The Mercedes-Benz EQB is named a crossover SUV (a physique sort that was referred to as an MPV). You possibly can say it has a bit extra floor clearance and rather less head room than an MPV, and it’s based mostly on the GLB, so it’s an SUV. However the GLB is a descendant of the B-Class, which makes it a crossover, and with 7 seats, it might positively be categorized as a mini MPV. This little rant is directed on the advertising drones of the automotive trade that discovered a strategy to promote a soccer-mom car to the Marlboro Man. I like MPVs greater than the SUV/CUV variations that can’t determine what they’re. However that may be very private.
The Mercedes B-Class is a C-segment mini-MPV, and the large brother of the A-Class C-segment hatchback. The A-Class is the direct competitor to the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Collection. It’s nice to have an MPV/CUV/SUV model, however actually, why is it referred to as a unique mannequin? The distinction between the EQS and the EQS SUV is way greater. The EQB will be considered the EQA SUV. Properly, Mercedes shouldn’t be the one model having problem deciding between a mannequin and a mannequin household. Many others are worse.
It’s good for a younger household with children and canine, or older individuals who don’t like having an even bigger automotive anymore. For each, there are use circumstances that may profit from a bit extra vary. The usual vary model may be very ample, however a protracted vary choice is sorely missed. I’ve a sense the Mercedes-Benz managers defining the mannequin strains see it as a second automotive for soccer mothers to enhance their greater automobiles.
With 7 seats, you may convey half a workforce to a coaching or a match, good for a soccer mother/dad. However while you go mountaineering with 6 children from scouting, you might be clearly the Marlboro Man. Yep, massive distinction. I did sit within the second row seats. It was not a spot to be in for an extended street journey. Not less than, not with my bloated backside.
After I go testing this car to write down my 1st impressions evaluate, that is one thing to concentrate to. However CleanTechnica has the proper reviewer for this mannequin within the USA, an actual Marlboro Lady, raised in a storage with a wrench in her hand. She has 4 children, two canine, and a accomplice, and is as proficient with a gun as with a wrench. She does very thorough one-week evaluations of this type of car. And the EQB is with the EQS within the small line of absolutely electrical fashions Mercedes-Benz presents within the USA.
Specs from EV-Database.org:
- Battery — 66.5kWh, with about 220 miles of vary.
- Battery — 70.5kWh, with about 233 miles of vary (EQB 250+).
- Motor — 140 kW and 385 Nm, front-wheel drive.
- Motor — 168 kW and 390 Nm, all-wheel drive (EQB 300).
- Motor — 215 kW and 520 Nm, all-wheel drive (EQB 350).
- Charging — 115 kW DC and 11 kW AC.
- Euro NCAP — 5 stars (*****)
- Size * Width * Top — 175.7” * 72.2” * 63.8”
The pace is proscribed to 160 km/h, or about 100 mph.
There’s a 5-seat and 7-seat structure, with the center row moveable to offer extra leg room when the third row shouldn’t be used.
Driving
The pace is greater than sufficient for the max pace allowed on any street in Europe and most different international locations, except for the German Autobahn. With the small battery and never very aerodynamic physique, quick driving will restrict the vary severely.
The numerous options of the EQB justify the classification as a luxurious car and the value, at the very least on paper and within the showroom. That is one thing else I’ll look into once I attempt to do that car justice in a full evaluate. The costs of the ten configurations and trim ranges vary from €60,000 to €72,000 earlier than customizing with the choices that make it good on your style.
I usually look extra at usability than driving traits, opposite to actual automotive journalists. On usability, this mannequin appears sky excessive after my go to to the showroom. Every little thing that has a 7-seat configuration has a van-like trunk when in 5-seat mode. If the second row may also lay flat (one other factor to discover), it is a small van.
I can perceive why the EQA/EQB are the preferred electrical fashions within the Mercedes-Benz lineup.
Mercedes EQB second row
Merceds EQB entrance
Mercedes EQB facet
Mercedes EQB again
Mercedes EQB trunk with third row down and hidden beneath carpet
Recognize CleanTechnica’s originality and cleantech information protection? Contemplate changing into a CleanTechnica Member, Supporter, Technician, or Ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.
Do not need to miss a cleantech story? Join every day information updates from CleanTechnica on electronic mail. Or comply with us on Google Information!
Have a tip for CleanTechnica, need to promote, or need to recommend a visitor for our CleanTech Speak podcast? Contact us right here.
