New Mercedes EQB updates improve equipment and styling

• Due in early 2024
• Latest MBUX infotainment
• Range boost of around 20 miles

An update for the chunky Mercedes-Benz EQB is just around the corner, with Mercedes revealing details and images of the refreshed model due to land in early 2024. Pricing is likely to increase only slightly from the outgoing EQB’s £55,000 starting point.

The electric version of the Mercedes GLB will receive visual and technical updates to bring it more in line with other recent EVs from the brand – as well as improvements in the car’s infotainment and options.

Along with similar updates to the more car-like GLA, the GLB’s update package includes a host of small visual tweaks to keep the shrunken G-class look fresh. At the front, there’s a revised grille design, swapping the current, relatively bland panel for one that incorporates dozens of tiny Mercedes three-pointed stars.

Above these is a light band connecting the daytime running lights in the headlights – essentially a carry-over from the existing model – and there are small changes to the bumper design too, though you’ll be doing well to notice. Changes to the tail lights are slightly easier to spot, with separate bands of lighting elements inside the clusters.

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2024 Mercedes EQB interior and infotainment

Like the slightly smaller EQA, the EQB also gets a revised dashboard design. The layout is broadly the same as before, with a distinctive driver and infotainment display stretching across the top of the dash, but the trim panel behind is now available in different finishes, including an open-pore wood, or the more visually-arresting option of a backlit star pattern, matching those on the grille.

Changes to the infotainment system itself include the latest version of Mercedes’ MBUX software, with subtle, sporty, and classic display themes. It should now be easier to keep track of charging progress using the screen too, while Mercedes has improved the voice assistant, which should now be better at interpreting instructions and dialects, when connected to the internet. The optional Burmester sound system also promises better sound quality.

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Mercedes EQB specs, range and charging

The updated EQB should be broadly similar to drive, with no significant changes under the skin. Mercedes doesn’t highlight any range improvements with the EQB, though given it has managed to find an extra 25 miles or so from the mechanically-similar EQA through aerodynamic and tyre tweaks, some of those benefits will hopefully carry over to the EQB.

What the EQB does get, on five-seat models, is a trailer hitch including trailer stabilisation using ESP, or electronic stability control. This should mean towing a braked trailer of up to 1,400kg (on front-wheel drive models) or 1,700kg (for 4Matic EQBs) should be a little more confidence-inspiring. Driver assistance equipment has also been revised, with features like a new rear-view camera and better lane-keeping technology improving things when you aren’t towing, too.

Charging should be easier too, thanks to a Tesla-style Plug & Charge function. This means that on relevant public chargers, you can plug in the car and it will start charging immediately, rather than having to wave a card or input anything into the charger.

Order books for the refreshed EQB open this autumn, and Mercedes-Benz expects to begin deliveries early in 2024.

Read our in-depth review of the Mercedes EQB or take a look at our round-up of the best electric SUVs on sale