Mercedes-Benz EQB electric SUV arrives Down Under

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB electric SUV has arrived in Australia, where two variants are initially on offer priced from $87,800 plus on-road costs for the EQB 250.

Adding another row of seats to the equation bumps the price up by $2900 to $89,700 plus ORCs, while those who opt for the more powerful and better equipped all-wheel drive EQB 350 4MATIC will pay $106,700 plus ORCs.

That means the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 costs about $14,000 more than the GLB 250 4MATIC on which it’s based, and the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC costs about $18K more than the closely related GLB 35 4MATIC AMG.

The mid-size Mercedes-Benz EQB is the third electric SUV now available from the German car-maker Down Under, following the similarly-sized, GLC-based EQC and the small, GLA-based Mercedes-Benz EQA and the fourth Benz EV offered locally including the Mercedes-Benz EQS limousine.

Following it will be the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, based on the GLS, and both E-Class-based sedan and GLE-based SUV versions of the Mercedes-Benz EQE.

Both EQB variants draw current from a 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery, but that’s where the powertrain differences end with the EQB 250 featuring a single-motor drivetrain while its gruntier sibling predictably sports a dual-motor arrangement.

That front axle-mounted single motor is good for 140kW/385Nm and combines with the aforementioned battery to deliver the EQB 250 a WLTP driving range of up to 371km.

Being a Mercedes-Benz, it would be remiss to assume the entry-level EQB is sparsely equipped, with the cabin dominated by familiar dual 10.25-inch screens, including a fully customisable digital instrument cluster.

Power-adjustable heated front seats are upholstered in ARTICO synthetic leather and other comfort-oriented features comprise dual-zone climate control, adaptive damping, LED headlights with adaptive high beam, automatic wipers and route-based speed adaptation.

Other headline cabin equipment includes wireless phone charging, 64-colour ambient lighting, DAB+ digital radio, smartphone mirroring, ‘advanced’ sound system and a 360-degree camera, while the whole package rolls on 19-inch AMG alloy wheels.

Having an extra motor predictably does wonders for the EQB’s power and torque figures with the 350 4MATIC developing 215kW/520Nm – enough to get it to 100km/h in a clamed 6.2 seconds.

But the mechanical drag of that extra motor does negatively impact the driving range, which drops down to 360km. It’s worth noting that due to both variants sharing the same battery, both have the same 11kW AC and 100kW DC charging capabilities.

Unlike its lesser counterpart, the EQB 350 isn’t available with an optional third row of seating – which is at odds with the combustion-powered Mercedes-Benz GLB line-up – but still builds on the 250’s standard spec list with sports front seats featuring DINAMICA microfiber trim inserts and red stitching.

A multi-function sports steering wrapped in Nappa leather, backlit spiral-look trim elements, AMG floor mats, illuminated door sills, panoramic roof, AMG styling bits and 20-inch alloys are also standard.

Those wanting a bit more visual presence can temporarily opt for the Edition 1 package which adds more AMG-inspired body elements, EQ-specific interior elements including backlit trim and blue top-stitching on the seats and doors.

The pack is available on both variants, specifically for $9100 on the EQB 250 and $3900 on the EQB 350 4MATIC.

In terms of standard safety equipment and driver aids, both EQBs come with active cruise control with active speed limit assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, PARKTRONIC parking assistant and acoustic ambient protection for when the car’s reversing or travelling at less than 20km/h.

For anyone wondering about the EQB’s core SUV fundamentals, both variants in their standard guises offer 485 litres of boot space behind the second row, or up to 1710L with the three-section folding rear pews stowed.

Adding seven seats the 250 predictably lowers both those figures, to 465L and 1620L respectively, with 110L of space available behind the third row.

How much does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB cost?
250 (a) – $87,800
350 4MATIC (a) – $106,700
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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