A compact SUV with all-electric power Essentially an electric version of the excellent Mercedes GLB, the EQB offers a satisfying blend of luxury and practicality and is currently among the few electric options for families in need of an extra row of seats.
That alone might be a reason to buy but it's also luxurious, tech-packed, and decent to drive too, not to mention more versatile than the related (but smaller) EQA. It's not cheap, and the range isn't great compared to others you might think of.
.webp "Discover the specifications of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV")
.webp "Discover the specifications of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV")
Operating costs of a Mercedes-Benz EQB
If you rely on the more expensive public network, Mercedes offers a helping hand with subscriptions to popular networks.
The EQB is much more expensive than the petrol- or diesel-powered GLB it's based on, though of course, you'll recoup some of that on running costs, whether that's on VED/road tax or through a cheaper benefit in kind if you run it as a company car.
Home charging will also cut those day-to-day costs if you're lucky enough to have an off-street space to install your own drop-off point, but even if you rely on the more expensive public network, Mercedes lends a hand with subscriptions to popular networks like BP Pulse and Ionity to make fast charging over longer periods affordable for everyone. While these are really introductory offerings to get you moving, the three-year Mercedes me Charge subscription is free for the first three years and consolidates remote charging across a For optimal convenience, combine a variety of providers onto a single card and account.
Mercedes-Benz EQB reliability
Overall, we can state that compared to internal combustion vehicles, electric vehicles seem to be more dependable.
Like many premium brands, the cost of repairs when things go wrong is reflected poorly in Mercedes' ranking on popular reliability tables.
In general, we might say that electric cars appear to be more reliable than their internal combustion counterparts because there are fewer mechanical errors, but, they rely on complex technology, So, we'll have to wait and see how that develops.
The standard three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty (eight years and 100,000 miles on the battery) isn't anything special, especially when you consider the five or even seven years offered by brands like Hyundai and Kia.
Safety of the Mercedes-Benz EQB
The optional Driver Assistance Package costs a fraction more but adds another level of support.
Mercedes has a long tradition of building safe cars and there is every confidence that the EQB will deliver on that. On top of all the expected airbags and other safety features, there are the usual driver aids like automatic emergency braking, 'active' speed limit control, and interventions if it determines that you are drifting outside of your lane.
These are, fortunately, much less intrusive than similar systems we've encountered in competitors. An optional Driver Assistance Package costs a fraction more but adds another level of support, with radar-monitoring cruise control, blind-spot monitors with warnings if you're about to open the door to cross-traffic, and more.
How comfortable is the Mercedes-Benz EQB
"The third row is only suitable for children but is a welcome comfort feature."
We've driven a new EQB from testing EV alternatives like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Audi Q4 E-Tron and the Mercedes was noticeably smoother and more comfortable at all speeds.
It's also very refined, which plays to the strengths of the silent electric power and makes it a very comfortable vehicle to drive.
Mercedes is also traditionally strong in terms of comfort and ergonomics, and the driver and front-seat passenger are certainly well-catered for here.
The EQB's real selling point is the fact that it comes as a seven-seater as standard, although our German-market test car wasn't actually equipped with the third row that UK buyers get as standard, so we'll have to pass judgment on this until we try one.
Assuming it's comparable to the arrangement in the GLB on which this car is based, we'd say the third row is really just right for kids and severely limits trunk space when in use, but it's a welcome convenience feature that large families would welcome.
The boxy shape and flat floor also make the center row feel roomy, and you can slide this back and forth to increase legroom or trunk space as needed.