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Cars > Electric

The Mercedes-Benz EQB is the ideal luxury EV for your family

China has first dibs on the electric version of the GLB

Mercedes-Benz will be completing the EQ-family alphabet in no time. PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

Carmakers continue to one-up each other with electric offerings being unveiled left and right. Mercedes-Benz alone has already launched two EVs this year—the EQA crossover and the EQS luxury sedan. And at the Shanghai Auto Show, the brand has taken the wraps off the newest member of the EQ family. Say hello to the EQB electric SUV.

EVs don't usually have a macho look. The EQB bucks that trend. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

The EQB is an opulent but practical vehicle. Despite its compact dimensions that are identical to the GLB (4,684mm long, 1,834mm wide and 1,667mm tall), its wheelbase of 2,829mm makes it a very spacious ride. Mercedes claims a cargo capacity of up to 1,710L, and the third row can accommodate two 1.65m-tall adults or a pair of child seats.

The decision to put rose-gold accents in the EQB is quite interesting. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

While the EQB looks a lot like the GLB, there are notable design elements exclusive to this electrified version. Up front, a fiber-optic strip is flanked by DRLs and LED headlamps. The headlights have blue accents, just like all of Mercedes’s electric vehicles. The light-alloy wheels come in bi- or tricolor styles and are up to 20 inches in size. At the rear, an LED light strip sits on the stylish tailgate just between the taillamps.

It's hard to imagine how two fully grown adults can sit comfortably in the third row. PHOTOS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

The widescreen display is shared by both the dashboard gauges and the MBUX infotainment system. Top-spec variants get backlit interior trim, while the air vents, the seats and the key fob have rose-gold elements. The instruments get the same rose-gold treatment but with blue highlights.

The 478km range isn't mind-blowing, but it's more than adequate for city use. PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

When it comes to propulsion, the EQB is available in front- or all-wheel drive. The AMG-Line variant is the most powerful with 288hp. Despite the healthy output, the EQB is very energy-efficient thanks to minor tweaks to its body. A fully charged battery allows this car to go as far as 478km.

Daimler’s Chinese partner, BAIC, will build and sell the EQB for local consumers within the year. European markets will have the car before the end of 2021, followed by the US in 2022.



Red Santiago

A jack of all trades, Red is passionate about cars, motorcycles and audio. He sometimes drives for a ride-hailing app company—just because he really loves driving.



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