All-electric seven seaters are very very uncommon in the intervening time.
Following the departure of the Tesla Mannequin X from Australia, with no indication of when it would return, your solely present SUV choice is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB – the EQB 250 now we have on take a look at – except you wish to have a look at a brand new electrical van just like the eVito Tourer or EQV.
Based mostly on the GLB three-row SUV, which shares its structure with the likes of the A-Class, B-Class and GLA, the EQB presents the selection of single- (250) or dual-motor (350) electrical drivetrains, in addition to as much as three rows of seating.
In Australia, points round rear axle loading imply the higher-spec EQB 350 4Matic is unable to be optioned with a 3rd row of seating, which means the entry-level EQB 250 is the only real choice domestically if you would like a seven-seat EV.
Priced from $87,800 earlier than on-road prices, the EQB 250 slides underneath that magic $100,000 marker on the highway, with the third row of seating including a not-insignificant $2900 to the bottom pricing.
With no direct rivals on this specification, is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 be a standout?
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 price?
As famous earlier, the EQB 250 begins from $87,800 plus on-roads – which is barely $5000 greater than the petrol GLB 250 4Matic.
Including the $2900 three-row choice bumps the value to simply north of $90,000 earlier than taxes, with quite a few different price choices and packages obtainable – although not all are appropriate with seven seats.
For the total value and specs breakdown for the EQB vary, click on right here. We’ll additionally element extra of what you get and what’s elective additional down on this overview.
At present, the one different seven-seat electrical SUV is the Tesla Mannequin X, although it’s unavailable to the Australian market after its most up-to-date set of updates. When it was final on sale, it was priced from $157,875.
Should you’re pleased with a van, or van-based EV, Mercedes-Benz can even promote you the eVito Tourer (from $116,115) and EQV (from $155,338), and it additionally has the three-row EQS SUV on the way in which.
Past that, you’ve the LDV MIFA 9 folks mover hailing from China, however that’s about it. Kia will add its Hyundai Palisade-sized EV9 SUV to the combo later this 12 months, albeit in very restricted numbers (circa 400 models in 2023).
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB pricing:
Mercedes-Benz EQB 250:Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC:
Costs exclude on-road prices
What’s the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 like on the within?
Like a GLB, and by extension like an A-Class, B-Class or GLA.
A taller, extra upright model of the Mercedes-Benz Compact Class inside options right here, headlined by twin 10.25-inch shows operating the primary iteration of the MBUX linked infotainment interface.
It’s a well-recognized system that’s enticing to take a look at and pretty simple to make use of, with options like navigation with visitors, in addition to digital radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
There’s an choice which brings augmented actuality (AR) navigation as a part of the MBUX Innovation Bundle ($2500), which additionally provides a head-up show. AR navigation overlays a stay entrance digital camera feed with the mapping prompts in your cluster or the infotainment show, which is each useful and an amazing occasion trick.
MBUX 1.0 solely presents wired smartphone mirroring, and with the position of the USB-C port (and a tightly-packaged telephone slot with charging pad), utilizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto dangers your smartphone being flung across the cabin.
It’s a disgrace the EQB with its high-tech drivetrain doesn’t have the highest-tech infotainment from Mercedes, although an upcoming facelift in keeping with the GLB is anticipated to deliver MBUX 2.0 with wi-fi performance.
Tied to the infotainment in the identical housing is the ten.25-inch digital driver’s show, which is as clear and configurable as the most effective of them.
I benefit from the array of layouts and choices, and the graphics are nearly as good as in higher-end Benzes. Controlling them with the fiddly contact squares on the steering wheel, although, can take somewhat getting used to.
Talking of the steering wheel, there’s loads of adjustment within the steering column in addition to the driving force’s seat to get snug for longer journeys. The tall cabin and large home windows additionally lend a vibrant and ethereal really feel.
Our tester was from an early batch of automobiles that had guide seat adjustment (bizarre, we all know), however Mercedes-Benz assured us on the launch (November 2022) new orders would function power-adjustable entrance seats with heating.
