Mercedes EQC EV range gains entry variant

MERCECES-BENZ has expanded its Australian electric vehicle portfolio yet again in 2021 with confirmation of the new EQC400 4Matic SUV; a trimmer, more affordable sibling to the existing version that has been rebranded as the EQC400 4Matic Sport.

Priced from $124,300 before on-road costs, the new ‘entry-level’ mid-sized electric SUV wil arrive in local showrooms later in the year undercutting the Sport by $17,000 despite the pair sharing mechanicals.

Under the skin is the familiar dual-motor set-up (one front, one rear) paired with the same 80kWh lithium-ion battery, together developing unchanged 300kW/730Nm outputs and a 430km range on the ADR cycle.

All that power and torque mean the base-grade EQC is still no slouch from 0-100km/h, stopping the clock in a claimed 5.1 seconds.

Where it differs from its more expensive sibling is in its standard equipment list and the lack of AMG Line styling packs both on the exterior and interior.

From the outside, the EQC400 4Matic forgoes the Sport’s black panel radiator grille, jet-wing front apron, functional air curtains, broader rear apron (with diffuser) and 21-inch alloy wheels – it rolls on 20s.

It’s a similar story within the cabin; the Sport comes a standard with more-athletic touches like a sports-style Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel, AMG floor mats, glass sunroof, head-up display, rear privacy glass, AMG leather seats and an Artico dashboard, all things the base model goes without.

That is not to say the regular EQC400 4Matic is sparsely equipped.

It comes as standard with dual 10.25-inch screens running MBUX infotainment software, power adjustable seats and steering column with memory function, heated front seats, black Artico upholstery, DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 64-colour ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, powered tailgate, Parking Package with Active Parking Assist and a 360-dgeree camera.

Exterior lighting is taken care of by adaptive multibeam LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, light strip and tail-lights.

Being a modern luxury vehicle, there is more standard safety tech than a toddler could poke a stick, highlights including traffic sign assist and the Driving Assistance Package Plus comprising adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, active braking assist, active lane keeping assist, active blind-spot assist and pre-safe system.

“The newly minted EQC400 4Matic achieves an enticing price point for the upcoming model year, following a specification review that identified an opportunity to welcome more first-time electric SUV customers to the all-electric market,” a Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific spokesperson said.

“The new entry to the EQC line-up is well stocked with an array of luxury and convenience features.”

Included in the asking price of both EQC variants is a five-year unlimited subscription to the nationwide Chargefox charging network.

The local arm of Mercedes has sold 168 EQCs so far this year ending July 31, accounting for 0.9 per cent of the $60,000+ medium SUV segment.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs