Battery size: 80kWh
Miles per kWh: 2.89
Max charge rate: 110 kW
Range: 231-259 miles
Introduction
For a brand that built and sold the world’s first production car and pioneered loads of the tech and safety kit we now take for granted, Mercedes was a little late to the electric car party with the EQC. And when it was new, we were a little underwhelmed. Yes it was refined but it was compromised because it shared the bodyshell with the petrol GLC. That meant it didn’t drive as well as rivals and wasn’t as spacious either.
But on the used market it becomes much more attractive. The prices are surprisingly affordable and it has a better reliability record than cars like the Jaguar i-Pace. Here’s all you need to know.
What’s the real-world range of a used Mercedes EQC?
The EQC comes with one battery option - an 80kWh pack which is huge. The bad news is that it’s not very efficient, so even when new the official WLTP range of the EQC was 255 miles, which means that on a wet February morning after a few years of degradation, you’ll be looking at around 200 miles - at best! More modern electric cars would be able to go twice as far on the same amount of electricity. This might not be too much of an issue if you can charge at home on a cheap rate, but will make you wince if you need to use pricey public points.
How long will the battery on the Mercedes EQC last?
Mercedes provides an 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty, which is transferable to the new owner. We checked the State of Health (SoH) data from used models on sale at various outlets and it looked pretty impressive, with cars showing 30,000 miles at three years old still having 99% of their original capacity. This will vary depending on how often the car has been rapid charged or taken to 100% full, among other factors, so ask a dealer to see the battery data.
How reliable is a used Mercedes EQC and what are the common problems?
The EQC has a good reputation for reliability - especially compared to its big rival, the Jaguar i-Pace. There are still a few things to look out for, though,
First, try to ensure the DC rapid charging works reliably — slow or inconsistent charging can suggest battery module problems. Check on a few chargers though, as it might just be a slow network.
If the car has been serviced at an official Mercedes workshop it will have had the latest MBUX and EV software updates which will help with the battery and charging management.
Other issues are related to the heft of the EQC. It is a heavy car, so suspension wear and tyre condition are key. Check the ride quality, which should feel smooth even on the bigger wheels. Look for uneven wear too - and budget a decent amount if the rubber needs replacing. There was a recall because of a potential problem with a bolt in the front differential, so check it’s been done.
Which is the best version to buy?
The EQC’s drivetrain doesn’t change across trims, and all use the same 80 kWh battery and dual motors But the trim level has a big impact on comfort, tech and visual detailing — especially once you look beyond base spec.The trim names vary a bit by year, but the most common specs include the Sport and AMG Line.
The Sport is the rarer base model, which did without the sportier look of the AMG Line. There was a Premium version which added more luxury and tech. And the Premium Plus which was the top version. In later years, these higher trims gained things like Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, Burmester audio and augmented-reality nav.
There was also a special edition called the Edition 1886 which celebrated Mercedes’ history.
How long is the warranty?
Mercedes provides an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and cover on the rest of the car for three years. Expect at least a year’s cover on any used EQC you buy from a dealer.
What are the ownership and running costs of a Mercedes EQC?
If you’ve ever owned a big Mercedes in the past, you’ll know that the bills can be on the hefty side. They’re generally reliable pieces of kit, but even routine service items like brakes and dampers can cost a small fortune to replace.
Obviously, being electric, there are far fewer things to replace or go wrong, which is great news for your bank balance. However, for reasons only Mercedes know, the service intervals for the EQC are set at just 15,000 or every year.
Expect to pay around £300 for a minor service and £450 for a full service at an authorised Mercedes dealer. That’s less than a petrol or diesel, but not as cheap as other electric cars.
While we’re on the subject of servicing, make sure you check what service status the car has. A fair few EQCs were ordered with a three-year servicing pack that transfers with the car. You’ll still need to visit the dealership every year, but you won’t have to pay for any routine spanner work.
We need to talk about wheels too. The 21-inch multi spokes are beautiful but the tyres are pricey and they cost a lot to repair if you grind them against a kerb. They also create more drag and take more of your precious range and are an absolute mission to clean. But they do look lovely!
What other cars should I consider?
The obvious contenders are its arch rivals from Jaguar and Audi - the I-Pace and e-tron. When they were new the Jag was the clear winner, but it’s been beset by reliability problems which makes us reluctant to recommend it. The Audi is well worth consideration, with faster charging (150kW vs 110kW), more rear space, and a more futuristic feel. But it has less performance and isn’t as refined as the EQC.
You might also want to consider newer models from other less prestigious brands or smaller EVs such as the Mercedes EQA and EQB, or Audi Q4. These are often more spacious as they have better packaging. They will be more efficient too.
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