I do discover it odd that you just nonetheless need to choice reminiscence presents for the entrance seats, nevertheless.
Being primarily based on the GLB and by extension the B-Class, area effectivity and optimisation is a key focus level.
Storage choices within the entrance row embody twin cupholders with a wi-fi smartphone charger, although as famous earlier the position of the USB-C port for smartphone mirroring looks as if an odd selection.
There’s additionally a deep, dual-lidded centre cubby with additional USB-C factors, and it’s deep sufficient for giant bottles or similarly-sized gadgets.
The EQB’s door pockets are deep, if somewhat skinny. Nonetheless, there’s heaps of room on your odds and ends.
Within the second row the EQB scores some factors again, because of its segment-busting packaging.
Regardless of its compact automotive underpinnings, the EQB presents leg- and headroom on par with bigger rivals. It’s like a Skoda Kodiaq or Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace inside.
The second row slides for and aft, and the backrests will be reclined. It’s a really configurable area.
Facilities embody rear air vents, an extra USB-C cost port, netted map pockets behind the entrance seats, bottle holders within the door pockets, and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders.
I can comfortably sit behind my most popular driving place at 6’1, and also you’ll have the ability to squeeze three average-sized adults for brief journeys. Youngsters will like it again right here, and the littlest ones shall be catered for because of ISOFIX anchors and top-tether factors.
The third row of seating is much less spectacular, nevertheless it stays a rarity on this class – even for those who take out the EQB’s electrified drivetrain.
A pair of particular person seats folds out from the boot flooring with adjustable headrests, and can accommodate smaller youngsters and adults – however consider this extra of a 5+2, moderately than a correct seven seater.
Mercedes-Benz says the rear seats are appropriate for individuals as much as 1.65 metres tall. The elevated seating means headroom is tight for taller passengers, although knee and legroom are first rate for the category because of the sliding second row.
Props to Mercedes-Benz for engineering seats that really elevate off the ground and don’t go away your knees in your chin, although the thin armrests, cubby holders and cupholders are fairly primary. Hey, at the very least they’re there for those who choice the three-row inside.
The EQB quotes 130 litres of boot area with seven seats in use, 495 litres with the second row in place, opening as much as 1710 litres with the second row folded.
As a reference, the non-electric Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace quotes 230L/700L/1775L in equal configurations.
No spare wheel options on the EQB spec sheet. As an alternative, there’s a tyre inflation package. The shortage of a spare meant I ran right into a little bit of bother throughout my time with the automotive.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
No ‘frunk’ like a Tesla or another EVs.
The EQB 250 has a 140kW/385Nm electrical motor on the entrance axle, hooked as much as a 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery.
Mercedes-Benz typically quotes the ADR 81/02 licensed driving vary of “as much as 507 kilometres” primarily based on an power consumption determine of 16.7kWh per 100km, although the native determine relies on the extra lenient NEDC regime.
Per stricter WLTP specs, the EQB 250 quotes a far much less spectacular 371 kilometres of vary on a full cost. Based mostly on our real-world utilization, we’d wager you’ll see nearer to 350 kilomtres.
Mercedes-Benz claims a 9.2-second 0-100km/h acceleration time, an entire 3.0s slower than the dual-motor EQB 350 4Matic.
The EQB will be recharged at as much as 11kW through an AC enter, or as much as 100kW utilizing a DC quick charger. At its peak cost fee, the EQB will be replenished from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 32 minutes.
How does the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 drive?
Whereas its outputs and efficiency claims may appear meek on paper, the GLB 250 is sort of a pleasant factor to drive.
Having spent a while in each the 250 and 350 variations back-to-back, it was the EQB 250 that stood out to me because the choose, because of its smoothness and refinement in addition to higher effectivity.
The GLB is already probably the most premium-feeling member of the compact Benz vary, and the electrical drivetrain of the EQB 250 solely emphasises that.
