With 215 kW instant power and acceleration from the electric motor, the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic almost seamlessly dealt with the mid-morning Sandton inclement weather and traffic caused by the unpleasant load shedding.
Practical mid-size family SUV
While not the ideal conditions for a first drive, it was enough to re-affirm the practicality of the B-series platform as a mid-size family SUV. The latest Mercedes Benz electric series introduced by Mercedes-Benz South Africa includes the EQA, EQC and EQS models.
When I tested the conventional internal combustion engine version earlier this year, the ‘ugly duckling’ of the Mercedes GL SUV range left me in awe. The somewhat boxy design abandons the racier lines of the GLA or GLC in favour of a spacious and practical long-haul tourer or short-hop commuter.
Naturally, the shape and interior specification remains on par with its ICE counterpart.
Testimony from Mercedes-Benz South Africa
According to Mark Raine, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa, the EQB: “. . .is the perfect outdoor-lifestyle-oriented SUV for families and young couples, while at the same time making a bold statement on the road.
With the latest digitalisation and maximum practicality via an optional seven-seater configuration, the EQB complements the South African way of life in the most sustainable way.
Engine performance, transmission, and consumption
As with all-electric vehicles, the battery life is a prime consideration, and the EQB has a claimed range of 423 kilometres. But reality suggests this is more likely to be around 340 km in urban driving and, as always, wholly dependent on individual driving styles.
With any electric car, the instant power and acceleration require some adjustment to driving style to get used to feeding it in gently and not leaping away from the traffic light like a startle’s racehorse.
The other element that also takes a bit of time to understand is regenerative braking. Lifting off the throttle induces immediate braking, and the energy returns to the battery.
In the EQB, this is adjustable from being fierce to a little different to lifting off in an ICE car and coasting to the line.
I like how it works, especially in heavy traffic situations. However, every driver will have to find their sweet spot.
Drivetrain, design, and dimensions
The EQB has a wheelbase of 2 829 millimetres, allowing for a spacious interior with the option to have a third row of two individual seats.
The driver faces a widescreen cockpit with control and displays via MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). And depending on the design and equipment line, a backlit trim piece and rosé gold decorative elements on the air vents, seats and vehicle key provide clues to the electric character in the interior of the EQB.
The instruments and their electric car-specific displays pick up on the same colour scheme with rosé gold-coloured and blue highlights.
Boot capacity has a load volume of 495 litres to 1 710 litres depending on seating configuration. The standard specification of the EQB includes the Progressive Package, LED High-Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the EASY-PACK tailgate with electrically operated opening and closing, KEYLESS-GO, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, Navigation Connectivity Package, Comfort seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a reversing camera.
Optional packages and recharging
The new model can be personalised with the AMG Line equipment package, the MBUX Innovation Package, Advanced Plus Package, and Night Package with Electric Art.
The EQB can be charged at up to 11 kW with alternating current (AC) using the onboard charger. The charging time required for a full charge depends on the available infrastructure. Charging at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is considerably faster than at a domestic power socket.
The charging time is more than 30 minutes, from 10% - 80%.
And after just 15 minutes, electricity is recharged for up to another 150 kilometres (WLTP). (Times will vary according to charger specifications.)
Wrapping it all up
Electric cars remain a contentious issue, but the technology will remain a challenge in the coming years. And yes, prices do have to come down. At least, with the new EQ range, Mercedes-Benz has managed to keep pricing within the same realm as its ICE variants.
