The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Three-row utility, in a pinch
- Refined feel
- Good ride quality
- Spacious cabin given its small exterior
Dislikes
- So-so range
- Hefty price
- Cramped third row
- Infotainment learning curve`
Buying tip
More conventional than most EVs, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB offers a healthy dose of refinement.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class? What does it compare to?
The EQB is basically an electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. Shop it against the Tesla Model Y and Genesis GV60.
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class a good SUV?
While hardly the cheapest EV around, the EQB is comfortable and well-equipped. It’s an 8.2 out of 10 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class?
The EQB sees minor interior and exterior updates for 2024. Its front end now looks more like the automaker’s EQS and EQE models with a star pattern design and a high-mounted light bar that links LED running lamps together. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz now pumps in artificial noises during acceleration and braking on models with the high-zoot Bumester audio system.
The EQB is a close relative to the Mercedes-Benz GLB, albeit with electric rather than gasoline propulsion underhood. It comes in several versions: the EQB 250+ with 245 miles of range, the EQB 300 with slightly less range but a good bit more power, and the EQB 350 with just 221 miles of range but the fastest acceleration in the lineup. The more powerful versions feature a second electric motor for all-wheel drive, too.
No version is blisteringly quick, but they ride well (thanks in part to an especially portly curb weight) and they are refined and quiet. Nicely blended braking can be tailored for more or less regeneration via steering wheel paddles.
Inside, the EQB is just like the GLB, which means it has decent space and a relatively dressy ambiance. There’s also a three-row version, though the way-back is only for kids big enough to not need a car seat but likely still too young to safely sit up front. That’s a narrow window, but it might work for you.
The EQB comes with basic crash-avoidance tech, though adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot assist, and a few other niceties are optional.
How much does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class cost?
The 2024 EQB 250+ costs $54,200. It's $58,350 for the EQB 300 4Matic with all-wheel drive, and $62,000 for an EQB 350 with all-wheel drive, premium audio, and a big sunroof.
Where is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class made?
In Hungary.
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Class Styling
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB differs little from its gas-fueled GLB sibling.
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class a good-looking car?
It is if you like the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class. The EQB differs mainly in its details, including its front grille and its lighting. Its profile is just like the boxy, upright GLB, which itself is an extension of the GLK that Mercedes-Benz offered in the early 2000s.
We rate it at 7 out of 10, with points above average for its exterior and interior.
Up front, the EQB gains new details this year including an LED light bar that links running lights above dark headlights. Its grille-esque front insert has been revamped to more closely resemble the automaker’s other electric cars. Most models are offered with 19-inch wheels that fill its big wells nicely. Unpainted fender flares impart a somewhat rugged look, but this EV is no off-roader.
Inside, the EQB has a stylish cabin with plenty of brightwork and round aircraft-like air vents that give it a classy, upmarket look. It can seem a bit busy with its twin screens under a single pane of glass.
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Class Performance
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB has a refined feel.
It may not be a thrill ride, but the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB accelerates fairly quickly and rides well. It’s a 7 on the TCC scale.
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class 4WD?
Base EQB 250+ versions send power rearward. Other models have a second electric motor mounted in the rear to deliver permanent all-wheel drive.
How fast is the Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class?
That depends on what number is affixed to its tailgate.
The base EQB 250+ has a single front-mounted electric motor that pairs with a 70.5-kwh battery to deliver just 188 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. It hits 60 mph in a leisurely 8.5 seconds.
The EQB 300 is much peppier with 225 hp delivered to all four corners thanks to a second electric motor. It hits 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. Pick the EQB 350 for 288 hp and a 5.8-second run to 60 mph. The middle child is likely good enough for most of us, especially since overall range diminishes with more power.
Sharing a platform with the gas-fueled model means that the EQB handles and rides nicely despite weight the better part of 5,000 pounds. It’s a heavy EV, though it’s also a refined EV. It’s quiet, composed, and pleasant to drive.
Braking is good, with little of the uncertainty we’ve experienced in some EVs. Notably, the EQB lacks a one-pedal drive mode, though brake recuperation can be selected via a steering wheel-mounted paddle.
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Class Comfort & Quality
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB is among the most spacious small EV SUVs.
If you’re after an electric SUV that will easily squeeze into a typical garage, the EQB might be for you. Its interior offers good front- and middle-row space, plus a big cargo area. It’s an 8 on the TCC scale. Available third-row seats are comically tight, though.
The EQB measures 184 inches long, making it about the same size as a Subaru Forester. It’s comfy up front, with supportive, power-adjustable seats. Rear-seat riders have a bench that slides for and aft for more or less leg room. The optional third row is suitable only for children. Even Mercedes itself advises against putting anyone taller than 5-foot-5 back there. It’s perfect for those whose children have outgrown car seats but aren’t quite adolescents yet. Or maybe three Dolly Partons would fit. That’s a narrow window, but it might describe your household.
Out back, the EQB has 27.0 cubic feet of space behind row two, which basically doubles when the rear seatbacks are folded. There’s scant space behind the third row, though. You might squeeze a grocery bag or two back there.
Interior materials are in line with pricing. Mercedes doesn’t offer the same degree of trim customization here it does in its pricier models, but nicer bits are still available.
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Class Safety
Mercedes-Benz offers lots of active safety features, for a price.
How safe is the Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class?
The EQB comes equipped with the basics. You’ll pay extra for some driver-assistance tech that is standard on a wide range of competitors, though.
At least the EQB comes with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driving Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and a few other features, while the Parking Package includes a surround-view camera system. The EQB’s close relationship to the GLB suggests good things for its safety, though. That model has earned strong marks from the IIHS and the NHTSA.
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Class Features
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB is no bargain among EVs.
Mercedes-Benz wants well north of $50,000 for the EQB, which can quickly balloon to $60,000 or more with optional features. Its big touchscreens and wide range of configurations help it seal a 7 out of 10 on the TCC scale, though.
It's $54,200 for a base EQB 250+, which is outfitted with synthetic leather trim, power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pair of 10.3-inch screens under a single pane of glass. The left display includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mercedes includes a luxury-typical 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.
Which Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class should I buy?
The base model is fine if you’re not worried about extra traction or quick acceleration, though the $1,300 or so that Mercedes wants for the Exclusive trim level is probably worth the upgrade. That extra cash buys a proximity key and pushbutton start, upgraded audio, and a wireless charging pad.
We’d be more likely to upgrade to the EQB 300, which adds a second motor for all-wheel drive. It’s $58,350, though again we’d step up to the mid-level Exclusive trim package. Even then, you’ll pay for metallic paint, a big sunroof, wood trim, heated front seats and steering wheel, third-row seats (which are of dubious value), head-up display, and additional driver-assistance tech. It’s not hard to wind up with a $65,000 EQB 300.
How much is a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class?
The top EQB 350 costs $62,000. Amazingly, Mercedes-Benz will let you build one to nearly $75,000.
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Class Fuel Economy
The 2024 EQB offers just average electric range.
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQB-Class efficient?
It’s by no means the most impressive electric vehicle. With the base model, the efficiency rating is above 3.0 miles per kwh. We stand by our 9 out of 10 rating.
However, it's lacking in overall range. The rear-drive version offers up to 251 miles of range. That slides to a mere 232-mile estimate for the EQB 300 with its extra electric motor. And the top EQB 350’s 207 miles of range is even worse.
