In case it is not completely apparent by simply wanting on the factor, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is the electrical model of the gas-powered Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. That little SUV went down in baggage take a look at lore as one of the vital shocking performers, swallowing far more stuff than its phase, exterior dimensions and official cargo space specs recommended.
Not surprisingly, making room for an entire heap of batteries has diminished that house, however not as a lot as you may think. The specs say it misplaced 5 cubic toes, which might appear to be fully beneath the ground (the GLB determine was due to this fact counting that house, which makes its 27-cubic-foot determine much more head-scratching). You see, one of many causes the GLB can maintain oh-so-much is its two-level flooring. The EQB doesn’t have that. There may be some house down there large enough for the cost twine bag and different odds and ends, however the battery pack intrudes sufficient that you could’t actually depart the ground out and cargo baggage atop it. You may see the distinction under. Because it seems, although, it is not that huge a deal.
Now, let’s speak about cargo covers. The GLB I examined didn’t have one, which implies I could not carry out my take a look at with and with out it. The EQB did have it, so successfully, this is the outcome.
D’oh! The ensuing peak is very quick, stopping even my medium-sized baggage from becoming. As you are about to see, nevertheless, it did not actually matter.
Now, as all the time, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that will must be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 extensive, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embrace my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
The EQB may swallow the very same variety of baggage in the very same formation because the GLB may with its flooring within the higher place that is flush with the lift-over peak and folded rear seat again. Additionally, you may word there’s sufficient width and general house left over to retailer the cargo cowl within the automobile. So, when you had extra stuff than this, you would be in hassle with the quilt, however I would not. So yay me.
Now! Should you do take the quilt out, there’s clearly a good quantity of house remaining. The EQB additionally shares the GLB’s different space-enhancing characteristic: the 60/40-split sliding again seat.
I slid the 40 portion ahead solely part-way and just some inches (I did the 60 portion an identical quantity within the GLB take a look at). Positive, I may slide each sections up all the way in which, however I am undecided what that actually accomplishes. That is solely good if in case you have a automobile filled with quick individuals (not unimaginable) or two individuals have taken an insane quantity of baggage with them someplace. Shifting? I do not know, the sliding again seat is at the least good for myriad potentialities.
Anyway, merely transferring up the 40 portion a couple of inches allowed the EQB to simply swallow a 38-quart Coleman cooler. The GLB may, too, however with its decrease flooring possibility, it may additionally swallow two additional duffel baggage and a field filled with river raft. See under.
Placing apart the GLB comparability, it must be famous that the EQB has considerably extra cargo house than electrical SUVs in its value vary and of its exterior footprint. I’ve baggage examined an Audi This autumn E-Tron (put up coming quickly) and it would not come shut. Ditto range-topping variations of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. I have never examined a Volvo C40, Lexus RZ or Nissan Ariya Platinum, however as this web site’s preeminent baggage tester, I really feel assured in saying I will eat my shoe if they will match it.
So, though the EQB significantly underwhelms by way of its vary and worth, it successfully shares the one aspect that so strongly stands out in regards to the boxy little GLB: cargo house and flexibility.