Mercedes-Benz Australia (MBA) has unveiled pricing and specifications for the EQB, its all-electric answer to the GLB, as it prepares for an official launch in the coming months.

Available in two variants, the EQB is priced from $87,800 for a standard five-seater 250 and $106,700 in a 350+ 4matic format (pricing includes GST as well as any applicable luxury car tax but excludes other on-road costs and charges.)

Billed as a family-sized electric, the mid-sized SUV sits between the German carmaker’s $79,300 EQA250 and the large electric SUV, the EQC. Drivers will be pleased to know that the EQB will be available in a seven-seater option for the 250.

Packing the same 66.5kWh (usable capacity) battery as the EQA, the 2,101kg EQB offers up to 371km WLTP range for the 250 – which equals around 330km in real-world conditions.

This is delivered from a 140kW motor on the front axle, with 385Nm torque for acceleration to 100km/hr in around 8-9 seconds (torque ratings differ from Europe to Australia and the carmaker’s Australian arm has not clarified in its press release regarding the five-seater and seven-seater options so we are erring on the slower side.)

The slightly heavier 350 4matic (2,123kg tare mass) will deliver 360km with the same battery pack, which equates to around 320km real-world driving range. A combined power output of 215kW from the 350+’s two motors delivers a healthy 520Nm torque and acceleration from 0-100km/hr in 6.2 seconds according to MBA.

Charging specs are as for the EQA: 100kW on a DC charger which promises 150km for every 15 minutes at the fast-charger, and 11kW maximum charge rate for AC which will add up to a minimum 5 hours and 45 minutes plugged in at home, work or the shops (this also depends on the max rate of the charger itself.)

A 100mm longer wheelbase than the EQA at 2,829mm also means more cargo space than the EQA, but which seating configuration is chosen will determine cargo options.

A five-seater layout offers 495 litres of space in the back with the second-row seats in position. With these rear seats down, there is 1,710 litres in total.

Choosing the seven-seater layout for an additional $2,900 means there will be just 110 litres in the back, which can be increased to 465 litres with the second-row seats down. In total, there is 1,620 litres worth of space with both rear rows down.

Official ground clearance is being confirmed with MBA but official road vehicle descriptors put running clearance at a generous 210mm. The vehicle – in line with other EQ cars from MBA – is not rated for towing.

The closed radiator grille, referred to in Mercedes-speak as “black panel grille with a central star”, is a simple identifying feature of the electric version of the GLB in addition to the special lighting technology. As with the EQA, the daytime running lights and the LED rear lights are connected to one another via an LED light strip.

Mercedes offers specially designed 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke alloys for the 250 and 20 inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels for the 350 4matic, which also gets well as AMG-specific chrome trims, a rear apron diffuser and electronic panoramic sunroof.

For a short time, drivers can choose the edition 1 package to get AMG-inspired exterior styling and EQ-specific detailing including interior backlit trim and blue top-stitching on the seats and doors. This is priced at $9,100 for the 250 model and $3,900 for the 350 4matic.

The design of the cockpit, which corresponds to that of the GLB, features rose-gold accents and a fully digital widescreen display consisting of two 10.25″ screens. These allow access to the latest MBUX technology specific to electric cars.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also on offer, along with dual-zone climate control, DAB+ digital radio and wireless smartphone charging in the centre console.

For the 250 model, seats feature two-tone Artico upholstery and are electronically adjustable, and there is heating for the front row seats.

In the 350 4matic, sports seats with adjustable head rests and complemented with Dinamica microfibre inserts and red double top-stitching, as well as a sports steering wheel in Nappa leather and doorsill lighting.

All of the EQB range comes with a comprehensive safety suite including active cruise control with active speed limit assist, active steering assist, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist and active blind spot assist, as well route-based speed adaptation.

There is also an optional parking package on offer, which includes 360 degree cameras and parking assistant, while a comfort package allows keyless entry and driving as well as hands-free tailgate operation.

All vehicles also come with pedestrian alerts consisting of an audible warning at 20km/hr or below.

Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.

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