2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC Upcoming Version Review

In 2022, Malaysia's new energy vehicle market experienced significant growth, with many new players entering the luxury pure electric SUV segment. However, there are not many models that truly balance brand appeal and practical range. The EQC Upcoming Version launched by Mercedes-Benz specifically aims to fill this gap — as the core SUV of the brand's all-electric series, it not only continues the luxurious feel that Mercedes-Benz is known for but also brings targeted upgrades in terms of range and intelligent configurations. This time, we got our hands on the actual vehicle, and our main goal is to verify whether its dynamic performance lives up to the "benchmark for luxury electric cars" and whether its daily range can meet the commuting and short-trip needs of Malaysian users.

The exterior design of the EQC easily reminds one of the traditional fuel-powered GLC, but the electric modifications in the details make it highly recognizable. The front face adopts Mercedes-Benz EQ family's iconic sealed "Night Star Wing" grille, with an internal dot-matrix structure and a central illuminated three-pointed star emblem, creating a strong sense of ceremony when lit up at night. The LED headlamp unit on both sides is seamlessly connected to the grille, and the daytime running light extends into a straight "line," visually widening the front end. The side of the vehicle retains the sleek lines of a compact SUV, with a waistline running from the front to the rear of the car, and 20-inch multi-spoke wheels designed for low wind resistance, reducing energy consumption while enhancing sportiness. At the rear, the most eye-catching feature is the through-type LED taillights, with a horizontal stripe pattern inside the lights that echoes the front when illuminated. The lower diffuser eliminates the exhaust pipe, further emphasizing its all-electric identity. Overall, the EQC does not deliberately pursue an aggressive sci-fi feel but employs refined electric elements to balance luxury and technology.

Sitting inside the car, you are immediately enveloped by Mercedes-Benz's luxurious feel. The interior features a unique EQ dual 10.25-inch connected screen design, with the left instrument panel displaying electric vehicle-specific information such as battery power and range, while the right central control screen is equipped with the MBUX intelligent human-computer interaction system. It supports voice control (recognizing Malay and English commands), as well as wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with excellent operational fluidity and response speed. The center console is wrapped in a large area of soft leather, embellished with metal trim and piano lacquered panels, giving a delicate finishing touch wherever you touch. The air conditioning vents have a round turbine shape, and a rotary gear selector replaces the traditional gear lever, saving space in the central control area. In terms of configuration, the front seats support heating/ventilation functions, and the driver's seat includes a memory mode. The rear seats come with independent air conditioning vents and a Type-C power interface, while the panoramic sunroof can be electrically opened, enhancing the sense of openness inside the car.

In terms of space performance, the EQC has dimensions of 4761mm×1884mm×1624mm and a wheelbase of 2873mm, which fully meets the needs of family users. After adjusting the front seat to a comfortable position, a 175cm-tall passenger still has a headroom of one fist and two fingers. The rear legroom exceeds two fists, and headroom has an additional one-fist space, ensuring no sense of crowding even with three adults sitting at the back. Regarding storage capacity, the front central armrest box offers considerable space and can hold up to five bottles of mineral water, while the door storage slots can accommodate large thermos cups. The trunk has a standard capacity of 500 liters, which can be expanded to 1,440 liters by folding down the rear seats, easily accommodating items like strollers and suitcases.

Dynamic experience is the focus of this test. The EQC is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering a combined maximum power of 300kW and a peak torque of 760N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is only 5.1 seconds. During actual driving, switching to the "Sport" mode and pressing the accelerator pedal deeply immediately provides a strong thrust sensation. Even at high speeds (100-120km/h), the power output remains linear and abundant, offering great confidence during overtaking. In "Comfort" mode, the power response becomes milder, making it more suitable for daily commuting. The steering wheel offers moderate weight, minimal play, and precise directionality, meeting the expectations of a luxury SUV. The chassis features a front double-wishbone suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension system, tuned for comfort. When driving over the common potholes or speed bumps in Malaysia, the suspension quickly absorbs most of the jolts, keeping the body stable. When entering corners, the suspension provides sufficient support, with body roll controlled within a reasonable range, ensuring passengers do not experience noticeable swaying.

Range testing is crucial for electric vehicles. The EQC is equipped with an 80kWh ternary lithium battery, with an official CLTC range of 440km. We simulated daily usage scenarios for testing: urban roads (accounting for 60%, including congested conditions) and highways (accounting for 40%, with an average speed of 110km/h). The air conditioning (24℃ in automatic mode) and music were turned on throughout the journey. After driving 280km, the display showed 25% battery remaining, achieving approximately 85% of the rated range, which meets expectations. On the charging side, using a 150kW DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes. With a 7kW home AC charger, a full charge takes about 11 hours, making it suitable for overnight off-peak charging.

In terms of driving comfort details, the EQC excels in NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) control. At high speeds (120km/h), wind and road noise are kept to a low level, with only a light electric motor whine audible. The regenerative braking system offers three adjustable levels. In the highest setting, releasing the accelerator pedal provides a noticeable drag effect, ideal for long downhill stretches to save energy. The lowest setting allows a coasting feeling similar to a gasoline vehicle, ensuring passenger comfort. The seat padding is soft yet supportive, preventing lower back fatigue during long drives. The rear floor is almost flat, so the legroom for the middle passenger in the back seat is not compromised.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC Upcoming Version are clear. Firstly, the luxurious quality attributed to the Mercedes-Benz brand, with interior workmanship and features ranking among the top in this segment of luxury electric SUVs. Secondly, the balanced dynamic performance, where the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers strong power, and the chassis tuning balances comfort and handling. Thirdly, the reliable range, with an 85% range achievement rate that meets the daily commuting and short trip needs of Malaysian users. Compared to its competitors, the BMW iX3 (450km range, priced at RM 368,800), the EQC holds advantages in luxury features and all-wheel-drive performance. While the Tesla Model Y Performance (514km range, priced at RM 399,900) offers a longer range, it slightly falls short in terms of luxury quality and brand appeal.

EQC is more suitable for users who value brand and pursue a luxurious experience — such as middle-class families aged 30-45, who need a pure electric SUV that can balance daily commuting and family outings, while having high demands for interior texture and configurations. It is also suitable for users who frequently require business receptions, as Mercedes’ brand influence and comfortable riding experience can meet business scenario needs. If you do not pursue extreme mileage but hope to strike a balance between luxury, performance, and practicality, then the EQC would be a good choice.

Overall, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC Upcoming Version is a pure electric SUV that prioritizes "luxury over aggressiveness". With Mercedes’ consistent meticulous craftsmanship and balanced performance, it provides a pragmatic option for the luxury pure electric market in Malaysia.