Mercedes-Benz EQB

Following the addition of the EQA to its line of electric crossovers, Mercedes-Benz welcomes the EQB, the electric equivalent of the GLB compact SUV. So, what's it all about the latest compact electric SUV, and why does it matter? Let's find out.

Priced at 55,311 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Mercedes EQB is the smallest electric seven-seater SUV offered and looks like Mercedes' electric offensive is on the roll and crossovers are still king as always in the new normal.

Judging by the design, the EQB is basically a GLB-Class with the EQA's front and back copy-pasted on it so it's hard to explain why. When parked alongside its little brother, the EQA, it's hard to tell the difference between them because the front and the back, despite their different proportions, are worth fun explaining.

As always, the EQB is on the same family tree as the B-Class MPV and the GLB SUV so the interior layout is about the same as theirs as well as the added gadgetry such as the MBUX with the "Hey, Mercedes" feature that works just like the Amazon Alexa. Just like its relatives, it fits up to seven people, and here's hoping you want to hit its sweet spot because when the second-row seats are heavily occupied by child seats, you have no choice but to struggle yourself through the third-row seats. Speaking of the back, it's less spacious than its GLB equivalent but roomier than the EQA, of course.

The EQB is all-wheel-drive only, meaning this electric 7-seater crossover is prepped for whatever life throws at them, be it rainy or snowy, whether if it's on the tarmac, gravel, or snow, although it feels bulky to drive because it weighs nearly three tons.

The most powerful version produces 292PS of power, 520Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 6.2 seconds, and a top speed of 160kph, which is 20kph slower than most Japanese cars. As for the range, it's good for 422km based on WLTP standards and it will take 30 hours to fully charge it at home or 80% in 32 minutes while at a public charging station, mind you.

When equipped with the Driving Assistance Package, the EQB boasts the highest levels of vehicular safety on the road but such autonomous tech can surely diss speedo boys behind the wheel as expected but for a normal driver, it's the safest way to enjoy driving, even on the weekends.

Although it's basically a GLB with the EQA's front and rear, the first-ever EQB is the ideal family-mover for the next generation of German families. Fit to take on the challenges of the new normal, this electric seven-seater crossover is prepared for almost everything life throws at it.

Photo: Daimler AG