Mercedes-Benz continues the Australian rollout of its Mercedes-EQ family of fully electric vehicles by introducing the EQB, a cleverly packaged compact SUV with family-friendly dimensions, astonishing flexibility and the option to carry up to seven people. It joins the compact EQA and medium EQC SUVs in the rapidly-growing Mercedes-EQ SUV line-up, alongside an all-electric luxury saloon, the EQS.
The new Mercedes-Benz EQB follows in the footsteps of the smaller EQA SUV, which arrived in Australia in 2021. The EQA has become a popular choice for Australian motorists keen to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, yet without compromising on the distinctive design, luxurious appointments and inherently sporty nature of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range.
Now, with the addition of the EQB’s liberal extra dose of space and flexible packaging, customers can enjoy all the benefits of fully electric mobility in a vehicle capable of seating up to seven passengers if needed, or reconfigure the cabin to create more than 1600L of loading capacity.
Yet the deceptively long 2829-millimetre wheelbase (+100 mm compared to EQA) underpinning this outstanding utility, plus the electric drivetrain and its lithium-ion battery, are packaged into the dimensions of a compact SUV that mirrors the EQA’s driving agility and exceptional ease to manoeuvre and park.
Efficient electric
At the heart of the EQB is an electric drivetrain developed by Mercedes-EQ specifically for the Mercedes-EQ compact SUV range. The system’s operating temperature is optimised through cooling of the electric motors and the power electronics, as well as of the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. To further reduce noise and vibration, which typically become more noticeable in the absence of the sound of a combustion engine, Mercedes-EQ engineers isolated the drive unit from the supporting frame, and the supporting frame from the body-in-white.
The lithium-ion battery serves as the central energy storage unit for the electric drive system. Its high energy density provides a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh. Weighing just 469 kg, this unit is divided into several modules which are distributed beneath the vehicle floor to create a favourable centre of gravity.
EQB owners can enjoy high charging speeds with up to 11 kW of output via the AC (alternating current) charging system, or up to 100 kW using DC (direct current) charging.
Space and flexibility as standard
The EQB, like the structurally similar GLB that is also on sale in Australia featuring a petrol drivetrain, utilises cutting-edge engineering and ingenious packaging to eke maximum functionality from its compact footprint. Stowing all rear seats unleashes a highly usable 1710 litres of storage space. With its flat floor and tall roofline, the EQB easily accommodate bikes, surfboards, golf clubs and carts, and even large furniture items.
With the second row in use – which includes reclining seat backs – a handy 495 litres of cargo space is realised. A three-way split-fold mechanism in the second row adds further options to configure the space available for passengers and cargo.
With the optional third row of seats fitted (EQB 250 only), the key storage measurements are 1620 litres (all rows stowed), 465 litres (second row in use) and 110 litres (all rows in use).
The Mercedes-Benz EQB 250
The new Mercedes-Benz EQB range kicks off with the EQB 250 variant, which is packaged as standard with five seats, while a third row that extends seating to seven can be selected as an option. Flexible and spacious, the EQB 250 is a smart choice for families keen to embrace the utility of being able to deploy two extra seats for occasional use.
Utilising a single e-motor driving power directly to the front wheels, the EQB 250 drivetrain generates 140 kW of power and a healthy 385 Nm of torque. The electric SUV is capable of achieving driving range of 371 km according to the WLTP test standard.
The EQB 250 includes a high level of standard specification. Its well-appointed cabin incorporates distinctive spiral-look trim elements and houses a widescreen display, featuring two 10.25-inch high resolution screens. The driver’s instrument panel can be customised with a number of pre-loaded themes, while the central screen acts as the portal to access the acclaimed MBUX infotainment system, which includes audio, telephony and navigation controls as well as a number of vehicle settings. A high-quality leather multi-function steering wheel puts key driving features and assistances at the driver’s fingertips.
The comfortable seats are finished in ARTICO upholstery with electrically adjustable and heated front seats, while the centre console includes a wireless charging mat for supported smart devices. Dual-zone climate control, DAB+ digital radio, Apple and Android smartphone integration, an advanced sound system and ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours are all standard inclusions.
Also included is the Driver Assistance Package featuring a comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience systems led by DISTRONIC active cruise control with Active Speed Limit Assist, plus Active Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, as well route-based speed adaptation. The standard Parking Package includes the PARKTRONIC parking assistant and a 360° camera, and the KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package includes an electrically operable tailgate including hands-free access.
As with other vehicles in the Mercedes-EQ passenger vehicle line-up, the EQB 250 includes acoustic ambient protection, which mitigates the risk posed to pedestrians and cyclists by the vehicle’s silent drivetrain by sounding an audible warning at speeds below 20 km/h, plus a reversing tone.
Other key features include adjustable damping suspension with multi-link rear suspension to optimise ride comfort, LED high-performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist and featuring EQ-specific blue elements, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and the Progressive Exterior package featuring distinctive chrome and aluminium trims. An LED luminescent light band across the front of the bonnet is another EQ-specific design feature, while 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light alloy wheels complete the distinctive appearance.
Both models in the EQB range incorporate a Type 2 CCS charging socket capable of accepting up to 11 kW (AC) and 100 kW (DC), while charging cables for use with Australian domestic sockets and public charging stations are also supplied with either vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC
The EQB 350 4MATIC creates a sportier driving experience for those who relish the journey as much as the destination. Dual e-motors, one mounted on each axle, enable power to be sent variably where it’s most needed, and with a low centre of gravity thanks to the flat, wide battery pack optimally distributed beneath the floor, the EQB 350 achieves a stable yet highly agile driving experience.
A combined output from the two motors of 215 kW and 520 Nm, the latter fully available from any speed or even from a standstill, endows the SUV with impressive acceleration (0-100 km/h in as little as 6.2 seconds) and sports car-like responsiveness. Driving range is 360 km according to the WLTP standard.
Available solely in the five-seat configuration, the EQB 350 adds significant additional interior features that further emphasise its sporty nature. This includes sports seats with adjustable head restraints and DINAMICA microfibre inserts with red double top-stitching , a multi-function sports steering wheel in Nappa leather with a flattened bottom section, backlit spiral-look trim elements, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sills.
Exterior features include an electrically controlled panoramic glass sunroof, AMG-specific body styling including extra chrome trim pieces, a diffuser look for the rear apron, and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 is priced at $87,800 in standard five-seat configuration, with a third row of seats adding $2900.
The EQB 350 4MATIC is priced at $106,700. Both models are on sale now.
