Meet the EQB: the all-electric family SUV

• After the EQA, the EQB is the second all-electric compact car from Mercedes-EQ.
• As a (optional) seven-seater, the new EQB offers space for many family configurations and a wide variety of transport needs.
• The powerful and efficient electric drive and clever recuperation allow the EQB to travel further on a single charge.
• The new EQB will launch in South Africa in October 2022.

27 August 2022 – The electric initiative from Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa is accelerating as fast as the Mercedes-EQ models themselves: with the EQA, EQB, all-rounder EQC and the luxury saloon EQS, a total of four new models from Mercedes-EQ are being introduced in South Africa in 2022.

According to Mark Raine, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa, the EQB “is the perfect outdoor-lifestyle-oriented SUV for families and young couples, while at the same time making a bold statement on the road.”

“With the latest in digitalisation and maximum practicality via an optional seven-seater configuration, the EQB complements the South African way of life in the most sustainable way,” says Raine.

In brief: EQB 350 4MATIC

In South Africa, the all-electric compact SUV will be launched as the EQB 350 4MATIC with 215 kW and a range according to WLTP of up to 423 km.

The EQB 350 4MATIC will be available in South Africa at a price of R1,374,500. This includes a PremiumDrive Platinum 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan and an 8-year battery warranty.

In depth: EQB 350 4MATIC

The EQB enriches the successful Mercedes compact car family and is closely related to two models in particular: the EQA, whose advanced drive technology it shares; and to the GLB compact SUV. This is where the long wheelbase (2,829 millimetres), the spacious and variable interior and the optional third row of seats with two additional individual seats come from.

Electro design aesthetics brimming with character

The EQB interprets Mercedes-EQ's Progressive Luxury in an edgy and particularly characterful way. It features the characteristic Mercedes-EQ black panel grille with central star. A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at the front and rear. A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night. The inside of the headlamps is finished to a high level of quality, detail and precision. Blue colour highlights within the headlamp reinforce the signature Mercedes-EQ appearance.

The function-oriented greenhouse with upright windscreen makes the comfortable interior possible. Circumferential and protective cladding elements structure the overall proportion. The muscular and sensuously modelled vehicle shoulder dominates the side view, which is further enhanced by the rise of the beltline. Outwardly positioned wheels give the EQB a powerful character and confident stance on the road. Exclusive to this model are light-alloy wheels in a bi- or tri-colour design, up to 20 inches in size, in some cases with rosé gold-coloured or blue decorative trim.

The LED tail lights merge seamlessly into the tapering LED light strip. This underlines the horizontal sense of width of the EQB in the rear view. In addition, the number plate is placed on the bumper, which allows for a beautifully sculpted tailgate. The studded roof rails underline the high utility value of the new EQB.

The EQB achieves a very good Cd value from 0.28. Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons, a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underbody, specially optimised Aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.

The large body of the dashboard has a cut-out in the driver and passenger area. The driver faces a Widescreen Cockpit, with control and display via MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The robust character of the interior is underlined by tubular elements in an aluminium look. They sit as handles in the doors, in the centre console and in the instrument panel on the passenger side.

Depending on the design and equipment line, a spectacular backlit trim piece and rosé gold-coloured decorative elements on the air vents, seats and vehicle key provide clues to the electric character in the interior of the EQB. The instruments, with their electric car-specific displays, pick up on the same colour scheme with rosé gold-coloured and blue highlights.

Space throughout is notable, with generous legroom throughout the first and second rows of seats, and sufficient space in the optional third-row bench for occupants up to 1.65 metres tall. Extensive safety features include retractable head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters on all outer seats and a side windowbag that also covers passengers in the third row. A total of up to four child seats can be fitted in rows two and three, plus one more in the front passenger seat. To increase luggage space, the third-row seats can be lowered flush into the load floor.

The boot is level and spacious: the load volume is 495 to 1,710, or 465 to 1,620 litres (figures for five- and seven-seaters respectively). The backrests of the seats in the second row can be adjusted in several stages as standard, and this row features fore/aft adjustment of 140 millimetres as an option. This enables the boot to be enlarged by up to 190 litres and put to versatile use.

Generous standard specification, with a number of personalisation options

The comprehensive standard specification of the EQB includes such features as the Progressive Package, LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the EASY-PACK tailgate with electrically operated opening and closing, KEYLESS-GO, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, Navigation Connectivity Package, Comfort seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a reversing camera for added convenience and a better overview when manoeuvring, and a multifunction sports steering wheel in leather. The new model can be personalised with the AMG Line equipment package, as well as the MBUX Innovation Package, Advanced Plus Package, Night Package and finally, Electric Art.

Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa will also offer the EQB 350 4MATIC with an Edition 1 package that includes AMG Body Styling, roof rails in black, heat-insulating dark-tinted glass, 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, leather trim in Neva Grey with CYBER CUT blue trim, heated front seats and special floor mats with ‘Edition 1’ lettering.

Sophisticated charging technology, large network and compensation through green electricity

At home or at public charging stations, the EQB can be conveniently charged at up to 11 kW with alternating current (AC) using the onboard charger. The charging time required for a full charge depends on the available infrastructure. Charging at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is considerably faster than at a domestic power socket.

And it is of course even faster at direct current (DC) fast-charging stations. Depending on the SoC (State of Charge) and the temperature of the high-voltage battery, the EQB charges at a corresponding charging station with a maximum power of up to 100 kW. The charging time is then just over 30 minutes from 10-80 percent SoC. And after just 15 minutes, electricity is recharged for up to another 150 kilometres (WLTP). (Times will vary according to charger specifications.)

Cooperative support for the driver and high level of crash safety

The EQB features intelligent driving assistance systems with cooperative support for the driver. Blind Spot Assist and Active Brake Assist are fitted as standard. In many critical situations, the latter has the ability to prevent a collision or reduce its severity with autonomous braking. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds. The enhanced functions of the optional Driving Assistance Package include, for example, the turning manoeuvre function, the emergency corridor function, the exit warning function alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles, and a warning when pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings.

The EQB is also a true Mercedes when it comes to passive safety. Building on the robust bodyshell structure of the GLB, the body of the EQB was adapted to the special requirements of an electric car. The battery sits within a frame made out of extruded sections. This takes on a structural function which until now was maintained by the cross members in the underfloor. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects.

Of course, the EQB had to pass the brand's usual extensive crash test programme. Stringent requirements for the battery and all components carrying electrical current also apply.