Used Mercedes EQC 2019-present review

Demand for electrified vehicles such as the Mercedes EQC is varying a little at the moment so now looks like a good time to pick up a bargain.

The EQC was actually Mercedes' first built-from-scratch electric vehicle, back in 2019, and it sits in the popular large SUV category. Good sales mean there are plenty of them to choose from used.

Like most of its electric SUV rivals, there's only one 'engine' option available and that's a 402bhp electric motor with an 80kWh battery pack. That makes the EQC more powerful than a Jaguar I-Pace and a match for the old Audi
E-tron, although both of those rivals have more battery capacity.

As an SUV that was decidedly pricey when new, it's fitting that even the entry-level Sport has plenty of toys, including LED headlights, an electric tailgate, keyless entry and start, a 10.25in infotainment screen with sat-nav and heated front seats. Heading up to AMG Line brings bigger 20in alloy wheels along with sportier exterior and interior styling with more figure-hugging sports seats.

However, you'll need AMG Line Premium for the fancier augmented reality navigation system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. There's also 21in wheels, an electric panoramic glass roof, a richer sounding Burmester sound system and Airbalance, a system that perfumes the air inside the car to revitalise you. Annoyingly, memory settings for the electric seats and a 360 deg camera system are only available with range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus trim.

A 0-60mph time of 4.9sec makes the EQC significantly swifter than an E-tron, but not quite as fast as the I-Pace, although you'd need to be a real speed demon or have the desire to outrun the hottest of hot hatches to really care.

Comfort is more the EQC's bag. On the Sport model's 19in wheels the ride is mostly calm, taking the initial sting out of impacts with potholes thanks to a suspension set-up that's quite soft. The trouble is, this softness means the EQC pitches and wallows a lot of rougher roads. The Jaguar I-Pace's ride, by comparison, feels more controlled.

The I-Pace is also a better-handling choice if you like to hustle through bends. Try to corner the EQC with similar enthusiasm and it sways about before running out of front-end grip sooner than you might imagine.

Drive normally, though, and it's perfectly adequate, and the steering is light, precise and well-suited to motoring around town. Refinement is very impressive whatever speed you're doing, too.

Also impressive is the appealing look of the interior with its mix of large, high-tech screens, gloss black plastic, genuine leather seats (on all but entry-level Sport trim) and plenty of polished metal highlights.

Build quality is generally pretty good, although it never feels as solid as the E-tron's because some of the fixtures, including the centre air vents and their plastic surrounds, are wobbly and a bit of a let-down.

Unlike the more squat I-Pace, the EQC has a relatively high driving position with plenty of head, shoulder, and leg room, along with great forward visibility. The view from the side and the back isn't as good due to shallow windows, but a standard reversing camera and big door mirrors help here.

Despite being wider, the EQC trails the I-Pace for leg room, and is only a smidgen better for head room.

Boot space is slightly meaner in the Mercedes, although it is still roomy enough for the weekly shop and a child's pushchair. Plus, you get a handy 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat for greater flexibility over passenger and cargo space.

If you're interested in finding a used EQC, or any of the other electric cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Prices start from around £32,000 for a late 2019 EQC in Sport trim. Spend between £35,000 and £38,000 on 2020 and 2021 models, £37,000 to £40,000 on 2022 and a fraction more on the newer 2023 models.

To keep up to date with used Mercedes EQC prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Check the value of a used Mercedes EQC with What Car? Valuations

Range and charging times

It'll take about 12-13 hours to go from empty to fully charged using a regular 7.2kW home charging point.

The EQC can accept up to 110kW charging when you’re out and about, topping up from nearly empty to 80% in 40-50 minutes. Most public CCS chargers (the type of rapid charging plug the EQC uses) deliver 50kW, though, pushing the 80% charging time up to around 90 minutes.

The EQC's official WLTP range of 255 miles sounds alright, but when we subjected it to our Real Range test, we only managed to get 208 miles out of one. A Jaguar I-Pace and even a much more humble Hyundai Kona Electric will go farther between charges, although the EQC does manage to beat the Audi E-tron for range, despite having a smaller battery pack.

Car tax (VED)

Electric car owners enjoy not having to pay any annual car tax (VED), and also escape the surcharge for vehicles that cost over £40,000 when new. You can find out more about the current road tax costs here.

Servicing

There are service plans available for you to spread the cost of future servicing and start from £30 per month, although it should be noted that maintenance on an I-Pace costs less than this, and it's cheaper still for an E-tron.

All examples will need to be serviced annually or every 15,500 miles.

Specification

While there is no choice of 'engine' options with the EQC, you do have plenty of trim levels to choose from. Entry-level Sport has all the equipment you'd need, but higher trim levels have proven to be popular and are widely available, so we'd suggest looking for an AMG Line Premium model because you get the fancier infotainment and navigation system that also includes full smartphone connectivity.

Our favourite Mercedes EQC AMG Line Premium

Another large electric SUV to pay serious attention to is the Jaguar I-Pace because not only is it a cracking thing to drive, it also goes a lot farther than the EQC on a single charge. It, too, comes very well equipped.

If refinement is your bag, check out the old Audi E-tron. The range isn't brilliant as large electric cars go, but it isn't far off that of the EQC. Not as quick as an EQC, though.

You could also seek out the E-tron's replacement, the Audi Q8 e-tron. This is a more polished product than the E-tron and being newer will obviously set you back a little more.

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