The Mercedes EQC is the bargain model among premium electric SUVs. But without additional crosses on the option list, the customer does not get along.
With a starting price of 71 281 euros, the Mercedes EQC is the affordable model in the electric SUV quartet around Tesla Model X, Audi E-Tron and Jaguar I-Pace. He is the only one of the four models to stay at the net price below 60.000 euros and thus qualify for the German electric car premium. However, the basic version lacks a few extras. A look at the price list.
The standard equipment of the EQC 400 4 Matic includes standard items such as automatic climate control, electric tailgate and navigation system as well as the LED multibeam headlamps with adaptive light distribution, which are usually subject to a surcharge. There is also an assistant package with emergency braking system, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition. Traction batteries, all-wheel drive and - as is common with electric cars - automatic transmissions are also standard.
Nevertheless, thousands of euros can be spent additionally. For example, for the look: standard are fabric seats, solid paint and aerodynamic 19-inch rims. If you want leather look (from 260 euros), metallic paint (from 930 euros) and fancier wheels (20-inch from 800 euros), you have to pay extra. For many customers, this should be a must to differentiate the EQC from the conventionally motorized sister model GLC. For this purpose, Mercedes also offers special interior and exterior designs such as the "Electric Art" package (535 euros).
When it comes to infotainment, the EQC can build on the advanced MBUX system with powerful voice control. The navigation and audio system essential for the search for charging stations are already on board. If you want, you can integrate augmented reality elements into the route guidance display for a surcharge of 300 euros. There is Burmester premium sound for 600 euros, a head-up display is available for just under 1.200 euros. If you don't want to do without modern assistance systems in a car with high-tech standards, you can find them, for example, in a package for 2.300 euros or sometimes as a single item.
Few options can be found in the charging technology. A DC charger with 110 kW is always on board for fast DC charging, and for AC charging there is an alternative to a very slow 7,4 kW charger. It takes around half a day for the 80 kWh battery on the wall box or charging station. Even slower refueling at the household socket is hardly a realistic option, so Mercedes does not have a suitable charging cable in the factory equipment. Anyone who wants to draw at least a little household traction current (2,3 kW) on the side of the road in an emergency can buy a copy for 285 euros extra. There is a cable for industrial sockets (3,6 kW) for the same price.
In addition to hardware and the usual software services, Mercedes also offers its EQC customers special services. For example, there is a pick-up and delivery service for workshop visits (490 euros for six years) and a maintenance service (2.100 euros for six years). The wear parts guarantee seems unusual for 3.100 euros (six years); Mercedes explicitly mentions wiper blades and brakes as examples. However, the latter usually last forever in electric cars, because braking is usually via the electric motor. This is probably more about convenience and worry-free than about an economically sensible customer benefit. However, all packages should improve the resale value because the services are also transferred to the subsequent owner.
The bottom line is that the basic EQC is not a tempting offer, but it is a typical basic model. If you want it to be more chic and comfortable, you have to invest a few thousand euros extra. Or you can choose the extensively equipped “Edition 1886” special model for an additional 13.650 euros.