Electric SUV rolled out

The New Zealand roll-out of the Mercedes-EQ family of fully electric vehicles (EVs) is continuing with the EQB.

The marque describes it as a “cleverly packaged compact SUV with family-friendly dimensions, astonishing flexibility and the option to carry up to seven people”.

It joins the compact EQA and medium EQC SUVs in Mercedes-EQ’s SUV line-up, alongside an all-electric luxury sedan, the EQS. 

The EQB follows in the footsteps of the smaller EQA SUV, which arrived in this country last year.

The company says the EQA has become a popular choice for Kiwis keen to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle “without compromising on the design, appointments and inherently sporty nature of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range”. 

Now, with the addition of the EQB’s extra space and flexible packaging, customers can enjoy fully electric mobility in a vehicle capable of seating up to seven if needed, or reconfigure the cabin to create more than 1,600 litres of loading capacity. 

Efficient electric 

At the heart of the EQB is an electric drivetrain developed by Mercedes-EQ specifically for its compact SUV range. The system’s operating temperature is optimised through cooling of the electric motors and power electronics, and of the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. 

To reduce noise and vibration, Mercedes-EQ’s engineers isolated the drive unit from the supporting frame and that frame from the body-in-white. The lithium-ion battery serves as the central energy-storage unit for the electric-drive system. Its high-energy density provides a usable energy content of 66.5kWh. 

Weighing just 469kg, this unit is divided into several modules, which are distributed beneath the floor to create a favourable centre of gravity. EQB owners can enjoy high charging speeds with up to 11kW of output via the AC charging system or up to 100kW via DC. 

Space and flexibility

The EQB, like the structurally similar GLB that’s also on sale in New Zealand featuring a petrol drivetrain, utilises cutting-edge engineering and packaging to eke maximum functionality from its compact footprint. Stowing all rear seats unleashes 1,710l of storage space. 

With its flat floor and tall roofline, the EQB easily accommodate bikes, surfboards, golf clubs and carts. With the second row in use, which includes reclining seat backs, a handy 495l 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 – in the EQB 250 only – storage is 1,620l with all rows stowed, 465l with second row in use and 110l with all rows in use.

The EQB 250 

The new Mercedes-Benz EQB range kicks off with the 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 140kW of power and a healthy 385Nm of torque. The electric SUV is capable of achieving a driving range of 371km according to the WLTP test standard. 

The EQB 250 includes a high level of standard specification. Its cabin incorporates distinctive spiral-look trim elements and houses a widescreen display, featuring two 10.25-inch high-resolution screens. 

The instrument panel can be customised with pre-loaded themes, while the central screen acts as the portal to access the MBUX infotainment system. This includes audio, telephony and navigation controls and a number of vehicle settings.

A high-quality leather multi-function steering wheel puts key driving features and assistances at the driver’s fingertips. The seats are finished in Artico upholstery with electrically adjustable and heated front seats, while the centre console includes a wireless charging mat for supported smart devices. 

Dual-zone climate control, DAB+ digital radio, Apple and Android smartphone integration, an advanced sound system and ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours are all standard. 

The driver-assistance package features active safety and convenience systems led by Distronic active cruise control with active speed-limit assist, plus active steering, brake, lane keeping and blind-spot assist, as well route-based speed adaptation. 

The standard parking package includes a parking assistant and a 360-degree camera, while the Keyless-Go comfort package includes an electrically operable tailgate including hands-free access. 

As with other models in the Mercedes-EQ passenger vehicle line-up, the EQB 250 includes acoustic ambient protection. This mitigates the risk posed to pedestrians and cyclists by the SUV’s silent drivetrain by sounding an audible warning at speeds below 20kph, 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 high-beam assist. EQ-specific elements include rain-sensing windscreen wipers, while the “progressive exterior” package features 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 five-twin-spoke light alloys complete the appearance. 

Both models in the EQB range incorporate a type-two CCS charging socket capable of accepting up to 11kW (AC) and 100kW (DC), while charging cables for use with New Zealand domestic sockets and public-charging stations are also supplied.

EQB 350 4MATIC 

Mercedes-Benz’s 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.

With a low centre of gravity thanks to the flat, wide battery pack optimally distributed beneath the floor, the EQB 350 achieves a stable yet highly agile driving experience.

Combined output from the two motors of 215kW and 520Nm, the latter fully available from any speed or even standstill, endows the SUV with acceleration of 0-100kph in as little as 6.2 seconds and sports car-like responsiveness. Driving range is 360km. 

Available solely in the five-seat configuration, the 350 adds extra interior features to emphasise its sporty nature. These include 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 alloys. 

Sticker prices

The Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 is priced at $99,900 in standard five-seat configuration, with a third row of seats adding $2,900. The 350 4MATIC is priced at $109,900. Both models are covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and an eight-year battery warranty. 

For a limited time, EQB customers can buy the Edition 1 package, which creates a distinctive and more stylish exterior, including AMG-inspired body elements, and also adds EQ-specific interior elements such as backlit trim and blue top-stitching on seats and doors. 

Until stock is exhausted, specifying this package adds $9,100 for the EQB 250 and $3,900 for the 350. Prices are GST inclusive, and include all applicable on-road costs and pre-delivery charges.