Mercedes-Benz India has one of the largest product portfolios in the country – if not the largest – of any manufacturer here. But with a steadfast focus on numbers, the Germans have also diversified into the squad with an impressive sense of confidence. So while one can always choose from a plethora of petrol and diesel engine options in the sedan and SUV space, Mercedes has also been resolute with its electric plans. And another example of this unyielding determination is the Mercedes EQB electric three-row SUV.
Mercedes currently offers up to 11 SUVs in the Indian market and this includes its first all-electric offering in the form of the EQC. But while the Mercedes EQC – launching late 2020 – is a trickle test to test the waters here, next models – EQS AMG and EQS 580 – represent top-down strategy. What is missing then? Why, of course, a three-row all-electric SUV. After all, Mercedes hardly has any three-row vehicles on powertrain.
It’s no surprise, then, that the EQB is heating up, along with its ICE (internal combustion engine) counterpart in GLB form. Both of these vehicles can be identical in size – and therefore similar to the best-selling vehicles GLC, but there’s a certain sense of electric excitement that the EQB promises that no other sibling has. So does this electric SUV live up to all the promises it makes?
This is the first full drive review of the latest version Mercedes-Benz SUV EQB:
Mercedes EQB: The stealthy silent operator
The Mercedes EQB has a 66.5 kWh battery core, which is smaller than the 80 kWh battery pack inside the EQC. But in terms of range – published numbers as well as real-world projections – the numbers match and one can thank the rapid EV advancements in EV battery technology for it. As a result, the EQB’s certified range is around 420 km while we’d expect real-world range – complete with a packed cabin – to be somewhere in the 350 km region.
The EQB score beats the EQC in a number of ways, including the fact that its underbody doesn’t scratch the road as much. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
Now, while the EQS 580 can quietly mock the number and deliver its own claimed 850 km figure in family gossip sessions, the EQB still has some pretty impressive specs to go with. fight back. And on the move, the SUV body style and, therefore, space promise can be unmatched. The relatively high drive height helps this EV deliver a commanding stance, and while it’s certainly not a fast sprinter like many other battery-powered options, it’s not as athletic either. slow runner. Responses to the throttle input are expected to be immediate, and the rumble mutes as the automatic actuator checks gears quickly enough.
| Specifications Mercedes EQB | |
| Battery capacity | 66.5 kWh |
| Power | 225 hp |
| torque | 390Nm |
| Max speed | 160 km/h |
There are four drive modes to choose from – Eco, Sport, Comfort and Individual – but while the EQB offers all-wheel drive – one engine per axle, it also has to have a dedicated Off-Road mode. same as GLB. Unless, of course, Mercedes doesn’t really expect you to try much on the trail in an all-electric vehicle.
But on the runway – flat or full of potholes, is the EQB worthy of the luxury label? Where this EV excels so much is in handling and braking, and the sense of confidence it delivers even at high speeds is remarkable. As mentioned, it’s not the most eager EV but its stability on straights and bends is great, especially when considering the three-row setup. It also manages to handle potholes quite well with a generally well-designed suspension setup. Body rolling is kept to a minimum, unless of course you’re in the last row with an excited driver behind the wheel. All in all, it’s a reasonable EV for the family, but does it really hold all that you have to carry?
Mercedes EQB: No one is home alone
Take a look at the dashboard layout inside the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
The EQB’s star-studded highlight, aside from the battery power, is of course the three rows of seats. And the focus is definitely on the last row of seats – two to be exact. Mercedes may want to keep expectations low for now by claiming that these are best for teenagers and pets but in our review we found that even an adult India’s middle class city also has enough space here for a short drive. Hours and hours here wouldn’t be strict, especially considering that there’s no AC vent in the third row – a huge shortcoming given our climate, but if it had to be, it would be possible to plop on a chair in a kneeling position. It’s just that getting in and out is a big hassle. The push-and-flip second row seats open up a narrow aisle that’s just that – too narrow. Another thing to keep in mind is that with all three rows of seats, there’s not enough space in the absolute rear to accommodate anything larger than a backpack.
The Mercedes-Benz EQB has a luggage compartment volume of about 460 liters when the last row is lowered. This goes up to 1600 liters when the second row of seats is laid flat.
But if you really want to stretch out, the second row is an obvious choice. These seats can slide forward, backward and the back can even recline for added comfort. Three people sitting side by side will also be very comfortable and there is an impressive level of knee and legroom, thanks to the flat floor and the carved backs of the front seats. Ambient light, multiple charging options, large windows and a spacious sunroof above enhance the experience.
Close-up of the second row of seats inside the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
The front seats are also comfortable and the rose gold theme here and on the air vents is standard and adds a premium touch to the car. There are two 10.1-inch screens – one serving as the main infotainment device and the other as the driver display. There’s no HUD, but both screens are more intuitive than ever, even if the touchpad controls are still annoying and need a rethink of the Mercedes lineup.
Then the EQB benefits from a grown-up cabin that may not pamper you pointlessly like, say GLS, while providing a comfortable and connected experience with an SUV stance that is evident both inside and out. Speaking of which…
Mercedes EQB: Introverts on the ramp
Look at the front of the Mercedes-Benz EQB. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
Like the transmission characteristics and cabin highlights, the exterior styling of the Mercedes EQB is also quite mature and emphasizes that new-age vehicles don’t need to scream all the way about electricity. Although it closely resembles the GLB, as mentioned earlier it has some unique highlights of its own.
| EQB vs. GLB vs. GLC: Dimensions | Longs | Width | Height | The standard long |
| balance | 4684mm | 1834mm | 1691mm | 2829mm |
| GLB | 4646mm | 1850mm | 1706mm | 2829mm |
| GLC | 4658mm | 1890mm | 1644mm | 2873mm |
EQ front grille closed and painted black with Mercedes logo, strip lights extending and flowing to connect LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist, 18-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, LED strip between taillights – all complete a rather elegant profile.
Rear view of EQB from Mercedes-Benz India. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
Mercedes EQB: Verdict
The Mercedes EQB can be a pretty compelling entry into the world of luxury electric vehicles if you’re leaning towards SUV body shapes. While its official launch is awaited, it is expected to cost around $75 lakh (old gallery), in relative terms, might mean it’s also affordable.
pros
- Three-row seats
- Fully furnished cabin
- Mature and silent driving characteristics
Defect
- Lack of boot space with all the seats up
- No third row vents
However, like most electric luxury offerings, it will almost certainly emerge as an option for those who already have a luxury vehicle at home. For small families, three-row seating may not make much sense but could be a viable option for larger families with fairly high monthly driving distances.
Date of first publication: November 30, 2022, 11:27 a.m. IST
