Mercedes EQB for the U.S.: Everything we know in March 2023

Update: ‘Sales’ section added.

The Mercedes EQB arrived in the U.S. in Summer 2022, and shortly after its launch, it received its first model year update for MY2023. The electric compact SUV is the company’s most affordable EV available in America.

Take a look at what we know about the zero-emissions compact crossover:

Design & Interior

The 2023 Mercedes EQB doesn’t have design changes, and that’s not to say it was in need of revisions. Compared to its donor model, the GLB, the EQB doesn’t look very different. However, the unique grille, split headlamp, ‘softer’ bumpers, and wheels enhance the car’s look and aerodynamics. Mercedes-Benz Group (formerly Daimler) has employed extra LED lighting set over the grille and a blue accent in the headlamps for the front’s customary distinction. The registration plate enclosure is relocated from the tailgate to a lower position for a clean appearance at the rear.

The interior of the Mercedes EQB has fewer differences, mostly related to the color coding and EQ branding. Like the GLB, the Mercedes EQB is available in five-seat and seven-seat versions. The third-row seats suit people with a height of up to 5 ft. 4 in. and are best suited for children. The new electric SUV’s maximum cargo volume is 1,710 liters (60.4 cubic feet).

Range & Performance

The 2023 Mercedes EQB is available in the U.S. in a new ‘EQB 250+’ variant, and two carried-over variants: EQB 300 4MATIC and EQB 350 4MATIC.

The new Mercedes EQB 250+ has a single-motor powertrain producing 188 hp and 284 lb.-ft. of torque. The battery pack is a 70.5 kWh unit, yet, it delivers an EPA-est. range of just 245 miles. Despite the higher energy storage capacity of its battery pack and a lighter, less demanding, single-motor powertrain, the new variant barely makes any difference in range over the EQB 350 4MATIC variant (detailed below). The maximum charging power is 9.6 kW (AC)/100 kW (DC).

The Mercedes EQB 300 4MATIC and EQB 350 4MATIC share an asynchronous motor at the front and a permanently excited synchronous motor at the rear. In the EQB 300 4MATIC, these motors generate a combined power of 225 hp and a combined torque of 288 lb.-ft. In the EQB 350 4MATIC, the maximum power and maximum torque increase to 288 hp and 384 lb.-ft., respectively.

The EQB 300 4MATIC can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds, while the EQB 350 4MATIC can accomplish the same in 8.2 seconds. Both variants share a 66.5 kWh battery pack and have the same maximum charging power – 9.6 kW (AC)/100 kW (DC). They should deliver the same range as in the previous model year, as they have no changes – 243 miles (EQB 300 4MATIC)/227 miles (EQB 350 4MATIC).

Aspect/Specification	EQB 250+	EQB 300 4MATIC	EQB 350 4MATIC
Length	184.4 in.	184.4 in.	184.4 in.
Width	72.2 in.	72.2 in.	72.2 in.
Height	65.6 in.	65.6 in.	65.6 in.
Wheelbase	111.3 in.	111.3 in.	111.3 in.
Battery Pack Energy Storage Capacity (Usable)	70.5 kWh	66.5 kWh	66.5 kWh
Drivetrain Layout	FWD	AWD	AWD
Motor(s)	One	Two	Two
System Power	188 hp	225 hp	288 hp
System Torque	284 lb.-ft.	288 lb.-ft.	384 lb.-ft.
Maximum AC Charging Power	9.6 kW	9.6 kW	9.6 kW
Lowest AC Charging Time (10 – 100% SoC)	TBA	7.75 hours	7.75 hours
Maximum DC Charging Power	100 kW	100 kW	100 kW
Lowest DC Charging Time (10 – 80%)	TBA	32 mins	32 mins
EPA-est. Range	245 miles (confirmed)	243 miles (expected)	227 miles (expected)
EPA-est. Energy Consumption	32 kWh/100 miles (confirmed)	33 kWh/100 miles (expected)	35 kWh/100 miles (expected)

Driving impressions

More than half a year has passed since the Mercedes EQB’s U.S. launch, and many local publications have reviewed the electric SUV. According to Cars.com‘s Aaron Bragman, the 300 4MATIC variant is quick enough in both urban and highway driving, but it’s not that impressive in ride and handling. The heavy weight of the batteries does take a toll on the driving experience. However, the EQB does brakes well, and unlike the EQE and EQS, it doesn’t take control of the brake pedal in high-regen modes, which novice EV drivers will appreciate.

