Mercedes-Benz EQC 2022: electric midsize SUV gets more affordable as BMW iX3 nears

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Mercedes-Benz has welcomed a more affordable grade of the all-electric EQC midsize SUV that undercuts the sole existing option by $17,000.

Priced at $124,300 before on-road costs (ORC) the EQC 400 4Matic adopts the name of the existing grade which has now been renamed the EQC 400 4Matic Sport and is priced at $141,300 (plus ORC).

As competition is still quite thin in the electric space the Audi e-tron large SUV remains the EQC’s closest competitor but it will gain a more direct rival when the BMW iX3 midsize SUV arrives later this year priced from $114,900 (plus ORC). 

As a luxury vehicle priced well over six figures the ‘entry-level’ EQC still includes a lot of equipment as standard to take on new rivals.

This begins with the Artico leather interior, a synthetic material, which adorns the seats and various touch points around the cabin. 

The seats themselves are electronically adjustable and heated at the front adding to other niceties such as 64-colour ambient lighting with a memory setting to automatically adjust the seat and steering wheel position.

Mercedes-Benz includes a pair of 10.25-inch displays to control the media and digital gauges, with digital radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android auto all built-in.

On the outside, the EQC 400 4Matic wears 20-inch AMG-style wheels finished in gloss black with modern LED headlights complete with an adaptive highbeam technology so drivers don’t blind oncoming traffic.

Safety features include AEB, lane keep assist, evasive steering assist and active blind-spot assistance along with a 360-degree camera to make parking easier.

Stepping up the EQC 400 4Matic Sport adds the AMG Line exterior package which adds a new black radiator grille with built in air curtains to make the SUV glide through the air more efficiently when cooling isn’t needed.

The slightly more aggressive look continues to the rear with a larger differ offering enhances road presence.

Inside, the interior gains a higher quality Nappa leather trim, a glass sunroof, rear privacy glass and a sportier AMG Line steering wheel. 

Both EQC models utilise the same electric drivetrain with electric motors mounted on the front and rear axle producing 300kW of power and 760Nm of torque.

That’s enough to slingshot this 2.5 tonne SUV from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds, which is enough to outgun hot hatches such as the Honda Civic Type R.

That weight figure is largely thanks to the 80kWh battery which provides 430km of claimed range until flat at which point buyers can top up the EQC at speeds reaching up to 110kW when using a DC charger or 11kW using an AC charger.

Upon purchasing a new EQC buyers will also receive a five-year unlimited subscription to the Chargefox national network of ultra-rapid stations making charging a lot easier.

The revised EQC 400 4Matic will arrive in Australia towards the end of 2021 and is available to order now.

Mercedes-Benz EQC 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• EQC 400 4Matic: $124,300
• EQC 400 4Matic Sport $141,300