Say hello to…
…the Mercedes EQB, the all-electric version of the GLB seven-seat, mid-size, SUV. Available in a choice of two powertrains the 250+, tested here, which is front drive, has a 70.5kWh battery and 190hp or the 300 4Matic which has a 66.5kWh battery, all-wheel drive and a power output of 228hp. All versions have a maximum charge speed on 100kW.
There are four trim levels available for the EQB.
- Sport Executive
- AMG Line Executive
- AMG Line Premium
- AMG Line Premium Plus
As standard Sport Line Executive includes comfort suspension, cruise control, drive modes, tinted glass, adaptive high-beam assist, power fold door mirrors, auto wipers, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, Isofix on 7 seats, climate control, metallic paint, blind spot assist, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, reversing camera and infotainment screen with satnav.
AMG Line Executive adds AMG body kit, 19-inch alloys and sports seats.
AMG Line Premium adds hands free access, 20-inch alloys, keyless go, 360 parking camera and wireless charging.
AMG Line Premium Plus adds uprated stereo, gesture control, head up display and powered front seats with memory.
Is The Mercedes EQB Suitable For My Fleet
The EQB ticks a lot of boxes for the business driver, particularly if you need a seven seat electric car. The range and efficiency are good both on paper and in the real-world with our test returning a 265 mile range, 25 shy of the official figure. There’s a good amount of boot space in 5-seat mode, 495 litres, and plenty of middle-row head and leg room even though the seats are positioned noticeably higher than the fronts. The third row of seats is best only for smaller kids and in seven-seat set-up there’s minimal boot space. But it’s good to have them for occasional use. One negative is that the EQB’s maximum charge speed is only 100kW. Rivals charge (in some cases, much) quicker.
Leasing A Mercedes EQB
Intelligent Car Leasing is offering the EQB in 250+ AMG Line Executive spec for £915 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles per year, which is £200 a month more than the Kia EV9, which has a greater range and more interior space and is better equipped.
Maintenance is forecast at £41 a month, according to Gensen Reports.
Driving A Mercedes EQB
The EQB is a contradictory mix of great and not-so-great. At this money, expectations are high. So while the AMG Line Executive version we tested was, overall well equipped, it was missing a few technologies that you’d take for granted at this price. The main point being the lack of keyless entry. It’s not a big thing, but it is something you notice every time you unlock the car.
The interior too is a mix of impressive and less-impressive. The infotainment system is very good and easy to use with a clear, responsive touchscreen. The circular air vents are lovely too. However, some of the cabin plastics, in particular around the dashboard, aren’t really premium.
On the move, the EQB suffers from the same issue around regenerative braking that the E-class we tested recently. In other words, it’s not easy to drive smoothly under braking because of the way the physical brakes blend with the regen. The best option is to drive the car in maximum regen, particularly round town.
This point aside, the high driving position means you can see over other traffic and plan ahead better.
The suspension is on the more comfort than sports oriented, which is to be praised. However, the high second row of seats means that passengers can feel like they’ve bobbed around after a drive on the UK’s less than smooth roads.
Refinement is excellent, with minimal wind or tyre noise at town and motorway speeds.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Mercedes EQB
Pricey but likeable option for those looking at electric seven-seat SUVs.
Mercedes EQB
- Model: EQB 250+ AMG Line Executive
- Power: 190hp
- Torque: 385Nm
- Max speed: 99mph
- 0-62mph: 8.9s
- Official range: 290 miles
- Test range: 265 miles
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- BIK tax band 2024/25: 2%
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