Seven seats, absolutely electrical, Benz badge on the bonnet and, at $89,100, costing beneath the LCT threshold for you FBT dodgers.
Little marvel the oddly-shaped Mercedes EQB is the model’s electrified quiet achiever: regardless of its bulbous bum, final 12 months Aussies purchased virtually 800 of them.
For 2024 it’s been gifted some gentle aesthetic revisions and elevated electrical vary. The entry-level EQB 250, with single 140kW/385Nm electrical motor over its entrance axle, now turns into the EQB 250+.
Why? Its beforehand $2900 choice third row seats (which proved immensely common) is now normal, whereas the EQB 350 has been quietly pulled from sale. This higher-spec all-paw twin motor 215kW/520Nm model couldn’t meet Australian Design Guidelines for seven seats, as a result of extra rear weight with the second motor.
So the EQB 250+ is taking part in to its energy – seven seat EVs are a rarity and extremely suited to bigger households or these simply wanting the flexibility of a 3rd row.
At present, the one different seven-chair SUVs on sale listed here are the Kia EV9 and Merc’s personal EQS SUV.
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2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ value and tools
The $89,100 (about $97,000 drive-away) EQB 250+ is predicated on Merc’s inside combustion GLB SUV, however shares its electrical setup with the smaller EQA electrical SUV.
Gone is the previous 66.5kWh battery, changed by a bigger 70.5kWh effort. This addresses the earlier EQB’s moderately disappointing 371km vary (WLTP), Benz claiming the brand new one provides a further 57km vary, utilizing the much less real-world NEDC take a look at.
Whereas the 2024 EQB 250+’s WLTP vary hasn’t been revealed, we are able to estimate it to be round 405km. The optimistic NEDC vary is 564km.
Face design-wise the entrance grille incorporates a sparkly constellation of Mercedes-Benz stars, with fancy fibre optic gentle band above, mixing into DRLs over LED headlights that includes blue components. For 2024, AMG Line exterior with AMG physique styling’s now normal.
Out again there’s a full-length curved gentle strip, whereas in profile the EQB proudly shows its tall, flat-roof design which makes that third row of seating completely sensible. Regardless of 20-inch AMG wheels, the plastic-cladded arches look fairly underfilled.
Inside you rating a panoramic sunroof, two 10.25-inch high-res screens (infotainment and driver show), MBUX with navigation and augmented actuality show, Nappa leather-based sports activities steering wheel, fake leather-based/suede upholstery, energy, reminiscence and heated entrance seats, tri-zone local weather management, wired CarPlay/Android Auto, wi-fi charging and 64 color ambient lighting.
As you’d anticipate from Benz, it’s keyless entry and begin, plus there’s a hands-free auto tailgate.
Security-wise there’s lively cruise management, superior auto emergency braking, steering, lane and blind spot help and 360-degree digital camera.
Let’s speak charging. Most fee is a below-average 100kW, so it’ll take 32 minutes to go from 10-80 p.c utilizing a public DC quick charger.
The identical job takes simply over 4 hours utilizing a 11kW AC public charger, or should you’ve bought an 11kW dwelling wallbox and three-phase energy.
Benz gives charging cables to swimsuit, however a wallbox and becoming prices additional. Should you plug the EQB into a standard dwelling socket, you have to wait about 25 hours to succeed in that 80 p.c.
Included is a 12 months’s subscription to the Chargefox community, and new for the 250+ is public charging station authentication, the place transactions are digitally authenticated utilizing the automobile’s MBUX system.
You will need to service yearly or each 25,000km, with plans obtainable for 3 at $1910, or 5 at $3200.
Battery guarantee’s eight-years/160,000km, whereas the remainder of the automobile is roofed for five-years/limitless kms.
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+: What we predict
My evaluation’s primarily based on driving the outgoing EQB 250 seven-seater, as the brand new 250+ is just not but obtainable for take a look at. However its fundamentals stay the identical.
It’s a nicely thought-out household bus, this. Zooming in on the EQB’s interesting third row of seats, they’re extra accommodating than Benz’s ‘occasional use’ declare.
As a six-footer I may clamber into the again with few dramas, and with center seats slid forwards as much as 140mm on runners – plus they recline fairly far – there’s versatility aplenty.