Easy, silent acceleration is married with a pliant, properly sorted trip regardless of our tester’s elective 20-inch salad spinner alloys shod in low-profile 235/45 tyres.
Like its combustion-powered sibling, the EQB presents mild, fluid controls that make piloting this boxy crossover a cinch, and insulation from the skin world is nice with out being standout.
With all 385Nm on faucet from the second you prod the accelerator, energy supply is linear and responsive, even when the 9.2-second 0-100 declare is off the tempo in comparison with some EV rivals, not to mention its combustion-powered equal.
It does its finest work in city and metropolis environments, getting as much as 60 or 80km/h with out breaking a sweat. It hardly ever feels laboured or underdone, and as famous earlier it’s very refined on the transfer.
There’s loads of completely different regenerative braking settings from subsequent to nothing to close one-pedal driving, in addition to an adaptive mode that makes use of the forward-facing car sensors to regulate the system on the fly.
I tended to make use of probably the most aggressive regen setting simply so my head may get round a constant really feel, because the adaptive setting can take somewhat getting used to.
Let’s be clear although, the EQB continues to be a wonderfully succesful freeway cruiser.
Even with its boxy profile and large wheels the electrical Benz hums alongside quietly at triple figures, with solely hints of tyre roar and wind whistle permeating its ethereal cabin.
I loaded up with 4 passengers at one level and with the additional weight the EQB 250 remained a comfortable and quiet place to spend time.
Props to Mercedes for retaining the GLB’s huge glasshouse, because the EQB presents glorious outward visibility from all angles which makes this household bus fairly simple to park and place in tight streets.
One concern I encountered was a flat tyre throughout our time with the EQB. It should have picked up a foul puncture as a result of it confirmed no stress warning on the instrument cluster, then a few hours later it was nearly utterly flat.
Now, you’d assume the principle concern can be the shortage of a spare wheel – however no, it received worse. After I went to tyre store to get it assessed, I used to be quickly knowledgeable that there have been no alternative models in inventory anyplace in Victoria on the time…
Take note I had the automotive in early November, a month or so after the media launch, but when I wasn’t fortunate sufficient to pluck a spare off one other press automotive (which means I needed to wait hours for the wheel to be delivered to the tyre store I had the EQB parked up at), I’d have been stranded for quite a few days.
This ought to be rectified by the point of publication, but when I used to be one of many first consumers that might have been a tricky tablet to swallow…
The EQB 250 comes customary with the Driving Help Bundle as customary, which means it will get adaptive cruise management with cease/go, in addition to Energetic Pace Restrict Help and Energetic Steering Help for semi-autonomous freeway driving.
Mercedes-Benz has lengthy thought of itself the benchmark for autonomy and security tech in its automobiles, I had excessive hopes for its help suite. Fortunately, all of them work rather well.
Different highlights embody blind-spot help and exit warning capabilities, that are these good-to-have issues that don’t pay themselves on till that point you want them (which is often in a split-second).
All advised, it’s a pleasant factor to drive. My predominant gripe is the vary (or lack thereof).
What do you get?
EQB 250 highlights:
19-inch alloy wheelsLED headlightsAdaptive high-beamProgressive exterior packageRear privateness glassKeyless entry and startHands-free energy tailgateSemi-autonomous parking assistAdaptive suspensionRain-sensing wipersTyre stress monitoring10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system10.25-inch digital instrument clusterAndroid Auto and Apple CarPlaySatellite navigationDAB+ digital radioWireless telephone charger64-colour adjustable ambient lightingDual-zone local weather controlLeather-wrapped steering wheelArtico upholsteryHeated, power-adjustable entrance seats
Choices
Version 1 bundle: $9100 (EQB 250), $3900 (EQB 350 4Matic)
AMG exterior package20-inch matte copper alloy wheelsElectric Artwork Line inside trim packageNeva Gray leather-based upholstery Blue stitching elementsIlluminated door sillsBacklit spiral-look trim elementsNappa leather-based flat-bottom steering wheel
Imaginative and prescient Bundle: $3000 (EQB 250 5 seat)
Panoramic sunroofBurmester encompass sound systemPremium Bundle
MBUX Innovation Bundle: $2500
Head-up displayMBUX Inside AssistantAugmented actuality navigationMBUX Excessive
Colors
Stable: $NCO
Metallic: $1490
Denim Blue metallicRosé Gold metallicDigital White metallicIridium Silver metallicMountain Gray metallicCosmos Black metallic
Matte: $3300
Manufaktur Mountain Gray Magno
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 secure?
