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Mercedes-Benz EQC boot space, practicality and safety

2019 onwards (change model)
Practicality rating: 3.8 out of 53.8

Written by Keith WR Jones Published: 22 July 2020

  • Not as space-liberating as other EVs
  • Comparable room to a GLC, though
  • No extra storage with a front boot

Car makers often reference the space efficiency of their electric vehicles, given the small size of the motors compared with petrol and diesel engines, and the fact that the batteries are usually housed neatly under the floor.

That works well on dedicated EV designs such as the Jaguar I-Pace and much larger Tesla Model X, but as the EQC is a re-engineered Mercedes-Benz GLC, it doesn’t feel any more spacious or practical because much of the structure is very similar.

What that leaves you with is a relatively compact SUV with ample space for four adults, but a fifth sat in the centre rear seat will inevitably make things feel snug.

Additionally, the centre position itself is less comfortable, being narrower, with less under-thigh support and compromised space for feet due to the central tunnel – many dedicated EVs have a flat floor.

2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC rear seats space

Dotted around the cabin is a plentiful array of cubbies and spaces for drinks and bottles, including in all the doors.

Boot space is good at 500 litres to the roofline with the seats up and 1,060 with them folded over to a near-flat angle. For convenience they split 40:20:40 allowing you to juggle longer loads with passenger space.

Covering the boot is a roller blind that feels well-engineered, plus there’s a quartet of hooks for hanging shopping in the boot and a storage net to the side for restraining smaller loose items.

2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC boot space

Again, unlike some other purpose-designed electric cars, when you pop the bonnet of the EQC you won’t reveal a dainty, but plush-lined front boot – or froot as they are sometimes called. Instead, it’s fully of electric motor and other gubbins, such as the washer bottle reservoir.

How safe is the EQC?

  • Five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating
  • Lots of standard safety kit
  • Batteries well protected within the structure

When crash-tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP in 2019, the EQC was assessed as being a full five-star car.

Mercedes’ name is synonymous with safety, so that in itself is not a surprise, but the high individual scores for adult and child occupant protection – 96% and 90%, respectively – are especially laudable.

2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC adaptive cruise control sensor behind badge

All of the key items of safety kit are standardised across the range, including all-round parking sensors, a reversing camera, lane-departure warning and blindspot assistance, autonomous emergency braking, cruise control and superb LED headlamps.

AMG Line Premium Plus models also come with a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display projecting key driving information onto the windscreen.

An option bundle definitely worth considering is he Driving Assistance Plus package that comprises of adaptive cruise control, lane-changing assistance, evasive steering assistance – to automatically steer you away from danger – and active braking that recognises corners and cross-traffic scenarios.

Watch: Mercedes-Benz EQC Euro NCAP crash test

Euro NCAP rating

Overall NCAP safety rating 5 out of 5
Year tested: 2019
What is Euro NCAP?
Adult Occupant: 96%
Child Occupant: 90%
Vulnerable Road User: 75%
Safety Assist: 75%

Equipment and options

Each trim level will have different equipment offerings.
Basic equipment (10)
  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • ABS
  • Driver`s airbag
  • Electric mirrors
  • Heated seats
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Remote locking
  • Sat Nav
  • Side airbags
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
AMG Line Standard Equipment (7)
  • Alarm
  • Cruise control
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Heated mirrors
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Leather seat trim
AMG Line Optional Equipment
  • n/a
AMG Line Edition Standard Equipment (7)
  • Alarm
  • Climate control
  • Cruise control
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Leather seat trim
AMG Line Edition Optional Equipment (1)
  • Heated mirrors
AMG Line Premium Standard Equipment (9)
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Cruise control
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Electric sunroof
  • Heated mirrors
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Leather seat trim
AMG Line Premium Optional Equipment
  • n/a
AMG Line Premium Plus Standard Equipment (9)
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Cruise control
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Electric sunroof
  • Heated mirrors
  • Leather seat trim
  • Lumbar support
AMG Line Premium Plus Optional Equipment
  • n/a
Edition 1 Standard Equipment (7)
  • Audio remote
  • Cruise control
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Electric sunroof
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Leather seat trim
Edition 1 Optional Equipment (3)
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Heated mirrors
Edition 1886 Standard Equipment (4)
  • Audio remote
  • Electric sunroof
  • Metallic Paint
  • Partial leather seat trim
Edition 1886 Optional Equipment (5)
  • Cruise control
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Leather seat trim
Sport Standard Equipment (8)
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Audio remote
  • Cruise control
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Heated mirrors
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
Sport Optional Equipment
  • n/a

Dimensions

Length 4761mm - 4762mm
Width 2096mm
Height 1623mm - 1624mm
View full specs