Summary
The Mercedes-Benz EQB is a compact SUV that is part of the Mercedes-Benz all-electric EQ family, available in both five-seat and seven-seat configurations. It arrived in the UK in early 2022.
Based on the regular Mercedes-Benz GLB, the EQB is powered by two motors connected to a 66kWh battery, providing an official battery range of 257 miles. The range is currently limited to two trims in the UK, both of which are all-wheel drive models.
A cheaper entry-level model that uses a single motor is planned to be added to the range eventually. This model will be front-wheel drive, and is expected to offer a longer battery range.
One of several electric models to recently emerge from the Mercedes-EQ pipeline, the EQB has received mixed media reviews, with scores ranging from below average to very good.
Journalists collectively agree that the EQB is a neat package with impressive build quality and interior refinement, as well as offering intuitive on-board tech features and infotainment. Performance is also praised, with Parkers particularly praising the top-spec EQB 350 in offering impressive pace for a seven-seat compact SUV.
However, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is not the preferred choice of a number of publications, including Autocar., which describes it as “average at best in all the ways that matter”. Battery space, ride quality and boot space are inferior to rivals like the Audi Q4 e-tron.
The EQB’s price tag – which surpasses £50,000 – is also higher than comparable rivals, with larger and more practical family cars available on the market.
That said, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is one of the only premium electric SUVs available with seven seats – its only true competitor being the more expensive Tesla Model X. As The Sun points out, “the EQB is still stupidly expensive, but its almost half the Tesla’s money.”
As of March 2023, the Mercedes-Benz EQB holds an Expert Rating of 67%, which is a point behind the conventional GLB upon which it’s based.
EQB highlights
- One of the only seven-seat options in its class
- Easy-to-use infotainment
- Comfortable and high-quality interior
- Strong performance
EQB lowlights
- Still expensive despite lack of direct rivals
- Average battery range
- Third row seats not really for adults
- Ride quality not as good as best rivals
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV
Power: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £55,310 on-road
Launched: Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Electric seven-seaters are still few and far between, but the new Mercedes EQB does a convincing job of transporting the entire family in relative comfort. The EQB is dripping with premium appeal, and while we’d like a little more range, faster charging tech, and, ultimately, a cheaper, front-wheel-drive entry model, the EQB is one of Merc’s most convincing electric cars to date.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Essentially an electrified version of the excellent Mercedes GLB, the EQB offers a satisfying blend of luxury and practicality and is currently among the few electric options for families needing an extra row of seats.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Mercedes is charging a notable premium for this car relative to other electric SUVs, and yet isn’t offering a car with an entirely segment-competitive electric range, nor one capable of particularly fast public charging. Those are likely to be key stumbling blocks for some potential EQB buyers.” (Matt Saunders)
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Model reviewed: EQB 350 4Matic
Score: 6 / 10
“Extra seats aside, the EQB is average at best in all the ways that matter. And average isn’t really what Mercedes should be delivering at this price. Along with the relative lack of range, it makes the EQB questionable value for money.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If seven-seats in your EV is a priority, the EQB is a comfy, refined, and high-quality choice. Although the incoming cheaper, longer-range, single-motor version might be the pick of the bunch.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQB is exactly the kind of practical, flexible car that could help family buyers go electric. Sure, you’d enjoy more space for adults in something like an EQV, but the flavour of the month is SUV, not MPV.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The option of a seven-seat layout gives the EQB a significant advantage over most rival EVs and the upmarket interior and practical boot add further to its appeal. The standard safety features are excellent too.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“For a family EV SUV, the Mercedes EQB ticks almost all the boxes. But even with the biggest battery, the range isn’t as good as it could be.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Ultimately, while we’d like a less expensive entry-level model to be available from launch and slightly faster rapid charging speeds, the EQB is sure to appeal to many, and rightfully so, thanks to its smooth electric powertrain, practical range and the fact it’s one of the few models in the electric SUV class available with seven seats.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“I quite like the honesty of the design and the facility to carry an extra two passengers is good – especially if you have kids with lots of mates. It’s disappointing that the cabin is compromised by the basic design of the car. Stepping into the Mercedes-Benz EQB after driving flat-floor all-electric cars really feels like going back in time.” (Ginny Buckley)
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Model reviewed: EQB 300 4Matic
Score: 9 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4Matic is an all-electric seven-seater, which means it’s a very rare thing, and it’s good to drive – which is something else that’s not always guaranteed with a seven-seater SUV.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“If you want a seven seat electric SUV, the Mercedes EQB is the only car you can buy this side of the £100,000 plus Tesla Model X. It combines a 250-mile range with an exceptionally high quality cabin and superb refinement.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQB isn’t the first electric SUV on the market but it stands out thanks to its seven seats. Nothing from Audi, BMW or Jaguar can rival it. Its 250 mile range is impressive as is the quality throughout. It’s also good to drive.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Electric cars with seven seats are few and far between, but the Mercedes-Benz EQB is a new and interesting option. An acceptable range and practicality to spare.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“There are loads of seven-seat crossovers around. And loads of electric crossovers. But the only seven-seat electric crossover until now has been the Tesla Model X, falcon-wing doors and all. That’s £106,380. Don’t get me wrong, the EQB is still stupidly expensive at £57k but that’s almost half the Tesla’s money.”
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Model reviewed: EQB 350 4Matic AMG Line Premium
Score: 6 / 10
“On paper, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is the battery electric, all-weather family carry-all that many will want, but it’s far from straightforward. Range and efficiency are far from sparkling. It’s also expensive, even in a class of expensive cars and that gritty ride doesn’t do it any favours.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“For now, there’s no cheaper way into a new seven-seat EV. The EQB has a USP and runs nicely with it.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes EQB is a competent seven-seat electric car that’s competitively priced against its main electric SUV rivals. It’s not the swiftest choice out there, though, and there are several cheaper alternatives with longer ranges.”
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Model reviewed: EQB 350 AMG Line Premium
Score: 8 / 10
“There are plenty of electric SUVs that give you more space for five people for similar money, while some of them can also go farther between charges. Yet for many families looking to go electric, the additional two seats will be a real game-changer. And by any measure, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is classy and a pleasure to drive.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 91%
Vulnerable road users: 78%
Safety assist: 74%
Notes on safety rating
The EQB is structurally comparable to the combustion-powered Mercedes-Benz GLB tested in 2019 and shares the same level of safety equipment. Additional tests have been done where the performance of the cars might differ but, otherwise, test results are taken from the GLB.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of March 2023, the Mercedes-Benz EQB has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an EV) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the EQB would be very likely to score highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it ever takes place.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of March 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz EQB to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the EQB, we’ll publish the score here.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz EQB, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Kia e-Niro | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQA | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq iV | Tesla Model Y | Tesla Model X | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo XC40 Recharge
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