Overview
As Mercedes-Benz gears up to roll out a comprehensive lineup of electric vehicles, we expect the boxy EQB—based on the gasoline-powered GLB-class SUV—to join the coupe-like EQA among the first offerings under the new EQ subbrand. An all-electric powertrain with at least 187 horsepower and a driving range somewhere between 200 and 250 miles is a good start—although we’d love to see a perkier power number or a more generous range. Similar to the GLB-class SUV, the EQB should offer a spacious cabin with upscale materials; Mercedes has not yet said if the EQB will inherit the GLB’s optional third row of seats.
What’s New for 2022?
Although Mercedes-Benz hasn’t confirmed that the EQB SUV will make it to North America, it has shown off what looks like a production-ready model covered in blue camouflage. We expect to see it officially unveiled before the end of 2021.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We expect the EQB’s available trim levels to mirror those of the larger EQC, but we don’t have set pricing just yet. We don’t know exactly how the EQB will be equipped or what features will be standard or optional, but we’ll find out more closer to the SUV’s on-sale date.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The EQB is likely to share its powertrain and battery components with the swoopier EQA, and both are expected to share chassis components with the gasoline-powered GLA-class and GLB-class SUVs. Mercedes has released details about the powertrain that’s destined to power the EQA in Europe and China: a 187-hp electric motor with front-wheel drive and a 66.5-kWh battery pack. If the EQB receives the same setup, it would likely wear the EQB250 badge. We’re still hopeful that a more powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain will be offered when the EQB reaches the U.S.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The 66.5-kWh battery in the EQA should fit just fine underneath the EQB’s floor, but Mercedes may choose a slightly larger pack for the boxier version of its subcompact electric SUV. A driving range of at least 200 miles per charge would be necessary to be competitive with rivals such as the Audi e-tron and Tesla Model Y. We’ll know more closer to the EQB’s on-sale date.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Once the EPA tests the U.S. version of the EQB, it will provide an efficiency rating in MPGe, which is a miles-per-gallon equivalent for electric vehicles. Once we get an EQB in for testing, we’ll run it through our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and report the results here. For more information about the EQB’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
We expect Mercedes will carry over the cabin from the GLB-class SUV to the EQB with few changes, much like it did with the EQA, which sports an interior that appears nearly identical to that of the GLA-class. That would mean at least five seats across two rows, or possibly even an optional pop-up third row of seats. Nicely trimmed door panels, soft leather upholstery, and bright metal trim are all but a certainty. The EQB, also like other EQ models, should get rose-gold accents, which differentiate these vehicles from their gasoline-powered counterparts.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mercedes-Benz’s newest MBUX infotainment system will undoubtedly land inside the EQB. It will likely offer touchscreen, voice command, and steering-wheel controls for its audio, navigation, and other functions. We’ve found this new 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 will likely offer a feature to help drivers more easily find EV charging stations.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
We expect the EQB to offer a full suite of driver-assistance features at least as optional extras. Several features are likely to be standard, given the tech-forward nature of this vehicle. 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 are likely to include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The EQB is likely to offer the same warranty coverage as the EQC 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 likely 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
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