Eclectic: To not follow one style or set of ideas but choose from or use a wide variety. So reads the Oxford Dictionary definition of the word. This is surely the case with the new EQB (and, for that matter, the EQA) from Mercedes-EQ.
As the second all-electric compact car from Mercedes-EQ after the EQA, the EQB forms part of the growing all-electric SUV family from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer, yet it also belongs to the successful Mercedes compact car family and is thus not only closely related to the EQA but also the GLB compact SUV.
Now, we had some interesting previous adventures with the GLB, including a momentous journey to Namibia in 2021 following the tracks of the first all-wheel-drive passenger car in the world, the ‘Dernburg-Wagen’, when we were left stranded in Keetmanshoop as our GLB decided to shut down due to a lack of AdBlue for its diesel engine.
At least there was no danger of this happening with the all-electric EQB350 4MATIC we had on test. Still, with a real-world range of only around 350 km for the EQB on a single charge (Mercedes-Benz claims up to 423 km), range anxiety was a reality.
The EQB is part of the fast-paced electric initiative from Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa, with a total of four new Mercedes-EQ models (the EQA, EQC, EQS, and the EQB) introduced locally last year, and the EQE following this year.
ELEKTRO–GLB
Inheriting its long wheelbase (2,829mm) from the ICE-driven GLB compact SUV, the EQB has a spacious and variable interior incorporating an optional third row of seats with two (smallish) additional individual seats. However, while still clearly based on the GLB, the EQB interprets the Mercedes-EQ Progressive Luxury theme in an edgy and particularly characterful way.
It features the characteristic Mercedes-EQ black panel grille with central star, and further distinctive Mercedes-EQ design feature is the continuous light strip at the front and rear that ensures a high level of recognisability in daylight and high observability at night.
The inside of its LED headlamps is finished to a high level of quality and detail, and the blue colour highlights within the lights reinforce the signature Mercedes-EQ appearance of the EQB. From the side, it is instantly recognisable as from the GLB family, but the exclusive, outwardly positioned multi-spoke AMG 20” wheels give it a confident stance on the road.
As in the front, the LED taillights merge seamlessly into the tapering LED light strip, underlining the sense of width of the EQB, and the number plate on the bumper allows for a nicely sculpted tailgate. The studded roof rails underscore the high utility value of the EQB.
The EQB has an aerodynamic Cd value of 0.28, achieved by the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons, a smooth, almost completely enclosed underbody, and its specially optimised Aero wheels.
However, once inside, you may think you are back in a GLB, as the Widescreen Cockpit with control and display via MBUX, underlined by tubular elements in an aluminium look, is familiar. However, the EQB has a spectacular backlit trim piece, while decorative elements on the air vents, seats, and vehicle key provide clues to its electric character.
As in the GLB, space is notable, with generous legroom for the first and second-row passengers, and sufficient space in the optional third-row bench. To increase luggage space (the load volume is 465 to 1,620 litres for the seven-seater), the third-row seats can be lowered flush into the load floor.
Like the GLB, the comprehensive standard specification of the EQB includes features such as an electrically operated tailgate, Keyless-Go, Navigation Connectivity Package, Comfort seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, and a reversing camera.
ON THE ROAD
In 350 4MATIC guise, the EQB has an electric motor on the rear axle and an asynchronous motor on the front axle delivering 215 kW of power and 520 Nm of torque from a 66.5 kWh battery. Power delivery is linear, making the EQB indecently quick for an SUV. It quietly yet forcefully scoots from zero to 100 km/h in only 6.2 seconds and has matching overtaking ability.
Mainly driving in town, we managed consumption of around 18 kWh/100 km by driving smoothly, making a range of about 350 km possible. Even so, we found it daunting to constantly calculate our route while checking the distance remaining. In this sense, it is not the ideal vehicle for a long road trip.
Mercedes-Benz maintains the EQB can be charged from 10% to 80% in just over 30 minutes at a direct current (DC) fast-charging station with a maximum power of up to 100 kW. This may be so, but the lack of fast-charging stations locally meant we had to use an 11 kW alternative current (AC) station – and after three hours, it only managed to add about 100km of range.
LAST WORD
While the new Mercedes-EQ is comfortable and spacious with good performance, lovely road manners, and a quiet, relaxed ride, its lack of range, necessitating constant top-up charging, means it still is not a practical alternative to a normal GLB – except if you have a wall box at home and can justify the R1,374,500 retail price.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © MERCEDES-BENZ AG
