2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 AWD: The Luxury Brand’s All-Electric Compact Crossover

  

Highlight: The all-new compact crossover is available with a third row, increasing the seating capacity from 5 to 7.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $61,650 (Base Model: $55,550)

Seating Capacity: 5 or 7

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive highbeam assist headlights; an electronic blindspot system; a lane keep assist system; and rain-sensing wipers

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; dual motor single speed transmission; regenerative braking system; all-wheel drive; start/stop engine cut off; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a push button start ignition system; power front seats with lumbar support and memory; split folding rear seats; navigation system; power liftgate; 10-inch touchscreen infotainment center; power liftgate; and aluminum roof rail

Options: charging cable; AMG line sport steering wheel; augmented video; panorama roof; speed limit assist; heated front seats; AMG body styling; AMG diamond block grille trim; exterior mirror covers; a heads-up display system; massaging front seats; and window trim

Other Trims:

EQB 350 4Matic (AWD)

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: AM/FM/HD

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Battery Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Horsepower: 225-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 104-cty/98-hwy

What’s New: The German brand’s EQB is all-new for the 2022 model year. This is the brand’s least expensive all-electric vehicle.

Why: 

All-wheel drive availability

An all-electric vehicle

Precision driving characteristics one expects in a gasoline powered Mercedes-Benz

The brand’s most economical all-electric vehicle

Roomy

Comfortable seating

Roofline accommodates tall occupants

Versatility

Augmented reality navigation system

Power front seats with memory

An oversized 10-inch navigation system

Loads of utility space

Great visibility

A panorama sunroof

Massaging front seats

Three row optional seating capacity

Wireless charging

A 288-horsepower model is available (EQB 350)

Free 30-minute charging for the first two years of ownership with the Electrify America charging network

But: 

Keyless entry not standard equipment

SiriusXM radio is not standard equipment

Limited drive range with base 300 model

Driver assist features are optional on the vehicle

No underneath the hood storge area for most electric vehicles

No radar activated cruise control system is available

When third row seats are ordered, the rear cargo area is virtually eliminated

Ventilated front seats aren't available

Verdict: The all new EQB, which looks like the baby version of the flagship GLS crossover, is based off the gasoline powered GLB which joined the line up during the 2020 model year.

The all-wheel drive EQB is available in two trims: the EQB 300 and the EQB 350. The only noticeable difference between the models are the horsepower, driving range and the price point. For approximately a $3,500 savings, we found the EQB 300, which spews out 55 less horsepower than the EQB350 to be more than adequate for most electric vehicle drivers, while also offering a higher diving range.

Like the GLB, the EQB is available as a two row or a three row vehicle. The German brand’s entry-level crossover is also outfitted with a pair of 10-inch iPad-like screens which houses the digital driver gauges and the touchscreen infotainment center. The EQB is also equipped with such features as 18-inch wheels to power operated memory front seats to a power rear liftgate.

And for those seeking more create comfort and tech features, the EQB option list ranges from heated front seats to a panoramic sunroof to an augment navigation system to some of the latest safety driving aids.

Ironically, underneath the hood, many of the mechanics one would expect from a gasoline powered vehicle are found here. Thus, this leaves no room for additional storage like that of many of today’s electric vehicles. Its as if Mercedes-Benz retrofitted the GLB, turning a gasoline model into an electric vehicle. Although we must note, this boxy looking crossover is not lacking storage.

Lastly, we were disappointed that our test model lacked a standard remote keyless entry system and SiriusXM radio. Its a Mercedes-Benz. We expect these features to be standard.

Overall, this is one of the most affordable luxury electric vehicles in the market place, with a starting price just shy of $57,000. Even with options, our GLB 300 listed for a hare under $62,000, which is below the average cost electric cost of $66,000.

Competition: Audi Q4 e-tron and Volvo XC40 Recharge