DRIVEN + VIDEO: The FIRST Review Of The Mercedes-Benz EQC Is Here — Is It Another "Tesla KILLER" Or Just A Joke?

Is it me or does it seem like every week the media is conjuring up an all-new "Tesla killer?" It feels a lot like the same old noise we got accustomed to when any entry-level luxury sedan would go after the BMW 3-Series.

Eventually it did get dethroned though.

But now we're talking about a paradigm shift. And the competition isn't anywhere close. Reminds me of the false narrative constantly being spun in regards to US politics. They've got NOTHING!

This week it's the Mercedes-Benz EQC, which is the three-pointed star's first electric sport-utility vehicle. There's just a couple stumbling blocks, if I am honest.

First, one thing that's being under reported is its range. Some are saying it achieves upwards of 250-270 miles on a single charge. What they won't tell you is that the US EPA hasn't weighed in on it yet. Some reports estimate the EQC will get a rating of about 200-220 miles on a full charge. In comparison, the base Tesla Model X will achieve 250 miles on a full charge. Step up to the Long Range and we're talking about 325 miles of range.

Second, the performance doesn't have the Tesla Model X licked. Our friends at Carwow said they hit 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The base Model X, on the other hand, is at the 4.6 second mark. It only collapses from there.

Notice a pattern here, Spies?

So, I've got to wonder: Is the EQC yet another "Tesla killer" or simply just a JOKE?



This is the Mercedes EQC! It’s the first all-electric car to be produced by Mercedes, and it arrives with a range of just over 250 miles thanks to an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery that produces 408hp and a 0-60mph time of 5.1 seconds! But are these stats impressive enough to match the £65,000 price tag? And would you choose it over a Model X?! Join Mat in his latest review to see what you think!

MDarringer - 5/17/2019 8:35:29 AM

-4 Boost

I'm not even remotely interested in EVs and I know that comes as a shock. The EQC isn't that special and the Model X is ungainly and asinine with its crow doors. The Ipace looks like a nasty hatchback. I'm not feeling any of them because none of them appeal to me as cars.

On one hand, the Porsche Taycan interests me, but if I were going to have an EV, I'd want to be utterly utilitarian and cheap.

Car4life1 - 5/17/2019 9:44:35 AM

+4 Boost

Blah blah blah...we know most enthusiastic aren’t into EVs...it’s like getting Paula Dean to go vegan, anyway the EQC shows Tesla that you can build an EV with character inside and out.

I appreciate the attention to detail in the interior. I don’t care for the exterior but then again most cute utes bore me anyway

MDarringer - 5/17/2019 3:54:45 PM

+3 Boost

Let's not mention that the EQC cannot match Tesla for charging or range.

Car4life1 - 5/17/2019 4:58:19 PM

+1 Boost

Or fires/quality issues/ and autopilot Death Mode...not sure if I want those features though hmmmm

cidflekken - 5/17/2019 11:36:14 AM

0 Boost

Actually, I know tons of enthusiasts who are very interested in EVs.

While the EQC is a good start for Benz (they smartly styled it differently than their other SUVs, yet still kept it relatively attractive..hear that, BMW i3?) The major question will be its range vs. its claimed range. It needs to be closer to 280 than 200 miles for anyone to even sniff at it. Granted, it's a Benz, but in the EV world, I do believe branding takes on a whole other complexion and a legacy brand isn't necessarily a strength, it's execution.

dlin - 5/17/2019 11:51:54 AM

0 Boost

A Tesla killer in every way, other than the battery

Truthy - 5/17/2019 5:20:04 PM

+2 Boost

Tesla puts range above safety. This is why you never hear about European EVs catching fire. It is in how the batteries are engineered. The EQC is more befitting a car in this price range than the Tesla.

SanJoseDriver - 5/18/2019 10:51:34 PM

+1 Boost

Performance, range, charging, and practicality are all less than a 4 year old car... not a great start.

MDarringer - 5/19/2019 9:42:21 AM

+2 Boost

I agree with you on NOTHING, except that statement.