Eastlife Autumn 2020

Motoring
Mercedes-Benz
EQC
By Sue Cooke | Twitter: @cookecars
I’ve been driving in an ethereal Mercedes-Benz world of quiet, luxury and beauty.
When the man came to pick the EQC up, I even felt a little old tug of the heart
strings as I handed the keys over.
I absolutely fell in love with the crossover SUV with its avant garde style unique to
the all-electric range. The EQC is the first Mercedes-Benz model under the new
product and technology brand, the EQ, which pioneers dynamic performance
generated by two electric motors at the front and rear axles.
Power is instant when I press the accelerator and as I ease up, unlike the jerky
reaction and sudden braking of some electric vehicles, the EQC slows down
gradually. The range wasn’t an issue during my week of driving because the
80kWh lithium ion battery has a generous mileage of 259 (WLTP) and will
regenerate when coasting. The output is 408hp and 62mph from standstill can be
reached in 5.1 seconds. Top speed is 111mph.
But it’s always looks that turn my head and as I set out on a journey at dusk, the
automatic multibeam LED headlights soar into life with the most entertaining light
show that I have ever seen. A multitude of lights dance into view, flutter, then rise
to a majestic static encore. I have to admit that when I return home, I ensure that I
back onto the drive and switch the ignition on and off a couple of times, just in case
the people who live over the road didn’t see the show the first-time round!
Facts at a Glance:
Model: Mercedes-Benz EQC AMG Line
4Matic
Price: £67,715otr
Battery: Lithium ion high voltage with
electric motor
Electric range: 232-259 WLTP
Charging Time: Public rapid charging –
40 mins. Wallbox 11 hours.
Performance: 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and
on to a top speed of 112 mph
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Transmission: Single speed automatic
When I have my fill of the lighting, the extremely quiet interior continues the
entertainment. The MBUX multimedia system displays the range, the charge status
and energy flow. Me and the innovative ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant get on
very well. She expertly calculates the fastest route I need to take, with the shortest
charging time and even tells me where the nearest charging points are.
The Active Parking Assist gives a very clear view of the road behind. Other features
I appreciate are blind spot assist, keyless-Go, head up display and heated front
seats. The very large touchscreen media display and instrument cluster stretches
seamlessly across the centre console and behind the steering wheel. Ambient
lighting has a choice of 64 colours. The AMG Line has a startling blue optical line of
carbon fibre trim.
The large boot has a double layer for usefully hiding any items. The tailgate
automatically opens and closes by pressing a button on the key fob. Storage in
the interior is also huge with a wide area inside each door and there is a very deep
large covered storage area between the front seats.
The combination of beauty, luxury and extreme quiet in the new Mercedes-Benz
EQC will be very difficult to forget.
Sue Cooke reviewed the EQC prior to the lockdown restrictions.
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