Full EV offroad review - new Mercedes EQC 4x4²

Mercedes are no strangers to offroad vehicles, with their G-Wagen (or G Class as now officially known) being over 40 years old and their extreme 4x4² projects grabbing headlines. This time on The Late Brake Show Jonny headed to Germany for exclusive access to drive their latest 4x4² - a standard EQC 400 electric SUV, but turned into a giant via portal axles, bead-lock type wheels, off road tyres and some serious under-body protection.

By utilising the instant torque that an EV delivers coupled with clever software for both front and rear motors, the EQC 4x4² turns a soft looking electric SUV into a rock crawling monster. There are no plans to officially sell it in this state, although Mercedes has admitted (off-camera) that an EV version of their G wagen will be going into production in the not too distant future. Imagine that for a second - the iconic brutal box that is a staple of Moscow, L.A and London, but with more torque than an AMG and zero tailpipe emissions.

EQC 400 4Matic 4x4² tech spec
Price: £70,665 (before £3k UK gov EV grant)
Battery: 80kWh
Motors: 2 x 150kW (4x4)
Range: 259 miles WLTP
0-62: 5.1 secs
Power: 408hp
Top Speed: 112mph limited
Torque: 564lbft
Rapid charge time: 0-80% in 38 mins @ 110kW
Boot space: 500-litres

Modifications:
Portal axles
Revised 4-link front suspension
20-inch faux beadlock wheels
285/50/20 all terrain tyres
Steel armoured scuff guards front and rear
30cm ride height increase over stock EQC
Fording depth and ground clearance increase of 15cm
Reprogrammed offroad drive software
Gun-metal matte paint wrap
10cm wheel arch flares
20cm wider track
Sound module inside and outside

Approach angle - 31.8 degrees (compared to 20.6)
Departure angle - 33 degrees (compared to 20)
Breakover angle - 24.2 degrees (compared to 11.6)
Ground clearance - 293mm (compared to 140mm)
Fording depth - 400mm (compared to 250mm)

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Edited by: Mark Hankins - @Inksharkman - InkShark Studio
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant Design https://matttarrantdesign.com


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Jonny Smith aka CarPervert
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: http://www.carpervert.comInstagram:   / jonnycarpervert   Twitter:   / carpervert  


CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro