Mercedes-Benz EQC N293
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The EQC was Mercedes' first fully electric SUV — a pioneer project based on the GLC X253 that paved the way for the EQ family. Built from 2019 to 2023, then discontinued without a direct successor.
The EQC-EM produces 300 kW system output from two motors driving all four wheels — EQC 400 4MATIC as the sole variant. The 80 kWh battery achieves 230–257 miles WLTP, realistically 175–210 miles. DC charging at up to 110 kW — decent for 2019, no longer competitive in 2026.
The EQC drives comfortably and quietly, but the extra weight versus GLC (~1,100 lbs) is noticeable in corners and braking. No air suspension — conventional steel springs with adaptive damping.
Known issues: 12V battery drain, cooling system noises during high-temperature charging, and driveshafts can develop noise at high mileage. The HV battery has proven durable — degradation under 10% after 60,000 miles.
Test-drive checklist: Test charge curve at a fast charger. Listen for drivetrain noises at low speed. Cooling system noises during charging. Have HV battery SOH read (Mercedes diagnostics).
2026 market: Between $24,200 and $41,800 — massive depreciation. Technologically superseded as a pioneer, but still a solid daily driver.
Insider pick: EQC 400 4MATIC under $27,500 with confirmed SOH >90% — a lot of EV for little money.
Engine Overview
The Mercedes-Benz EQC N293 is available with one engine variant at 408 hp.
Mercedes' first all-electric SUV on a modified compact-SUV platform. Two ZF asynchronous motors (front and rear axle), 80 kWh battery, max. 110 kW DC charging. Known weakness: the SiC mechanical seal in the e-motor fails from approx. 20,000–120,000 km; coolant ingress destroys bearings and stator windings — motor replacement €2,500–5,200. Multiple recalls for leaking battery housings and coolant issues. No heat pump option: noticeably higher winter energy consumption. Production ended 2023; parts supply through dealers currently secure.
- !! ZF e-drive motor: SiC seal failure — coolant ingress from 60,000 km
The SiC mechanical seal of the ZF asynchronous motor (front or rear axle) fails from approx. 20,000–120,000 km. Coolant intrudes into the motor, destroying bearings and stator windings. Replacement costs €2,500–5,200.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak, HV system warning, humming/grinding noise from front/rear axle, drivetrain failure - !! Recall — HV Battery Housing Not Sealed, Fire Risk
KBA recall for EQC model year 2019: HV battery housing not sufficiently sealed. Moisture can penetrate, cause corrosion, and in the worst case trigger a vehicle fire.
Symptoms: Vehicle no longer starts, high-voltage system warnings, in worst case smoke from underbody - !! Battery Coolant Pump Leaking from 50,000 km
The electric coolant pump for the battery thermal management system can develop a leak. Results in reduced charging power and a warning message.
Symptoms: Reduced charging power, coolant loss, HV battery warning message
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Cooling Circuit Leaking Coolant loss in the separate battery cooling circuit through porous hoses or leaking connections. Workshop visit required. Symptoms: Coolant loss, battery thermal management warning, reduced charging power from 50,000 km | Medium | |
| Coolant ingress into e-motor — drive loss Coolant can enter the electric motor and immobilize it suddenly. Recall in China for 10,104 vehicles. Symptoms: Sudden drive loss, coolant warning light | Low | |
| No Heat Pump: High Winter Consumption The EQC has no heat pump. Heating runs entirely at the expense of the HV battery. In winter consumption rises to 28–32 kWh/100 km. Symptoms: Significantly reduced winter range. Consumption display noticeably higher than in summer. |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2024
The first fully electric SUV from Mercedes shows mixed MOT results.
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz EQC N293 (2019–2023) — 5 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Cooling, Electronics, Other.
EQC (EQC-EM, 2019–2023) — Be Careful: ZF e-drive motor: SiC seal failure — coolant ingress, Recall — HV Battery Housing Not Sealed, Fire Risk, Battery Coolant Pump Leaking. Power: 408 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz EQC? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz EQC N293 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz EQC N293? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mercedes-Benz EQC N293 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQC N293 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz EQC N293? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee