Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

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2020 price

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Mazda CX-8

$24,880 - $47,900

2023 price

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Summary

2020 Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

2023 Mazda CX-8

By Matt Campbell

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.2L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Diesel

Electric range

417 km

6.0L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

21.5 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

80.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Luxury unparalleled in the EV space… for now
A practical and pleasant commuter
Impressive equipment levels

Practical family features
Luxe factors throughout
Easy-as-pie to drive

Dislikes

Ride can be wobbly
Real world range reliant on conditions
Recharging speed limited

Misses out on a 360-degree view camera system
Expensive compared to similarly specified rivals
Low number of airbags for family SUV

2020 Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class Summary

The Mercedes-Benz EQC has been on sale in Australia for a little while now, and aside from the local launch event we haven’t had a chance to spend any quality time with the brand’s first fully electric SUV. Until now.

The EQC 400, as it’s officially known, is the German luxury maker’s first foray into the full-EV landscape, and could arguably be seen as the first true luxury electric SUV on sale in Australia. I mean, yeah, there’s the Jaguar i-Pace, but it has a more premium-sporting intent than the EQC, and the Tesla Model X isn’t aimed at a luxury customer, more so a technologically-minded buyer.

So what’s the Merc EQC like to actually live with? We drove it for a week to find out.

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2023 Mazda CX-8 Summary

Mazda has a tendency to have a lot of similar looking horses in the stable; blink and you'll miss the (very) subtle differences between the CX-8 and the CX-9 but if you're not super keen on the bulk of the CX-9 and you've outgrown the space of the CX-5... this one's for you.

Especially, if you've been considering its competition - the Hyundai Santa Fe Elite CRDi AWD and Toyota Kluger GXL AWD. Both of which have become known for their features and space.

So, how does it compare? The CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive seats seven, has a decent boot space (albeit, when the third row isn't in use) and handles like a dream.

Perfect combination? Maybe. I've been driving it for the last week with my family to find out for you.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class 2023 Mazda CX-8

Verdict

When I was telling my colleagues about the Mercedes-Benz EQC my summary was, basically, it’s the best electric luxury car I’ve driven.

It’s plusher than a Jaguar i-Pace, more polished than a Tesla Model X - indeed, it feels like a different kind of electric car to both of those models. It’s an impressive foray into the segment, and we can’t wait for the chance to put it against some like-minded electric European luxury SUVs at some point in the future.

Verdict

So, what did my family think about the Mazda CX-8 GT SP diesel all-wheel drive? I love how it performs on the road - it's super easy to drive and you don't notice how large it is in a car park.

There are some great family-friendly features scattered throughout and I like how practical this is too with the extra seats and top-tether points. The multimedia system isn’t my favourite and I would have preferred to have seen a few extra airbags and a 360-degree view camera, but overall, it’s a good family car and gets an 8.0/10 from me.

My son loved the sun blinds and the cool colour of the seats. He also gives it an 8.0/10.

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class vs Mazda CX-8 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class vs Mazda CX-8
What's the difference?