car tests

Sustainable seven-seater

SUVs are still very popular. Mercedes-Benz makes good use of this and introduces an electric variant of the GLB: the EQB. This ultra-quiet SUV offers – just like the GLB – room for seven people, which makes this EV quite unique. In this review we tell you about our first experience with the Mercedes-Benz EQB.

Mercedes-Benz EQ

Mercedes-Benz is rapidly electrifying its model range. It started in 2019 with the EQC, but then it was quiet for a while. The real electro offensive has started this year. Das Haus introduces one electric model after another, culminating in Mercedes-Benz’s electric flagship EQS , which is basically an electric S-Class.

GL-Class

We also got to know the compact EQA for the first time in 2021 and now it’s time for the next zero-emission SUV, the EQB. Unlike the stately EQS, the EQA, EQB and EQC are largely based on existing petrol models from Mercedes-Benz. In this case GL-Class models, such as the GLA, GLB and GLC. These models are on the MFA2 platform, which is suitable for electrification.

419 kilometers

The EQB therefore does not contain a petrol or diesel engine, but a battery pack and electric motors. The battery capacity is – just like in the EQA – 66.5 kWh, with which the EQB in theory should be able to cover 419 kilometers electrically on a full battery charge (WLTP).

load

Charging at home or at a public charging station is possible up to 11 kW and DC fast charging up to a maximum of 100 kW. Excellent figures, but with the EQS, Mercedes-Benz has shown that they have technology in-house, which makes it all a bit faster. The EQS can charge quickly with a charging speed of up to 200 kW. Fortunately, the EQB can hold the peak charging power of 100 kW for a long time and the charging time from 10-80 percent battery charge is about 30 minutes.

Pretty smooth

For the time being, the EQB will be available as a 230 hp and 390 Nm strong 300 4Matic and as a 292 hp and 520 Nm strong 350 4Matic. It is not yet clear whether there will be a 250 version later – as is also available from the EQA.

The EQB 300 4Matic sprints to 100 km/h in 8 seconds and the 350 4Matic only needs 6.2 seconds. Quite impressive for a seven-seater. The top speed of both variants is 160 km/h.

Dimensions

The EQB is basically just an electric cap and the dimensions are practically the same. The EQB has the same long wheelbase (2,829 mm) and is 1.83 meters wide and 1.66 meters high. It is a few centimeters longer, because the rear bumper sticks out a bit further.

design

Compared to the GLB, it has a modified exterior, including new bumpers. The taillights are connected with an LED strip and the license plate is no longer on the tailgate, but has been moved down into the new rear bumper.

At the front, the square headlamps have disappeared, and instead are streamlined lamps connected via an LED strip across the grille. The traditional grille of the GLB has been replaced by a closed plastic grille. The electric motors require less cooling than a traditional fuel engine, making an old-fashioned grille unnecessary. The new grille also improves aerodynamics. Mercedes-Benz has managed to give the EQB its own face, even though the EQB shares its basis with the GLB.

Five-seater or seven-seater

Also in the EQB you get five seats as standard, but at an additional cost Mercedes-Benz will install a third row of seats with two extra seats. That makes it quite special, because there are hardly any electric 7-seaters for sale.

The Germans managed to make the most of the angular bodywork – because there is a lot of space inside – but all the way in the back, only people who are smaller than 1.65 meters are comfortable.

Electric pack mule

Optionally, Mercedes-Benz installs a rear seat that can slide over a distance of 14 centimeters. For example, you can choose extra legroom for your passengers or 190 liters of extra luggage volume.

There is no shortage of luggage space in any case: as a five-seater, the SUV offers space for 495 to 1,710 liters of luggage and with seven seats there remains 465 to 1,620 liters. That’s about 100 liters less than in the GLB in both cases, but you still have to work really hard to fill the boot completely.

nothing to complain about

It will come as no surprise that the dashboard of the EQB closely resembles the cockpit of the GLB. There is actually no difference. Fortunately, that’s good news, because in our GLB review we had nothing to complain about behind the wheel.

The interior looks great, the ergonomics are good and the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system is pleasant to operate. Of course, the system has some extra menus where you can view information about the electric powertrain, but otherwise the interior is left alone.

Driving experience

We know the GLB as a very comfortable SUV, but the EQB goes one step further. The silent and smooth drivetrain provides even more refinement and driving pleasure. The battery pack provides a lot of extra weight, but you don’t have that much trouble when cornering.

The electric motors also get all 2,175 kilos moving effortlessly. You are never without power and you can always quickly overtake someone with confidence. You don’t buy the high SUV for its dynamic handling, but if you’re in a sporty mood, you can leave a lot of cars behind you at every traffic light with the EQB 350 4MATIC. In a cap you don’t have to try that.

Conclusion

The EQB is a practical and solid electric SUV. There are only a few electric seven-seaters for sale, which makes it extra interesting. The electric powertrain provides even more comfort and there is always plenty of power on hand. The payload and range are fine, but not as impressive as the EQS. Prices start for the five-seater from 64,031 euros.