The EQB wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on 2019 exams, although this is applicable solely to the EQB 250 – the EQB 350 4Matic is unrated.
It acquired an grownup occupant safety rating of 95 per cent, a baby occupant safety rating of 91 per cent, a weak highway person safety rating of 78 per cent, and a security help rating of 74 per cent.
Customary security tools consists of:
9 airbags incl. driver’s kneeAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Pedestrian, Bike owner detectionActive Steering AssistAdaptive cruise management incl. lively velocity limiterBlind-spot assistLane hold assistSafe exit warningSurround-view camerasTraffic signal recognition
How a lot does the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 price to run?
Mercedes-Benz covers its vary with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Servicing is required each 12 months or 25,000km, whichever comes first.
There are three-, four- and five-year service packages obtainable, and for the EQB they’re priced at $1625, $2225 and $2650 respectively.
As for effectivity and vary, we noticed an indicated 19.1kWh per 100km throughout our week of testing in combined circumstances for the EQB 250, which is up on the model’s 16.7kWh per 100km declare.
That interprets to a circa-350km of real-world vary primarily based on these figures, which is okay however by at present’s requirements in addition to this value level, something underneath 400km is a bit off the mark. I think about constant use of all three rows will see that determine drop even decrease.
We tried a few prices at some DC cost stations to take a look at fast-charge efficiency too. The EQB 250 may persistently peak at just below its 100kW capability, with one session returning 49.27kWh in 40 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz throws in a one-year subscription to the Chargefox public charger community, together with ultra-rapid stations.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250
The EQB 250 – with the seven-seat bundle optioned – has all of the components to be a standout.
It has the electrical drivetrain that so many shoppers are in search of lately, it has a premium badge on the bonnet, and the choice of seven seats mainly renders it rival-less within the Australian market.
The sleek drive, refined cabin, and acquainted appointments will enchantment to present clients, however there are some caveats. It’s additionally the least offensive of the brand new vary of Mercedes-EQ fashions to take a look at, at the very least to my eye.
For me, the vary merely isn’t ok particularly for a car launched in 2022. If we will clip varied mainstream producers for vary in considerably extra reasonably priced EVs, Mercedes ought to have carried out higher with the EQB.
A bigger battery pack would have been an excellent begin.
It’s additionally fairly costly, at over $100,000 on the highway together with that third row of seating that doesn’t come customary. You can also’t have a fully-optioned automotive with seven seats resulting from packaging points, which looks as if an oversight.
That pricing additionally appears steep when there’s little distinguishing the inside of the EQB from the GLB, which isn’t probably the most luxurious premium SUV to start with. The lengthy record of expensive choices dulls the worth equation additional.
Then once more, what’s perceived as ‘worth’ when the EQB successfully has no direct opponents? When you think about the EQB 250 is $6000 dearer than the EQA 250, it begins to make extra sense.
My excellent spec of EQB is the 250 with the elective third row, MBUX Innovation bundle, entrance seats with reminiscence and the sunshine ARTICO leatherette inside with elective brown wooden trim. With the usual 19-inch alloys and Denim Blue metallic paint like our take a look at automotive, you’ve a circa-$96,000 premium EV with three rows and an excellent smattering of luxurious appointments.
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MORE: All the pieces Mercedes-Benz EQB
