Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mercedes EQB SUV review

“The Mercedes EQB is an electric seven-seat SUV based on the versatile GLB”

Carbuyer Rating

4.1 out of 5

Owners Rating

5.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Seven-seat electric SUV
  • Quality interior
  • Good range

Cons

  • Set to be expensive
  • Small rear seats
  • Average warranty

Buyers after seven seats and electric power have quite a small selection of models to choose from. Most are clearly based on vans, like the Citroen e-Berlingo and Peugeot e-Traveller, while the only electric seven-seat SUV has been the Tesla Model X. Given the Tesla’s circa-£80,000 price, it’s hardly mainstream.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Now, there’s another one: the Mercedes EQB. It’s the electric version of the Mercedes GLB SUV and, comes with seven seats as standard, wrapped up in a chunky body with an appealingly premium badge on the blank grille. At launch, the EQB starts from over £50,000, which is a lot cheaper than the Model X, but the aforementioned van-based MPVs will still be the best choice for buyers on tighter budgets.

Best electric SUVsTop 10 best electric SUVs – the ones to buy in 2024

Like the Mercedes EQA, there are minor styling changes over the model it’s based on. Either side of that fake grille are new LED headlights, while there’s a full-width light bar connecting the brake light clusters.

Two powertrains are available at launch, and both can achieve over 250 miles of range courtesy of a reasonably large 66.5kWh battery. Both have a motor on each axle, giving four-wheel drive, but the difference is that one produces 225bhp and the other produces 288bhp. Mercedes has confirmed that a longer-range EQB is on the way, which will be powered by a single electric motor with two-wheel drive. This model is likely to offer a range of around 300 miles, making it more competitive with the big-battery versions of the Audi Q4 e-tron and Tesla Model Y.

Rose gold trim and EQ-specific graphics mark out the interior from the GLB’s; other than that the impressive interior is almost exactly the same. Mercedes’ dual-screen MBUX infotainment system still feels futuristic. The cabin feels very luxurious, as it should given the car’s price tag, and standard equipment is generous.

While the rear seats are certainly handy, it’s worth noting that they’re only really for children or for occasional use. If you need an electrified seven-seater capable of carrying adults in all three rows, you may be best off with a Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander.

The option of a seven-seat layout gives the EQB a significant advantage over most rival EVs and the upmarket interior and practical boot add further to its appeal. The standard safety features are excellent too, which can be further enhanced with an optional driver assistance package. However, the brand finished in a middling position in our 2021 Driver Power survey, with 20% of owners reporting a fault with their cars in the first year of ownership.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Smart #6 electric hatchback could replace the Mercedes A-Class
New Smart 6 EV
News
6 Dec 2024

New Smart #6 electric hatchback could replace the Mercedes A-Class

Jeep Avenger is the latest EV to get price cut worth thousands
Jeep Avenger
News
6 Dec 2024

Jeep Avenger is the latest EV to get price cut worth thousands

New Kia EV6 GT pinches key performance feature from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
2025 Kia EV6 GT front quarter
News
5 Dec 2024

New Kia EV6 GT pinches key performance feature from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

How long do electric car batteries last?
EV battery
Tips and advice
4 Dec 2024

How long do electric car batteries last?

Have You Considered

Fiat 600 review – a stylish and charming small SUV
Fiat 600e front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Fiat 600 review – a stylish and charming small SUV

MINI Aceman review – a sporty small EV with an upmarket cabin
MINI Aceman E front quarter tracking
In-depth reviews
28 Nov 2024

MINI Aceman review – a sporty small EV with an upmarket cabin

Most Popular

New Ford Puma Gen-E: Britain’s best-selling car goes electric
Ford Puma Gen-E
News
3 Dec 2024

New Ford Puma Gen-E: Britain’s best-selling car goes electric

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand
Jaguar Type 00
News
3 Dec 2024

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand

More on EQB

New Mercedes EQB updates improve equipment and styling
Mercedes EQB facelift
News
24 Aug 2023

New Mercedes EQB updates improve equipment and styling

Mercedes reveals improvements to styling and features for the updated EQB, due in 2024

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024