2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB

EQB300

$45,000 (est)

EQB350

$65,000 (est)

The model will be offered as the EQB300 and the EQB350 4Matic, but we don’t have set pricing just yet. We don’t know exactly how the EQB will be equipped or what features will be standard or optional, but we’ll find out more closer to the SUV’s on-sale date.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The entry-level model will be the EQB300, which comes with front-wheel drive and a 225-hp electric motor that also produces 288 pound-feet of torque. The step-up offering is the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive EQB350, which makes 288 horsepower and 324 pound-feet. The EQB shares chassis components with the gasoline-powered GLB but is considerably heavier, giving it a more settled ride. In a brief drive in the EQB350, it felt quicker than the GLB250 and more on a par with the AMG GLB35. When we get a chance to take the EQB to our test track, we’ll update this story with test results and more driving impressions.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The EQB uses a 66.5-kWh battery located underneath the floor. The EPA-estimated driving range has not yet been announced but should be close to the targeted competitors, the Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4. We’ll know more closer to the EQB’s on-sale date.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

Once the EPA tests the U.S. version of the EQB, it will provide an efficiency rating in MPGe, which is a miles-per-gallon equivalent for electric vehicles. Once we get an EQB in for testing, we’ll run it through our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and report the results here. For more information about the EQB’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Mercedes has carried over the cabin from the GLB-class SUV to the EQB with few changes that help differentiate it from its gasoline-powered counterpart. There are five seats across two rows with an optional pop-up third row of seats. Nicely trimmed door panels, soft leather upholstery, and bright metal trim all lend an upscale look to the EQB’s cabin. The EQB, also like other EQ models, also features lovely rose-gold interior accents. The addition of the battery pack does intrude on cargo space somewhat, with the EQB losing up to 5 cubic feet of luggage space depending on how the rear seats are folded.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Mercedes-Benz’s newest MBUX infotainment system is on display inside the EQB. It offers touchscreen, voice command, and steering-wheel controls for its audio, navigation, and other functions. We’ve found this new interface to be frustrating to use at times, particularly its overly enthusiastic voice assistant that pops up any time you say the word Mercedes. The navigation offers a feature to help drivers more easily find EV charging stations.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The EQB offers some standard driver assistance features, including lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking, but more desirable and higher-tech ones are optional. For more information about the EQB’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The EQB offers the same warranty coverage as the EQS and other Mercedes models. Whereas some rivals, such as the Jaguar I-Pace, offer complimentary scheduled maintenance as part of the standard warranty package, EQB buyers will need to pay for maintenance out of pocket.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Source: www.caranddriver.com