Overview
If you’re tired of EVs that try too hard to be unique, consider the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB. It looks so similar to the subcompact, gas-powered GLB-class SUV, you might not even realize that it’s powered by electrons—at least until you drive it. Save for a slight reduction in cargo space and some minor styling differences, the EQB and GLB are indistinguishable—and we think that’s a good thing. Both are entertaining to drive, practical, and stylish. There are three different versions of the EQB, starting with the 188-hp front-wheel drive EQB250+ and stepping up to the 225-hp EQB300 and 288-hp EQB350, both of which offer all-wheel drive standard. Its interior is well-appointed and spacious for a small SUV, with all the prerequisite tech to keep you connected to the digital world. Perhaps the only downside to the EQB is its estimated driving range, which is at most only 250 miles per charge.
What’s New for 2024?
Mercedes-Benz has given its smallest electric SUV a slight makeover for 2024, with a redesigned grille, updated lighting elements, and a few interior tweaks. The grille now features the same star pattern as the company’s other all-electric EQ models, and the front end features a light bar that runs along the top. The front bumper and taillamps have also been massaged. The interior of the EQB benefits from a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls on the spokes, and the infotainment system has been updated with more advanced software.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The EQB is offered in three forms, but they’re all similar. The one that strikes us as the best balance is the 225-hp EQB300, which is said to offer up to 242 miles of range per charge. We’d spring for the loaded Pinnacle trim level, as it amps up the luxury with a panoramic sunroof and a high-end Burmester stereo system.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The entry-level model is the EQB250+ which features a 188-hp electric motor and is front-wheel drive. Stepping up to the EQB300 unlocks all-wheel drive and a slightly more powerful 225-hp electric powertrain. However, if you want the quickest EQB, you’ll have to go with the dual-motor EQB350 that makes 288 horsepower. The EQB shares chassis components with the gas-burning GLB, but it’s considerably heavier, giving it a more settled ride. During our brief drive in the EQB350, it felt quicker than the GLB250 and more on par with the 302-hp AMG GLB35. At our test track, the EQB350 hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds—a half-second behind the GLB35, but slightly quicker than the Audi Q4 e-tron.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The EQB uses a 66.5-kWh battery located underneath the floor, but its range varies depending on which model you choose. The more powerful EQB350 is estimated to deliver 227 miles of range per charge, but the EQB300 and EQB250+ models boast slightly longer ranges of 243 and 250 miles, respectively. The EQB can be recharged at home on a Level 2 connection or at a DC fast-charging public station. Mercedes claims with the DC connection Mercedes the vehicle can charge from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EQB350 is rated at up to 98 MPGe city and 93 MPGe highway, per the EPA. We haven’t had the chance to take the EQB on our 75-mph fuel economy route, but when we do, we’ll report the results here. For more information about the EQB’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Mercedes has carried over the cabin from the GLB-class SUV to the EQB with only a few changes that differentiate it from the gas-powered version. There are five seats across two rows, with an optional, small, pop-up third row of seats. Nicely trimmed door panels, soft leather upholstery, and bright metal trim all lend an upscale look to the EQB’s cabin. As with other Mercedes-Benz EQ models, the EQB features lovely rose gold interior accents. The addition of the battery pack does intrude on cargo space somewhat, with the EQB losing up to 5 cubic feet of luggage space, depending on how the rear seats are folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system is on display inside the EQB. It offers a touchscreen, voice command, and steering-wheel controls for its audio, navigation, and other functions. We’ve found the interface to be frustrating to use at times, particularly its overly enthusiastic voice assistant that pops up any time you say the word “Mercedes.” The navigation offers a feature to help drivers more easily find EV charging stations, too.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The EQB offers some standard driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking. However, more desirable and more advanced tech is optional. For more information about the EQB’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The EQB offers the same warranty coverage as the EQS and other Mercedes models. Whereas some rivals—such as the Jaguar I-Pace—offer complimentary scheduled maintenance as part of the standard warranty package, EQB buyers will need to pay for maintenance out of pocket.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 4Matic Premium
Vehicle Type: front- and mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $59,100/$60,380
Options: Mountain Grey Metallic paint, $750; garage door opener, $280; charging cord, $250
POWERTRAIN
Front Motor: induction asynchronous AC
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC
Combined Power: 288 hp
Combined Torque: 384 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 66.5 kWh
Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 100 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive/direct-drive
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.0-in vented disc/12.6-in disc
Tires: Continental ProContact 6XSSR
235/50R-19 103T M+S Extra Load MOE
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.3 in
Length: 184.4 in
Width: 72.2 in
Height: 65.6 in
Passenger Volume: 102 ft3
Cargo Volume, rear seats up/down: 22/62 ft3
Curb Weight: 4815 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.3 sec @ 93 mph
100 mph: 20.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 100 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING
Observed: 84 MPGe
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 96/98/93 MPGe
Range: 227 mi
