2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB makes its European debut, US sales confirmed

The compact, three-row EV made its debut in China.

Mercedes-Benz has been on a path to electrification. This includes introducing dedicated EVs such as the EQS full-size sedan, and converting existing models into battery power. The 2022 EQB is a prime example of this. Based on the beloved GLB/Class crossover design, the EQB made its first debut in Shanghai in April. However, Mercedes has confirmed that it will be available in North America in EQB 300 or EQB 350 trims.

At the IAA 2021, in Munich, the company displayed its new products. This was their European debut. Both models will be equipped with all-wheel drive. They are powered by front- and back-mounted electric motors and a 66.5-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery. Mercedes claims that either model can travel 419 km (260 miles) using the optimistic WLTP scale. We assume an EPA range rating around 230 miles. These numbers are far less than the Audi Q4E-Tron which can travel up 488 km (397 miles) in WLTP testing and the Tesla ModelY which can travel more than 300 miles without charging.

The EQB 300 will be powered by 225 horsepower and 288 pound feet (302 kilowatts, 390 newton meterss) and is more powerful than the GLB 250’s gasoline engine with 221 hp (258 lb-ft) and 221 hp (165 kW, 350 Nm). The EQB 350 has 288 hp, 384 lbft (215 kW) and 521 Nm. Mercedes has not yet released acceleration or top speeds estimates, but the EQB 350 boasts 288 hp and 384 lb-ft (215 kW and 521 Nm), so we expect both to be able to accelerate to freeway speeds. Mercedes claims that a front-drive version of the Mercedes SLK will be available, along with a longer-range model with more power.

Pricing Revealed: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB Price Starts At $55,550 The EQB, like the GLB with gasoline engine, can seat up to seven people. The EQB will offer a five-passenger layout in the US. It will have a 60/40 split rear bench and optional fore-aft adjustments to the back seat. This will allow for more cargo space and rear legroom. Mercedes claims that the third-row package offers a second-row sliding adjustment and a split rear bench with 50/50 that can be adjusted to accommodate adults upto 5’4″. Although the seat’s bottom is very short, it will cause some discomfort for those passengers. However, Mercedes still gets credit for creating a 7-seater that measures only 184.7 inches in length.

The unique front fascia that distinguishes the GLB’s boxy, funky design from its all-electric counterpart is the result of a full-width LED lightbar and a glossy black mask that has become Mercedes-EQ’s emblematic face. The faux grille on the EQB is different from the rounded EQS’s. It features twin bars that run along the large Mercedes emblem and a chrome trim ring that wraps around the edge. A second full-width light element is located at the rear. Exhaust pipes are absent. Two 20-inch wheel designs are available with either blue or rose gold accents.

Interior flashes of brightwork are also used, including pale pink and electric blue in the turbine-shaped HVAC outlets as well as dashboard mood lighting and seat accents. Other EQ-specific features include a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, infotainment screen with augmented reality navigation, and a standard infotainment monitor with EQ. These can optimize a route for EV range or charging options. The latest version of MBUX software powers the system, which should make it even easier than the GLB’s intuitive interface.

The EQB’s pricing has not been disclosed yet. This is unsurprising considering the SUV will not be available in the US until the beginning of next year. We believe the EQB 300 will be less than $50,000 and rise to around $70,000 for the EQB 350 with all options ticked. The front-drive model, which will be available later, could cost less than $40,000 and give Benz a low entry point into the luxury EV market. The EQB is a versatile, attractive stopgap model that Mercedes will go all-electric in 2030.