2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB Review

If you hadn't heard, Mercedes-Benz has launched Mercedes-EQ, its all-new electric vehicle family. First up was the EQS flagship sedan, and now the company is filling in the more accessible and versatile part of the range with the 2022 EQB small SUV.

Although "EQB" may come off as just a random jumble of letters, the terminology has a method: Each model begins with the EQ and then shares the same last letter as its gasoline-powered equivalent in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Unlike the other U.S.-bound EQ models, however, the EQB is not built on a dedicated all-electric platform. The EQB is instead based on the gas-powered GLB SUV, which just happens to be our favorite in its class.

Intended to compete with the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron, the EQB is just what you'd expect an all-electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz to be: loaded with cutting-edge technology and adorned with premium luxe details. It also has an optional third-row seat, just like the GLB.

The EQB comes with standard dual-motor all-wheel drive, with one motor at each axle. Two models will be available: the EQB 300 4Matic, which offers 225 horsepower, and the EQB 350 4Matic, delivering 288 hp.

The initial EQB will feed these motors with a battery pack with 70.5 kWh of usable capacity. That's larger than the 66.5-kWh battery in European-market EQBs, though final EPA estimates haven't been announced. We've found that real-world range can vary considerably in Edmunds' EV range test, with Mercedes' own EQS 450+ overperforming its EPA estimate by 72 miles or 20.6%. But as a generalized takeaway, it would seem that the EQB will have competitive range for this growing class of small luxury EVs. Mercedes also says there will be a longer-range battery due to arrive for later models.

Charging times average 31 minutes for a 10%-80% charge when using a DC fast charger, according to Mercedes. When using a high-powered 240-volt home charging station, charging from 10% to 100% can take as long as 11 hours and 15 minutes.

One year of Mercedes me Charge is also included, opening up a network of 60,000 public charging stations to EQB owners. Regardless of the station's provider, EQB owners can charge on the go conveniently with a simplified, integrated billing system. You choose your payment method once, and it will be honored across all stations.

While we haven't been able to put the EQB through Edmunds' real-world range test, we've had a couple of opportunities to drive the vehicle in the Black Forest near Mercedes' headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. The all-electric drivetrain certainly changes the personality of the small SUV compared to the gas-powered GLB. The electric motor provides immediate acceleration, making it feel significantly quicker as it silently launches off the line. It's not the quickest EV we've ever driven, but there's more than enough power for real-world driving. There were lots of opportunities to pass slow-moving tractors in the German countryside.

Slowing the EQB is similarly graceful, with several levels of brake regeneration (the amount of deceleration when you lift off the accelerator) to suit your style. Mercedes repurposed the GLB's wheel-mounted shift paddles for brake-regen adjustment. One-pedal driving — where you rarely need to touch the brake pedal — is possible in the highest regeneration level, as long as you dig through the settings to disable creep mode (where the vehicle slowly moves forward when you lift off the brake). There's also a "sailing" mode that will not use regen and simply let the car roll. Brake regen can be very helpful, but it's not always the most efficient way to drive.

The EQB also handles curvy roads better than the GLB. One of the few complaints we have about the GLB is that it's not all that exciting to drive. Despite being significantly heavier than the gas-powered GLB, the EQB feels lighter on its feet. The battery pack is mounted beneath the floor, keeping the center of gravity low and body roll in check. The EQB is more engaging than the GLB, though we wouldn't go so far as to call it sporty. Then again, if an AMG version comes to market, that may satisfy the rare driver seeking more performance.

We were really impressed by the EQB's ride quality. It absorbs bumps without translating much to the cabin, though it never feels soft or overly compliant and bouncy. It's quiet, too, though we noticed some wind noise from the mirrors at higher speeds.

The EQB's interior is clean, modern and, dare we say, trendy. Optional rose gold accents adorn the air vents, seats and vehicle key, signifying its place in the EQ lineup. Electric blue accents also highlight the dashboard and headlights, keeping with the theme. A sleek dual display screen sits atop the dashboard, housing both the instrument cluster and infotainment system, and multiple view options enable drivers to view what information is most important to them.

However, the EQB's biggest party trick is something its most rivals can't compete with: seating for up to seven people. Standard EQBs come equipped for five, but the optional third row makes room for two more. Despite the EQB's compact dimensions, the third row comfortably fits passengers up to 5 feet, 4 inches tall, Mercedes says. Even more impressive, the EQB can accommodate up to four child safety seats, further proving that this EV is ready for family duty.

The EQB boasts an overwhelming laundry list of high-tech features. Smartphone integration, multiple driving modes, blind-spot assist and keyless start are all standard. But adding the Driver Assistance package is where the tech really shines. This package includes Mercedes' adaptive cruise control system, active lane keeping assist and a large, full-color head-up display.

Also significant is the new generation of MBUX, Mercedes-Benz's multimedia system. Cued by the command, "Hey Mercedes," the system uses voice recognition to operate almost everything inside the EQB's cabin. Specifically for the EQB, the system can plan the fastest route for you, plan for and navigate to charging stops, and can even react to traffic congestion.