The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB is something fairly unique in the EV market. A luxury, seven-seat SUV at a *reasonable* price that's not a van. We take a look at Mercs latest EV offering.
The age of electric vehicles is well and truly in full swing. Many automakers have already started phasing out the production of internal combustion engines (ICE) in the next decade, signalling a definitive turn of the automotive tide. For reference, Audi has the e-Tron, BMW has the iX, Volvo the XC40 Recharge, and Mercedes-Benz has the EQ range.
Even though the cheapest electric vehicle you can buy in South Africa is the Mini Cooper SE, which is a touch above R700 000, they just aren't affordable to the larger consumer base. They are only viable to those with healthy bank accounts. There's no downplaying it because that is the crux of the matter. Nevertheless, the subject of this report is the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 SUV.
The EQB was first launched locally in October 2022 as the second all-electric compact car from Mercedes-EQ after the EQA. The last letter of each EQ version indicates the combustion-powered model it is based on. So, EQA is the GLA, while the EQB is then the GLB and so forth. One of the most significant differences between the EQB and the EQA is that it is bigger and available in the (optional) seven-seater configuration.
More electric power
Under the skin is two electric motors - one on each axle that makes it a four-wheel-drive – with outputs of 215kW and 520Nm, mated to a single forward gear. Even though the SUV weighs more than a hefty 2 000kg, Mercedes-Benz claims it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds and run to a top speed of 160km/h. Due to wet conditions, I didn't dare to put that figure to the test.
Most of my driving was in Eco mode (there's also Comfort and Sport), and I had to charge roughly every three days due to my driving habits and distance covered. From approximately 100km, the EQB can charge to full in just over an hour when using a DC charger.
While 215kW is nothing to be scoffed at, it's the torque that's the real party trick – even in Eco. From behind the wheel, you can feel the 4MATIC system evenly distribute the power from back to front with non-existent wheelspin. My test unit was equipped with the AMG-line pack and multi-spoke 20-inch wheels. In Sport mode, you really have to be alert because the torque whips the steering wheel almost at will.
When you toggle between driving modes, you can feel the electric motor change configuration depending on which mode you select.
What do you get?
Customers can choose between the Progressive (standard equipment) and AMG-line (priced at R53 000). The standard features list is extensive, with Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a reversing camera, Navigation and LED High-Performance headlight with Adaptive Highbeam Assist.
Each derivative can be specced with a variety of optional extras like a panoramic sliding sunroof (R16 400), adjustable damping (R17 600), a third row of seats (R22 000), active lane keeping assist (R8 000) or even run-flat tyres (R5 000). Click here to see the complete inventory of optional extras and packages available.
The no-cost paint options are Polar White, Cosmos Black, Night Black and Iridium Silver. Then there are three metallic options (Mountain Grey, Digital White and Rosé Gold), each priced at R5 200 and two MANUFAKTUR paints - Patagonia Red Metallic and Mountain Grey Magno - that cost R17 300 and R33 600, respectively.
How was it to live with an EV?
One thing's for sure, you have to plan where you will be driving. On a single charge, the EQB can get up to 423km, which isn't a whole lot of range, but it also only drops dramatically if you regularly use things like the aircon or heated seats. There is a sense of content with only having to stop at a fueling station if the tyres need to be pumped up.
Fortunately for me, I was based near a DC charger and made use of it whenever the range dipped below 120km just to rid myself of range anxiety. I was in a precarious position where – for a moment – the card needed to recharge and didn't want to work. Thankfully, the issue was sorted out by Gridcars, the company responsible for EV charging in SA. The problem with EVs is not the vehicle but the local infrastructure – card not working, charger offline or loadshedding.
Not long after driving, you get a feel for the driving dynamics and how the brake regeneration works, for example. Because of the limited range, an EV cannot be someone's primary vehicle. It's ideal for short distances and runs around the city but becomes a stumbling block if you want to venture further where chargers aren't nearby.
Summary
Most new cars will always drive like a dream, and the EQB was no exception. Smartphone connectivity is seamless, road noise is minimal, and the steering is prompt. Even if the tyre pressure is off slightly, the sensors will let you know and keep reminding you. From a buyer's perspective, having more range to work with would have been tremendous, but EVs have limitations. Additionally, you'll have to fork out another million bucks for a vehicle with greater range.
From the boot space to the functionality, the driving experience is not a letdown. Even though the interior is very minimalistic, it is mitigated by the intuitive MBUX infotainment.
For those that don't have Type C to Type C charging cables, the EQB doesn't have a USB insert, which is a bit disappointing. Either way, you can buy always buy a new cable.
Mercedes-Benz has impeccable combustion engines, carrying that same DNA into their EVs. Would I spend R1.3-million on an EQB if I had the money? Yes, most certainly. Why? Because it has the comfort, space and functionality needed for the rigours of daily (family) life.
Pricing
EQB 350 4MATIC - R1.3-million
The model comes with a PremiumDrive Platinum five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan and an eight-year warranty on the battery.
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