You may recognize the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB from another car if it appears familiar to you. The EQB is a redesigned electric variant of the gas-powered GLB-Class, while Stuttgart’s other all-electric vehicles for the US market, the EQS, EQE, and EQS SUV, were all electric designs from the ground up. This gives the EQB a conventional appearance, even if it isn’t as ambitious as the finer lozenge-shaped EQs. It looks strange, doesn’t take up much room, and doesn’t need a steep learning curve to get used to. It’s just as valuable and enjoyable as the GLB.
Compromises are often necessary when converting combustion engine designs to electric power. Despite being almost as spacious as the GLB, the EQB is heavier and (much) more expensive. Additionally, the EQB lacks a front trunk or frunk, and its range is not as great as that of the Tesla Model Y. While its range is ordinary when compared to other electric crossovers of the same calibre, in 2023, a new front-wheel drive variant, the EQB 250+, will be available. This model has a single 188-horsepower motor and a potential range of 245 miles. Not only are charging speeds good, but the EQB can only refill at a rate of 100 kW on fast chargers.
The market for electric luxury crossovers is growing, and the EQB is at the lower end of the premium EV range while costing much more than the GLB. The Mercedes is priced similarly to the Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge versions, starting at $53,900 and going up to around $64,000 (before extras) for the top-trim EQB 350. However, it is less expensive than the Genesis GV60 and GV70 or the Jaguar I-Pace. The Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron are less costly than the base Ford Mustang Mach-E models.
With the 250+, three different EQB models are now available; the other two are the 288-hp EQB 350 and the 225-hp EQB 300. All-wheel drive (AWD) models with two motors each of these two types use an identical 66.5 kWh battery pack located under the floor. Though the EQB isn’t as fun as the GLB since it has to carry half a ton more weight, both are capable and responsive handlers and aren’t intended for track days. Although the 350 is quicker than the others, its maximum speed is reached at the same point as certain rivals, such as the GV60.
Because of its upright form, the EQB offers more excellent interior room than vehicles like the I-Pace or GV60, which are more like upscale hatchbacks than true SUVs. Due to the battery pack somewhat reduces luggage space over the GLB, but generally, it outperforms most rivals, except the Model Y, which is a larger car. In addition, the EQB is quite spacious; in the two-row model, four tall people may ride for the whole day without feeling crowded. Tesla’s optional third row is maybe even better than the little one available for small children, which also ruins cargo space.
The EQB’s interior is far plusher and better-made than a Tesla, but it’s still not nearly as plentiful as a Genesis or Jaguar. Its systems, essentially the same as the GLB’s, are user-friendly and functional, and they don’t rely much on technology. Its most excellent active-safety measures are one of the more expensive items (part of a $1,300 bundle), which brings up the EQB’s primary drawback: cost. The EQB competes with more expensive vehicles, while the GLB is an entry-level luxury crossover. Although it isn’t inexpensive, it’s a sensible option that helps beginners with electric vehicles adapt smoothly.
What’s new
A new EQB 250+ model was launched at the end of 2022. It has a single electric motor that powers the front wheels only but has a reduced starting price and a range of up to 250 miles.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- sufficient space for a small EV crossover
- With a modest optional third row, it’s more practical than some of its sleeker and less expensive rivals.
- Undercuts many other luxury EV crossovers on price
Cons:
- Starting is more expensive than an EQB driven by gas, and many amenities are optional extras.
- Only suitable for little children, the tiny optional third row completely consumes luggage space.
- Not as plentiful as high-end EV crossovers made by Genesis
Performance: Mercedes-Benz EQB
The entry-level EQB model for 2023 is the 250+, which only powers the front wheels with a single electric motor. It employs the same 66.5 kWh battery pack as the dual-motor vehicles despite having 188 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. The EQB 250+, according to Mercedes-Benz, has a zero-to-60 mph speed of 8.0 seconds, making it the slowest vehicle in the series. It benefits from a bit longer range but doesn’t receive much of a handling advantage since it doesn’t weigh much less than the other EQBs.
The software, range, and power of the two other EQB models differentiate this dual-motor, all-wheel drive vehicles. While the EQB 350 generates 288 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, the EQB 300 delivers 225 horsepower and 288 lb-ft. Similar to our real-world findings with the GLB 250 4Matic, the 350 reaches 60 mph in a little over 6 seconds, while the 300 will reach that speed in 7 seconds. On the other hand, the EQB seems quicker than it is due to its immediate torque, and it bursts with power off the line like many EVs.
The EQB seems less elegant than the GLB, but it is more stable on the highway and has more significant cornering limits because of the additional weight of the battery pack down low. Over time, we’ve discovered that the GLB—especially the AMG models—is surprisingly athletic, although they aren’t performance SUVs.
