2023 Mercedes EQB offers treatments for ‘range anxiety’
Let’s call them the Ev-tentative. These folks are interested in electric vehicles but haven’t quite flipped the switch yet because of that dreaded “range anxiety.”
For anyone who isn’t familiar with the term, it’s already in the Oxford dictionary: “Worry on the part of a person driving an electric car that the battery will run out of power before the destination, or a suitable charging point, is reached.” A little long-winded but accurate.
Well, the 2023 Mercedes EQB 350 can treat that condition — without pills, too. It’s called “Electric Intelligence” and it works with the navigation system to calculate the fastest routes specifically for electric driving, including charging stops. Range simulations continually explore the journey in progress, considering the weather, topography and changing traffic conditions.
For a little extra security, Mercedes provides EQB buyers with free and unlimited quick-charge sessions for two years. Those fast charges can restore 80 percent of the battery’s power in 30 minutes, says Mercedes.
They may come in handy given the EQB has one of the lowest expected ranges, at 227 miles, among competitors in the luxury-compact EV segment. Longer-range versions are expected some day but the current range is sufficient for most who expect to plug in daily. Expect a six- to seven-hour wait for a full charge on a Level 2 charger.
The EQB is an electric clone of the popular Mercedes GLB class. In other words, it does not ride on a dedicated EV platform like the EQS and EQE. Mercedes swapped out the turbo four for the electric powertrain, put a glossy black cover over the open grille and retained the familiar Mercedes star in the center. It has the same boxy shape but horizontal light strips at front and rear, but blue accents on the wheels give it away as an EV.
While an entry-level EQB 250 has front-wheel-drive and a 188-horsepower electric motor, the top-line EQB 350 is the quickest of the lineup with a dual-motor setup — one up front and one in the rear — and it’s good for 288 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. It also has better grip with Mercedes’ 4Matic allwheel-drive system.
With a single-speed transmission, the EQB offers instant torque and sprints to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, which is competitive with the segment. Drive modes include Eco, Comfort and Sport, with the latter bringing quicker throttle and shift points.
The EQB is nimble, comfortable and quiet with little road or wind noise. The ride is stable on on highways and corners, with some credit going to the 66.5 kwh battery situated low in the chassis. The rest goes to EQB’S adaptive suspension which compensates for uneven surfaces and personal driving style.
Steering is accurate and light enough for tight maneuvers and parking. Braking distance is a bit greater than the GLB due to the extra battery weight hikes the EQB’S overall curb weight to 4,813 pounds.
The EQB’S regenerative braking recovers energy and its level of resistance can be adjusted by three drive modes. The strongest enables “one-pedal driving,” where letting up on the accelerator will slow and eventually even stop the car. Paddles behind the steering wheel can adjust the “regenerative” effect in each mode.
Saving the best performance figures for last: The EPA estimates 98 MPGE in the city, 93 highway, and 96 combined. Those figures may be optimistic since a number of factors go into them, like hills, driving style and even climate.
Anyone familiar with the Glb-class interior will feel at home in the EQB. Much of the look and features are here, with handsomely trimmed door panels, optional leather seats, and the Glb-familiar rosegold accents. Ambient lighting glows in 64 colors.
The cabin seats five, but a particular attraction here is the EQB’S optional third row, an exclusive feature in the segment that increases seating capacity to seven. An adult or two could squeeze back there for the occasional restaurant run, and second-row seats slide forward for more leg room. The second row is roomy with nearly 40 inches of head- and leg-room, and is easily accessed through wide rear doors.
Up front, heated and ventilated seats have 40-plus inches of space above and below. Power front seats have three-position memory for the brave soul who adds their teen to the list of regular drivers in a Mercedes.
Dual 10.25-inch displays accommodate Mercedes’ latest MBUX multimedia system and a high-resolution digital instrument cluster. Both are identical to the GLB systems and offer voice commands and steering-wheel controls driver data, audio and navigation. The navigation system uses “augmented reality,” which simplifies the journey by overlaying the directions on top of a live image of the area.
High-end trims like the Exclusive and Pinnacle get upgrades like a panoramic sunroof, surround-view cameras and an outstanding Burmester sound system.
Cargo space is a bit less than the GLB — thank the battery pack for that — but it’s still generous at 22 cubic feet behind the second row, and 62 cubes with it folded down. Now don’t go looking for a front trunk (or frunk) because there isn’t one. It’s not a full-blooded EV, remember, but shares a platform with its gas-engine kin.
Standard safety features include lane-keep assist including crosswind steering, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitor and park assist. Adaptive cruise control and other advanced features are optional.
Range anxiety will always be a concern as long as EV mileage calculation remains imprecise and chargers are fewer than gas stations. But the EQB at least is helping to treat the condition.
2023 MERCEDES EQB 350 W/4MATIC
Base Price: $60,350 What’s all the excitement about? Mercedes’ smallest EV brings quickness and fuel economy plus the option of a third row of seats in a luxury compact EV
Powertrain: 66.5 kwh battery and dual motor setup produces.288 hp and strong 384 pound-feet of torque
How’s the performance? Crisp acceleration to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds; nimble and quiet, flat on corners thanks to low center of gravity and adaptive suspension
Fuel economy: Epa-estimated 96 MPGE combined; 98 city, 93 highway