Mercedes EQC: Great driving experience in the E-SUV - with one catch

The E-SUV EQC from Mercedes has been available for a few months now - but the market launch was not without its pitfalls. We made our own picture.

• The Mercedes EQC has had a shaky market launch.
• The E-SUV offers a lot - but also has a disadvantage.
• We have already driven the EQC.

Mercedes EQC: when is the market launch?

He came late. So that everything goes smoothly at the premiere and he can really get going. But every beginning is difficult. Also for a supposed star in the electric sky. A few weeks after the market launch, sales of the first Mercedes E-SUV are not yet in full swing. On the contrary. Mercedes * emphasizes on request that there is "gratifyingly high demand for the EQC". However, the company could "currently not serve them". The reason: In the fall of 2019, defects in the bolt of the front axle differential were discovered , so a recall was arranged. In addition, the EQC was first "only handed over to selected customers".

The EQC is adorned with a continuous light strip at the front and rear.

© Daimler AG

In the meantime, the first teething troubles have been remedied. But to be on the safe side, the planned market launch in the United States was postponed by a year to 2021 . A decision, "which is not due to the new CO2 limit values," it said.

Nevertheless, Mercedes remains committed to its 2020 production planning at the Bremen plant. "We are still planning with around 50,000 units of EQC for this year and have therefore bought cells from various suppliers," said a company spokesman.

That costs the Mercedes EQC

Europe is a very important market. That is why Mercedes is doing its utmost in its German homeland. The EQC is widely advertised on many channels. It is quite possible that the beautiful Stromer will actually get going better soon. After all, Mercedes also expected a pointed pen for the price.

The EQC still costs a minimum of a proud 71,281 euros . However, the net list price is 59,900 euros, which is just below the funding limit of 60,000 euros . With a few extras from the extensive list of special equipment, it goes quickly over the 80,000 mark. The special model with the name "1886" and extensive equipment starts at 84,930 euros.

The range of the EQC leaves something to be desired in the practical test

The EQC still has some room for improvement in terms of range . The 80 kWh battery capacity should range from 445 to 471 kilometers according to the NEDC standard, says Mercedes. According to the WLTP standard, still for 390 kilometers. In practice, we did not come anywhere near this distance in the test.

Our battery charge ran out after 240 kilometers - after a balanced test operation with city and highway. Sure, the cool outside temperatures just above freezing and a warmer heating in the interior cost a lot of electricity. So it should go much further in summer. And 240 kilometers are enough for everyday life. Nevertheless, we had expected a larger range. Also in the winter. Our average consumption over 100 kilometers was an impressive 33 kWh.

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E-SUV: This is how the Mercedes EQC drives

Otherwise, the luxury four-wheel drive can collect first-class grades without exception. The driving experience is outstanding. As usual comfortable and dignified . And amazingly handy thanks to its direct steering. The 2.5-tonner also remains stable in bends, although the weight pushes it out a bit, which is also due to the 650 kg battery that pushes the vehicle's center of gravity downwards.

The quietness while driving is particularly noteworthy. The EQC * is a bit quieter than some e-competitors. Mercedes has further expanded noise reduction, so additional insulation materials can be found in several cavities and gaps, as well as reinforcements on metal sheets and structural parts that reduce vibrations to a minimum. If you turn off the radio, you can only hear the tires rolling quietly.

The trunk of the EQC has a volume between 500 and 1,460 liters.

© Daimler AG

The silence is not broken even when you step on the accelerator and the heavyweight vehemently shoots forward. In 5.1 seconds it goes from standstill to 100 km / h . A little intoxication. The system output of 408 hp provides a maximum torque of 760 Nm. At 180 km / h, propulsion is automatically blocked. Getting in and out is also very pleasant thanks to the higher body. Of course, with a wheelbase of 2.87 meters there is also plenty of space for the occupants in all five seats.

Mercedes EQC: The battery does it

An intelligent route navigation, as is known from Tesla and the network of superchargers, should also help save electricity on longer distances. Means here: The Mercedes calculates the route with stops at DC quick charging stations, where you can charge with 110 kW. There, the lithium-ion battery can be charged from ten to 80 percent in about 40 minutes . The EQC can be charged with up to 7.4 kW on an AC charging station (AC) or on a wall box for at home. Then it takes around eleven hours before the completely empty battery shines again in all its glory. It only consumes 2.3 kW at a standard household socket. Then it takes almost 40 hours to fully charge . The Mercedes Stromer has a 7.4 kW AC on-board charger and a 110 kW DC on-board charger as standard.

Also interesting : loud or quiet? The "city SUV" Skoda Kamiq with three-cylinder in the test.

The features of the Mercedes EQC

Externally, the E-SUV can be easily recognized as a Stromer. Its lettering EQC shines blue, there are blue accents in the headlights and on the rim edges of the tires. The continuous light strip at the front and back also looks chic. Inside, the driver looks at two flat, wide screens in blue, which appear to be interwoven: behind the steering wheel with an individually configurable classic display for speed and range , on the right above the center console with infotainment, navigation and other modern features Features there. The EQC receives the technical platform from its brother GLC. Both models come off the assembly line in Bremen in parallel. Amazingly, the body of the EQC is ten centimeters longer.

The EQC receives the technical platform from the GLC.

© Daimler AG

Datasheet Mercedes EQC 400 4Matic

Also read : Hyundai Kona Elektro: How suitable for everyday use is the Stromer?

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* tz.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.