Mercedes EQC 400 4MATIC

Overview

The Mercedes EQC 400 4MATIC was Merc's first proper stab at the all-electric luxury SUV game, a stylish and refined cruiser designed to give rivals a run for their money. Though discontinued in 2023 and never officially gracing US showrooms, this AWD beast aimed to blend classic Mercedes poshness with zero-emission motoring. Think of it as an electric GLC with a unique EQ twist. US pricing was never set, but it was positioned as a premium contender in Europe, hinting at a competitive stance against other upscale electric SUVs had it launched Stateside.

What's New for 2023?

For its final model year, the 2023 Mercedes EQC 400 4MATIC largely carried over the familiar package that defined its production run since 2019. With production winding down, Mercedes focused on fulfilling existing demand rather than introducing major updates or new features for this specific trim. It remained a testament to Mercedes' initial foray into dedicated EVs, offering a consistent blend of luxury and electric performance. Think of it as a well-polished final bow before Mercedes’ next-gen EV onslaught fully took over global markets.

Design & Exterior

The EQC 400 4MATIC certainly looked the part of a futuristic Merc, with a distinctive black-panel grille flowing into snazzy LED headlights and a full-width LED light bar at the rear – very chic! Based on the GLC platform, it measured a substantial 187.5 inches long, 74.2 inches wide, and 63.9 inches tall. Its slippery shape wasn't just for show, helping eke out extra range. The 4MATIC trim often boasted AMG-line styling cues and unique alloy wheels in Europe, giving it a subtly sportier, more aggressive stance on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the EQC 400 4MATIC was pure Mercedes luxury, with top-notch materials, ambient lighting, and those cool rose-gold accents. You got the twin-screen MBUX infotainment system, naturally, with crisp graphics and voice control, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space was decent for five adults. Cargo-wise, you're looking at 17.7 cubic feet in the boot, expanding to a useful 51.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. Unlike some rivals, though, there was no frunk for extra bits and bobs up front.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Merc didn't hang about! The EQC 400 4MATIC packed a dual-motor punch (Induction Motors front and rear) delivering a hefty 300 kW (around 402 hp) and 561 lb-ft of instant torque to all four wheels. That meant a brisk 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds – pretty punchy for a comfy SUV. The driving experience was super smooth and whisper-quiet, prioritizing refinement over razor-sharp handling. Multiple regenerative braking modes, adjustable via steering wheel paddles, allowed for efficient one-pedal style driving if you wished.

Range, Battery & Charging

The EQC 400 4MATIC featured an 80 kWh usable battery pack, providing a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 226 miles – enough for most daily duties and decent road trips. Efficiency was rated at 2.83 mi/kWh. For charging, its 9.6 kW on-board AC charger could replenish the battery in about 8.5 hours at home. On the go, it supported DC fast charging up to 112 kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up could take around 40 minutes. While European models had a CCS Type 2 port, a US version would have sported a CCS Type 1 connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the EQC never underwent NHTSA testing due to not being sold in the US, it scored a full five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, which is reassuring. Mercedes kitted it out with a host of driver-assistance systems. Standard kit typically included Active Brake Assist and Blind Spot Assist. Buyers could often upgrade to the Driving Assistance Package, adding goodies like DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist, making long journeys a doddle and keeping you safe and sound.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Since the EQC 400 4MATIC wasn't sold in the United States, official US warranty details were never released. However, based on Mercedes-Benz's typical EV coverage in other markets, one might have expected a basic vehicle warranty around 4 years/50,000 miles and a battery warranty of 8 years/100,000 miles, guaranteeing a certain percentage of capacity retention. Details on complimentary maintenance for the US would have been market-specific. The EQC was built with typical Mercedes solidity, aiming for good long-term reliability.