2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 eclipses the GLB small SUV

The electrical 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB provides a quieter, cleaner, more powerful option to the gas-driven GLB 250 smaller crossover SUV. The electrical crossover is the to start with iteration of a small SUV in Mercedes-Benz’ fast evolving EQ electrical series—and still it reveals up very well soon after Mercedes has set an electric powered SUV on sale in Europe.

Even inside the brand name, the EQB could be considered out of day, given that the GLB-Class was launched a several several years ago. But, considerably like my Iphone 11 when compared to the Apple iphone 14 provides I’m now disregarding, it suited me properly wonderful. For now. 

With a selling price ranging from $56,800 to $61,400, together with a $1,050 location fee, Mercedes situates the new 2022 EQB competitively with most other new electric crossovers, including the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. It is less expensive than a Tesla Model Y and about the exact same value as a Volvo XC40 Recharge, which is its closest competitor. Like the electric powered edition of the XC40, the EQB shares the exact same overall body as the gasoline GLB modest crossover, apart from Mercedes flattened the flooring to match its usable 66.5-kwh battery pack, smoothed out the underbody, and solidified the ends for much better aerodynamics. 

The challenge for Mercedes is convincing the EV curious that the EQB is really worth about $10,000 more than a equally outfitted GLB 250. 

It is. Quickly. In our screening of the five versions that presently make up the EQ family, which include a preview of the forthcoming EQE SUV, the EQB confirmed how promptly Mercedes is reworking its full lineup to electric cars and getting a carbon-neutral brand by 2039. At the identical time, the GLB also feels out of date in a swiftly shifting EV current market, like a flip cellular phone to my Iphone, or the Sinclair gasoline station dinosaur logo.  

Driving the 2022 EQB: Benz’ battery bet betters the GLB

All-around Denver and up to the crimson rocks jutting out of the horizon, the 2022 EQB 300 charmed with its quiet performance, remarkable grip, and roomy interior. It’s immensely sensible, so substantially so that it can be fitted with a third row to broaden from five to seven seats. We’d adhere with four passengers, but in a pinch, or on a brief getaway from the city to the foothills, it can healthy a few shorties in the third row. 

It is fast off the line but plateaus just as quickly, missing the torque-wealthy thrust of most other electrical crossovers with larger motors fed by a much larger battery pack. The two motors, such as a a lot more powerful everlasting-magnet motor driving the rear axle, output 225 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes promises a -60 mph time of 8. seconds, and the greater motors on the EQB 350 make 288 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, great for a -60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. 

The regular twin-motor, all-wheel-travel powertrain lets the motors function independently, so less than mild throttle it is just rear-motor electric power, but a heavier foot activates the front asynchronous motor. There is enough thrust for most passing moves, even while it weighs about 1,000 lb far more than the gas GLB.

That added pounds brings together with front struts and a multi-backlink rear suspension for a surefooted feel, even when driving on curly-fry roads up to lookout points and then nose-diving back down to ketchup. It lacks AMG tuning or an air suspension, but with the obtainable adaptive dampers and minimal heart of gravity, the facet-to-side motions have been constrained and it leaned considerably less than other boxy crossovers. 

Well-weighted steering and the chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel led to a stable, entire feeling in sharp turns. It exceeded anticipations and turned a leisurely scenic push into a fun jaunt through the hills, the sort that conjures up excuses to preserve heading. A lot of the enjoyment arrived from the whisper tranquil cabin, which not only benefited from the quietude of electric motors but more seem insulation squashed street sounds. 

Location the EQ dissimilarities

Apart from the slight styling distinctions and a charge port on the passenger side rear fender, the EQB seems to be much like the GLB. Rather than Mercedes’ substantial Hyperscreen, which encapsulates three electronic screens underneath one particular pane of glass spanning 56 inches of dash, the EQB employs twin 10.3-inch screens, one for gauges and the other a touchscreen for infotainment. 

The EQB’s electric automobile indicators are muted if not concealed, which is a departure from the complete monty in larger EQ designs driving on Mercedes committed EVA2 system. Steering wheel paddles flick amongst 3 regen brake settings revealed by a small + or – icon in the equipment selector show in the cluster. The most considerable regen setting, D-, doesn’t really convey the EQB to a whole quit, and D+ manner coasts like a fuel engine. 

In other EQ models, the regen options can be felt in the brake pedal and the throttle, which companies up in heavier regen settings. In the EQB, the pedal variances in every single setting are significantly less pronounced. And given that the EQB shares so considerably of the GLB, it lacks a frunk but it can be opened, contrary to other EQ types. 

Other muted signifiers are the selection and kwh meters tucked in the lessen element of the tachometer. It appears Mercedes understates its EV bona fides. 

EV array: The EQB shadows more recent rivals

We nevertheless really do not know what all those bona fides indicate in conditions of vary, precisely. The EPA has not certified the EQB, and Mercedes cites a 260-mile range on the generous European WLTP cycle. That will very likely translate to about 225 miles on the EPA cycle, and Mercedes strategies a longer-vary one-motor front-push product later. 

With its 400-volt electrical architecture, the EQB can DC quickly cost at up to 100 kw to recoup about 80 miles of variety in 15 minutes, based on our estimates. On a Stage 2 240-volt charger rated at 32 amps, it’ll get a lot more than 11 hours for a complete demand. This is 1 way in which the EQB is powering the moments (as are the other, much larger EQ versions) an 800-volt program enables for faster charging. For Mercedes’ future iteration of the EQ series on the EVA3 platform, it will utilize a 900-volt architecture.

There are electric crossovers with larger selection, which includes in Mercedes’ possess EQ family, still the EQB eases the changeover from combustion to electrification. Bundled are two a long time of 30-moment DC rapidly-charging periods on Electrify America’s community. 

Value: Is the 2022 Mercedes EQB really worth it?

The price variation in between the GLB is considerably less pronounced with the EQB’s conventional capabilities baked in, these types of as the twin 10.3-inch screens as an alternative of rather puny 7.-inch screens on the GLB 250. Wi-fi smartphone connectivity and wi-fi telephone charging also occur standard, as do heated front seats. An augmented fact navigation method will come normal on the EQB, which overlays arrows and signposts on digital camera projections of the true intersections and offramps. A touchpad in the console would make pinching or zooming map sights less complicated than making use of the touchscreen. 

Also common on the EQB and further on the GLB is Mercedes’ 64-colour ambient lights procedure that illuminates like the Vegas strip. Consumer opinions must be positive, but all the razzle dazzle can be muted, fortuitously.

Stepping up from the Exclusive to the Pinnacle trim grades provides much more Mercedes finery, this kind of as Burmester surround seem, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a encompass-watch camera procedure, among the other goodies, for $2,550.

In addition to greater normal functions in between the EQB and GLB, the experience high-quality is greater, the ability is higher, and the tailpipe emissions are fewer. It is a improved GLB across the board besides when it will come to assortment. For now. 

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Mercedes-Benz offered airfare and lodging for The Automobile Connection to make this firsthand report.