2023 MERCEDES BENZ EQB

The seven-seat Mercedes EQB brings the family SUV into the electrified era. According to the GLB, it resembles a Victorian detached home that has undergone a complete modern makeover - a traditional exterior with a contemporary upgrading.

Similar to previous Mercedes EQ models, the EQB's face is blanked off with a gloss black finish, and a lightbar connects the headlights at the top. In addition, it has broad slab sides and a squarer back-end design with some quirky tail lights, making it more like a typical SUV.

As with most Mercedes, the inside has a high-quality finish as they come equipped with premium materials like leather and soft-touch textiles. The multimedia interface comes with huge screens, and certain versions also get a head-up display - which is very clear. You won't be lacking for space in any way.

Although it isn't a GLS, the car has decent head- and legroom throughout and outperforms many of its competitors in terms of total capacity. Only children should sit in the back-most seats since they are a bit of a squeeze, although the middle row can slide forward to provide a little bit more room.

The battery pack in the boot takes up room because it is based on the gasoline-powered GLB. Due to the additional seats in the back, this does result in a loss of 100 litres in the EQB, from 565 litres to 465 litres. Speaking of batteries, the Mercedes EQB comes with one that has a range of up to 253 miles and is 66.5 kWh in size.

It may be paired with one of two four-wheel drive, 228hp or 292hp engines that are available. That's not terrible, but after a week with the car, you're looking at closer to 210 miles when real-world range has been taken into account.

More range is offered by other EVs of similar size. The range of the Kia EV6 is up to 316 miles, whereas the range of the Tesla Model Y is up to 331 miles. But of all of the available options, the Mercedes is undoubtedly the most enjoyable to drive. Even though it weighs 2,100kg, it doesn't seem that heavy when turning. With a 11.4m turning circle, which is comparable to the majority of family hatchbacks, it is fairly convenient. This makes traveling the town a lot easier.

Review

• Performance And Drive Experience

The EQB is available with two four-wheel drive engine choices. The EQB 300 has 228 powers, both vehicles have 370 Nm of torque, and unless you need to accelerate or require the extra grip, they are mostly rear-wheel drive.

The 300 needs 7.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph whereas the 350, which has greater power, does it much faster. Just 6.0 seconds are needed to get there. The subdued performance is ideal for most individuals because it doesn't feel overly forceful. Both variants have a peak speed of 99 mph.

• Space And Comfort

The EQB is naturally roomy due to its seven-seating capacity. The space is apt at least for those in the first two rows. The seats are highly cushioned and offer enough of flexibility to ensure that you are comfortable when driving, keeping you from being overly fatigued on extended trips. There is also plenty of room for the front passenger, with excellent headroom in particular.

Again, there is more than enough head and legroom for the majority in the second row. The floor is elevated a little higher than you may anticipate accommodating the batteries because the EQB is built on a basis for internal combustion engines. In autos with comparable problems, that may indicate that your legs are in a stressful posture, but not in this case.

You may pull the middle row of seats forward to offer them a little extra room for legroom to aid with the backmost seats, which are ideally reserved for youngsters. However, there isn't much headroom, and an adult would find it extremely crowded back there.

The EQB boasts a good glovebox, a fair number of storage places in the centre console, and well-sized door bins for storage. Additionally, there is good storage in the rear, with door bins and seatback pockets large enough to fit a water bottle.

• Accessory Design, Technology, And Interior D�cor

The cabin is of high-quality and a little eccentric in style, as with any Mercedes. In this model, all the components and functions are properly constructed and simple to operate. All maintain the touch-sensitive infotainment clicker in the centre console, which might occasionally be too sensitive.

There is a fair amount of metallic decoration, which is complemented with black wooden elements and synthetic leather seats. Red stitching gives an added pop of colour. You receive ambient lighting, much as in previous Mercedes EQ models and you can customize it with 64 different colour options.

Currently, the Mercedes multimedia system is among the finest in terms of usability. It operates almost flawlessly across the linked displays, is sleek, and is really clear. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls and the main mouse-like system can be difficult to use while driving, but the two 10-inch screens are rather easy to operate.

With your EQB, you may purchase a number of attachments, like roof bars, bike holders, and kid seats. Just be aware that any exterior modifications, such as roof boxes or bars, may significantly limit your range on long journeys and have an impact on aerodynamics.

• Electric Range, Charging, And Taxes

Despite having two electric motors with higher power, the EQB 350 has a little bit longer range than the 300. The 350 has a maximum range of 256 miles, whereas the 300 has a maximum range of 248 miles.

You may anticipate between 3.3 and 3.4 miles per kWh for both models of the EQB. While testing in mixed settings, we did manage to get 3.1 miles per kWh, which translates to 206 miles of practical range.

With rapid DC charging, you can charge at up to 113kW and charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 29 minutes. An AC wall box charging system can provide up to 11kW, enabling you to get from 0 to 100% in 7h15. Using a 3-pin plug to trickle charge means a charge flat to full in 34 hours.

• Safety And Safeguard Feature

Active breaking assist, lane keeping assist, speed limitation assist, various urban warning helps, and cruise control are all included as standard equipment with the EQB. The mirror packages that fold the mirrors and adjust them for glare, as well as the adaptive cruise management system, which you would anticipate with this car as standard, are included in the extra driving support package.

This Connect mobile auto management app, which is equipped with the Urban Guard pack, notifies you of any break-ins, thefts, or location changes. Although we hope you never have to, it is useful to have the system in existence.

• Reliability Issues

In recent years, Mercedes has been able to maintain a level of reliability across all of its models. Despite this, there is not sufficient proof to support the claim that the EQB will have a similar outcome.

Any EQB comes with a three-year, unlimited-mileage guarantee for Mercedes and an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty for the battery. However, that is quite typical when compared to a Kia EV6. The seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty that comes standard with the EV6 is significantly enhanced.

• Pricing

The middle-row camera crew was at ease enough to doze off for virtually the whole return journey. It is also in a class of its own for Rs 77.5 lakh, which is Rs 3 lakh more than the 300. The Audi e-tron and Jaguar i-Pace are significantly more expensive, while the Volvo XC40 Recharge is less expensive but lacks the third row's functionality and amenities.

The 350 is just better and far more credible as the lone vehicle in the race than the 300, which was fine.

• Warranty Coverage

The same warranty coverage is provided for the EQB as it is for the EQS and other Mercedes models. While other competitors, like the Jaguar I-Pace, include free scheduled maintenance as part of their basic warranty package, EQB purchasers will be needed to make their own maintenance arrangements.

• Four years or 50,000 miles are covered under the limited warranty.
• Four years or 50,000 miles are covered by the powertrain warranty.
• The warranty period for hybrid parts is eight years or 100,000 miles.
• No free planned maintenance.

Ranking Of This Car Model

Based on how well the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB performed in the Luxury Electric SUVs category, it is ranked #10. Based on our analysis of 18 pieces of research and data from different sources, the Mercedes-Benz EQB currently has a score of 8.0 out of 10.

Conclusion

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB may lack the driving range needed but simultaneously the car includes premium electric SUV segment and makes up for that seeming shortcoming with an abundance of technological features, an elegant interior, smooth working, and an improved motor.