Mercedes-Benz has introduced its fourth battery electric vehicle (BEV) to the Australian market in the form of the EQB SUV.
It joins the compact EQA SUV and medium-sized EQC SUV in the growing Mercedes-EQ line-up, alongside an all-electric large luxury saloon, the EQS.
The EQB allows customers to enjoy all the benefits of fully electric mobility in a vehicle capable of seating up to seven passengers if needed, or reconfigure the cabin to create more than 1600L of loading capacity.
At the heart of the EQB is an electric drivetrain developed specifically for the Mercedes-EQ compact SUV range. The system’s operating temperature is optimised through cooling of the electric motors and the power electronics, as well as of the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. To further reduce noise and vibration, Mercedes-EQ engineers isolated the drive unit from the supporting frame, and the supporting frame from the body-in-white.
The lithium-ion battery serves as the central energy storage unit for the electric drive system. It provides a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh. Weighing 469 kg, this unit is divided into several modules which are distributed beneath the vehicle floor to create a favourable centre of gravity.
EQB owners can enjoy high charging speeds with up to 11 kW of output via the AC (alternating current) charging system, or up to 100 kW using DC (direct current) charging.
The EQB, like the structurally similar GLB that is also on sale in Australia featuring a petrol drivetrain, utilises packaging to eke maximum functionality from its compact footprint. Stowing all rear seats unleashes 1710 litres of storage space. With its flat floor and tall roofline, the EQB easily accommodate bikes, surfboards, golf clubs and carts, and even large furniture items.
With the second row in use – which includes reclining seat backs – more than 495 litres of cargo space is realised. A three-way split-fold mechanism in the second row adds further options to configure the space available for passengers and cargo.
With the optional third row of seats fitted (EQB 250 only), the key storage measurements are 1620 litres (all rows stowed), 465 litres (second row in use) and 110 litres (all rows in use).
The new Mercedes-Benz EQB range kicks off with the EQB 250 variant, which is packaged as standard with five seats, while a third row that extends seating to seven can be selected as an option.
Utilising a single e-motor driving power directly to the front wheels, the EQB 250 drivetrain generates 140 kW of power and a healthy 385 Nm of torque. The electric SUV is capable of achieving driving range of 371 km according to the WLTP test standard.
As with other vehicles in the Mercedes-EQ passenger vehicle line-up, the EQB 250 includes acoustic ambient protection, which mitigates the risk posed to pedestrians and cyclists by the vehicle’s silent drivetrain by sounding an audible warning at speeds below 20 km/h, plus a reversing tone.
Other key features include adjustable damping suspension with multi-link rear suspension to optimise ride comfort, LED high-performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist and featuring EQ-specific blue elements, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and the Progressive Exterior package featuring distinctive chrome and aluminium trims. An LED luminescent light band across the front of the bonnet is another EQ-specific design feature, while 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light alloy wheels complete the distinctive appearance.
Both models in the EQB range incorporate a Type 2 CCS charging socket capable of accepting up to 11 kW (AC) and 100 kW (DC), while charging cables for use with Australian domestic sockets and public charging stations are also supplied with either vehicle.
The EQB 350 4MATIC creates a sportier driving experience. Dual e-motors, one mounted on each axle, enable power to be sent variably where it’s most needed, and with a low centre of gravity thanks to the flat, wide battery pack optimally distributed beneath the floor.
A combined output from the two motors of 215 kW and 520 Nm, the latter fully available from any speed or even from a standstill, endows the SUV with impressive acceleration (0-100 km/h in as little as 6.2 seconds). Driving range is 360 km according to the WLTP standard.
Available solely in the five-seat configuration, the EQB 350 adds significant additional interior features that further emphasise its sporty nature. This includes sports seats with adjustable head restraints and microfibre inserts with red double top-stitching , a multi-function sports steering wheel in Nappa leather with a flattened bottom section, backlit spiral-look trim elements, AMG floor mats and illuminated door sills.
Exterior features include an electrically controlled panoramic glass sunroof, AMG-specific body styling including extra chrome trim pieces, a diffuser look for the rear apron, and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 is priced at $87,800 in standard five-seat configuration, with a third row of seats adding $2900. The EQB 350 4MATIC is priced at $106,700.
For a limited time, EQB customers can purchase the Edition 1 package, which creates a distinctive exterior appearance including AMG-inspired body elements, and also adds EQ-specific interior elements such as backlit trim and blue top-stitching on the seats and doors.
Until stock is exhausted, specifying the Edition 1 package will add $9100 for the EQB 250 model, and $3900 for the EQB 350 4MATIC.
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