The Mercedes EQB passed through our hands for a test drive: verdict!
Mercedes is continuing to develop its EQ range of electric cars with two different plans: models designed specifically for electric vehicles with a dedicated architecture, such as the EQS, and derivatives of thermal models, as is the case for our EQB. . The 100% electric version of the GLB 7-seater SUV follows the same recipe as its 5-seater little sister, the EQA, which derives from the GLA.
It adopts a solid useful 66.5 kWh battery integrated into its chassis, powerful electric motors (292 hp distributed to the 4 wheels for its launch model) and a specific look, recognizable by its typical glossy black front end. Enough to offer an attractive product and above all, quite unique on the market while waiting for the arrival of the Tesla Model Y in a 7-seater version.
Mercedes EQBData sheet
Model
Mercedes EQB
Category
SUV
Power
215kW
0 to 100 km/h
6.2 seconds
Level of autonomy
Complete autonomy
Max speed
160 km/h
Car side sockets
Type 2 Combo
Length
4684mm
Height
1667mm
Lenght
1834mm
Maximum Weight
405kg
Product sheet
Mercedes EQB Design
With a length of 4.68 m, the EQB is at the upper limit of compact family SUVs. A size justified by its passenger compartment that can accommodate 7 people, which can be seen with the very square rear part, offering a less sporty silhouette to this model than to its 5-seater cousin, the EQA.
Like him, he adopts the visual codes that characterize the EQ models of Mercedes, namely a (false) shiny black grille making the junction with the lights with blue accents, underlined by a bar of LEDs over the entire width, also included in the rear part of the vehicle.
Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, (Stromverbrauch combiniert NEFZ: 16.2 kWh/100 km; CO2-Emissionen combiniert: 0 g/km) Edition 1; Exterior: digitalweiß // Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, Edition 1; exterior: digital white
Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, (Stromverbrauch combiniert NEFZ: 16.2 kWh/100 km; CO2-Emissionen combiniert: 0 g/km) Edition 1; Exterior: digitalweiß // Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, Edition 1; exterior: digital white
Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, (Stromverbrauch combiniert NEFZ: 16.2 kWh/100 km; CO2-Emissionen combiniert: 0 g/km) Edition 1; Exterior: digitalweiß // Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, Edition 1; exterior: digital white
Nothing very spectacular, but it does change the personality of the basic GLB a little, which loses a bit of its adventurous style to become more neutral.
Habitability
In the passenger compartment, we find with pleasure the modern comfort offered by the current generation of compact Étoile. Furniture with original and qualitative materials, spectacular screens (we detail them in the next chapter), serious construction: a very successful high-tech atmosphere! The EQ version stands out with a backlit decorative insert and rose gold-effect elements on the air vents, seats and key.
The first row passengers in the back are very well treated, with plenty of space and a comfortable position, even if the floor has been raised by 2 cm to accommodate the batteries, raising the legs a little. The 140 mm sliding bench seat and the adjustable backrests make it possible to modulate the available spaces.
In the third row, if tall adults are too cramped to plan long journeys (Mercedes announces a maximum of 1.65 m for 3rd row passengers), the seats can be used for breakdown assistance or for children (fitting of child seats possible for the little ones).
Don't forget, however, that with these seats in place, the trunk is almost reduced to nothing (130 litres) whereas in the 5-seater position, seats retracted under the floor, it is quite generous with its 465 litres. And for the day when you need to move, a volume of 1.6 m3 can be reached once all the seats are folded down.
Mercedes EQBOn-board technologies
The centerpiece of the EQB is represented by its dual 2 x 7.25-inch screen of instrumentation and infotainment, worthy of a superior category. Appeared with the latest generation of Class A, it shines both by its definition and its quality, but also by its ultramodern and responsive interface, complete and rich. A real success.
Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, (Stromverbrauch combiniert NEFZ: 16.2 kWh/100 km; CO2-Emissionen combiniert: 0 g/km) Edition 1; Exterior: digitalweiß // Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, Edition 1; exterior: digital white
Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, (Stromverbrauch combiniert NEFZ: 16.2 kWh/100 km; CO2-Emissionen combiniert: 0 g/km) Edition 1; Exterior: digitalweiß // Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, Edition 1; exterior: digital white
Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, (Stromverbrauch combiniert NEFZ: 16.2 kWh/100 km; CO2-Emissionen combiniert: 0 g/km) Edition 1; Exterior: digitalweiß // Mercedes-EQ, EQB 300 4MATIC, Edition 1; exterior: digital white
It can be controlled with an (excellent) voice command, a haptic feedback trackpad in the center console, sensitive joysticks (sometimes too much) on the steering wheel or, of course, by touch control on the central screen. Spoiled for choice ! Navigating between the menus is done in a natural way, their customization is easy and they are easy to understand. A real automotive geek in a way.
Mercedes EQB Driving
At the wheel, the EQB in the 350 4matic version is a very pleasant model, thanks to its top-notch performance and its very lively revivals with 215 kW (292 hp) of maximum power and the very generous torque of 520 Nm, all distributed over the 4 wheels. The front and rear motors that provide this all-wheel drive use two different technologies, respectively asynchronous and synchronous with permanent magnets.
The accelerations are of an excellent level with just 6.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h but for all that, the EQB remains faithful to its family definition in the softness of its driving, even at a good pace (160 km/h max though…). Excellent comfort complemented by a serene behavior, helped by the perfect grip of the all-wheel drive. A traction version of 190 hp will complete the range from below thereafter.
On the braking side, the feeling on the pedal is very correct for a car of this type. Regenerative braking can be set up to a fairly powerful mode, but it won't go to a complete stop, too bad. No one-pedal driving around town here.
The Eco assistant uses the GPS, the vehicle's sensors and the reading of road signs to best help adapt driving to eco-driving. In semi-autonomous driving, the system automatically anticipates bends and slowdowns in traffic to optimize fuel consumption and therefore autonomy as much as possible.
Mercedes EQBRange, battery and charging
The EQB 350 4Matic is delivered with a solid Lithium-ion battery of 66.5 kWh useful under 367 V. The AC recharge is 11 kW with the integrated charger and in DC (direct current) it can reach a maximum of 100 kW only. It then takes 32 minutes to go from 10 to 80%, while from 15 minutes of charging at this rate, 150 km of autonomy will have been recovered. On a 16 A three-phase socket, it will take 5h45 to go from 10 to 100%. Mode 2 and 3 cables are supplied as standard.
The WLTP autonomy is 419 km, a sufficient value to consider hitting the road without too many questions, which places the car in a comfortable place in its category. We noted a consumption of around 22 kWh/100 km during our fast road test, with winter conditions, which brings the real autonomy down to around 300 km, a still very correct value which can be improved with eco-driving. a bit more studious…
On the highway, we would have liked to be entitled to slightly longer stages between each recharge. A long-range version is also officially in the pipeline, but without announcing a figure for the moment. Either way, a heat pump helps preserve the battery.
Advantage, the Electric Intelligence navigation system is able to calculate the route and its recharging breaks in real time, according to several criteria such as topography, weather, traffic or even the style of driving adopted. It also preheats the battery to the ideal temperature for recharging, maximizing downtime. The Mercedes me Charge service is included for the first year, giving access to a number of stations in Europe.
Mercedes EQBPrice and availability
On the price side, as the EQB is launched with a single version in high-end configuration, you should not expect to save money… At 64,650 euros in its AMG Line finish alone, the 350 4Matic charges a high price for its high performance and forget about any ecological bonus. A price that should drop with the future EQB traction, which remains high today compared to the Tesla Model Y (around 60,000 euros) of which we are still waiting for the 7-seater version…
