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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB
Starting at $53.395

Highs Attractive interior, spacious cabin, top powertrain offers perky acceleration.
Lows Pointless third-row seats, smaller cargo area than the GLB, irksome MBUX infotainment.
Verdict Compared with the gas-fed GLB, the electric EQB makes transitioning drivers feel right at home.

Overview

For every swoon-worthy EV hitting the market these days, a more ordinary example like the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB is so similar to its gas-burning counterpart it requires near-zero effort for uninitiated drivers to transition to the electric lifestyle. Based on the boxy GLB-class SUV, the EQB swaps a turbocharged four-cylinder for an electrified powertrain. A black plastic panel covers the front end where an open grille ought to be, and minor visual cues, such as blue highlights on the wheels, are the only clues to the EQB’s EV status. Its cabin is nearly as spacious and practical as in the GLB, although the battery pack does eat into some of the cargo area. The EQB’s infotainment system and controls are also identical to those in the GLB. Okay, it's all-electric range isn’t quite as good—the maximum estimate is just 250 miles per charge—so EQB owners will find themselves hitting chargers more often than their neighbors driving the GLB will find themselves stopping at gas stations. Other than that, the experience is intended to require a low effort, and that’s where the 2023 EQB succeeds.

What's New for 2023?

The new entry-level EQB250+ model joins the lineup for 2023. It comes with a single 188-hp electric motor that drives the front wheels and delivers a longer 250-mile driving range. Mercedes-Benz says there are no changes to the EQB300 or EQB350 models this year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
EQB250+$53,39: 5
EQB205+ Exclusive: $54,645
EQB250+ Pinnacle: $57,195
EQB300: $57,545
EQB300 Exclusive: $58,795
EQB350: $61,250
EQB300 Pinnacle.: $61,345
EQB350 Exclusive: $62,500
EQB350 Pinnacle: $63,550

The EQB is offered in three forms, but they’re all similar. The one that strikes us as the best balance is the 225-hp EQB300, which is said to offer up to 242 miles of range per charge. We’d spring for the loaded Pinnacle trim level, as it amps up the luxury with a panoramic sunroof and a high-end Burmester stereo system.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The entry-level model is the EQB250+ that features a 188-hp electric motor and is front-wheel drive. Stepping up to the EQB300 unlocks all-wheel drive and a slightly more powerful 225-hp electric powertrain. However, if you want the quickest EQB, you’ll have to go with the dual-motor EQB350 that makes 288 horsepower. The EQB shares chassis components with the gas-burning GLB, but it’s considerably heavier, giving it a more settled ride. During our brief drive in the EQB350, it felt quicker than the GLB250 and more on par with the 302-hp AMG GLB35. At our test track, the EQB350 hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds—a half-second behind the GLB35, but slightly quicker than the Audi Q4 e-tron.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The EQB uses a 66.5-kWh battery located underneath the floor, but its range varies depending on which model you choose. The more powerful EQB350 is estimated to deliver 227 miles of range per charge, but the EQB300 and EQB250+ models boast slightly longer ranges of 242 and 250 miles, respectively. The EQB can be recharged at home on a Level 2 connection or at a DC fast-charging public station. Mercedes claims with the DC connection Mercedes the vehicle can charge from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EQB350 is rated at up to 98 MPGe city and 93 MPGe highway, per the EPA. We haven't had the chance to take the EQB on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, but when we do, we'll report the results here. For more information about the EQB's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Mercedes has carried over the cabin from the GLB-class SUV to the EQB with only a few changes that differentiate it from the gas-powered version. There are five seats across two rows, with an optional pop-up third row of seats. Nicely trimmed door panels, soft leather upholstery, and bright metal trim all lend an upscale look to the EQB's cabin. As with other Mercedes-Benz EQ models, the EQB features lovely rose gold interior accents. The addition of the battery pack does intrude on cargo space somewhat, with the EQB losing up to 5 cubic feet of luggage space, depending on how the rear seats are folded.
Read More https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes...

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