Mercedes-Benz EQB 2022: seven-seat electric SUV arrives in Australia with FWD and AWD variants

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The Mercedes-Benz EQB is almost here in Australia, a fully electric version of the popular GLB seven seater also produced by the brand. 

The EQB follows on from the EQA small electric car, which is based on the pumped-up GLA-Class.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says that the new EQB will provide an “extra dose of space and flexible packaging” with a seven-seat layout while still giving full-electric mobility. 

The Mercedes-Benz EQB has a 100mm longer wheelbase than the EQA, now sitting at 2829mm in length, allowing it to accommodate a handy third row of seating. 

The EQB will compete in a class of its own for now as the only fully-electric seven seat SUV on sale in Australia – however there are traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) seven-seaters such as the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Kia Sorento PHEV and series-parallel hybrids, and the Volvo XC90 Recharge PHEV. 

The Tesla Model X is the only real competitor for the EQB, however it is much more expensive and is not currently available for sale in Australia, however you can still order one through the Tesla Australia website. 

The Mercedes-Benz EQB is now on sale in Australia and can be ordered through the Mercedes-Benz Australia website. 

Battery and motor specifications 

The lithium-ion battery pack installed in the Mercedes-Benz EQB is 66.5kWh (usable) in size and powers a single electric motor on the front axle in EQB250 guise. The outputs for the 250 model are 140kW/385Nm. Driving range for the 250 variant is 371km (WLTP).

For the flagship EQB350 4Matic, this variant has a dual-motor setup with one motor mounted on each axle for combined outputs of 215kW/520Nm. This allows the 350 4Matic to achieve the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds while providing a driving range of 360km (WLTP). 

Charging the EQB can be done through a Type 2 CCS charging socket that can accept up to 11kW (AC) and 100kW (DC). Charging cables are also supplied for Australian domestic sockets and also for public charging stations. 

Standard specs on the EQB

The Mercedes-Benz EQB in entry 250 guise comes standard with two 10.25-inch screens, MUX infotainment system, a leather multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging mat and ambient lighting.

Also standard for the 250 are 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, adjustable damping suspension and LED headlights.

The EQB350 4Matic builds on this specification with a multi-function sports Nappa leather steering wheel, AMG floor mats, illuminated door sills, a panoramic sunroof, AMG body styling and larger 20-inch alloy wheels. 

An Edition 1 package builds on this wide specification even further, adding AMG-inspired body elements, and EQ-style trim inside such as backlighting and blue stitching on the doors and seats. 

The Edition 1 package will cost an additional $9100 for the EQB250 and an additional $3900 for the EQB350 4Matic. 

How safe is the new EQB?

The Mercedes-Benz driver assistance package is included as standard, which features active cruise control, active brake assist, active steering assist, active lane keeping assist and blind-spot assist. 

Parking assistant and a 360-degree camera are also standard kit, along with acoustic ambient protection that warns pedestrians and cyclists by sounding an audible warning at speeds under 20km/h. A reversing tone is also standard, which could be handy in shopping centres. 

Mercedes-Benz EQB 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• EQB250: $87,800
• EQB350 4Matic: $106,700