Electric cars are naturally pricey. Mercedes-Benz finds a new way to deliver value with the EQC.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC arrived in European markets last year with a rather high price tag. The initial batch was available in one variant — the EQC 400 4MATIC AMG Line, which cost €73,208.802. In an effort to bring prices down, Mercedes now offers the EQC without the AMG Line interior and exterior for €66,068.80. So, what exactly has been eliminated for these cost savings?
At its core, this is of course the same vehicle. However, you do lose some of the visual flair brought about by the AMG Line body kit. The AMG Line front includes a Black Panel front grille with a twin-blade design and high-gloss black frame. These are all deleted on the base model. Instead, you get a multi-blade design with a chrome surround. Still at the front, but a little lower down, the dynamic-looking AMG-specific bumper with functional air curtains and chrome trim has been swapped out for a simpler looking bumper. There’s no chrome on this standard bumper.
AMG Line Base
Around the sides, the wing mirrors are actually painted black in the standard model, with the AMG-Line version coming with wing mirrors that match the body colour. The 19″ aero optimised AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in tatalum grey have been swapped out. It now features a 10-spoke wheel with black and blue highlights. Size and spec details on these rims are not available from the website or configurator at this time.
AMG Line Base
Around back, the AMG-specific rear apron looks only slightly different from the base model’s version. As far as we can tell, it’s just a simpler chrome strip on the bottom of the bumper on the AMG-Line version.
AMG Line Base
Inside, there are quite a few missing pieces on the base model. You’ll miss out on the nappa leather wrapped flat-bottom sports steering wheel. The seats are also a plainer affair, with a mix of fabric and leather instead of ARTICO leather and DINAMICA microfibre that you find on the AMG-Line model. It’s likely some of the other interior highlights like the topstitching and carbon fibre trim will be deleted, along with the brushed stainless steel + rubber studded sports pedals, AMG floor mats and chrome door pins.
AMG Line Base
Perhaps the biggest concerns would be what equipment pieces will be missing in the standard model. Mercedes says that the AMG Line model has these standard features:
- EASY-PACK luggage compartment cover
- TIREFIT
- Interior Light Package with Ambient Lighting
- Seat Comfort Package
- Mirror Package
- Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
- thermal and noise-insulating acoustic glass
- Parking Package with reversing camera
- Advanced sound system
- Remote and Extended Charging Services Premium
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia teased the arrival of the EQC in Malaysia some years ago. While it still hasn’t materialised yet, we’re sure there are buyers waiting, given how successful the Porsche Taycan is here. Let this article be a rough guide for what to expect, should you decide to go to get an EQC from the grey market in a few years time… you may want to pay extra for an AMG Line model, given these changes. It’s also worth noting that the base model was previewed here back in 2019, but the final spec was not confirmed.
