3. Biz Network July/Aug 57-76.qxp_Chamberlink 28/06/2022 12:20 Page 72
MOTORING
Mercedes EQC is
just electric Mercedes has shown its hand with a first electric vehicle produced without either petrol or diesel assistance, called the EQC. Motoring journalist Nick Jones has taken it out and about, and reports that anyone thinking of making the switch to just electric power needs to take heed that a major manufacturer has decided to go down this route. f you’re in any doubt electric isn’t the future, a quick look at this vehicle from Mercedes should give you the confidence to at least consider switching allegiance. The EQC has twin electric motors, delivering over 400 horsepower and bags of instant power. Sure, there are oodles of other luxury electric vehicles around currently, so it was time to see how this one stacks up against fierce competition. The ride is soft and impressively comfortable – it feels calm and quiet with very little whine from the electric motors. It’s damn quick also, a 0 to 60mph time of just over five seconds confirms this. It also has a good old range on a single charge – 255 miles according to Mercedes. Start to push this around sharp bends and it does feel a bit cumbersome, the front wanting to “washout” a tad with the slight hint of under-steer. For normal driving, motorway and cross-country routes, it’s perfectly tolerant, however. First thing I notice in the EQC internally is how high the seats are mounted, making for a great view of the road ahead.
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‘This would make for a great company car purchase, as the benefit-in-kind tax rates for pure electric vehicles is temptingly low’ A rather sweet array of high-quality switchgear and polished metal swathes around the cabin, and it does scream “luxury” in here. The boot is fine for space, albeit a bit shallow all-told, and I love the flick of a switch to make the 40/20/40 split-folding seats fall completely flat. Golfers will love it. Has to be said, this would make for a great company car purchase, as the benefit-in-kind tax rates for pure electric vehicles is temptingly low. Charging-wise, your 7kW home charger should see it at 100% in about 11 hours. Take it to a public CCS charger and it should go from 10 to 85% in as little as 30 to 40 minutes. I’m really warming to these pure electric vehicles – the only stumbling point for me is the infrastructure and longevity of it all. I’m sure there will be a solution as demand increases.
FACTFILE MODEL Mercedes EQC
PRICE OTR from £64,925
PERFORMANCE Top speed: 112mph 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
CO2 EMISSIONS N/A
RANGE 250-plus miles