2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 eclipses the GLB small SUV

The electrical 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB gifts a quieter, cleaner, more potent choice to the gas-powered GLB 250 small crossover SUV. The electrical crossover is the primary iteration of a small SUV in Mercedes-Benz’ hastily evolving EQ electrical sequence—and but it displays up neatly after Mercedes has put an electrical SUV on sale in Europe.

Even throughout the logo, the EQB might be regarded as old-fashioned, for the reason that GLB-Elegance was once presented a couple of years in the past. However, similar to my iPhone 11 in comparison to the iPhone 14 gives I’m lately ignoring, it suited me completely nice. For now. 

With a worth starting from $56,800 to $61,400, together with a $1,050 vacation spot charge, Mercedes situates the brand new 2022 EQB competitively with maximum different new electrical crossovers, together with the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. It’s more cost effective than a Tesla Style Y and about the similar worth as a Volvo XC40 Recharge, which is its closest competitor. Like the electrical model of the XC40, the EQB stocks the similar frame because the gasoline GLB small crossover, with the exception of Mercedes flattened the ground to suit its usable 66.5-kwh battery pack, smoothed out the underbody, and solidified the ends for higher aerodynamics. 

The problem for Mercedes is convincing the EV curious that the EQB is value about $10,000 greater than a in a similar way supplied GLB 250. 

It’s. Simply. In our trying out of the 5 fashions that lately make up the EQ circle of relatives, together with a preview of the approaching EQE SUV, the EQB confirmed how temporarily Mercedes is remodeling its whole lineup to electrical cars and turning into a carbon-neutral logo through 2039. On the identical time, the GLB additionally feels old-fashioned in a hastily converting EV marketplace, like a turn telephone to my iPhone, or the Sinclair gasoline station dinosaur emblem.  

Riding the 2022 EQB: Benz’ battery guess betters the GLB

Round Denver and as much as the purple rocks jutting out of the horizon, the 2022 EQB 300 charmed with its quiet potency, spectacular grip, and roomy inner. It’s immensely sensible, such a lot in order that it may be fitted with a 3rd row to increase from 5 to seven seats. We’d stick to 4 passengers, however in a pinch, or on a handy guide a rough getaway from town to the foothills, it may well are compatible a pair shorties within the 3rd row. 

It’s fast off the road however plateaus simply as temporarily, missing the torque-rich thrust of maximum different electrical crossovers with greater motors fed through a bigger battery pack. The 2 motors, together with a stronger permanent-magnet motor using the rear axle, output 225 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claims a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds, and the bigger motors at the EQB 350 make 288 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, excellent for a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. 

The usual dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain shall we the motors perform independently, so below mild throttle it’s simply rear-motor energy, however a heavier foot turns on the entrance asynchronous motor. There’s sufficient thrust for many passing strikes, even if it weighs about 1,000 lb greater than the gasoline GLB.

That additional weight combines with entrance struts and a multi-link rear suspension for a surefooted really feel, even if using on curly-fry roads as much as lookout issues after which nose-diving go into reverse to ketchup. It lacks AMG tuning or an air suspension, however with the to be had adaptive dampers and occasional middle of gravity, the side-to-side motions have been restricted and it leaned lower than different boxy crossovers. 

Smartly-weighted guidance and the chunky, flat-bottomed guidance wheel ended in a cast, complete feeling in sharp turns. It exceeded expectancies and grew to become a leisurely scenic power right into a a laugh jaunt during the hills, the type that conjures up excuses to stay going. A lot of the excitement got here from the whisper quiet cabin, which now not most effective benefited from the quietude of electrical motors however additional sound insulation squashed street noise. 

Spot the EQ variations

Except for the slight styling variations and a fee port at the passenger facet rear fender, the EQB appears to be like similar to the GLB. Quite than Mercedes’ huge Hyperscreen, which encapsulates 3 virtual monitors below one pane of glass spanning 56 inches of sprint, the EQB employs dual 10.3-inch monitors, one for gauges and the opposite a touchscreen for infotainment. 

The EQB’s electrical automotive indicators are muted if now not hidden, which is a departure from the entire monty in greater EQ fashions driving on Mercedes devoted EVA2 platform. Guidance wheel paddles flick between 3 regen brake settings proven through a tiny + or – icon within the tools selector show within the cluster. Probably the most vital regen atmosphere, D-, doesn’t reasonably convey the EQB to a complete prevent, and D+ mode coasts like a gasoline engine. 

In different EQ fashions, the regen settings will also be felt within the brake pedal and the throttle, which corporations up in heavier regen settings. Within the EQB, the pedal variations in every atmosphere are much less pronounced. And for the reason that EQB stocks such a lot of the GLB, it lacks a frunk however it may be opened, in contrast to different EQ fashions. 

Different muted signifiers are the variability and kwh meters tucked within the decrease a part of the tachometer. It kind of feels Mercedes understates its EV bona fides. 

EV fluctuate: The EQB shadows more moderen competitors

We nonetheless don’t know what the ones bona fides imply with regards to fluctuate, precisely. The EPA hasn’t qualified the EQB, and Mercedes cites a 260-mile fluctuate at the beneficiant Ecu WLTP cycle. That can most likely translate to about 225 miles at the EPA cycle, and Mercedes plans a longer-range single-motor front-drive type later. 

With its 400-volt electric structure, the EQB can DC quick fee at as much as 100 kw to recoup about 80 miles of fluctuate in quarter-hour, in accordance with our estimates. On a Degree 2 240-volt charger rated at 32 amps, it’ll take greater than 11 hours for a complete fee. That is a technique wherein the EQB is in the back of the days (as are the opposite, greater EQ fashions); an 800-volt machine lets in for sooner charging. For Mercedes’ subsequent iteration of the EQ sequence at the EVA3 platform, it’ll make use of a 900-volt structure.

There are electrical crossovers with higher fluctuate, together with in Mercedes’ personal EQ circle of relatives, but the EQB eases the transition from combustion to electrification. Incorporated are two years of 30-minute DC fast-charging classes on Electrify The us’s community. 

Value: Is the 2022 Mercedes EQB value it?

The fee distinction between the GLB is much less pronounced with the EQB’s usual options baked in, comparable to the dual 10.3-inch monitors as an alternative of somewhat puny 7.0-inch monitors at the GLB 250. Wi-fi smartphone connectivity and wi-fi telephone charging additionally come usual, as do heated entrance seats. An augmented truth navigation machine comes usual at the EQB, which overlays arrows and signposts on digicam projections of the particular intersections and offramps. A touchpad within the console makes pinching or zooming map perspectives more practical than the usage of the touchscreen. 

Additionally usual at the EQB and additional at the GLB is Mercedes’ 64-color ambient lighting fixtures machine that illuminates just like the Vegas strip. Client comments will have to be certain, however the entire razzle dazzle will also be muted, thankfully.

Stepping up from the Unique to the Pinnacle trim grades provides extra Mercedes finery, comparable to Burmester {surround} sound, leather-based upholstery, a breathtaking sunroof, and a surround-view digicam machine, amongst different sweets, for $2,550.

Along with higher usual options between the EQB and GLB, the trip high quality is best, the ability is larger, and the tailpipe emissions are fewer. It’s a greater GLB around the board with the exception of in the case of fluctuate. For now. 

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Mercedes-Benz equipped airfare and accommodation for The Automotive Connection to provide this firsthand document.