First test for Mercedes EQB: it's excellent, but who needs it
Two and a half years after the introduction of the Mercedes GLB, we meet its electrified version;
We set out to check how successful the transplant was, and does it justify NIS 390,000?
Rami Gilboa
04/08/2022
Thursday, August 04, 2022, 2:44 p.m. Updated: 2:58 p.m.
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Seven passengers in an electric crossover, and it's also a Mercedes (Photo: Rami Gilboa)
As part of Mercedes' accelerated electrification process, EQB is based on the GLB, in which two electric motors with a total capacity of 228 hp and 39 kg were implanted, with a battery with a capacity of 66.5 kWh. These are relatively modest figures (in Europe the 350 version is also sold with 288 KS), suitable for a crossover without sporty pretensions.
We would have been happy for a battery with a higher capacity, to increase the driving range;
Right now, that's what it is.
The price tag represents the fact that this is a Mercedes as usual, and also the fact that this is the premium electric 5+2 option, the only one on the market today - with the exception of a few Chinese alternatives, which are very far from the package offered by the EQB.
Mercedes offers an entry-level 'Electric' version for NIS 350,000, an 'Electric Art' for NIS 390,000 (the test car), and an AMG Line for NIS 430,000.
The three versions have the same power unit/batteries, and the differences are in the level of equipment.
The AMG also has 20-inch wheels and adaptive suspension.
The front grill is opaque and shiny, in the style of the electrified world.
The logo is large and confident, the air intakes have been greatly reduced (Photo: Rami Gilboa)
With a gasoline version equipped with a 1.3 liter engine that is too weak and with an AMG that is too expensive, the customer base voted with their feet - in the last two years, only 100 GLB units were sold in Israel.
And look it's a wonder, in the month that has passed since the sale of the electrified version, more than 100 electric EQBs have already been ordered.
This is tangible evidence of the great attractiveness of the electric version.
Mercedes stopped selling the gasoline versions, and the EQB became one of six electric models from the Stuttgart-based luxury manufacturer.
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The square buttock looks a bit bulky, but it provides decent headroom for passengers in the back row (Photo: Rami Gilboa)
The same lady, in the same splendor
The appearance of the EQB has hardly changed, except for a front grill that is now opaque and shiny, air intakes that have been reduced (because they are no longer needed), and other design details.
It is left with a rugged design with a fairly vertical butt, capable of accommodating the sixth and seventh passengers.
The bow of the electric version is still an adaptation to market requirements and also, to improve aerodynamics.
Personally, I liked the previous bow better, the electric one is too delicate for my taste.
The EQB is a few inches shorter than an Outlander or Kodiak, and interior space is reduced due to the battery being pushed under the floor.
The feeling is not that of a large car, and the interior design is also not flashy and up-to-date like some of the competitors.
In return, we received a very high quality of leather trims and upholstery, with a high-tech look that gives a premium atmosphere as usual.
On the front, the Mercedes glass panel is installed with two 10.25-inch, bright and clear displays.
The multimedia is sensitive and works well, equipped with an excellent camera, full connectivity and a backup of intuitive physical switches.
The dashboard allows you to choose several display types, with the help of the versatile MBUX system.
The passenger cabin is sophisticated and of the highest quality.
Below the multimedia monitor is a battery of convenient physical switches for operation.
The seats are less comfortable than one might expect (photo: Rami Gilboa)
There is enough space in front and the sitting position is relatively high, but I couldn't fall in love with the leather seats;
They have plenty of adjustments but the seat upholstery is solid and not ergonomic enough, in my opinion.
In the back seat (adjustable on a rail) there is room for a couple of adult passengers + one compact, and in the back?
Two smaller seats, according to Mercedes they are suitable for passengers up to 1.60 meters tall.
In the 7-seat configuration, you are left with a shrunken trunk, but in the 5-seat configuration, there are 495 useful liters.
Very disturbing is the absence of rear air conditioning vents in the base version;
Hello, NIS 350,000 and no rear exits?
What have we asked for?
The feeling of space is not generous even though there is enough space, and the seating is relatively high.
The dashboard is impressive, the MBUX operating system is flexible and high-quality.
The ventilation openings are special in appearance (photo: Rami Gilboa)
How does 228 hp at 2,175 kg feel?
The EQB doesn't have a huge stable but it has 39kg available at any moment, and accelerates the chassis with delightful determination. Acceleration to 100km/h takes 8 seconds, which is not a who-knows-what figure for a modern tram.
