Used Mercedes-Benz EQC cars for sale

Used Mercedes-Benz EQC pros and cons

Is a second hand Mercedes-Benz EQC a good car?

When Mercedes decided to get in on the electrification game, it didn’t build a brand-new EV from the ground up, instead deciding to convert its existing GLC SUV into an electric car. That car is the EQC.

While this has some advantages - familiarity for existing Mercedes owners, under-the-radar looks and a speedier, cheaper development period - it also involved compromises in weight, practicality and efficiency which mean that the EQC wasn’t a particularly good electric car to buy new. However, used examples are a much more tempting proposition thanks to their lower prices.

The EQC was on sale for a few years, during which time the electric car market changed rapidly. So while the oldest models are something of an alternative to a new budget EV or a used Jaguar I-Pace or used Audi e-tron, later examples are more likely to be compared with the Ford Mustang Mach-e, Kia EV6 or BMW iX3.

You can spot an EQC on the road by its distinctive light signature - it was one of the first of the current crop of EVs to be dominated by full-width light bars front and rear. The interior is more conventional, being virtually identical to the equivalent GLC - so you get two wide screens under one sheet of glass, creating a cool wraparound effect.

With a healthy 408hp on tap, the EQC performs well, but its official range is just 259 miles - and in reality many owners have found that to be well below 200 miles in regular use. The EQC is a very heavy and quite inefficient electric car, so you shouldn’t buy one if you want to do lots of long journeys - a Kia EV6 is much better for that with a real-world range of closer to 300 miles.

You will find the time spent behind the wheel of the EQC quite relaxing, though - it’s one of the quietest cars we’ve driven, making it feel more luxurious than many much more expensive models.

What to look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz EQC

The EQC was only sold with one powertrain, badged EQC 400 - it featured a 408hp electric motor and 80kWh battery pack. So you don’t need to worry about selecting the ‘right’ version. 

Trim levels are a little more difficult to digest. Entry-level Sport cars had plenty of equipment, but AMG-Line cars had nicer styling and were the majority sold in the UK. On top of AMG Line you could buy AMG Line Premium or AMG Line Premium Plus - needlessly confusing, but they added some fancy extra kit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were only standard from AMG Line Premium, while Premium Plus came with 360-degree cameras and a head-up display, both useful on a big car like this.

A total of 15 recalls have been issued for the EQC, though six were related to eCall software that was across the whole Mercedes range rather than just this specific model. Airbag issues, problems with the front axles, power steering and rear-seat backrests, plus poorly sealed battery packs - check carefully that any potential purchase has had these items remedied before you buy.