2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 4MATIC

In a landscape rapidly evolving towards sustainable mobility, Mercedes-Benz's foray into the electric vehicle market is met with anticipation and scrutiny alike.

As the German marque ventures into the realm of electrification, it does so with a familiar face – the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 SUV.

This latest addition to the EQ lineup is positioned to bridge the gap between practicality, luxury, and eco-consciousness.

But does it truly embody the future of Mercedes-Benz? Let's delve into the details.

Design and aesthetics

At first glance, the EQB350 maintains the signature Mercedes-Benz aesthetic, albeit with a modern twist. Its silhouette is unmistakably SUV, no surprise since the EQB is not built on a bespoke electric-only platform but rather one that is shared with the popular Mercedes-Benz GLB mid-sized SUV.

Like the GLB, the EQB’s shape is characterized by a robust upright stance, a low body height, and commanding presence on the road. There’s no mistaking it for anything else than either a GLB or an EQB.

If you’re tired of EVs that are trying to really scream that they’re unique and futuristic, the EQB might be your sort of vehicle as you might not even realize that it’s powered by electrons.

Look closer however, and the EQB's design language with its closed-off grille, seamlessly integrates aerodynamic elements and futuristic accents, hinting at its electric heart.

The EQB's exterior, aligns with Mercedes-Benz's reputation for elegance, in a bulldog sort of way. Furthermore, the integration unique of LED lighting elements help to set it apart from its gasoline sibling,

Mercedes says that the unique lighting elements are supposed to contribute to a sense of dynamism, ensuring the EQB stands out a little in a sea of SUVs.

Performance and Electric Powertrain

There are just two versions of the EQB on sale in Canada. The front-drive only EQB250+, and the dual motor EQB350 4MATIC (as tested).

The EQB250+ is only equipped with a 188 horsepower front-mounted asynchronous motor, whereas the EQB350 adds on a rear permanently excited synchronous motor, making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle with a combined output of 288 horsepower.

Battery packs are the same for both EQB250 or EQB350, a 70.5 kWh pack slung underneath within its frame, taking on the structural duties formally provided by chassis crossmembers.

The single motor EQB250 may have up to 394 kms of range, compared to the 356 kms of the EQB350, but the former is rather pokey with a 0-100 km/hr time of 8.9 seconds versus a much more respectable 6.2 seconds from the dual motor EQB350.

These battery range numbers are respectable, but not class leading. Nonetheless, it should allow drivers to embark on most journeys with confidence. Unfortunately, the EQB only supports a max charging speed of up to 100 kW, putting it behind many other EVs which can even charge up to 350 kW.

Despite only having 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque at its disposal, the EQB offers peppy performance and smooth power delivery, sure to satisfy its target market. Moreover, the integration of Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system ensures stability and traction in various driving conditions.

Out of the EQB350’s two motors, the rear does more of the work until more traction is needed. Despite the rear-biased nature of the setup, the EQB is still able to perform, making the best use of the available traction. Mercedes says that they’ve designed the system to checks various parameters up to 10,000 times a second.

Interior creature comforts

Inside, Mercedes-Benz continues its legacy of opulence with a cabin that exudes sophistication and comfort. If you’re familiar with the Mercedes-Benz GLB, you’ll feel right at home.

The interior design is a marriage of entry level luxury and spaciousness. While there are some cheaper plastics on the lower portions of the cabin, for the most part, everything is as it should be for the price range. I particularly liked the aluminum trim piece on the front passenger side of the dashboard.

The EQB350’s pièce de resistance is that it is one of the few electric SUVs that has a third row of seats, bumping up the passenger capacity to a total of seven. Somehow the Mercedes engineers have managed to keep the extra two seats, despite the addition of the electric powertrain and batteries.

Granted, Mercedes says that third row is only for kids or adults less than 5’5” in height. Just keep in mind though that with the third row up, there is essentially no room left for cargo.

The versatility of the cabin, coupled with the option for a third row of seats, ensures that the EQB adapts effortlessly to various lifestyles and preferences.

How does it drive?

In terms of handling, the EQB's taller stature leads to noticeable body roll in corners, compounded by light and somewhat vague steering feedback. Nonetheless, comfort remains a strong suit, with our test car equipped with 20-inch wheels managing to absorb all but the harshest road imperfections.

Refinement is commendable as well, with minimal wind and road noise intrusion despite the absence of engine noise, typical in EVs, contributing to a serene cabin ambiance.

The EQB's one-pedal configuration presents both advantages and drawbacks. It offers four primary driving modes. In the D+ mode, regenerative braking is nearly absent, while D provides a moderate level, and D- offers a more aggressive approach.

However, the regenerative braking in D- diminishes as the vehicle's speed drops below approximately 10 km/h, lacking the seamless one-pedal driving experience. Consistent regenerative braking until a complete stop significantly simplifies city driving. The fourth mode, Auto, employs intelligent algorithms to determine the optimal level of regenerative braking based on factors such as terrain, traffic conditions, and other relevant data.

Final Thoughts

As we navigate towards a more sustainable future, Mercedes-Benz's commitment to electrification shines bright in the form of the EQB.

For growing families looking for a sensible entry level luxury SUV with a third row of seats, the EQB is part of small number of offerings currently out there in the EV space.