Mercedes-Benz has long been the benchmark for luxury motoring, but the shift towards electrification has rewritten the rules for premium vehicles. Enter the Mercedes-Benz EQC – a mid-size luxury electric SUV built to challenge Tesla’s dominance while offering the comfort, refinement, and craftsmanship the three-pointed star is famous for.
For Australians, the EQC represents more than just a stylish EV; it’s a statement that luxury and sustainability can coexist without compromise. In this deep-dive review, we’ll cover everything from design, driving dynamics, range and charging, to ownership experience and how it compares with rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Audi e-tron, BMW iX3, and Jaguar I-PACE.
Exterior Design: The Blend of Elegance and Futuristic Styling
The EQC looks every bit a Mercedes but with subtle futuristic cues that set it apart. Its black-panel front grille, flanked by LED light strips, gives it an unmistakably modern face. Instead of sharp, aggressive edges, the EQC opts for rounded contours, ensuring a balance of aerodynamic efficiency and road presence.
Key highlights of the design include:
Full-width LED daytime running lights creating a sleek, signature look at night.
20–21-inch alloy wheels designed specifically for EV aerodynamics.
Smooth side profile with minimal creases for efficiency and elegance.
Subtle EQC badging to distinguish it within Mercedes’ growing electric EQ family.
For Australians who want their EV to stand out while still keeping that understated Mercedes sophistication, the EQC hits the sweet spot.
Interior: Premium Comfort Meets Tech Innovation
Step inside the EQC, and the cabin immediately reassures you – this is still very much a Mercedes. The interior blends traditional luxury with cutting-edge EV touches, making it feel both familiar and futuristic.
Materials and Comfort
Leather-appointed seating with multiple colour themes including black, beige, and blue accents unique to EQ models.
Soft-touch materials across the dash, with recycled and sustainable trim options for eco-conscious buyers.
Excellent sound insulation thanks to double-glazed windows and EV-specific noise cancellation.
Technology and Infotainment
Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system shines here, complete with:
Dual 10.25-inch digital displays (instrument cluster + central infotainment).
“Hey Mercedes” voice assistant for hands-free commands.
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
EQ-specific screens displaying battery status, range, and charging options.
Space and Practicality
Seating for five with ample legroom, even in the rear.
Boot space of 500 litres (expands with seats folded), competitive within its class.
Rear seats offer good recline comfort, perfect for long Aussie road trips.
Performance: Power with Silent Grace
Unlike some EVs that go all-in on performance gimmicks, the EQC blends power with refinement. Under the bonnet (or more accurately, under the floor), it packs:
Dual electric motors delivering 300 kW and 760 Nm of torque.
0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds – quick but smooth, not brutally aggressive like a Tesla.
Top speed of 180 km/h, electronically limited.
All-wheel drive for year-round traction and stability.
On Australian highways, the EQC delivers quiet, effortless cruising. In the city, its instant torque makes darting through traffic a breeze. It may not be a track weapon, but it excels in what Mercedes customers value most: smooth, composed luxury performance.
Driving Experience: Comfort First
Mercedes has tuned the EQC to prioritise comfort over razor-sharp handling. For Australian buyers, that makes sense – our roads vary from silky motorways to rough country stretches.
Suspension: The EQC uses adaptive dampers tuned for Australian conditions, absorbing potholes and imperfections with ease.
Steering: Light at low speeds (great for city manoeuvring) but firming up on highways.
Braking: Strong regenerative braking options, including one-pedal driving for city commutes.
If you’re looking for razor-sharp, sporty driving, the BMW iX3 or Jaguar I-PACE may appeal more. But for serene comfort, the EQC is unmatched.
Range and Charging: Real-World Usability
Range anxiety remains the biggest EV concern in Australia. The EQC addresses this with:
80 kWh battery pack.
Claimed range: ~430 km (WLTP).
Real-world Australian conditions: ~350–380 km, depending on driving style, climate, and terrain.
Charging Times
DC Fast Charging (110 kW): 10% to 80% in ~40 minutes.
AC Home Charging (11 kW wallbox): ~7–8 hours for a full charge.
Standard socket: ~40 hours – impractical, so a wallbox is strongly recommended.
For daily commutes and even weekend getaways, the EQC’s range is sufficient. On longer cross-state trips, Australia’s growing fast-charging network (via Chargefox, Evie, Tesla Superchargers) makes planning easier.
Safety: Mercedes’ DNA Intact
Safety has always been a cornerstone for Mercedes, and the EQC carries forward this tradition. It has been awarded a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and includes:
Driver Assistance Systems: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and active brake assist.
Collision Avoidance: Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Parking Assistance: 360-degree cameras, automated parking.
Build Strength: EV-specific crash structure with battery protection.
Families will appreciate the EQC’s full suite of airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and strong crash-test results.
Ownership Costs: Luxury EV Realities
Owning a luxury EV like the EQC in Australia comes with unique financial considerations.
Pricing
EQC range starts around $130,000–$140,000 drive-away in Australia, positioning it above Tesla Model Y but below some rivals like BMW iX.
Running Costs
Lower servicing costs vs petrol/diesel Mercedes (no oil changes, fewer moving parts).
Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometre than petrol or diesel.
Insurance premiums may be slightly higher due to repair costs of EV components.
Warranty & Servicing
5-year/unlimited km warranty.
8-year/160,000 km battery warranty.
Capped-price servicing through Mercedes dealerships.
Mercedes EQC vs Rivals in Australia
How does the EQC compare to other luxury EV SUVs?
Tesla Model Y Performance: Faster, cheaper, wider charging network – but lacks Mercedes refinement.
Audi e-tron: Similar price and luxury feel, but EQC has better interior tech.
BMW iX3: Sportier to drive, slightly cheaper, but rear-wheel drive only.
Jaguar I-PACE: More dynamic handling, but ageing cabin tech compared to Mercedes’ MBUX.
For Aussies prioritising luxury, comfort, and brand prestige, the EQC makes a compelling case over its rivals.
Who Should Buy the EQC?
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is ideal for:
Luxury SUV buyers wanting to make the EV transition without losing comfort.
Families needing a safe, practical premium SUV with usable range.
Executives and professionals who want a stylish, eco-conscious vehicle.
Early EV adopters who value Mercedes’ heritage and dealer network.
Future of Mercedes EVs in Australia
The EQC is just the beginning. Mercedes has announced more EQ models for Australia, including:
EQA & EQB: Smaller, more affordable electric SUVs.
EQE & EQS: Electric sedans targeting Tesla Model S and premium buyers.
EQG: An electric G-Wagon, showing Mercedes’ EV plans extend even to rugged 4x4 icons.
This growing lineup means EQC buyers are part of a bigger, long-term electric ecosystem.
Conclusion: Is the Mercedes-Benz EQC Worth It?
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is not the cheapest EV SUV in Australia, nor the longest range. But it delivers something its rivals often lack: true luxury DNA blended with modern EV capability.
For Australians seeking an electric SUV that feels every bit a Mercedes – from the soft leather seats to the refined ride – the EQC ticks nearly every box. While Tesla may win on speed and charging infrastructure, the EQC delivers where it matters for premium buyers: comfort, safety, technology, and prestige.
If you’re ready to step into electric luxury, the Mercedes EQC deserves a serious spot on your shortlist.
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