With the EQB, Mercedes will be bringing its second compact electric SUV onto the market at the end of November. The 4.68 meter long car should also take families with more space for themselves. Not only is it 22 centimeters longer than the EQA, it is also available as a seven-seater with two retractable individual seats in the third row. As a five-seater, the high-quality EQB is very spacious, and the loading compartment is also generous with 495 to 1710 liters. If you order the rear seat, which can be moved lengthways by 14 centimeters, you can accommodate up to 190 liters more luggage.
Initially, two all-wheel-drive versions, also offered in the technically closely related EQA, will be launched, which differ in terms of performance, but not in terms of consumption and range. Both the 300 4Matic with 228 PS and the 292 PS strong 350 4Matic are powered by two electric motors on the front and rear axles. The 100 km / h mark is reached after 8.0 and 6.2 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 160 km / h in both versions. The 66.5 kWh battery corresponds to that of the EQA, it is supposed to provide energy for up to 419 kilometers of driving, Mercedes specifies the power consumption at 18.2 kWh per 100 kilometers.
On our first long trip with the 300 4Matic, which allows you to move quickly despite a mass of 2.2 tons, we noted a requirement of 22.2 kWh per 100 and thus a range of around 300 kilometers. Compared to the sportier EQA, the EQB springs more comfortably, and the chassis can be equipped with adaptive dampers on request. The quiet in the well-insulated interior is remarkable; the increasing wind noise from 100 km / h is not really annoying. Fast charging is possible with a maximum of 100 kW, as the Škoda Enyaq and VW ID.4 with 125 kW or the BMW iX3 with up to 150 kW can handle significantly more.
Mercedes promises a consistently high charging capacity over a wide range, ideally the battery should be filled from ten to 80 percent in 32 minutes. On a wallbox with 11 kW alternating current, the battery is back to normal after just under six hours. The navigation system calculates the most favorable charging strategy in each case, names suitable charging stops with free charging stations and not only takes the topography into account, but also the weather on the most efficient route. Five different degrees of recuperation can be selected using the steering wheel paddles; in the strongest, the brake pedal is hardly needed.
Externally, the angular SUV only differs from its conventionally motorized brother, the GLB, through the typical EQ black panel grille and the strip of lights on the front and rear.
Mercedes has not yet given any prices, we expect at least 55,000 euros for the 300 4Matic.
A lot of money for a compact SUV, but the identically motorized EQA is hardly cheaper at 53,540 euros.
A front-wheel drive and a particularly long-range version of the EQB are to follow.
All-terrain version of the C-Class
Even if the signs at Mercedes-Benz are fully on electrification and the portfolio should already include eight fully electric EQ models next year, there are other innovations to report. From the end of the year, a robust all-terrain version of the T-model of the successful C-Class will be available for the first time. With a subtle off-road look, 40 millimeters more ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive and two off-road driving programs, the 4.76 meter long crossover model has shown in a first short test that it can not only take on easy terrain, but also with it cope with muddy ground on 50 percent gradients.
Two mild hybrid engines with 48-volt technology, coupled with the avant-garde equipment and nine-speed automatic, are on offer.
The 1.5-liter petrol engine in the C 200 4Matic, which costs 53,014 euros, has 204 hp, while at least 55,395 euros are to be paid for the 200-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel in the C 220d 4Matic.
Like the conventional T-model of the C-Class, the All Terrain can also take up to 1800 kilograms on the hook.