Test Mercedes EQB 300 4Matic AMG Line

Mercedes-Benz is launching a very strong offensive electric cars, in addition to continuing to forcefully promote its combustion models. Early last year we tested the Mercedes EQA, the second electric of the brand and the first with a compact size. Now we have been able to get to know and drive the electric version of the always practical Mercedes GLB, the mercedes eqb which is available with both five and seven seats.

As we said, the electrical plans of the star brand are very powerful. In 2021 they launched the EQA, EQS and EQE, also presenting the Electric G-Class. But it is that 2022 is going to be even more important, with the new EQB, SL, EQE, EQS and EQE with AMG seal, the EQS SUV, a new generation for the GLC, the EQE SUV and, also very important, the restyling of the Class A and Class B.

But we are going to focus on the new Mercedes EQB, which is the car that we have briefly gone to test at its national presentation. as you know, it has a lot to do with the internal combustion Mercedes GLB and also with the electric Mercedes EQA.

GLB silhouette and EQA details, this is the Mercedes EQB on the outside

Aesthetically the Mercedes EQB maintains the silhouette of the GLB, with that high ceiling and steep drop to allow maximum use of the interior. Nevertheless, the front part It takes the features of the electric EQA, with that blind grill, the brand logo in considerable dimensions, the style of the High Performance LED pilots, the ribs of the hood or the sportiness that the lower part of the bumper transmits in the AMG Line versions.

Both the headlights and the taillights are light connected.

With the back area Something similar happens, since it does not follow the GLB either, but is rather similar to the EQA. Yes, we have a very vertical tailgate with a good-sized window, but look at the communicated lighting style, at the Mercedes logo that becomes a reversing camera or at the new placement of the license plate, which now goes on the bumper instead of tailgate.

In terms of exterior dimensions, the new Mercedes EQB measures 4,68 meters long, 1,83 wide and 1,7 high, using a generous wheelbase of no less than 2,83 meters.

Once again, take out the magnifying glass to differentiate the interior

Similarly, the interior is also practically a carbon copy of its range brothers previously cited. It is very difficult to differentiate them with the naked eye, although we can always look at the digital instrument panel to see if it is a thermal or electric combustion model, as well as the trim on the right side of the dashboard to see if it is an EQA or an EQB.

Test Mercedes EQA 250, all about the new electric crossover

Test Mercedes GLB 200 7G-DCT 163 CV AMG Line

And we have the same MBUX infotainment system with a double 12,25-inch screen, the same general style, the same buttons, the same steering wheel, the same center console... We even have paddles on the steering wheel, which in this case are used to manage retention when accelerating and so on. recover more or less energy.

Our test unit carries the AMG Line package, which is undoubtedly the most demanded in the Spanish market. The other option is the Progressive line, more elegant. In the case of the AMG, it adds a flattened steering wheel inside, aluminum pedals, sports seats and specific interior upholstery, among others.

And how about space?

As for the habitability As far as it is concerned, the impression is the same as in the GLB except for one detail. And it is that the floor is somewhat higher because the batteries go right there, while the seats maintain the same height. In this way, and especially in the rear seats, we are seated with the knees higher, something that usually ends up generating more fatigue and less comfort on long journeys.

Despite this detail, we still have a sufficiently spacious cabin in the front and rear seats, with a good access for the second row and sufficient height and width enough to consider journeys with five occupants. Logically, the one who uses the central square will be somewhat more uncomfortable, but for specific occasions it can be perfectly used.

As we said at the beginning, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is also available with seven seats, being an optional with a cost of about 1.100 euros. Obviously access isn't great, and once inside, the third row isn't practical at all for adults. In fact, Mercedes says that they are suitable for heights of up to 1,65 meters.

Regarding trunk, the five-seater versions cube 495 liters (expandable to 1.710 by laying down the seats), the seven-seat variants losing only 30 liters of volume when the last one is folded in the trunk.

Three versions available that share battery

The new Mercedes EQE is available with three power levels, two drive systems and only one battery, at least for now. Bliss battery is 66 kWh, the same one that equips the EQA. It has five modules, making it easier to replace any of these parts in case of failure.

Access we have the Mercedes EQB 250, which comes with simple drive to the front axle. The brand says that it will be the best-selling option of this model. It develops 190 hp and 375 Nm of torque, homologating a maximum autonomy of 469 kilometers that could approach 600 kilometers in fully urban driving. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 is in 9,2 seconds and the maximum speed is 160 km/h.

For this test we have opted for the Mercedes EQB 300 4Matic, the middle option. In this case we have four-wheel drive, with a performance of 228 hp and 390 Nm, thus being able to do the 0 to 100 in 8 seconds. The combined maximum autonomy in this case stands at 419 kilometers, with an approved consumption of 18,1 l/100 km.

Meanwhile, the top of the range is the EQB 350 4Matic. This version develops 292 hp and, eye to data, 520 Nm of torque. It covers 0 to 100 in 6,2 seconds and its top speed is also limited to 160 km/h. According to its technical sheet, the approved autonomy is identical to that of the previous one, with a range of 419 kilometers.

At the wheel of the Mercedes EQB 300 4Matic

During this dynamic presentation, we could barely drive the new Mercedes EQB 300 4Matic for about 35 kilometers with most of the time circulating on urban and downtown roads, also going out to some suburban ring roads. The negative part is that we did the whole tour with heavy rain and heavy traffic.

But it is right there, in the center of big cities and in heavy traffic where the Mercedes EQB brings out its benefits, like any good electric car worth its salt. Also, since we have a slightly raised driving position and the forms are very straight, with a large glazed surface, we control all the angles very well.

It goes without saying that the driving smoothness is impeccable in this electric SUV with up to 7 seats. Everything happens naturally and smoothly, reducing driver stress due to the absence of noise and thanks to the linearity without any jerk in its energy delivery.

As usual, we have various driving modes that affect the response of the electric motor and the weight of the steering. The most ecological is the most suitable for the city, since it greatly softens the delivery of energy when we step on the accelerator, helping to save battery life. In comfort mode the steering still feels very assisted at all times, but we get more response from the right pedal.

Meanwhile, the sportiest of the four driving modes (the fourth is individual, which we can customize to our liking) responds much more quickly when we accelerate and increases the weight of the steering so that we obtain a greater feeling. The truth is that the change in character is quite noticeable when we change from one to another.

Play with the cams to barely touch the brake

Despite being a fully electric car, behind the wheel we have some cams, as in the thermal ones with automatic transmission. These cams are used to manage the retention level when we stop accelerating, thus modifying the energy recovery by ourselves.

What most differentiates this Mercedes-Benz EQB from the rest of the electric cars is its interior with up to 7 seats.

It is interesting to "play" with them, seeing the braking power on the digital panel and, above all, largely avoiding that we have to use the brake pedal. Of course, in the highest retention mode (called "D-") the car brakes a lot but does not come to a complete stop, so we cannot practice what is known as driving "one pedal".

There is also a “D Auto” mode, where the car generates the retention that it considers ideal at all times depending on each driving situation, such as if we approach another vehicle by braking a lot or leaving the minimum retention in the event of driving on a slight downward slope on the road.

Consumption obtained with the Mercedes EQB 300

As I said, the test has been complicated by inclement weather and traffic jams, not making a long journey to evaluate consumption close to reality. In any case, in this touchdown the trip computer has reflected a consumption of 22,6 kWh / 100 km, reasonable for the driving performed and the conditions.