence even with the smaller battery pack, it manages to offer the best driving range amongst the cars presents here. The Jaguar I-Pace has the largest battery pack on offer but it too struggles in terms of real-world driving range. 

Mercedes does not believe much in cost-cutting by sharing major cabin inventory and hence unlike Audi which shares its dashboard with the Q4 e-Tron, the EQC sees a new and distinctive design all around the cabin. The dashboard has a layered look to it while the large floating infotainment system that blends in with the fully digital instrument cluster looks very modern and sophisticated.

The horizontal center AC vents and the vertical ones on the sides although look metallic but are plastic vents with metallic coating on top and are part of Mercedes’ new EQ design language. The seats offer a wide range of adjustability and are comfortable while the cabin is pretty silent as well. Space is plenty for both the front and rear row occupants with no compromise for the headroom as well, though the 18.6 cu-ft trunk volume could have been better, which can be extended to 51.6 cu-ft after folding down the rear seat.

The Tesla Model X again triumphs in this aspect as well, offering abundant room for all the passengers and their luggage. The seats are wide, there is plenty of headroom at the back as well while the legroom is one of the best in the business. The I-Pace on the other hand has limited headroom for both rows and cramped legroom for the rear seat occupants but offers an identically sized boot as that of the Model X. 

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Nappa Leather upholstery
• Wireless Phone Charging Pad
• Natural Grain Black Ash Wood trim
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• HomeLink Garage Door Transmitter

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Mercedes-Benz EQC comes with something that Mercedes likes to call “Electric Intelligence” which when connected to the Mercedes Me app, dynamically changes the parameters of the vehicle based on different conditions. Owners can pre-plan route, departure times, set heating or cooling temperatures according to ambient conditions. The intelligent navigation system takes into consideration the stops, battery status, charging stations, weather conditions, topography, and traffic. 

The AI voice recognition can allow different voice commands with the “Hey Mercedes” call sign which blends really well with the latest MBUX infotainment system which features state-of-the-art gizmos. The 10.25-inch infotainment system offers razor-sharp graphics and should be quick to respond as well. The touchpad control isn’t the most intuitive setup but Mercedes have done a decent job here.

• 10.25-inch MBUX infotainment system
• Mercedes Me connectivity
• Intelligent Navigation System
• AI voice recognition
• HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Burmester Surround Sound System

Although the cabin of the EQC is very distinctive from the gas-powered GLC, the exterior silhouette is quite similar for both with very minute differences. The EQC is larger in dimensions and looks a bit more muscular as compared to the GLC. The aft of the SUV slopes down a bit giving it a sleek look and aids in providing a low drag coefficient of 0.28 which further translates to a better driving range. 

What’s sleeker are the LED headlights, full-width rear LED taillights and the large futuristic-looking alloy wheels. The carved out bumper looks striking and butch while the front grille might look unnecessary but the powered flaps that open or close according to speed and temperature offer ventilation to a large radiator and liquid heat exchangers for the batteries and air-conditioner behind the grille and is completely functional. 

All the SUVs in this example stay away from the SUV-like ride height and offer a ground clearance that is just on par with the conventional sedans these days. The Tesla Model X is the largest in terms of dimensions and hence offers that additional passenger and cargo space as compared to others. The I-Pace is the most compact and lightest of them all and while the EQC is longer than the Jaguar, it offers a shorter wheelbase. 

• Automatic LED headlamps
• Full width LED taillights
• Active powered front grille flaps
• Black lower body cladding 
• Chrome embellishments
• 21-inch Alloy Wheels

There are no surprises that neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has tested the Mercedes-Benz EQC since it isn’t going to be available to the American market yet, the available safety features and the new Mercedes MRA platform that is shared with the C-Class and GLC SUV should give us an idea of its superior safety standards. Mercedes is also expected to offer all the possible latest safety and driver assistance technology that is possible at this price point, some of which have been mentioned below. 

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Lane-Keeping Assistance
• Mercedes Me connect Emergency SOS
• Surround-View Camera
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC vs Jaguar I-Pace

The Jaguar I-Pace is priced marginally higher than the Mercedes EQC and also has a lower combined power and torque output, it still manages to offer quicker acceleration times. And although the EQC has a more usable standard towing capacity, higher variants of the I-Pace offer much higher tugging prowess. Both offer a similar driving range and although the I-Pace has a much larger trunk, the limited rear-seat space does affect the comfort levels. It also isn’t as technologically advanced as that of the EQC and hence if Mercedes were to launch the EQC in the country, it would have been the preferred choice. 

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC vs Tesla Model X

The biggest competitor for any EV to enter the market is an EV from Tesla, and for the EQC it is the Model X. The Model X might be considerably more expensive, it offers a stunning acceleration and braking performance, superior towing capacity, and a much longer driving range. The cabin is innovative and there is plenty of room for both passengers and their luggage. With the AutoPilot also available along with over-the-air future updates, there are very few reasons to not choose the Tesla over any other model. 

Well, considering the fact that Mercedes-Benz isn’t bringing the EQC anytime soon to the American shores, the question is more like should you wait for the EQC. Although even in its current stage, the 2021 Mercedes EQC is a solid offering with plenty of positives to make it a compelling buy in the compact SUV segment. That being said, unless Mercedes manages to improve the driving range and charging speeds at a home AC outlet, it is better to opt for the rivals that offer more convenience and practicality.