Mercedes-Benz EQC Review

In Malaysia's luxury electric vehicle market, the BBA brand has always maintained its benchmark status. Especially in the mid-size electric SUV segment, consumers value brand premium while having stringent requirements for range, features, and driving experience. As Mercedes-Benz’s first pure electric SUV, the 2022 EQC has recently received configuration adjustments in its Upcoming Version. Its core selling points lie in retaining the luxurious DNA of the brand while optimizing its intelligent interaction system and range performance. In this test drive, we will focus on three key questions: Are the configuration upgrades practical? Does the actual range meet daily commuting needs? How does it compare to competitors in the same class in terms of competitiveness?

From the exterior, the 2022 EQC Upcoming Version continues the classic EQ family design language, with a rounded and smooth overall style that takes both aerodynamics and luxury into consideration. The front face adopts a closed single-slat star emblem grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, which integrate daytime running lights with high recognizability when lit. The side profile features long and smooth lines, with 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and 235/55 R19 tires, ensuring grip and enhancing the visual layering. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights echo the front design, and the diffuser shape below the rear bumper is simple, further enhancing the technological feel of the electric vehicle.

Upon entering the cabin, the familiar luxurious ambiance of Mercedes-Benz greets you. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft leather, complemented by metal trims and piano lacquer panels, offering a delicate touch and superior texture. The 10.25-inch dual-screen design remains the visual centerpiece, and the upgraded MBUX intelligent interaction system now supports voice control and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, with improved operational smoothness compared to the previous version. The seats are wrapped in Nappa leather, with front seats offering electric adjustment and heating functions. The backrests provide good lateral support, ensuring comfort during long periods of sitting. Notably, the rear seats are equipped with independent air conditioning vents and Type-C charging ports, providing a more convenient experience for rear passengers.

In terms of space performance, the dimensions of the new vehicle are 4761mm×1884mm×1624mm, with a wheelbase of 2873mm. The front-row seating is spacious, and a 180cm tester still has a fist-length of headroom after adjusting the seat. Rear legroom reaches up to two fists, and headroom offers four fingers of space, ensuring comfort even with three passengers in the rear. The trunk has a conventional capacity of 500 liters, which can be expanded to 1460 liters by folding down the rear seats, adequate for family trips or large items. Additionally, the practicality of storage spaces such as door pockets and the center armrest box is commendable, making it convenient to store daily items.

In terms of the power system, the 2022 EQC Upcoming Version is equipped with dual motors at the front and rear, providing a combined maximum power of 300kW and a peak torque of 760N·m, paired with a single-speed electric transmission. In standard mode, the start-up is smooth, and the power response is linear; switching to sports mode considerably enhances acceleration performance, achieving a 0-100km/h acceleration in just 5.1 seconds, offering great confidence during overtaking. Regarding range, the vehicle is equipped with an 80kWh ternary lithium battery pack, with a WLTP range of 417km. In our mixed road condition test, the actual range fulfillment rate was about 85%, sufficient for a week's city commuting without charging. However, on the highway, the range is approximately 320km, requiring advance planning of charging stations for long-distance trips. As for charging efficiency, using an 11kW home charging station takes 8 hours for a full charge, while the fast charging mode (110kW) can charge from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes.

The handling and chassis performance align with the positioning of a luxury SUV. The steering wheel offers precise control with minimal slack, being light and easy to maneuver at low speeds and stable and firm at high speeds. The suspension system adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, tuned more for comfort. It effectively absorbs bumps when dealing with speed bumps or potholes on urban roads, providing a minimal vibration feel inside the cabin. On mountain road curves, the suspension provides sufficient support, keeping body roll within a reasonable range. In terms of noise control, thanks to the inherent advantages of electric vehicles, motor noise is almost inaudible during driving, and wind and tire noise at high speeds are also not significant, resulting in excellent overall quietness.

The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels, with the lowest setting resembling the coasting effect of a fuel-powered car, and the highest level delivering a stronger drag effect. It can be quickly adjusted via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. During the test drive, we found that the logic of the energy recovery system in the facelifted model is more linear, avoiding abrupt deceleration sensations and offering a smoother everyday driving experience.

Compared with competitors in the same class, such as the BMW iX3 and Audi e-tron, the 2022 EQC Upcoming Version stands out with its more refined luxury ambiance and configuration performance, particularly with the improved MBUX system enhancing its technological appeal. However, the iX3 excels in range performance, and the e-tron has slight advantages in space flexibility. That said, the new model's price of 388,888 MYR is competitive among luxury mid-size electric SUVs, especially considering Mercedes-Benz's brand premium and configuration levels.

In summary, the 2022 EQC Upcoming Version is an electric SUV that balances luxury, performance, and practicality. Its core highlights include a refined luxury interior, smooth dynamic performance, and practical space design, making it suitable for family users who value brand quality and daily commuting comfort, as well as young consumers seeking a sense of technology. If you're looking for an electric SUV with strong brand appeal, comprehensive features, and a comfortable driving and riding experience, this EQC Upcoming Version is worth considering.