Mercedes is expanding its range of electric models further with the introduction of the EQB – a battery-powered version of the firm’s seven-seat GLB SUV.
Joining the EQA and EQC SUVs in the German firm’s ever-growing electric car line-up, this new model will be one of just a handful of battery-powered models available in this class that feature seven seats. Mercedes says the third row will be suitable for people up to 5 ft 4 inches tall, and that child seats can be fitted there too.
As with other ‘EQ’ models, this new SUV gets a specific grille and front end to set it apart from the standard car, along with new alloy wheel designs and a full-width front light bar. A similar styling detail also appears at the rear.
Unveiled yesterday at the Shanghai Auto Show, the EQB is set to arrive in two guises – the EQB 300 and EQB 350, with the models likely to deliver around 240bhp and 290bhp respectively, though full figures have yet to be detailed. These are also both likely to feature twin electric motors, which allows for four-wheel-drive.
In terms of range, Mercedes is equipping the EQB with a 66.5kWh battery, with the models likely to be able to travel around 260 miles on a single charge, though the firm said that a ‘particularly long range version is also planned’.
The firm’s latest MBUX operating system is set to feature – as it does on the regular GLB – though it will be equipped with ‘Navigation with Electric Intelligence’, which is able to get the battery to its optimal charging temperature ahead of being plugged in. This should enable quicker charges, with Mercedes saying the model can charge at 100kW, meaning a 10-80 per cent charge can take place in 30 minutes.
UK pricing is yet to be announced, though Mercdedes is expecting first deliveries before the end of the year.
