Review by Veeno Dewan
The 2023 Mercedes Benz EQB 350 4Matic is a premium SUV based on the Mercedes gasoline powered GLB crossover and looks remarkably similar. It is a slightly boxy looking vehicle, conservative in looks with a quality the design, but there is no doubt it is An expensive Mercedes. There are only slight exterior differences to the GLB such as a glossy black panel in place of the front grille along with blue highlights on the wheels and of course the lack of exhaust outlets. New Augmented Reality for the navigation system is now a standard feature for the 2023 EQB. It uses the forward-facing camera and the 12.3-inch multimedia screen.
In terms of the Electric powertrain, the 350 4Matic has is what Mercedes calls a “permanently excited electric motor” which combine to provide 288 horsepower and 384 lb.-ft of torque from the two electric motors and a 70.7-kilowatt/hour battery. An automatic Torque shift system transfers power from the drive train to suit the driving conditions. There is a series of drive modes plus an Individual setting fettles with throttle response and regenerative braking. Acceleration is: 0-100KPH in 6.2 seconds (Top speed is 215 KPH) . The EQB offers a 365-kilometre electric driving range.
The EQB arrives for Canada as the All-Wheel Drive 4MATIC 350 As for charging, a 100-kilowatt DC fast charger can enable an 80 per cent charge into the battery in 32 minutes, while a Level 2 home charger take 6.25 hours.
Standard equipment includes power heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control system, a hands-free power tailgate, heated mirrors, and 19-inch wheels are standard, too. Also included is s 64-colour interior ambient lighting, twin 10.25-inch displays e for infotainment and driver information, built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.. Mercedes-Benz’s nicely integrated MBUX infotainment system is also offered along with a touchscreen, voice command, and steering-wheel controls for its audio, navigation, and other functions.
One impressive feature is the to optimise Electric Intelligence navigation system which checks the vehicle has enough battery power to reach a pre set destination. If needed, the system will direct the driver to DC fast charger for a top up and also recommend the best eco driving mode to optimize a low battery.
Base price for the EQB starts $75,000 base price. Our tester came with the following option: the third seat row with room for two people, Intelligent Drive Package, and the Premium Package for a total of $85,500 plus delivery PDE and taxes.
The cabin is typical Mercedes – high quality, vault like construction premium materials and cool touches like the brushed chrome and rose gold accents, round HVAC vents and nice patterned panels on the dash and doors. Leather- look optional real leather seats, ambient lighting and bright metal trim all lend an upscale look to the EQB’s interior. The seats are comfortable with ample support both front and rear. The third-row seats are small as one would expect and cargo room compromised if they are left up.
The list of advanced safety includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and optional self-parking system. Lane-keeping, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control that can execute automatic lane changes (Needs driver hands on the wheel) are part of the Intelligent Drive package. The Premium Pack offers a head-up display and surround-view camera plus satellite radio.
On the road, the EQB cabin is remarkably quiet. Handling is capable and there is minimal body roll in the corners. Acceleration is good and it is a firm and comfortable ride overall. The EQB 350’s two motors give it an advantage over the two-wheel drive EQB 25 with the ability to accelerate faster and transfer power to the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The rear synchronous motor handles most of the riving while the front asynchronous motor activates when more grip is needed. There are four basic drive modes. Comfort is the default, Sport mode for more feel, and Eco mode to save range and an Individual mode. The Auto mode automatically determines the right amount of regen for the drivetrain determined by terrain, traffic, and other data.
Negatives are few on the EQB, but present, nonetheless. EV driving range is low with only 365KM. Most EVs are now offering over 400km and proper one pedal driving ability would be nice. However, there is lot to loke, the option of the third row is nice if you have kids. The EQB’s size will be just right as well for the urban grind. The quality, fit and finish are high and engineering impressive as usual.
Base price for the EQB starts $75,000. Price as tested with options.
$85,500 plus delivery PDE and taxes.
More info at www.mercedesbenz.ca
