2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB
Overview
As Mercedes-Benz gears up to roll out a comprehensive lineup of electric vehicles, the boxy EQB—based on the gasoline-powered GLB-class SUV—is among the first offerings under the new EQ subbrand. Two different all-electric powertrains are offered, with EQB300 models making a combined 225 horsepower and EQB350 models getting bumped up to 288; all-wheel drive is standard. Similar to the GLB-class SUV, the EQB offers a spacious cabin with upscale materials; a third row of seats is available, but it’s extremely snug and most adults won’t find it comfortable.
What’s New for 2022?
The EQB is an all-new model for the Mercedes-Benz lineup and should be on sale in North America sometime this summer.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Both the EQB300 and the more powerful EQB350 will be offered in either Exclusive or Pinnacle trim levels. The 225-hp EQB300 will likely be plenty powerful for most drivers but the Pinnacle trim level really amps up the luxury with a panoramic sunroof and a Burmester premium stereo system.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The entry-level model will be the EQB300, which has a 225-hp electric motor that also produces 288 pound-feet of torque. The step-up offering is the dual-motor EQB350, which makes 288 horsepower and 324 pound-feet. The EQB shares chassis components with the gasoline-powered GLB but is considerably heavier, giving it a more settled ride. In a brief drive in the EQB350, it felt quicker than the GLB250 and more on par with the AMG GLB35. At our test track, the EQB350 hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, which is a half second behind the 302-hp 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 said to deliver 227 miles of range per charge but the entry-level EQB300 boasts a slightly longer range of 242 miles. The EQB can be recharged at home on a level 2 connection or at a DC fast charging public station; on the DC connection Mercedes says it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EQB350 is rated by the EPA for up to 98 MPGe city and 93 MPGe highway. We haven’t had the chance to take the EQB on our 75-mph highway 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 few changes that help differentiate it from its gasoline-powered counterpart. There are five seats across two rows with an optional 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. The EQB, also like other EQ models, also 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.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Mercedes-Benz’s newest 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 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 offers a feature to help drivers more easily find EV charging stations.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The EQB offers some standard driver assistance features, including lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking, but more desirable and higher-tech ones are 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 are likely to 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
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
