2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB300
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Shade: Mountain Gray Metallic
Miles pushed: 141
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB+
Energy and PerformanceB+
Match and FinishA-
Gas EconomyA
ValueB
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup.
Huge & Tall Consolation
Huge GuyA
Tall GuyA
Huge & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs225-hp
Engine TypeElectric motor
Transmission Computerized transmission
Drive WheelsAWD
Battery capability: 70.5 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 104 metropolis/98 hwy/101 mixed
EPA-estimated driving vary: 243 miles
Shopper Information vary estimate (perfect situations): 243+ miles
Base value: $54,500 (not together with $1050 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: Particular paint ($750), charging cable ($250), AMG steering wheel ($360), Augmented Video ($350), Panorama Roof ($1500), Pace Restrict Help ($300), heated entrance seats ($500), AMG Night time Bundle ($2890) D8A and D9C credit score for lacking normal tools* (-$800)
Worth as examined: $61,650
*Characteristic credit a perform of supply-chain limitations at time of auto meeting. D8A credit score for lacking Navigation Providers live-traffic function. Clients lacking this function can buy it on the Mercedes me join app for $50. D9C credit score for lacking energy driver and passenger entrance seats with reminiscence.
Fast Hits
The nice: Wonderful house utilization, refined energy supply
The nice: Quiet cabin, spectacular trip high quality, elegant inside
The not so good: Might use extra vary, dear choices
Tom Appel:
There are 4 EV fashions within the 2023 Mercedes-Benz lineup, essentially the most sensible and most compelling of which can even be essentially the most inexpensive.
The flagship EQS collection is obtainable in massive sedan and SUV variants, each of which crest the $100,000 threshold. Shopper Information not too long ago spent every week with the EQS 580 sedan, and got here away very impressed. Additionally provided for 2023 is the EQE midsize sedan, pricing for which begins slightly below $70,000.
It’s value noting that each one EQS and EQE variants trip on Mercedes-Benz’s EVA devoted electric-vehicle structure, and will not be EV variants of present gasoline-powered automobiles or crossovers.
That’s not the case for the EQB, which relies on the maker’s GLB small crossover and modified to run on electrical energy. And, we should always add, turns into a vastly higher automobile within the course of.
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New within the U.S. for the 2022 mannequin 12 months, the EQB is obtainable in two energy ranges. The EQB 300 begins round $56,000 and is rated at 225 horsepower. Rated at 288 horsepower, the EQB 350 begins round $60,000. Every EQB comes normal with AWD.
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To complicate issues barely, each the 300 and 350 are provided in Premium, Unique, and Pinnacle trim ranges. Shopper Information not too long ago spent every week with the “base” EQB 300 Premium. Right here’s our take:
Although the least-expensive possibility within the EQB lineup, we discovered our check crossover be sufficiently luxurious and well-equipped to benefit the Mercedes badge, and, truthfully, additionally a pleasure to drive.
This was not fully the case with the GLB250 we evaluated again in 2020, which numbered amongst its drivability flaws a recalcitrant transmission–which shifted too typically and usually at awkward occasions–and an engine which was too coarse for a automobile in its value class. You may learn that evaluation right here.
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However with its seamless and refined electrical drivetrain instead of the GLB’s uncouth 4-cylinder gasoline engine and cranky transmission, the EQB shines, and the essential goodness of the little crossover’s design might be absolutely appreciated.
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Just like the GLB, the EQB is surprisingly roomy in each the entrance and rear seating areas. The sense of openness is enhanced by the beneficiant quantity of glass throughout, which additionally enhances outward visibility. And, regardless of being among the many most-affordable autos within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the EQB cabin seems and feels luxurious. We had been upset by the “widespread” plastic used on the decrease door panels and across the middle console, however none of that’s seen from the driving force’s seat.
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Underway the EQB shines. Whereas 225 horsepower might sound a bit of mild by up to date requirements, throttle response is quick, and there’s loads of thrust for around-town visitors jockeying, and freeway passing and merging. The cabin could be very quiet, even at freeway pace, and the EQB’s sporty suspension tuning and responsive steering assist make commuting enjoyable. Moreover, not like many electrical autos, the EQB delivers glorious low-speed idle creep, a factor a lot appreciated in stop-and-go visitors.
All EQBs are powered by a 70.5-kWh battery, good for an EPA estimated 243 miles within the 300, and 227 miles within the more-powerful 350. In frigid Chicago-winter temps, our noticed full-charge estimates ranged from 208-224 miles, consistent with the cold-weather capability decline we’ve noticed in different EVs in related situations. Be aware that Shopper Information’s level-2 charger is situated outdoors, lowering battery capability considerably when temperatures fall.
Additionally of be aware, the usual audio system is great, a factor of significance to this writer, as I had not too long ago acquired of variety of new jazz downloads. I used to be impressed by each the stereo—can we name them stereos anymore?—and my new Jimmy Smith albums.
There’s a little bit of unhealthy information associated to picking the electrical EQB over the gas-fueled GLB, and that’s the lack of the out there Third-row seat. An $850 possibility on the GLB, the Third-row seat expands seating capability from 5 passengers to 7. Sadly, the house which may have gone to the rear-most seating row is consumed by the EQB’s battery pack.
As for the underside line, our calmly—however sufficiently—outfitted EQB 300 got here to $61,150, together with vacation spot cost. That value contains an $800 credit score for options lacking from our check automobile because of provide chain points. A type of objects, frustratingly, was keyless entry. Hopefully such annoyances will quickly be behind us.
At about $60,000, the EQB is priced in league will well-equipped variations of the wonderful Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and each of these autos serve up extra energy and vary. That stated, this small electrical Mercedes is refined, very house environment friendly, properly appointed, and imbued with a personality all its personal. For a small, well-healed household able to take the EV plunge, the EQB might be simply the ticket. It’s additionally a moderately sensible and inexpensive means to purchase into the German luxurious scene.
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2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB300 Gallery
(Click on under for enlarged photographs)
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