After the GLA transformed into EQA, it is in 2022 the turn of the GLB to see its 100% electric version arrive with the EQB. On the same technical basis, the German SUV offers a more spacious interior and seven seats as standard. Test in its 350 version, strong four-wheel drive and 292 hp.
Presented at the Shanghai Motor Show 2021, the Mercedes EQB will arrive on our roads in the first quarter of 2022. The seven-seater SUV of Mercedes’ compact range keeps its habitability capacities and its very square line by switching to a 100% electric version. Visually, this EQ version is distinguished, like the EQA, by a specific front panel notably featuring a full gloss black grille, but also an LED bar connecting the headlights. This bright line, which can be found at the rear of the tailgate, is a signature element of the EQ models.
With this treatment, the GLB loses some of its visual identity as an adventurer. The rear license plate is lowered into the occasionally revised bumper, increasing the overall length by 4 cm (4.68 m in total). In the passenger compartment, apart from specific displays and new lighting atmospheres, no major change compared to the GLB. The electric SUV range is made up of two versions: EQB 250 (190 hp, one engine and two-wheel drive) and EQB 350 (292 hp, two-engine and four-wheel drive). All EQBs have a battery with a useful capacity of 66.5 kWh, while waiting for a long-range version which will complete the range subsequently.
![led lights mercedes eqb](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00009.jpg)
Mercedes EQB 350 4Matic price
As the final prices and details of the equipment for France were not yet available at the time of this test, it is only possible to give estimates at this stage. Mercedes-Benz says the call price should be under € 53,000 for the EQB 250 in the Progressive Line finish, while the top-of-the-range 350 4Matic tested here would reach around € 64,000 in its fullest AMG version. Line, i.e. € 3,300 more than the equivalent EQA. As a reminder, a 224 hp GLB 250 4Matic is billed at € 55,150 in AMG Line, a difference of almost € 9,000 to the disadvantage of the electric. But this price difference will be smoothed out by a 2022 penalty of € 6,375 minimum for the petrol version (no bonus for the electric at this price, however).
Range and charging Mercedes EQB
The 66.5 kWh useful battery has the same capacity as that of the EQA. And, if it uses another supplier for its cells (SKI), its performance is equivalent. A heat pump is installed in series to relieve the battery. The maximum autonomy is announced at 419 km according to the WLTP standard. With the integrated AC charger with a power of 11 kW, it takes 5 hours 45 minutes for a 10 to 100% three-phase recharge.
![mercedes eqb screen](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00016.jpg)
![mercedes eqb recharge ionity](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00017.jpg)
For this winter test (5 ° C) carried out at good speed on country roads, the consumption observed around 22 kWh / 100 km may seem a little high. But it is at the same level as what we noted during the test of the Tesla Model Y, of comparable power. Result: at this rate, the range is limited to less than 300 km – and it will be even less on the highway. As fast charging is limited to a power of 100 kW, it takes 32 minutes to iron from 10 to 80%. The trips are likely to be long …
Driving
![Interior Mercedes EBQ](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00001.jpg)
With nearly 300 hp and above all 520 Nm of torque transmitted to all four wheels, The EQB 350 4Matic benefits from top-notch performance. And it doesn’t disappoint. Very lively when called upon (6.2 s from 0 to 100 km / h), it also knows how to accompany all the moods of the driver. By playing on the three driving modes and the level of recovery when lifting the foot, we can thus seek softness or vigor. We just regret that, even with the maximum recovery strong enough, the slowing down does not go to a complete stop.
Passengers will appreciate the great silence and the muffled comfort with, in our test version, a piloted suspension which helps to compensate for the body movements of this heavy car of nearly 2.2 t! However, this Mercedes does not lack agility, and its behavior is serene and efficient on the dry roads of southern Germany, our testing ground. Even when behavior deteriorates, and despite a sports car fitting (235/45 R20), the approval remains of excellent level, including in sport mode. A slider very well placed by the engineers of Stuttgart, which gives a perfectly balanced EQB in its definition.
Starting with a flick of a button at the wheel, semi-autonomous driving supports the driver in an ultra-efficient way, with a good prediction of slowdowns (turns, traffic jams) and speed limits. The car uses energy recovery to anticipate smoothly and optimize consumption, before operating rather dynamic revivals. Too bad just that these phases are not accompanied by a capacitive-type steering wheel to better detect the presence of the hands. Equipment unavailable on this generation.
In the cockpit
![dashboard mercedes eqb](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00014.jpg)
![steering wheel mercedes eqb](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00018.jpg)
![mbux mercedes eqb](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00015.jpg)
![rear seat mercedes eqb](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00005.jpg)
![third row mercedes eqb](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00004.jpg)
![mercedes eqb trunk](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/mercedes-eqb-2021-00013.jpg)
Competetion
Examining the competition is easy: there are no seven-seater electric SUVs in France. The Tesla Model Y does offer such a version, but it is currently unavailable in our market. The entrance ticket for the American SUV is a tone above that of the German: € 59,990, when the EQB should be offered from € 53,000 in traction version. But by taking a 350 version with two engines with a power equivalent to that of the Tesla, the EQB will be a little more expensive, around 62,000 €. In a completely different genre, the electric Citroën ë-Spacetourer offers eight seats and an XXL volume. Much more family-friendly, spacious and rustic, it is not for all that more economical, with a price starting at € 69,150 for barely 136 ch.
Find the results of the test and the technical data sheets of the Mercedes EQB on the next page …