Mercedes-benz EQB

Seven-seat electric SUV benefits from similar updates to its sibling On sale Spring Price from £52,800

SOME FAMILIES WILL need more space and seating capacity than the Mercedes-benz EQA can offer, and the natural model for them to turn to is the larger EQB. It was the first electric SUV with seven seats, but it no longer has the field to itself, having been joined by the likes of the Kia EV9 (see page 27).

As with the EQA, the EQB has just been given a refresh that includes the addition of a new single-motor, front-wheel-drive model. The

EQB 250+’s 70.5kwh (usable) battery gives it an official range of up to 321 miles, compared with a 255-mile best for four-wheel-drive versions. That’s slightly less than the 349 miles the EV9 Air can manage, though.

The 250+ – the only version of the latest EQB we’ve driven so far – is a surprisingly strong performer, especially when you consider its modest power output of 188bhp.

Beecause it’s based on the underpinnings of the combustion-powered GLB, the EQB suffers from a similarly firm ride. It’s not harsh, but you do tend to be jostled around in your seat as you travel along uneven roads.

Elsewhere, the EQB gets mildly tweaked looks, plus a new steering wheel and an updated infotainment system; the latter no longer has a separate touchpad for controlling the screen.

While you can still access it via controls on the steering wheel, these are touch sensitive and fiddly to use.

When it comes to practicality, the EQB is very good. There’s acres of space in the middle row of seats, which can be slid forwards to increase third-row leg room or boot space, and the seatbacks recline and split in a flexible 40/20/40 configuration. Third-row space is suitable for anyone up to about 5ft 8in, but anyone taller will be much happier in the EV9.

Even though the updates to the EQB are mostly minor, the addition of the 250+ is welcome. And while it can’t match the space and comfort of the EV9, you won’t have to stretch quite as far to afford the EQB.

A pleasant and practical seven-seater with greater appeal due to its longer range