2024 (74) Mercedes-Benz EQB EQB 250+ 140kW AMG Line Executive 70.5kWh 5dr Auto

Mercedes delivers us the market's first mid-sized seven-seat EV. Jonathan Crouch drives the EQB.

Ten Second Review

It's very difficult to package a mid-sized EV so effectively that up to seven people can sit inside it. But Mercedes has pulled off that feat with this car, the EQB, which usefully broadens its electric vehicle line-up. It's based of course on the combustion-engined GLB crossover and shares much of that car's premium appeal.

Background

There's a flood of mid-size Crossover electric vehicles out there at present. So any fresh class entrant had better have something fairly unique to offer. Fortunately, this one does: the Mercedes EQB. It's one of what seems like a continual stream of different Mercedes EQ electric models, with the 'B' in this case standing not for the brand's mini-MPV but designating instead something you may already have guessed from a quick glance at this car: the fact that this is the full-battery version of the Stuttgart maker's GLB mid-sized SUV. Engineering and technology-wise, this car shares everything that matters with its smaller EQA hatch stablemate - including a slightly compromised MFA2 chassis not originally designed for EV use. This model hails from quite a different production facility though. Instead of Rastatt in Germany, it's screwed together at Kecskemet in Hungary, where the GLB is built. A change from the original plan, which would have seen the EQB produced in Daimler's French Hambach plant alongside little smart cars. Regardless of provenance though, what we've got here looks as if it might be a smart choice for a forward-thinking family.

Driving Experience

The EQB sprints away from rest pretty quickly, despite tipping the scales at around 2.2-tonnes, a legacy of the fact that Mercedes makes this model run on an MFA2 platform originally designed for combustion models. That being the case, you might have expected the brand to have countered that extra bulk by fitting a powerful set of propulsion systems but if anything, the opposite is true here. The line-up kicks off with the same 190hp 250+ motor fitted to base versions of the EQA. Rest to 62mph takes 8.9s en route to the 99mph top speed that all EQBs share and range is up to 321 miles. If you don't want that, the alternative is the dual motor 300 4MATIC version, which can offer 225hp, so 0-62mph takes 9.0s; range is up to 271 miles. Still, you won't be choosing an EQB as an autobahn burner - and if you did, the 'burning' in question would primarily be through this model's rather restricted driving range - in a class where better versions of comparably priced rivals regularly deliver figures well over the 350 mile mark. Whatever variant of this model you choose, you'll find it easy to drive and particularly in its element around town, where you'll appreciate the light steering; and the compact 11.4-metre turning circle you might need for getting into those tight charging bays. If it's the 4MATIC version you're looking at, you might hope that a family EV with 4WD, particularly one with the 'mini-Gelanderwagen' looks of this EQB, might have a little extra capability to offer on rougher surfaces. But that would require the kind of higher ride height that would further worsen this model's EV driving range. Hence the fact that its 154mm ground clearance figure is actually lower than some family hatchbacks. The 4MATIC system can't even help you that much on slippery driveways or muddy carparks; not because of any fault in fundamental engineering - the extra front-mounted electric motor chips in almost instantly to help the main rear-mounted motor when slip is detected. Rather because the car's economy-orientated low rolling resistance tyres are found severely wanting for grip once you venture away from the tarmac. On the plus side though, the 4MATIC version of this car can manage a bit of towing weight - in contrast to many of its rivals, some of which haven't been rated for towing at all. An EQB can lug along a braked trailer of up to 1,800kgs, so could manage a medium-sized caravan, though what that would do to the car's EV range is anyone's guess.

Design and Build

You'd certainly pick up this car's similarity to its GLB counterpart if you happened to know the Mercedes product range. As with the EQA, the EQB delivers a subtle reworking of the combustion engined car it's based on. Which means a boxy profile embellished here with a more aerodynamic front end featuring the usual Mercedes EQ-specific closed-off grille and headlight signature. In the same way, the tailgate gets a full width LED tail light bar, as with other EQ models. Inside, it's also much as you'll find in a GLB, apart from a few trimming changes and the addition of specific 'EQ' electric vehicle menu for the centre screen, which is 10.25-inches in size, like the adjacent instrument binnacle display. There's comfortable space for a couple of adults on the back seat - and room for three at a squash. The key difference with an EQB though, is its relatively lengthy 2,829mm wheelbase, which allows it to offer an optional third row of seats, though Mercedes warns that these are only really suitable for children. Fold those seats down and you'll get 495-litres of boot space. Think in terms of about 75-litres less than you'd get in a GLB. It's 1,710-litres with both seating rows folded.

Market and Model

OK: what'll you pay for this seven seat, family-sized all-electric battery-powered Mercedes-Benz? Because this car bears the Three Pointed Star, you won't be expecting it to be inexpensive: it isn't. Prices start from around £53,000 for the base 190hp 250+ model, which can be had with the four most important trim levels, 'Sport Executive', 'Urban Edition', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus'. If you can stretch to around £55,000 upwards, there's a 225hp 4WD EQB 300 4MATIC variant, offered in 'AMG Line Executive', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus' trim options. A third seating row is standard-fit. So, premium pricing - but then you probably expected that. At least you get plenty of kit for that, including the ritziest version of the brand's Widescreen MBUX infotainment set-up, with twin 10.25-inch displays for the central screen and the instrument cluster, both of which feature EQ branding and special graphics. Top models get niceties like an electrically-operated panoramic glass sunroof, a Keyless-Go Comfort package, an augmented reality navigation system, an advanced sound system and wireless charging for compatible smartphones.

Cost of Ownership

The driving range of this EQB has improved greatly since it was first launched, mainly because Mercedes now fits a larger 70.5kWh battery. That facilitates an EV range of 290-321 miles in the base 250+ model; or 258-271 in the 300 4MATIC. That's still nowhere near the top class standard and whichever EQB variant you select, you're going to need to make pretty proactive use of the brake regenerative settings to what is possible. The 100 kW DC on-board charger allows the car to charge the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 32 minutes, and from 10 to 100 per cent in seven hours and 15 minutes using an 11kW wall box (it's 10 hours 45 minutes with a 7.4kW wallbox). Navigation with Electric Intelligence - included as standard - calculates the route that will get the driver to their destination fastest, taking into account charging times, and taking the stress out of route planning. A three-year subscription to the Mercedes me Charge public charging service is also included. With Mercedes me Charge, customers have access to what is currently the world's biggest charging network: this currently comprises more than 450,000 AC and DC charging points across 3 countries. Mercedes me Charge allows customers convenient use of the charging stations of various providers, even when travelling abroad. By registering just once, they can benefit from an integrated payment function with a simple billing process. Mercedes me Charge enables customers to charge at more than 175,000 public charging points throughout Europe; Mercedes-Benz ensures a subsequent offset with green power.

Summary

We feel much more convinced by this EQB then we did by its EQA stablemate. Mainly because this more versatile design has a unique selling point denied not only to the EQA but to most other mid-sized EVs out there: seven seats. So larger families who lack a lottery win and don't want a converted van can now join the electric vehicle revolution. What'll they find here? The usual eye-catching Mercedes front-of-cabin experience, classy screen technology and the rather smug sense of self satisfaction that comes in having a car with the Three Pointed Star on your driveway. On top of that, the brake regeneration system is excellent. All of which means that right here, right now, this is the best affordable EV Mercedes makes. And that makes it a difficult car to ignore.