Mercedes-Benz EQC 4x4² review

Inside the EQC 4x4² is ‘just’ an EQC with some extra off-road programmes. So that means luxurious modern ‘Benz. A big block of Mercedes screen up front, all the usual comforts and build quality. The EQC has never been a boundary-pusher in terms of EV design, and that remains true of the Squared, though there are plenty of toys to play with.

It all works, too - from parking sensors to cameras. One of the interesting things is that you can make the brake re-gen (accessed from the steering wheel paddles) act as a hill descent control, performing a nice sideline in charging the battery. In fact, knocking about at slow speeds off-road acts a little like being in urban traffic (where EVs are traditionally more efficient), meaning that the WLTP range gets a useful extension. Other than that, it’s a snug, compact SUV space with a decent-enough boot and slightly gloomy rear seats. There’s not much to differentiate it from a stock EQC, apart from the fact that you’re a foot further up in the air than usual. And just to be clear, if you’ve been rolling around in mud and you don’t take care getting out, you’ll smear everything decorating the side steps up the back of your legs as you descend from the cabin. A small but important bit of advice, I feel.