Although it handles nicely, when exerted, the EQB is less forceful than the GLB. It rides smoothly and effectively conveys its limitations. Although the EQB is an all-out on-road SUV, the 4Matic AWD system provides plenty of grip.
Three distinct driving modes are available: Comfort, Eco, Sport, and D-, D, and D+ regenerative braking settings. The last and most potent is the one-pedal mode, which many electric vehicle drivers choose for optimal performance and range extension. Even though the pedal sensation varies depending on the regen mode, the brakes function correctly.
While rivals like the XC40 Recharge, GV60, and Model Y offer performance choices capable of far more dramatic speed and dynamics, for most drivers, the EQB 300 gives enough get-up-and-go to please. Additionally, the EQB has an artificial upper-speed restriction of 99 mph, so speed demons beware.
Power Consumption, Charging, and Range:
Although these ratings aren’t often entirely predictive of efficiency, the EPA gave the 2022 EQB 300 and 350 ratings of 243 and 227 miles on a charge, respectively (and 101 and 96 MPGe, respectively). Although the carmaker ranks all three models modestly, it has not yet rated the EQB 250+. For the EQB 250+, 232 for the EQB 300, and 221 for the EQB 350, Mercedes-Benz provides ranges that are noticeably more cautious (by around 8 to 10 miles) than the two models from the previous year.
For the most part, owners of premium EVs charge at home. The manufacturer then changed the 11.25 hours Level 2 home charging (10 to 100%) time data provided by the EQB to 7.5 hours. With a DC fast charger in the wild, the EQB can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 32 minutes, but there are a few restrictions.
To enable the SUV to pre-condition the battery for rapid charging, it is advisable to first set your GPS to the charging station (pre-conditioning cannot be manually activated). Secondly, fast chargers with a maximum power of 50 kW are not always available, even in locations with many chargers. It will take around an hour to charge entirely at that pace. The EQB can only be charged at a maximum of 100 kW if you discover a 350 kW charger.
With every EQB, Mercedes-Benz offers two years of limitless 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America outlets.
Driver assistance and safety:
On the EQB, Mercedes-Benz provides an abundance of top-notch active safety systems; however, the greatest ones come at an additional expense. The excellent systems, adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping assist, evasive steering, cross-traffic alerts, and active lane change assist are part of a $1,300 driver assistance package. The necessities, such as automated emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and blind spot alerts, are standard.
Although much of this equipment is included in Tesla, Genesis, and Volvo vehicles, these technologies function well and seem like a given at this price. Oddly enough, side-impact airbags for the second row are also an option.
The European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP), an EU organization that conducts comparable testing, awards the EQB a top five-star rating; however, neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have tested the vehicle yet.
Coziness & Space:
The EQB mimics most of the GLB’s interior design, except for the battery pack floor, which is covered in somewhat better materials. This features plenty of space and comfortable, supportive seats up front—four individuals over six feet tall to ride comfortably all day. Rear legroom is 38.1 inches, which is decent for an SUV that is just 184 inches long overall. While the EQB is called “full-size” on Mercedes-Benz’s website, it is small.
Like the GLB, the $1,250 third row is the most significant choice. Only the Model Y provides anything comparable among electric SUVs of size, although these third rows are cramped in both vehicles. Mercedes-Benz even provides a warning sticker advising against sitting back there for anybody taller than 66.5 inches. Naturally, this is available if needed, but the two rows on the EQB and Model Y make them superior and more functional.
WHEN CONFIGURED IN TWO ROWS, the EQB seems roomy, and a family of four or five could still fit comfortably. Thanks to the enormous rear doors and tall shape, everyone will have ample headroom, easy access, and ample space for bulky car seats.
Infotainment: Mercedes-Benz EQB
The EQB receives a pair of 10.3-inch displays that are carried over from the highest-end GLBs, but it does not have the sophisticated Hyperscreen seen on the larger EQ models. Honestly, it’s not terrible that the Hyperscreen was omitted. The propensity of designers to hide everything behind menus and place excessive emphasis on displays is one of the worst aspects of modern EV designs. Although there are still a lot of menus on the EQB, they are all relatively simple to understand and have logical controls.
Using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation as standard features, the newest MBUX infotainment system from the carmaker is used in the EQB. The infotainment system is highly graphic and straightforward, including voice control, a touchscreen, a touchpad, and steering wheel controls. Happily, you can manually aim the air vents; most features have hard buttons. This experience is much better than the Model Y and has a lower learning curve than many other EVs.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Though not as svelte as the GV60 or Volvo C40’s “crossover coupe” silhouettes, the EQB utilizes its space more effectively than almost all its rivals. The 40/20/40 sliding bench behind the back seats has 23 cubic feet of storage capacity, down from 27 in the GLB, but 62 cubic feet when the seats are folded. Only the Tesla provides more, with an astounding total capacity of 72 cubic feet. Although there is less room (59.7 cubic feet), the Mustang Mach-E has more space behind the back seat (29.7 cubic feet).
