The Mercedes-Benz EQB is an all-new electric SUV from the German carmaker, based on the GLB. It shares its MFA2 architecture with the combustion-engined GLB, and is only the third SUV to join the EQ family of electric vehicles. It claims to offer a range of upto 418km in its top-level 288bhp EQB 350 4Matic variant, but there will be lower variants as well. Placed between the EQA and EQC, the EQB gets styling touches unique to Mercedes' EQ line of electric vehicles.
To differentiate itself from its combustion-engined sibling, the EQB gets a solid black panel grille, new bumpers and the trademark EQ fascia with horizontal light bars stretching over the entire width of the front and rear. The EQB also retains the boxy profile and its famed interior packaging of the GLB. On offer are exclusive bi- and tri-color wheels that range from 18 to 20 inches. Furthermore, the AMG Line styling pack adds sportier bumpers and 20-inch wheels, among other bespoke details.
The interior is also carried over from the GLB, but the EQB gets different digital instrument graphics and altered trims, including a new rose gold colour for the dashboard paneling and air-con vents, as well as ambient lighting. The dashboard is dominated by a widescreen MBUX infotainment system with twin 10.25-inch displays for the instrumentation and the infotainment, both of which now feature EQ-specific graphics. Just like the GLB, the EQB is available in either a 5-seat or a 7-seat layout. According to Mercedes-Benz, the third row of seats can accommodate people upto a height of 5'4" comfortably. The EQB gets driver assistance technology such as lane keep assist and active brake assist as standard. The optional Driving Assistance Package will include further in-depth semi-autonomous driving features.
Mercedes hasn't revealed full details of all the EQB's powertrains yet, but they have confirmed that the EQB will be offered with several models, including front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options, with battery sizes starting from 66kWh. The AMG Line car revealed in China is the top-spec EQB 350 4Matic variant. It uses two electric motors that develop a combined output of 288bhp and promises a WLTP range of 418km. Mercedes-Benz has also confirmed the launch of a long range model that should have an ever bigger battery. The EQB is compatible with a rapid charging rate of 100kW. This means a 10-80 per cent recharge is possible in half an hour. It can also be charged at up to 11kW on an AC system.
More details about the powertrains, trim levels and pricing will be revealed at the EQB's launch in Europe.
The Mercedes-Benz EQB will go on sale across Europe later this year and will rival the new Audi Q4 e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4, both of which don't offer a seven-seat layout. While an India launch isn't on the cards anytime soon, the EQB's practical nature and a respectable range does seem apt for the Indian market.