The electrification of the automobile is in full force, although, some manufacturers might tell you there’s no demand for electric vehicles (EVs), the raw numbers tell a different story. As the saying goes, if you build ’em, they’ll come. If you build enticing EVs, people will buy them.
Mercedes-Benz is one of the manufacturers putting a lot of focus on producing ground-up EVs and electrifying their existing lineup, with vehicles like the GLB, which in electric form is called the Mercedes-Benz EQB.
In this review, we look at a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC all-electric small crossover.
Key Takeaways
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 offers a smooth and refined driving experience.
With an estimated driving range of 356 kilometers, the EQB provides decent mileage for daily driving needs.
The spacious interior and optional third-row seating enhance its practicality, accommodating four adults comfortably.
Table of Contents
Mercedes-Benz EQB Canadian Prices
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB is offered in two trims, the EQB 250+ has a starting price of $59,990 and the EQB 350 4MATIC has a starting price of $75,700. Adding all the optional packages, the price can reach into the low $90k range.
Our review car had the following options:
- 3rd Row Seats ($1,300)
- Premium Package ($5,000)
- Burmester Surround Sound System
- MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation
- Head-Up Display
- MBUX Interior Assistant
- 360 Camera
- SiriusXM radio with 3-month trial
- Intelligent Drive Package ($3,500)
- Active Distance Assistant DISTRONIC
- Active Steering Assist
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function
- Active Speed Limit Assist
- Active Lane-keeping Assist
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Active Lane Change Assist
- Enhanced Stop-and-Go
- Route-base Speed Adaption
The total price on our review GLB 350 was $85,500, before taxes and fees. The GLB does not qualify for any Canadian EV rebates due to its high starting price.
Performance and Range
The Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ is equipped with a front-mounted asynchronous (ASM) electric motor, producing 140 kW (188 horsepower) and 284 foot-pounds of torque. This version of the EQB is front-wheel drive and has an estimated driving range of 394 kilometers (in ideal conditions).
Our review EQB 350 4MATIC comes with an additional Permanently Excited Synchronous (PSM) rear-mounted motor, with a combined output of 215 kW (288 horsepower). The EQB 4MATIC is rated at 356 kilometers.
The EQB 350 drives like other electric vehicles, unfortunately, there isn’t much differentiation between the way most EVs drive, they’re all powered by PSM motors, and whether these motors are “excited” (in the case of MB vehicles) or not, they all drive the same.
That’s not to say EVs are not fun to drive, they accelerate quite fast, which is fun and the instant acceleration comes in handy when you need to quickly pass someone on the highway or at city speeds. The suspension on the EQB is soft, making it useful for daily driving. The EQB 350 has a 0 to 100 km sprint time of 6.2 seconds, which isn’t too bad and feels a lot quicker in real life thanks to the instant torque.
Battery & Charging
Both trims of the EQB come with 70.5 kWh battery packs, which can be charged using a 100 kW DC charger, with a 10 – 80% charge time of 32 minutes. A 9.6 kW level 2 charger does the same 10 – 80% charge in 6.25 hours. Alternatively, the batteries can also be charged slowly with a 120-volt standard household outlet, it’ll take much longer to charge but it’s still an option. I used a 120-volt charger for my weeklong review and it provided more than enough juice for my daily driving needs.
Exterior Styling
Since the EQB is based on the GLB, it looks almost identical to the GLB. Looking at the EQB closely reveals some differences in the front and rear design, the basic shape of the vehicle is the same. I liked the look of the GLB when I reviewed it a few years ago, it’s the most boxy-looking Mercedes-Benz vehicle that’s not a G-Wagon. It’s a small crossover, but its design is something you’d expect in a big car.
The difference in design between the gasoline and electric version includes new headlights and taillights, and the removal of the grill at the front; the GLB doesn’t need a grill to cool a gasoline engine. The grill opening is blocked by a black shield with a large Mercedes-Benz star and two horizontal lines running along it, which makes it look almost like a grill if you don’t look too closely.
Interior Design
You’d be hard-pressed to find any differences between the interior of the GLB and EQB, which is a good thing in my opinion. The GLB’s interior is/was typical MB interior and the EQB makes use of the same formula. Unlike other electric vehicles, you don’t have to go digging through multiple touchscreen commands to get to the most basic of functions. The EQB has plenty of buttons to perform most of the functions people are used to, simply.
The interior of the EQB 350 is a nice blend of comfort and sophistication, offering ample interior space that comfortably accommodates four adults, technically this is a 7-passenger vehicle, but the middle seat in the second row is pretty tight and the thrid-row is best left for small children. The ambient lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere, enhancing the overall driving experience. The infotainment system is sleek and intuitive, providing easy access to various features.
Steering controls are conveniently placed, allowing for seamless adjustment while driving. The integration of technology within the cabin is seamless, enhancing connectivity and convenience. Overall, the interior design of the EQB 350 prioritizes both comfort and cutting-edge technology, catering to drivers who seek a luxurious and tech-savvy driving experience.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB is yet another choice available to consumers who are looking for a luxury EV. The design is “traditional” rather than the super-slippery EVs most people are used to seeing, so it should appeal to those looking for an EV but would rather drive something that’s not too “out there.”
