Space, Style & Smarts

A key reason the EV-curious have yet to flip the switch to an electric vehicle is that dreaded “range anxiety.”

For anyone who isn’t familiar with the term, it’s already in the Oxford dictionary: “Worry on the part of a person driving an electric car that the battery will run out of power before the destination, or a suitable charging point, is reached.” A little long-winded, but accurate.

The 2023 Mercedes EQB 350 can treat that condition — without pills, too. It’s called “Electric Intelligence” and it works with the navigation system to calculate the fastest routes specifically for electric driving, and it includes charging stops. Range simulations continually explore the journey in progress, considering the weather, topography and changing traffic conditions.

The EQB has one of the lowest expected ranges (227 miles) among its foes in the luxury-compact EV segment. Longer-range versions for the EQB are expected some day, but the current range is sufficient for the majority of folks who expect to plug in daily. 

The EQB is an electric clone of the popular Mercedes GLB class. In other words, it does not ride on a dedicated EV platform like the EQS and EQE. Mercedes swapped out the turbo four for the electric powertrain, put a glossy black cover over the open grille and retained the familiar Mercedes star in the center. It has the same boxy shape, but horizontal light strips and blue accents on the wheels give it away as an EV. 

While an entry-level EQB 250 has front-wheel-drive and a 188-hp electric motor, the top-line
EQB 350 is the quickest of the lineup with a dual-motor setup and it’s good for 288 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. It also has better grip with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

With a single-speed transmission, the EQB offers instant torque and sprints to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, which is competitive with the segment. Drive modes include Eco, Comfort and Sport. 

The EQB is nimble, comfortable and quiet with little road or wind noise. The ride is stable on highways and corners, with some credit going to the 66.5 kWh battery situated low in the chassis and the consequential low center of gravity. The rest goes to EQB’s adaptive suspension, which compensates for uneven surfaces and personal driving style.

The EQB’s regenerative braking recovers energy and its level of resistance can be adjusted by three drive modes. The strongest enables “one-pedal driving,” where letting up on the accelerator will slow and eventually stop the car. Paddles behind the wheel can adjust the “regenerative” effect in each mode.

Saving the best performance figures for last: The EPA estimates 98 MPGe in the city, 93 highway and 96 combined. Those figures may be optimistic since a number of factors go into them, like hills, driving style and even climate. 

Anyone familiar with the GLB-Class interior will feel at home in the EQB. Much of the look and features are here, with handsomely-trimmed door panels, optional leather seats and the GLB-familiar rose-gold accents. Ambient lighting is available in 64 colors.

The cabin seats five, but a particular attraction is the EQB’s optional third row; an exclusive feature in the segment that increases seating capacity to seven. The second row is roomy with nearly 40 inches of head- and leg-room, and is easily accessed through wide rear doors.

Up front, heated and ventilated seats are roomy with 40-plus inches of space above and below. Power front seats have three-position memory for the brave soul who adds their teen to the list of regular drivers. 

Dual 10.25-inch displays accommodate Mercedes’ latest MBUX multimedia system and a high-resolution digital instrument cluster. Both are identical to the GLB systems and offer voice commands and steering-wheel controls, driver data, audio and navigation. 

High-end trims get upgrades like a panoramic sunroof, surround-view cameras and an outstanding Burmester sound system.

Cargo space is a bit less than the GLB, but it’s still generous at 22 cubic feet behind the second row, and 62 cubes with it folded down. Now, don’t go looking for a front trunk (or frunk) because there isn’t one. It’s not a full-blooded EV, remember, but shares a platform with its gas-engine kin.

Standard safety features include lane-keep assist with crosswind steering, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitor and park assist. Adaptive cruise control and other advanced features are optional.

Range anxiety will always be a concern as long as EV mileage calculation is imprecise and chargers are fewer than gas stations. But the EQB is at least helping to treat the condition.  

Barry Spyker was the automotive editor and columnist for the Miami Herald. 

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