Mercedes-Benz has introduced its first all-electric seven-seat SUV, a body style that remains rare in the burgeoning global electric vehicle market.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQB sits above the EQA and, like its smaller sibling, is an electric version of an internal combustion engine-powered Benz – in this case, the GLB.
It’s set to touch down in Australia during 2022.
The EQB will make its public debut at the 2021 Shanghai motor show later this month, and it’ll be produced in Beijing, though Australian-market EQBs will likely come from the company’s plant in Hungary.
In EQB350 form, it has an electric range of 419km under the stricter WLTP standard, a total output of 215kW of power and claimed combined energy consumption of 19.2 kWh/100km.
Mercedes-Benz says it’ll offer a range of electric powertrains with both front- and all-wheel drive, while the smallest-capacity battery on offer will be 66.5kWh.
The company also promises a “particularly long-range version” is in the works.
No specifications have been released yet for the other powertrains.
The EQB can be charged at up to 11kW on AC power and up to 100kW on DC power.
The satellite navigation includes what Mercedes-Benz calls Electric Intelligence, which calculates the fastest route while taking into account maximum charging power and the duration of any stops required for charging.
When you’re getting close to a planned charging stop, the EQB will also bring its battery to an optimal charging temperature.
To align the EQB with the EQA and GLC-derived EQC, there’s the now familiar Mercedes-EQ black panel grille up front and a full-width tail light assembly at the rear.
Exterior enhancements include an almost completely enclosed underbody and more aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons, good for a drag coefficient of 0.28 compared to the GLB’s 0.32.
Wheels measure up to 20 inches and are also available with blue or rose-gold trim.
The rose gold experience can be continued inside, with rose gold elements available for the air vents, seats and the car key depending on the model selected.
The dual 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment screens incorporate rose gold in their graphics. Otherwise, the EQB looks much like the GLB inside.
That includes the optional third row, which is claimed to accommodate occupants up to 1.65m tall and can also accommodate two child seats.
The EQB measures 4684mm long, 1834mm wide and 1667mm tall, or 50mm longer and 9mm lower than a GLB.
Maximum cargo volume is a claimed 1710L, down 45L on the same measurement for the GLB.
The EQB will be the first all-electric Mercedes to roll off the production line in Kecskemét, Hungary. Mercedes will also produce plug-in hybrid A-Class and CLA models there.
The EQA is being produced at the company’s factory in Rastatt, Germany, which will also continue to manufacture plug-in A-Class models. It’s touching down in Australia in June 2021.
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