All-new Mercedes-Benz EQB previewed in China

KUALA LUMPUR: Executing its electrification strategies at full speed, Mercedes-Benz's all-electric EQ division has now pulled the wraps off the EQB compact crossover, after unveiling the EQA and EQS earlier this year. The luxury automaker previewed the electric equivalent of the GLB SUV at the ongoing 2021 Auto Shanghai show, ahead of launch in the second half of this year.

The German automaker will offer the EV in multiple powertrain options, with a few making a maximum power of more than 271 hp such as the AMG Line set for launch in China is rated at 288 hp. About the Euro-spec version, Mercedes says it will come with a 66.5-kWh battery pack initially and will be joined by a long-range version later on. Depending on the variant. It would be paired with an all-wheel-drive or a front-wheel-drive system. 

About the Mercedes-Benz EQB range, the automaker claimed a figure of 419 km according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle. As for changing, the SUV will be provided with a 100kW fast charger; able to charge the battery from 10 to 80 % in just 30 minutes.

On the exterior, the design of the electric model is reminiscent of the ICE-powered cousin, however, it does have some EV-specific changes. Some of them are EQ brand-specific black panels at the front, aero alloy wheels with multi colour finishing and EQ-trademarked LED tail lights. 

Size-wise, it measures 4684 mm in length, 1834 mm in width, 1667 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2829 mm. These dimensions lead to ample space inside the SUV that can be had with up to 7 seats. Mercedes says the two seats given on the third row provide sufficient space for two short adults. The SUV’s boot space with all seven seats in place measures up to 465 litres.

The interior highlights of the EQB include rose gold finishing on the seats, air vents, and key fob paired with the same colour scheme and blue highlights on the instrument panel. Included in the list of high-tech features are ECO Assist and Navigation with Electric Intelligence.

Set to rival against the likes of the Audi Q4 E-Tron, the EQB will be produced at the company’s plant in Hungary, UK.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz CLS facelift details revealed