The formula is simple enough. Take the Mercedes-Benz GLB and add electric power making it a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Meet the 2022 Mercedes EQB (which may not come to the U.S. until the 2023 model year).
This take on the GLB is the same size as the traditional GLB. It is a subcompact SUV that, like the EQC before it, adopts the last letter of its "GL" name and adds it to the electric lineup's "EQ" nomenclature.
Shown first in a spec for China's customers, the EQB changes out the grille of the GLB for the typical Mercedes-EQ black panel with a central star. There is a continuous light strip at the front and rear of the car, bordered by full-LED headlights with blue highlights within the lamp housing. At the top are studded roof rails.
2022 Mercedes MQB: Exterior
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Each EQB rides on light-alloy wheels in a bi- or trim-color design, up to 20 inches in size. A rose gold-colored wheel and wheels with decorative blue trim will be available in some markets.
Customers in China will get the EQB with AMG Line styling. It will have an output of 288 horsepower. In Europe, customers will be able to choose between front- and all-wheel drive versions of the EQB, and have the opportunity to pick the right power level for them. Some of the outputs are rated over 268 horsepower.
Usable battery capacity for Europe is 66.5 kilowatt-hours. A long-range version is also planned.
Mercedes says that the EQB can be charged at up to 11 kilowatts with alternating current using the onboard charger. Charge time will vary by infrastructure and country-specific vehicle equipment.
At DC fast-charging stations, the EQB can charge at a rate of up to 100 kilowatts. When that happens, the charging time to get from 10 to 80 percent charged is a little over 30 minutes. The car's CCS connector is on the right-hand side.
2022 Mercedes EQB: Interior
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes me Charge technology is available in Europe and the U.S. allowing plug-and-charge.
The cabin of the GLB is designed to seat up to seven. The car's available two third-row seats are capable of fitting people up to 5 feet 4 inches tall, and can accommodate child seats. Altogether, up to four child seats can be placed inside the GLB.
Headroom for occupants of the first two row of SUVs is average for a compact SUV (about the same as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester). It has up to 60 cubic-feet of cargo space.
The interior of the EQB is straight out of the GLB playbook with some design accents to jazz it up a bit. Depending on the design and equipment line chosen by the buyer, a backlit trim piece and rose gold-colored decorative elements can be featured on the air vents, seats, and vehicle key. The instruments, with their electric car-specific displays, pick up on the same color scheme with rose gold-coloring and blue highlights.
The car comes with navigation with electric intelligence, an algorithm that incorporates navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the vehicle sensors into its efficiency strategy, calculating the fastest route including any necessary charging stops. Additionally, the tech ensure that the battery is brought to the proper charging temperature before a planned charging stop.
2022 Mercedes EQB: Seating
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
The EQB features active lane keep assist and active brake assist as standard. An Assistance Package includes pedestrian and cyclist detection when turning corners.
The EQB will be built at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Germany. Look for it to arrive arrive at U.S. dealers in 2022.
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