If you choose the third-row seat, some volume is lost when the seat is folded. But when the occupants are seated, the rear cargo compartment becomes smaller—it can barely hold a few food bags. Bulky goods may be accommodated with the aid of standard chrome roof rails.
Design: Mercedes-Benz EQB
Because optimizing range requires good aerodynamics, the EQB replaces the GLB’s blocky edges with a glossy EQ-style grille from the automaker’s other EV models and smooths down some of the GLB’s sharp edges. Both upgrades give the EQB a more opulent appearance and increase its range. In addition to improving the appearance, smoother front ends and underbody aero improvements lower the drag coefficient from the GLBs.31 to 28. An AMG line option with blackout trim and excellent backlit inside trim is available. A selection of exquisite aero-optimized wheels is also available for top models.
Although some options (such as the Brown Walnut wood trim) are the same, the EQB’s interior still doesn’t seem as upscale as other luxury cars and isn’t comparable to the $100,000+ EQS SUV. However, the materials appear a touch finer than those of the GLB. The EQB seems and feels much more expensive than the Model Y, even if the insides of the GV60 and I-Pace are finer. However, no one will be too dissatisfied with this style, and it’s more beneficial for families than an SUV covered in white Nappa leather.
Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB Worth it?
The 2023 Mercedes-EQB has a starting price of $53,900 (plus a $1,050 destination charge) for the new 250+, making it much more costly than many of its rivals and more expensive than the comparable (but gas-powered) GLB. Additionally, it is not eligible for federal tax benefits, but certain states and municipalities may provide some.
Due to the GLB’s $12,000 lower starting price, the fully equipped AWD GLB 250 4Matic bottoms out below the EQB’s starting point. Going electric can save you a ton of money over time, but there is a significant differential in cost, and that price does not account for any choices.
If you want one of these, the mid-range $58,050 EQB 300 makes the most sense since the range increase in the 250+ isn’t great, but it’s still a hefty figure. However, it concerns the starting point for competitors such as the Genesis GV60 and Cadillac Lyriq. On the other hand, the Model Y Performance is much faster and has a more extended range for the same price. It doesn’t feel as elegant or expensive and is far too screen-heavy. Although none of the mainstream brand EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, are available as three-row vehicles with less luggage space, they provide more excellent value.
Each EQB comes with three trim-like “packages”: the entry-level Premium, the mid-grade Exclusive ($1,250 more), and the top-tier Pinnacle (an extra $1,850 to $3,200, depending on the model). Standard features include parking assistance, an adjustable ambient lighting system, and a panoramic sunroof. Wireless charging, a fragrance, massaging front seats, and an improved audio system are all included with the Exclusive. Surround-view cameras and a loud Burmester sound system are added to pinnacle versions.
Also, Mercedes-Benz continues to provide many extra features, including the most incredible paint job (Rose Gold!), and we would choose the $1,300 driver assistance package. If you genuinely need it, the third row is helpful but raises the cost by $1,250.
How Much Does Mercedes-Benz EQB Insurance Cost in 2023?
Since the Mercedes-Benz EQB is a new car, it isn’t easy to estimate insurance rates. For an EQB 300, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record should budget around $2,600 annually. Owners of a Tesla Model Y may spend more than $3,100 annually, compared to $2,760 for the Volvo XC40 Recharge and $3,170 for the Jaguar I-Pace.
Mercedes-Benz EQB Generations
First Generation
2023 to Present
As a car for the 2022 model year, the first-generation Mercedes-Benz EQB premiered in Europe in 2021 and came to the United States in the autumn of 2022. The EQB is a small crossover that is powered by electricity. It has improved aerodynamics, swaps out the GLB’s gas engines with two electric motors, and has a battery pack that can hold 66.5 kWh of electricity. It has a tall, boxy design akin to a smaller GLS SUV, and it comes with a short, optional third row of seats, much like its gasoline-powered predecessor. A new front-wheel drive, single-motor EQB 250+ model was introduced for 2023; it has a slightly more extended range than the 300 and 350 dual-motor models now in production.
Verdict
The redesigned, electrified Mercedes-Benz EQB is an upgraded model of the German carmaker’s gas-powered GLB SUV. Although it may seem like a compromise, the elegant and valuable tall crossover minimizes the learning curve for EV adoption by providing a more traditional look and controls with range and performance comparable to some clean-sheet electric vehicles. Like the GLB, it has a small optional third row and is spacious, practical, and family-friendly. It charges pretty quickly and has a respectably energetic driving experience. The primary negatives? It feels less abundant than many electric options and is much more expensive than the GLB.
