By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 12, 2022) One of the main sticking points and objections consumers have when considering the move to an all-electric vehicle has been among others the cost of the vehicle. For Mercedes-Benz’s electrification product offerings in the U.S., it’s been a six-figure decision with EQS Sedans and EQS SUV starting north of six-figures until now. However, with the introduction of the EQB SUV, pricing starts a little more than half that amount at $54,500 (plus $1050 destination and delivery). That’s also before a $7,500 U.S. federal tax incentive for electric vehicles.

The sub-compact EQB is the fully electrified version of the Mercedes GLB gasoline powered SUV we tested two years ago when it was all-new for the 2020 model year. The vehicle slots between the smaller GLA and larger best-selling GLC utility vehicles.

EQB is offered in two versions starting with the base 225 horsepower 300 4MATIC tested here, and the more powerful 350 EQB with 288 horsepower. The 300 receives a 243 miles driving range and a slightly less 220 miles driving range from the U.S. Governments EPA fuel economy agency. Both trim levels come standard with all-wheel drive. According to Mercedes the EQB utilizing an Electrify America recharging location connection will return the driving range from 10 percent to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes with 100 kW DC fast charging support.  

Even better, Mercedes is bundling two years’ worth of unlimited 30-minute charging sessions at any Electrify America location. That’s not the fastest charging rate out there but certainly acceptable.  

Along with a surprisingly roomy cabin given its diminutive appearing size, the EQB opens the door for seating up to seven, but the third row is extremely tight, and the battery pack robs some of the cargo space. Five-passenger seating is standard. Given you can’t yet buy a seven-seat Tesla Model Y it positions the EQB in a unique class designed to appeal to families in need of extra seats.

Unlike most other all-electric vehicles, the EQB as is the case with its larger EQS SV sibling does not have a “frunk” or a hood that lifts to reveal a additional storage area.

Inside the cabin as you’d expect when you enter the world of Mercedes-Benz, the EQB is a premium, polished, practical offering and in every sense a proper Mercedes-Benz. Visually, there isn’t any major differences between the EQB and its gasoline only GLB sibling. There’s no shortage of shiny piano black plastic paired with various other textures that approximate metal, leather and even carbon fiber. And yes, the now signature turbine-esque HVAC vents and dedicated controls are present and accounted for.

Twin standard 10.25 display screens sit atop the dash and runs Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system. We were delighted and actually quite surprised at the ease of use and effective voice control system. Navigation is standard and will match your personal driving style, adjust for drive mode you select, the topography you’ll be driving through and even the climate to determine where and when you should/need to recharge and how long you should be plugged in for.

Our test EQB was the base level 300 4MATIC that’s well equipped with standard goodies most people would want like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, dual zone automatic climate control, keyless start, power front-seat, power rear liftgate, 64-color ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers and more. There’s an Exclusive trim (a $1,250 upgrade) available that upgrades the audio system and adds a wireless phone charging pad.

Our tester added the optional Denim Blue metallic exterior color and natural grain brown walnut wood trim. It was also upgraded adding the panoramic roof, 19” 5-spoke wheels, heated front seats and speed limit assist.

Our base trim included standard safety and driver assist features including blind spot assist, brake assist, LED head and taillamps. Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist all standard. Limited Warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles including powertrain. Complementary factory scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 is included.

On the road we found the tall windows and wide door openings are big wins for anyone with small kids and car seats plus makes visibility excellent. Parents will like the rear air vents especially in warm climates like Arizona where we tested our EQB.

The EQB is overwhelmingly conventional to drive, comfortable, quiet, and smooth, all in keeping what we would expect from Mercedes. Acceleration doesn’t pack the same punch as the 350-trim level, but it doesn’t really move the needle excessively enough to support the price increase in our opinion. We did find that one needs to be judicious with the acceleration as the front-drive will too easily spin the wheels pulling away from stops if you ask too much of it.

At higher highway speeds its nicely engineered and well controlled but you do get a sense of the additional weight on the electric B is when traveling over highway crests and dips where it seemed to need a second or third bounce to fully settle down at times.

Our only real on road driving annoyance was the amount of tire noise we suspect courtesy of the larger 19” tires.

It’s hard for me to imagine that consumers shopping for a compact fully electric SUV would choose a Tesla Model Y for thousands less. The EQB drives better, looks and feels more premium, has a solid balance of range, performance, is certainly more fully equipped and doesn’t hit you in the face with odd proportions, quirky looks, a cheap looking interior and inferior build quality. Add the extensive Mercedes-Benz dealer network and locations everywhere the EQB has a big potential of hitting it big.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $54,500
Price as Tested: $59,325
Powertrain: 225 horsepower via 9.6kW AC charging and 100kW DC fast charging liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack and permanent-magnet motor with all-wheel drive and direct-drive automatic transmission
EPA Fuel Economy: 104/98 City/Highway MPGe delivering a 243-mile driving range
Seating: Up to 7

Crash Test Safety Ratings: The 2022 Mercedes EQB has not been crash tested for safety ratings by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing.

Where Built: Kecskemet, Hungary

Competes With:
Audi Q4 e-tron
Cadillac Lyriq
Ford MACH-E
Genesis GV60
Tesla Model Y
Volvo C40 Recharge
Volvo XC40
VW ID.4

Likes
Spacious interior with seating up to seven
Excellent MBUX infotainment system
Complementary 2-year fast charging
Quiet and comfortable

Dislikes
Less driving range than some rivals
Missing a “frunk”