Kelley Blue Book’s Lyn Woodward drove the 350 4MATIC variant and said (via YouTube) the EQB offers a comfortable ride and is very stable around corners. The steering is precise but doesn’t feel quite connected and lacks feedback. Redline Reviews’ Sofyan Bey took the 350 4MATIC variant on a spin and said (via YouTube) the EQB feels a lot more responsive and fun than the GLB. He felt it’s really easy to drive, and its ride is well-controlled and well-damped.

Price

The 2023 Mercedes EQB has been priced at USD 52,750 in the 250+ variant (via Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria) and USD 56,900 in the 300 4MATIC variant (via Mercedes-Benz of Alexandria). We are yet to get a hold of its price in the 350 variant. Mercedes-Benz levies an extra USD 1,150 destination charge over the MSRP.

Variant	2023 Mercedes EQB Price
250+	USD 52,750
300 4MATIC	USD 56,900
350 4MATIC	TBA

Standard features of the EQB 250+ include LED headlamps and tail lamps, a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 64-color ambient lighting system, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats with lumbar support and memory, rain-sensing wipers, and a power liftgate. On the safety front, the new base variant of the EQB comes with a backup camera, Active Brake Assist, Active Park Assist, Adaptive High Beam Assist, Attention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, etc.

Production

Mercedes-Benz Group makes the EQB for all the markets except for China at the Mercedes-Benz Kecskemét plant in Hungary since October 22, 2021. This factory will go carbon-neutral by using only green energy sources. America sources its electric SUV from the Hungarian factory.

Over 300 Mercedes-Benz dealers prepped for EV transition

At the national dealer meeting in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz has stated that more than 300 of the brand’s 383 American dealers have invested in charging infrastructure and equipment to sell Mercedes-Benz EVs. Mercedes-Benz plans to capitalize on the wave of electric vehicle sales in the United States—it aims to sell up to 45,000 EQ-branded cars in 2023, a dealer told Automotive News. The report, filed in June 2022, says that the German automaker aims to rival Tesla, but that’s unlikely to be the case in the near future, at least. Tesla sold over 300,000 electric vehicles in Q1 2022 alone, more than six times the target (mentioned by the dealer) of Mercedes-EQ cars for the whole of 2023.

Sales

Mercedes-Benz sold 1,672 units of the EQB in the U.S. in 2022, with 739 of them shipped in the third quarter and the remaining 933 delivered in the final quarter. With improved and year-round availability, the sales figure for 2023 will likely be much higher. Globally, the company sold 24,200 units of the EQB in 2023.

Mercedes AMG-EQB

The Mercedes EQB will have a future performance variant engineered by Mercedes-AMG. COO & R&D chief of Mercedes-Benz, Markus Schafer, interacted with journalists about Mercedes-AMG EVs during the unveiling of the EQA in January 2021. “An electrical platform in the direction of AMG is coming,” he said, as per an Autocar report. “There will be performance variants of the EQA, B, S, E,” he added. Shortly after, on March 31, 2021, Mercedes-Benz Group revealed the new drive strategy for Mercedes-AMG hybrid EVs and Mercedes-AMG pure EVs.

Mercedes-Benz Group will visually differentiate the Mercedes-AMG EQ models strongly. Distinctive radiator grille with vertical louvers, modified front apron, side sill panels, exclusive rear with spoiler lip and diffuser, and unique wheels are some of the expected signature AMG design cues.

Interior changes in Mercedes-AMG models typically include exclusive AMG seats, MBUX displays with AMG-specific functions, and an AMG Performance steering wheel with buttons for performance control. Power in Mercedes-AMG EQ models will come from two motors, one mounted on the front axle and one on the rear. High-end Mercedes-AMG EQ models like the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ offer charging with up to 22 kW of alternating current or 200 kW of direct current at public charging stations.

In addition to the AMG-specific 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, the all-electric AMG Mercs boast AMG Ride Control+ chassis air suspension, an AMG-specific brake system, and a special wiring harness for their battery, adapted for higher performance. Lastly, a newly composed AMG Sound Experience is produced with loudspeakers, a shaker, and a sound generator to give the occupants a feeling similar to gas-powered AMGs.

TopElectricSUV says

The Mercedes EQB’s powerful electric powertrain and unique seven-seat capacity make it a standout in the SUV segment. The Merc’s pricing puts it in competition with mainstream brands like VW, Ford, and Hyundai. For customers who can stretch their budget, the EQB is a genuine alternative.

Mercedes EQB FAQs

Featured Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group