2025 Mercedes-Benz EQB

How’s the tech? Standard tech features are surprisingly scarce at this price. Most obvious is the lack of advanced driver aids. They are limited to only the very basic forward collision warning, blind-spot warning and a rearview camera. The others are all optional. There are two USB-C ports for each row, plus a 110-volt plug for rear passengers, which is kind of nice.

What the EQB does offer as standard is a native navigation system, which is becoming more rare these days, and its cloud-based voice recognition system is great at following commands and telling bad jokes. We didn't mind the base sound system either, but we would want the surround-view cameras that come in the Pinnacle package, which also comes with an upgraded Burmester audio.

How are the range and efficiency? [Editor's note: The following relates to our testing of a 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB. We will update this section once we test the 2025 model but in general we think you can expect similar results.] The EPA estimates that the EQB 350, which is what we tested, has a range of 227 miles on a full charge and will use 35 kWh of electricity for every 100 miles traveled. Neither figure is particularly impressive when compared to its closest competition. On the Edmunds EV Range Test, our test EQB 350 traveled 242 miles, 15 miles more than its EPA estimate. It was also slightly more efficient, consuming 32.2 kWh of energy for every 100 miles. Overall, we think the EQB's range should be enough for most EV buyers on a daily basis but is less than what most rival EVs offer.

As far as charging goes, the EQB's maximum DC fast-charging speed is also slower than most competitors (100 kW). Under optimal conditions, Mercedes estimates you'll be able to go from 10% to 80% battery charge in 35 minutes if you're quick charging. That sounds quick by some measures, but the EQB has a usable battery capacity that's slightly less than its stablemates.