2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB300
Class: Premium Compact Crossover
Color: Mountain Grey Metallic
Miles pushed: 141
CG Report Card | |
---|---|
Room and Comfort | B+ |
Power and Performance | B+ |
Fit and Finish | A- |
Fuel Economy | A |
Value | B |
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Value grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Consumer Guide’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
Big & Tall Comfort | |
Big Guy | A |
Tall Guy | A |
Big & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Big” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
Drivetrain | |
Engine Specs | 225-hp |
Engine Type | Electric motor |
Transmission | Automatic transmission |
Drive Wheels | AWD |
Battery capability: 70.5 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 104 metropolis/98 hwy/101 mixed
EPA-estimated driving vary: 243 miles
Consumer Guide vary estimate (preferrred situations): 243+ miles
Base value: $54,500 (not together with $1050 vacation spot cost)
Options on take a look at car: Special paint ($750), charging cable ($250), AMG steering wheel ($360), Augmented Video ($350), Panorama Roof ($1500), Speed Limit Assist ($300), heated entrance seats ($500), AMG Night Package ($2890) D8A and D9C credit score for lacking normal gear* (-$800)
Price as examined: $61,650
*Feature credit a perform of supply-chain limitations at time of car meeting. D8A credit score for lacking Navigation Services live-traffic characteristic. Customers lacking this characteristic should buy it on the Mercedes me join app for $50. D9C credit score for lacking energy driver and passenger entrance seats with reminiscence.
Quick Hits
The nice: Excellent area utilization, refined energy supply
The good: Quiet cabin, spectacular trip high quality, elegant inside
The not so good: Could use extra vary, dear choices
Tom Appel:
There are 4 EV fashions within the 2023 Mercedes-Benz lineup, essentially the most sensible and most compelling of which can even be essentially the most inexpensive.
The flagship EQS collection is obtainable in giant sedan and SUV variants, each of which crest the $100,000 threshold. Consumer Guide not too long ago spent per week with the EQS 580 sedan, and got here away very impressed. Also provided for 2023 is the EQE midsize sedan, pricing for which begins just below $70,000.
It’s value noting that each one EQS and EQE variants trip on Mercedes-Benz’s EVA devoted electric-vehicle structure, and will not be EV variants of present gasoline-powered automobiles or crossovers.
That isn’t the case for the EQB, which is predicated on the maker’s GLB small crossover and modified to run on electrical energy. And, we should always add, turns into a vastly higher car within the course of.
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New within the U.S. for the 2022 mannequin 12 months, the EQB is obtainable in two energy ranges. The EQB 300 begins round $56,000 and is rated at 225 horsepower. Rated at 288 horsepower, the EQB 350 begins round $60,000. Each EQB comes normal with AWD.
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To complicate issues barely, each the 300 and 350 are provided in Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim ranges. Consumer Guide not too long ago spent per week with the “base” EQB 300 Premium. Here’s our take:
Though the least-expensive choice within the EQB lineup, we discovered our take a look at crossover be sufficiently luxurious and well-equipped to advantage the Mercedes badge, and, actually, additionally a pleasure to drive.
This was not fully the case with the GLB250 we evaluated again in 2020, which numbered amongst its drivability flaws a recalcitrant transmission–which shifted too usually and customarily at awkward instances–and an engine which was too coarse for a car in its value class. You can learn that evaluation right here.
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But with its seamless and refined electrical drivetrain instead of the GLB’s uncouth 4-cylinder gasoline engine and cranky transmission, the EQB shines, and the fundamental goodness of the little crossover’s design might be absolutely appreciated.
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Like the GLB, the EQB is surprisingly roomy in each the entrance and rear seating areas. The sense of openness is enhanced by the beneficiant quantity of glass throughout, which additionally enhances outward visibility. And, regardless of being among the many most-affordable automobiles within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the EQB cabin appears to be like and feels luxurious. We had been dissatisfied by the “common” plastic used on the decrease door panels and across the heart console, however none of that’s seen from the motive force’s seat.
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Underway the EQB shines. While 225 horsepower might sound a little bit mild by modern requirements, throttle response is speedy, and there’s loads of thrust for around-town site visitors jockeying, and freeway passing and merging. The cabin could be very quiet, even at freeway velocity, and the EQB’s sporty suspension tuning and responsive steering assist make commuting enjoyable. Additionally, in contrast to many electrical automobiles, the EQB delivers wonderful low-speed idle creep, a factor a lot appreciated in stop-and-go site visitors.
All EQBs are powered by a 70.5-kWh battery, good for an EPA estimated 243 miles within the 300, and 227 miles within the more-powerful 350. In frigid Chicago-winter temps, our noticed full-charge estimates ranged from 208-224 miles, in keeping with the cold-weather capability decline we’ve noticed in different EVs in comparable situations. Note that Consumer Guide’s level-2 charger is situated exterior, decreasing battery capability considerably when temperatures fall.
Also of notice, the usual audio system is great, a factor of significance to this writer, as I had not too long ago acquired of variety of new jazz downloads. I used to be impressed by each the stereo—can we name them stereos anymore?—and my new Jimmy Smith albums.
There is a little bit of unhealthy information associated to picking the electrical EQB over the gas-fueled GLB, and that’s the lack of the obtainable 3rd-row seat. An $850 choice on the GLB, the threerd-row seat expands seating capability from 5 passengers to 7. Unfortunately, the area which may have gone to the rear-most seating row is consumed by the EQB’s battery pack.
As for the underside line, our calmly—however sufficiently—geared up EQB 300 got here to $61,150, together with vacation spot cost. That value consists of an $800 credit score for options lacking from our take a look at car because of provide chain points. One of these objects, frustratingly, was keyless entry. Hopefully such annoyances will quickly be behind us.
At about $60,000, the EQB is priced in league will well-equipped variations of the superb Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and each of these automobiles serve up extra energy and vary. That mentioned, this small electrical Mercedes is refined, very area environment friendly, properly appointed, and imbued with a personality all its personal. For a small, well-healed household able to take the EV plunge, the EQB may very well be simply the ticket. It’s additionally a moderately sensible and inexpensive approach to purchase into the German luxurious scene.
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2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB300 Gallery
(Click beneath for enlarged photos)
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Source: weblog.consumerguide.com