Mercedes-Benz soon ran out of letters of the alphabet to name its many models. If you haven’t guessed it yet, everything with the letters EQ in the Silberstern brand catalog is electrified.
The new SUV EQB is the electric counterpart to the GLB. It’s based on the same platform, but adapted to house electric motors and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
Therefore, its dimensions are approximately the same. What is special about the EQB, however, is that, unlike its siblings, the EQE and EQS, it is physically very similar to the internal combustion engine it is modeled after. In fact, the grille-less front end is arguably the only noticeable element that sets this EQB apart from others.
The Car Guide traveled to the Stuttgart area of Germany to drive this new EQB, a compact luxury utility vehicle that focuses on versatility and space (with an optional third row) while remaining affordable and a bit sporty.
Good performance, average battery life
The variant that just landed on the Canadian market is the 350 4MATIC. A 250 4MATIC version with traction follows. The 350 4MATIC is equipped with a 70.5 kWh battery connected to two electric motors (front and rear). Total output is 288 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque. Drivers have a range of 365 kilometers under the EPA cycle before needing to charge the battery, which is sufficient but could be considered the minimum.
Most surprising, however, is the maximum charging power of only 100 kW. For comparison, a Tesla Model 3 achieves 250 kW with a 350 kW charger, while a Hyundai EV6 and IONIQ 5 both achieve 225 kW. Still, Mercedes-Benz claims the EQB’s battery can go from 10 to 80 percent in 32 minutes.
Photo: Louis Philippe Dube
On the driver’s side, we find that Mercedes-Benz has started figuring out how to bring its signature ‘Benz’ driving experience to its EQ lineup. Not just because of the power delivered (all EVs can do that), but more importantly in the feel of the accelerator and the direction, direction steered by a small but thick and jam-packed steering wheel, controls.
While weight is usually the biggest enemy of driving dynamics in an electric vehicle, the EQB 350 4MATIC doesn’t feel heavy cornering, thanks in part to a well-tuned suspension and chassis.
On the other hand, we noticed that the regenerative braking system intervened somewhat haphazardly at times. That only happened when we pushed the EQB 350 4MATIC with momentum on winding roads where braking and acceleration were heavily used.
Photo: Louis Philippe Dube
Practical and versatile interior
While the EQB doesn’t have a gigantic hyperscreen dominating the entire dashboard like you’ll find in the EQE SUV and EQS SUV, you’ll still be fitted with a pair of 10.25-inches equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience Interface ( MBUX).
Photo: Mercedes Benz
The system is quite convenient, but somewhat complex. And the satnav is finicky, seeming to offer confusing ways to recalculate routes when you’re lost. It will take you a lot further from your original path than it should.
Comfort is generally the priority with this EQB SUV. And even if the third row is very cramped, reducing cargo space to almost nothing, it remains a good perk for families wanting to fit seven passengers if necessary.
Photo: Mercedes Benz
The Mercedes-Benz SUV EQB 2023 plays the card of luxurious versatility in the world of electrics. And aside from the somewhat limited battery life and charging options, plus a few generally superficial hiccups, the EQB is definitely worth a look for families looking for compact utility in a classy package. It is available now from retailers with a starting price of $75,700.