Mercedes Benz EQB

Instead of the massive hyper screen of the EQS, the Mercedes-Benz EQB sticks to the rectangular MBUX screen as we have seen in the smaller EQA. This screen sits behind a fancy-looking multi-functional steering wheel and includes two 10-inch full-TFT screens side-by-side – one for the instrument console and one for the touchscreen infotainment system.

The propeller-like rounded AC vents in the centre console and corners of the dashboard feature a nice electric gold finish over them. The multi-functional steering wheel misses out on the fancy capacitive touch controls and rather gets more usable tactile buttons. The cabin also gets a host of features like a slim panel for automatic climate control, 64-colour ambient lighting, powered front seats, wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its compact dimensions for a three-row vehicle, the EQB offers excellent space for the second row, though the third row is best suitable for small kids.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB has the stance and scaled-down appearance of the much larger GLS SUV but gets all the EQ design elements which are making their way in all the fully-electric vehicles from the carmaker. At the same time, it doesn’t look too extravagant as many new-age expensive electric vehicles do but has a subtlety to it.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB has a closed grille at the front, which is finished in a theme of gloss black and comes with large, sweptback all-LED headlamps. These headlamps are joined by a long LED light bar running across the width of the SUV above the front grille. The side profile of the SUV looks much like the conventional GLB SUV but gets a very different-looking set of wheels, which look like they have been designed in a wind tunnel with their multi-spoke design.

Just like all the other all-electric offerings from Mercedes-Benz, the EQB also has a cleaner-looking design for the boot lid, as compared to the ICE versions of the GLB. There’s a long and sleek-looking LED bar joining the sleek-looking LED combination tail lamps. Like the GLB, the EQB also gets strong shoulder lines, long and high bonnet and squared-off wheel arches.

Mercedes-Benz has equipped the EQB with four different drive modes – Eco, Sport, Comfort and Individual, all of which offer differing responses for the accelerator and steering. Instead of gearshifts, the paddle shifters control the regenerative braking. The planted stance and large dimensions make the EQB a calm and supple SUV to drive and be driven in. The ride quality, in traditional Mercedes-Benz fashion, feels rock solid and comfortable. However, the high riding height of the EQB means that one can feel body roll at times.

The Malaysian market gets the EQB 350 4MATIC, which comes with a dual-motor setup that claims 295 PS of maximum power output and a peak torque output of 520 Nm. The floor-mounted 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery of the EQB claims a range of around 400 km, though you will get a real-world range of 300-320 km. For the EQB, Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100 kmph time of 6.2 seconds.

The extensive list of safety features available in the Mercedes-Benz EQB includes active start-stop, active distance assist, active steering assist, active lane-keeping assist, exit warning function, active blind spot assist and active brake assist. It also gets adaptive high beams, airbags all around and park assist with a 360-degree camera.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB retains all the virtues of the ICE versions of the GLB, such as the practicality and flexibility of a three-row vehicle, supple ride quality and tech and luxury-rich interior. However, at the same time, it also offers the newness of a new-age EQ all-electric offering from Mercedes-Benz. Keeping the slightly limited range for a luxury EV aside, the Mercedes-Benz EQB comes across as a great package for family-oriented buyers.