Mercedes-EQ EQB 250 | 7-Seater eSUV Tested
Twenty-or-somewhat years ago the battery electric vehicle (BEV) arms race began with exotic vehicles of all sorts, cars like the Tesla Roadster or the more recent Jaguar I-pace. But thankfully the world is now being fed regular models powered by batteries too and today's subject is one of those: the Mercedes EQB 250 Luxury Line.
If you're a frequent visitor here, the EQB will both sound and look familiar. Your ears might recognize it due to its smaller sibling, the EQA we tested last year. And the eyes will remember you looking at that Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 Kenny drove last year (review here). Yet the car we're here to talk about today has on one hand a lot to do with the two just mentioned, and on the other hand, it doesn't. Let's tackle the misconception about this being a GLB reworked to be an EQB first. They share looks and many other parts, but the EQB is built with a holistic EV approach of efficiency to such an extent that it has a different architecture than the GLB. Looks can be deceiving so to say.
And whilst we're on the subject of 'saying', let's dive into why the EQB is no EQA. It boils down to one simple thing in fact: size does matter. The difference of one letter in the alphabet here translates into 20 centimeters more length for the EQB compared to the EQA. Those 20 extra centimeters could, and can, lead to more offspring being able to tag along for the ride. Unprecedented in the sub-100k EV market, the EQB offers an optional third seating row. One setting you back just over an additional 1000 euros here in Belgium.
Familiarity
It's not just the looks of the Mercedes-EQ EQB that make it a recognizable 'Benz. No, the whole experience falls in line with what the three-pointed star consistently offers. There's an overall high-quality build level inside and outside. The thing that does make the EQB stand out is its chunky design. Its boxy design doesn't match anything else in the Mercedes lineup. Perhaps if the GLS shrunk inconsistently, it would come close.
Back to the familiarity bit. This also counts for the usability of this family-hauling BEV, where the way you operate all the functions feel intuitive from the first time you get in. In some ways, this familiarity works against the brand though. The dashboard feels like, and probably is to a great extent, a direct copy of what the whole A-line carries. It's not something hugely bad, but the EQB interior lacks a unique character because of this. Which is in contrast to the beforementioned characteristics of the exterior.
Cubic System
Is it a cube? Is it a box? Yes, the exterior lays the foundation for the occasional joke. But let it be clear: I'm a fan of how the EQB looks. Beau, despite their names sharing two letters (EQBeau?), isn't a fan of the design. It's too "boring" he states. Why do I mention this? Because I needed to bridge the gap from an opinionated paragraph to a textual one. And what better way than abusing one of Beau's quotes!?
But this next part is a bit boring, full of facts in fact, so I'd advise moving on to the next paragraph if you're not into that part about cars. First up is the size of the EQB. Lengthwise the car comes in at just under 4.7 meters, just over 2 meters in width, and height comes in at almost 1.7 meters. The second factual topic? Weight! The EQB 250 tips the scale at a tad over 2.1 metric tonnes. And yes, that is relatively light for a BEV this size. Turning circle? Sadly this car’s steering isn't rear-wheel aided and thus the turning circle measures almost 12 meters. Not bad but not better than average either.
66,5 and a decent drive
Skipped the last part because of my warning about facts? Then I'm afraid I lied. How could you review a car and not talk about facts? It would be hard, but not impossible. What does seem impossible is how far the EQB 250 manages to get on its 66,5 kWh battery (that's the usable part of its battery). Even with bad weather and just 12 degrees Celcius outside, the average consumption was a very impressive 15 kWh/100km. A BEV that easily meets its claimed WLTP range (466 kilometers) is a first for me.
But how does the EQB 250 manage this figure with the aerodynamics of a cube? Well, the big trick here is that it doesn't have an overkill of power. Being equipped with just one electric motor, one mounted to the front axle, the EQB 250 offers 190 horsepower and 385 Nm. Zero to a hundred comes in at a no-fun-here 8.9 seconds, saving you a lot of range in the process. The second up is that the Sport mode in Dynamic Select feels even less enticing. Mercedes-EQ lures you into being a good Samaritan and rewards you with a more than impressive range if you comply that is.
And despite its less sporty physique than its smaller sibling, the EQA, the EQB offers a more refined drive. Mostly this is due to the longer wheelbase, as during acceleration the longitudinal forces don't equate to a dive in the rear springs like the EQA likes to offer. Besides this benefit, all else falls in line with what Mercedes offers in this segment: a predictable drive that leans more towards neutral than anything else. Braking power is sufficient and despite there only being one engine, one pedal driving it is still very well possible.
Efficiency does the trick
Mercedes-EQ will have no trouble justifying the price tag of the EQB 250. What price tag? Ah yes, I didn't really drop that one yet...But the car's price tag of 62.073 € (BE) combined with the option for a third seating row, it being a Benz, and the bizarre real-world range, make it a no-brainer that this car holds the recipe for success.
But if I may complain a bit, and I will, there's one thing that would finish it all off: not 100 kW fast charging but 200 kW for the EQB would be perfect.
