Mercedes continues its electric vehicle offensive with the launch of the compact crossover in China. The EQB joins the recently revealed EQS and EQA and soon several other electric vehicles will join the M-B stable.
The new EQB is debuting at Auto Shanghai 2021, with the new model launching first in China and then in Europe this year. It will arrive in the US in 2022. This seems to be the typical approach for several automakers. China first, followed by Europe and then eventually the US.
Size
One of the new model's standout features is its packaging. The EQB measures 4,684 millimeters (184.4 inches) long and can accommodate up to three rows of seats for seven people, which will be the model's standard configuration in China. The third row is otherwise optional. The third row can accommodate everything from two child seats up to adults measuring 1.65 meters (5.4 feet) tall, according to Mercedes. This packaging is made possible by the electric car's platform, which afford more space than a comparable gas/diesel vehicle.
Interior Room
The five-seat model offers between 495 to 1,710 liters (17.1 to 60.4 cubic feet) of cargo space. The seven-seat provides 465-1,629 liters (16.4-57.2 cubic feet). The second-row seats can move forward to make for more storage space in the rear. Three-row-equipped models can fold the third row flat with the load floor.
Gallery: Mercedes EQB
Battery Capacity And Power
Mercedes keeps much of the EQB's powertrain details under wraps for now, though the company did provide some ballpark figures. Both front and AWD versions of the EQB will be offered and Mercedes says that at least one of the battery choices will have a usable battery capacity of 66.5 kilowatt-hours for Europe. We suspect this will be the smaller of the two or more batteries offered.
Some models will exceed 269 horsepower (200 kilowatts). Mercedes says a long-range version is planned, too, but failed to provide any specifics. The model will launch with an AMG Line trim that offers 288 hp (215 kW) in China.
Range
As far as range goes, Mercedes only mentioned that the EQB 350 4Matic would offer 478 kilometers (297 miles) of range on the NEDC cycle and 419 km (260 miles) on the WLTP test regiment. We expect it'll have a lower range rating from the US EPA. The EQB 350 4Matic is AWD, so we suspect that the FWD version will have slightly more range.
Mercedes is short of EQB details at this point in time. For example, no pricing was mentioned. We expect Mercedes to offer more information, including price and powertrain specifics, closer to the model's on-sale date. And for US-specific info, we think that will come late this year.
More EQB Info
Source: Mercedes-Benz