But the real story is the linear acceleration that enables a jump that lasts stably above three-digit speeds and up to a maximum of 160 km/h. This is not an electric car that thrills with dizzying acceleration, but the feeling is excellent: the pedal responses are good, the intermediate accelerations are sharp, there is no problem flying with it up the road to Arad or Mitzpe Shelem After several attempts, I decided to leave the driving mode selector in Comfort; in Sport mode, the pedal response is too sharp, it's unnecessary. You can choose between three regenerative braking modes, the extreme one of which allows driving with one pedal, almost without touching the brake. It's nice for driving sections Sporty but the strong braking becomes unpleasant, not to mention that it might drive the person driving behind you crazy.
The seat in the back is very comfortable for an adult couple.
Two sun roofs let in light and heat from the outside.
You will only get the rear air vents in the top two versions, this is puzzling (Photo: Rami Gilboa)
The suspension calibration is very comfortable, supported by tires with a section of 50;
They contribute to the high level of comfort - certainly in relation to an electric vehicle, which weighs over two tons.
The suspension calibration limits the potential for road fun, and the chassis leans quite a bit in sharp turns.
The level of grip is high and you can even enjoy mountain roads, although there is nothing to speak of sporty driving.
The braking is good but when driving fast downhill it is less predictable and linear, a result of the integration of electric charging.
The two electric motors provide 4x4 drive, and the tires come in a nice 50 gauge;
Just don't think it's an SUV... the nose is low and vulnerable, and there's no spare tire.
The 4x4 drive will help you drive on neat trails, but don't overdo the off-road adventures;
Certainly when you don't have a spare tire (Photo: Rami Gilboa)
West Side Story
Mercedes declares an electricity consumption of 18.1-19.4 kWh per 100 kilometers, an optimistic figure that reflects a driving range of 365-340 kilometers. In yawning calm intercity driving (100-120 km/h, very few traffic jams and detours) I measured about 21 kWh "Q per 100 kilometers, this reflects a driving range of 315 kilometers. In more demanding driving I degraded to 29 kWh per 100 kilometers, which represents a range of less than 250 kilometers. In real life I guess you can build on 270- 220 kilometers which heralds that starting from two hundred or so, you start checking where the next charging station is.
For urban / suburban customers, there is no problem here.
For a customer who often travels 200-250 kilometers per day, there is a limit here.
It can be overcome with the help of public charging stations, but it's already a rather annoying hassle.
A charging rate of 100 kW is not one of the best, but it allows to reach from 20 to 80% charging, in a fast position.
Home charging will last 6-7 hours.
Between us, how many times a year does the 'reasonable customer' drive more than 250 kilometers a day?
For the vast majority of customers, this will be a completely negligible and marginal event, which can be solved with charging 'on the go'.
Using all the seats greatly reduces the trunk (Photo: Rami Gilboa)
Summary
You can revolt at the price of the EQB, but in the days when Korean crossovers like the Hyundai Falside or electric premium Koreans like the Genesis GV60 are sold for NIS 300,000 and more, 350,000 for a Mercedes electric 5+2, doesn't sound so far-fetched.
The EQB will give its owners a premium atmosphere combined with high usability, the miracle formula of 5+2, a high level of safety and performance that completely satisfies the spirit of the product.
Add to that the reputation and attractiveness of the German brand, and you won't have a hard time understanding why 100 pieces were ordered, even before the EQBs came close to the country's shores.
The logo of the electric plug makes it clear to those in the back - an affluent and green person is traveling here (Photo: Rami Gilboa)
On the technical side: Mercedes EQB Electric Art
Engine, drive:
two electric motors, dual drive 4Matic
Maximum combined power (hp):
228
Maximum torque (kgm):
39
Transmission:
automatic, single gear
Length (cm):
468.4
Width (cm) ):
183.4
Height (cm):
170.1
Wheelbase (cm):
282.9 Trunk
volume (liters):
495
Tires:
235/50R19 Curb
weight (kg):
approx. 2,175
Acceleration 0-100 (seconds ):
8.0 seconds
Maximum speed (km/h):
160 (electronically limited)
Driving range (test):
315-250 kilometers
Price (NIS):
349,900
vehicle
Vehicle tests
Tags
Mercedes
electric car
as a carrier
7 seats
