The Mercedes-EQ family of electric cars continues to grow. After the EQC midsize SUV, the EQV large minivan, the EQA compact crossover, the EQS luxury saloon and the EQE midsize saloon, it is the turn of the EQB SUV. The new member of the range is, in essence, the electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLB -of which here you have our first video test-.
Like that one, it is an SUV with a compact platform and off-road shapes, with capacity for 5 or 7 occupants; and since its structural base is the same, it is not surprising that its dimensions are identical. Well, almost identical, because while it measures the same 1.83m wide by 1.67m tall, and maintains the same 2.83m wheelbase, the EQB is 5cm longer than the GLB , which reaches up to 4.68 meters; but at the moment of truth, this small difference is only due to the specific design of the front and rear of the vehicle.
This change of face serves to make it similar to the rest of the models in the EQ family; but it also fulfills an aerodynamic function, as its greater curvature and its faired grille make clear. The rear is also somewhat different, and differs from the EQB by how the optics are joined, by the soft shapes of the tailgate, by the relocation of the three-pointed star and by the transfer of the license plate to the bumper.
Except for these issues, the bodywork is practically the same, including the roof bars; so that the only difference that remains to be mentioned are the rims, available in sizes up to 20” and with exclusive designs, some of them with the copper-pink contrast so characteristic of Mercedes-EQ.
A familiar interior (in every way)
Again, the EQB’s cabin is nearly identical to that of its heat-engined brother, barely distinguishable by its unique color and trim combinations and digital instrumentation graphics that have to do with the electrical system. Apart from that, we will find the same design as well as the same -and quite decent- level of materials and finishes.
The second row of seats inherits its well-known virtues from the GLB: a more than correct width, a roof well away from the head and plenty of room for the knees. The latter is due to the vehicle’s wide wheelbase but also because the bench seat has 14 cm of longitudinal adjustment. On the other hand, the roof is still far from the head, since, despite the fact that the battery housed under the floor forces the bench line to be raised by 3 cm, the bench itself has been lowered by 2 cm to compensate.
Another issue that is repeated and adds value to this EQB is that it offers, as an option, a 7-seater configuration. Of course, access to the last two requires a certain agility and a rather small stature. In this sense, the brand warns -and rightly so- that those who measure more than 1.65 m will not be able to fit in the third row, designed to carry children… or short adults.
These 3 cm of height that we lose with respect to the GLB are caused by the location of the battery under the floor of the vehicle; and its presence also entails a certain reduction in the load capacity of the trunk. Thus, in the 5-seater model, we left 75 liters along the way and we will have to make do with some still interesting 495 liters; while in the 7-seater version, the capacity is reduced to 465 liters (that is, 35 liters less than in the equivalent GLB).
It’s not short on power
So far, everything the EQB has in common with its close relative; and from here, we begin to talk about everything that changes. I am referring, obviously, to its electric propulsion technology -which, on the other hand, is the same as that of the EQA compact SUV-.
With that, the EQB shares its three engine options. The basic model is the EQB 250, whose front engine delivers 140 kW (equivalent to 190 hp). The 4Matic versions with two electric motors and all-wheel drive rank above: the EQB 300 version has a combined power of 168 kW (228 hp) while the EQB 350 reaches 215 kW (292 hp). The front-wheel drive model approves an average consumption of 16.4 kWh/100 km, a value that in the two 4Matic models rises to 18.2 kWh/100 km. For all three power variants, the top speed is limited to 160 km/h.
Another element shared with the EQA is the liquid-cooled, heat-pump lithium-ion battery. Its capacity of 66.5 kWh, which is the same for all versions, allows, according to the WLTP mixed cycle, a range of 420 km in the 4Matic models and up to 469 km in the front-wheel drive model. When the time comes to recharge it, it admits 11 kW with alternating current and up to 100 kW with direct current, power with which 32 minutes are enough to raise its charge level from 10% to 80%.
Don’t miss the video that accompanies this article! In it we explain the basic characteristics of the Mercedes EQB and our driving impressions with the new electric SUV from the Stuttgart house.
What prices does the Mercedes-Benz EQB have?
The Mercedes-Benz EQB is already on sale in Spain. Its standard equipment includes LED headlights, roof bars, 18-inch wheels, electric tailgate, digital instrumentation, driving mode selector and different active safety assistants.
Prices start at 52,225 euros for the EQB 250 with front-wheel drive and a 140 kW engine. The EQB 300 4Matic, with two motors, 168 kW and all-wheel drive, costs 58,464 euros, while the powerful 215 kW EQB 350 4Matic is priced at 60,706 euros. Regardless of the model chosen, the 7-seater configuration is optional and has an additional cost of 1,107 euros.