In seats six and 7 my head is simply on the ceiling, and leg room’s acceptable with the second row moved ahead. Massive home windows imply it’s not too claustrophobic again right here, plus there are two cup holders between the seats, and USB-C ports within the facet panels. All very civilised.
Key for households, these third row chairs every characteristic baby seat ISOFIX factors, bringing the full quantity within the automobile to 4. Should you’re an excellent breeder (or carting the children’ associates round too) there are 5 high tether strap mounts as nicely.
The center seats have excellent headroom however the flooring’s a bit excessive with the battery beneath. Up-front area can also be standout, and there’s an actual sense of Benz class on present. Wooden trim, smooth plastics and high quality switchgear be part of luxurious feeling seats for the premium expertise.
Even so, it nonetheless suffers from being primarily based on an ICE platform. There’s no ‘walk-through’ really feel to the entrance two rows (as EV platform automobiles typically have), plus there’s no frunk.
With seven seats in place there’s solely a 130L boot – sufficient for only a few procuring luggage – however that grows to a more healthy 465L with the 2 again seats down. The ICE-only GLB has 180L extra, for reference.
Conventional Merc house owners shouldn’t be upset with the EQB 250+’s drive. There’s a serene hush to progress – no engine noise and little or no highway noise – serving to the status sheen.
Should you drive it because it’s supposed – suppose wise household automobile/soccer mum spec – it’s all moderately great. However should you’re too arduous on the throttle, all these 385Nms immediately churn by way of the entrance wheels. Tremendous within the dry, however on our moist take a look at there was loads of wheelspin and torque steer to battle.
It’s an keen feeling factor. 0-100km/h in quoted at 8.9 seconds, but when feels faster. Use Sport mode and there’s all of the urge and efficiency most seven-seat customers may want for.
Nevertheless it’s a hefty unit; nicely over two tonnes unladen. Steadiness and dealing with are effective with a lot of the load (the battery) mounted low down, however there’s a dose of physique roll in turns. Properly, simply have a look at the size of this factor.
However there’s unbiased rear suspension and adjustable damping, so management’s fairly standout. Sport mode stiffens the trip and sharpens steering and throttle response, however actually, simply go away it in Consolation to get the most effective out of this EQB.
Softer damping fits its persona, highway bumps are neatly absorbed and it’s only a lush, relaxed factor to cruise in.
Regen’s dealt with with steering wheel paddles, and should you go away it in Auto, the automobile makes use of cameras and radars to analyse the highway and autos round you to work out the most effective regen for the circumstances.
Very sensible, and it seems to work nicely because it coasts on highways off-throttle, moderately than sharply slowing. Sadly, it gained’t come to a whole cease utilizing regen, and the strongest regen setting needs to be firmer.
Benz’s driver help bundle is normal, bringing radar cruise management, AEB, lane preserve, lively blind spot and lots extra. The lane preserve generally is a bit fierce in its pull again into lane, however the radar cruise is without doubt one of the finest within the enterprise.
Claimed consumption is 16.7kWh/100km, whereas our take a look at returned nearer to 20kWh/100km. This was primarily greater velocity driving on highways or nation roads – extra punishing on battery life than city use.
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+: Verdict
It could look a bit humorous, real-world vary isn’t big at round 400km, and cost fee max is simply 100kW, however the EQB’s compelling level of distinction are these seven seats. Usable ones, too.
The very fact it simply squeezes beneath the Luxurious Automobile Tax threshold, interesting to FBT avoiders, is a big boon.
It seems like a correct Benz too. A easy, measured, cozy drive and wonderful cabin tech make it vastly likeable, and a simple shift to EV life. It’s pretty to stay with.
SCORE: 3.5/5
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ specs:
Worth: $89,100 plus on-roads.
Fundamentals: EV, 7 seats, 5 doorways, mid-sized SUV, FWD
Vary: Approx 405km (WLTP)
Battery Capability: 70.5kWh
Battery Guarantee: 8-years/160,000km
Power consumption: 16.7kWh/100km (20kWh/100km as examined)
Motor: 1 front-mounted everlasting magnet synchronous, 140kW/385Nm
AC charging: 11kW, Kind 2 plug
DC charging: 100kW, CCS combo plug
0-100km/h: 8.9 seconds