2024 Mercedes EQB (facelift): What to Expect [Update]

Update: ‘Local testing’ section added, ‘Release Date’ and ‘FAQs’ revised.

The Mercedes EQB might not be even two years old, but Mercedes-Benz has started preparing for its facelift, with the intention of aligning its cosmetic updates along with the donor model – the GLB. The company will likely launch the new electric SUV for the next model year in the U.S. Here’s everything you can expect from the 2024 Mercedes EQB:

Design

Spy media suggests the 2024 Mercedes EQB will have mild design changes, which is typical of facelifted Mercs. The black panel grille will appear flush-fit with the headlamps on its flanks, with no protruding lines. There may be tweaks to the headlamp clusters, although the test mules so far have not revealed or even hinted at any changes. New bumpers and wheels should also be part of the incoming EQB. The spy video that we’ve embedded below has also revealed that the rear combination lamp will have new graphics.

Video Source: YouTube/walkoARTvideos

Interior

New steering wheel & fingerprint recognition

The interior design of the 2024 Mercedes EQB will not see wholesale changes. According to a JESMB report dated February 4, 2023, the incoming e-SUV will feature a new-generation steering wheel and a fingerprint recognition system.

Interior spy pictures that emerged in early March 2023, did show the new EQB testing the company’s new-generation steering wheel that debuted in the facelifted E-Class in 2020. The new wheel doesn’t require a slight steering movement to confirm whether the driver is holding the wheel when utilizing assistance systems. Capacitive detection with sensors in the rim is used to determine whether the driver has control of the steering wheel.

No touchpad controller

Another interior change in the 2024 EQB will be the exclusion of the touchpad controller that allows operating the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The MBUX infotainment system should have improved performance. An additional USB Type-C port and increased USB charging output will also be on the list of convenience improvements. On the safety front, the control of Lane Keeping Assist will be much more convenient.

Specifications

There’s no word on the specifications of the 2024 Mercedes EQB yet. The current model is available in the U.S. with 66.5 kWh and 70.5 kWh battery pack options and 188 hp/284 lb.-ft. single-motor,  225 hp/288 lb.-ft. dual-motor, and 288 hp/384 lb.-ft. dual-motor powertrain choices.

The EPA-est. range of the base (250+) and mid-level (300 4MATIC) variants may increase to over 250 miles. Mercedes-Benz may use the 70.5 kWh battery pack in the 300 4MATIC and 350 4MATIC variants instead of the 66.5 kWh battery pack.

In addition to the range, charging times may improve a little. In the current SUV, charging the 66.5 kWh battery pack from 10 to 100% level using an AC charger (at 9.6 kW) takes 7.75 hours. Fast-charging the same battery pack from 10 to 80% level using a DC charger (at 100 kW) takes 32 minutes.

U.S. testing

The 2024 Mercedes EQB has already arrived in the U.S. for local testing ahead of the launch. A spy video from KindelAuto (via Youtube) shows a U.S.-spec test mule (identified by the orange tint on the headlamp cluster) on Californian streets. While the camouflage at the rear conceals the changes, we are able to note that there are differences in the graphics. Likewise, a new faux upper grille could be hiding behind camouflage covering most of the front fascia.

Release date

Considering that prototypes have been sighted here, could the restyled Mercedes electric SUV start arriving at U.S. dealerships later this year, as part of the 2024 model year series? Expect prices to begin at around USD 55,000.

TopElectricSUV says

The Mercedes EQB might not be the perfect EV due to its short range, but it’s the only seven-seater of its kind on the market. With improved range and charging, better electronics, and some design updates, the three-row electric SUV should become even more an even more attractive choice for big families with children.

2024 Mercedes EQB FAQs

Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendition of the 2024 Mercedes EQB.