Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ AMG Line Executive (2021 - 2024)

Someone commenting on my Mercedes EQB test car claimed the rear end looked too box-like to which I explained that it is a seven-seater. At that point, their opinion changed instantly, partly because they are a fan of electric vehicles, but mainly because they have a large family so this ticks all the right boxes without being a bulky-looking people mover.

Mercedes EQB shares many of its underpinnings with the GLB, but boasts full electrification with one or two motors depending which model you select.

It is available in trim levels called Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus with prices starting from £52,800. There is two or four-wheel drive versions and also a choice of battery sizes. The entry-level EQB 250+ car features a 70.5kWh unit with a driving range of 291-321 miles between charges, while the EQB 300 4MATIC and 350 4MATIC both have a 66.5kWh battery and can achieve between 248 and 255 miles on a single charge.

We selected the EQB 250+ model in AMG Line Executive specification for our test drive.

The Mercedes EQB is a stylish looking car that boasts seven-seat versatility without looking like a giant box on wheels. It’s fully electric and takes many of its design cues from the Mercedes GLB.

It features distinctive AMG Line body styling, a blacked-out front panel where the radiator grille would be on an ICE car, with a smart pattern and the Mercedes badging. There are newly designed front and rear aprons, illuminated door sills with EQB lettering, LED high-performance headlights, roof rails, privacy glass and 19-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels.

Moving inside, the interior is high-end and elegant with the finest materials incorporated into a feature-rich cabin. The black sports seats have been created from man-made leather and are finished with neat red contrast stitching and this also features on the steering wheel and door panels. There are aluminium pedals with rubber studs, plus 64-colour ambient lighting.

The main focal point is the two 10-inch infotainment screens that merge seamlessly beneath a single pane of glass and this is the car’s nerve centre. The right screen displays all the important driving data, such as range and speed, while the left offers access to the many on-board creature comforts.

There is an excellent sat nav system, full smartphone connectivity, DAB radio and a pitch perfect sound system. It is easy to navigate all the functions using the touchscreen or via the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant, and there are additional controls on the steering wheel too, but these are tiny and can be rather fiddly to operate on the move.

Although the Mercedes EQB is available with three engines, two of which feature 4MATIC all-wheel drive, we chose the entry-level 250+ version with front-wheel drive for our test.

This model has the longest driving range between charges of up to 321 miles and also boasts the larger 70.5kWh battery delivering 190hp and 385Nm of torque. 

When it comes to performance, the Mercedes EQB is sharp out the blocks with a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 99mph.

It’s a very confident motorway cruiser, but where it really surprised us was out on the more testing country lanes. Despite its seven-seat practicality and fairly high sides, the EQB was perfectly grounded when pushed on through tight twists and turns. The steering is precise with ample driver feedback and there was minimal sign of body movement. 

In busy town centres with lots of stop, start traffic, the four levels of regenerative braking are beneficial and in the highest setting can bring the vehicle to a complete stop. These are adjusted via the steering wheel paddles and, in addition, there are traditional drive modes called Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual that alter the dynamics of the vehicle.

The suspension is quite firm so you will feel the full force of any unexpected pothole, but generally the cabin is well insulated against any noise intrusion.

Practicality is a key feature on the Mercedes EQB thanks to its seven-seat versatility. The pair of rear seats are easily raised and, when not in use, they fold completely flat to the boot floor. Our test car had a carpet mat covering the boot, so unless you go in search of those extra two seats you would be blissfully unaware of their existence.
With a strong road presence, the EQB stretches 4,687mm in length, is 2,022mm wide (including mirrors), is 1,701mm tall and it has a wheelbase of 2,829mm.
Up front, a couple of six-foot-plus occupants can sit comfortably and a trio of youngsters or a couple of adults will fit in the back. The slightly squared-off rear end of the EQB means there is plenty of headroom in the back. Then, when needed, the extra two seats can quickly be put to use. Admittedly the leg room is very limited, but it’s fine for children and they each get a USB-C port to connect devices.                                                        
The boot is accessed via a powered tailgate and it can swallow 495 litres of luggage with five seats in operation, increasing to a generous 1,710 litres if just the front seats are upright.
Elsewhere, there are numerous storage compartments scattered throughout the car, including a glovebox, a deep central cubby with two USB-C ports, front and rear cup holders, door pockets, seat back nets and a couple of non-slip trays. 
Charging the EQB’s 70.5kWh takes 35 minutes from 10-80 per cent if plugged into a 100kW rapid charger, or 7 hours, 15 minutes via an 11kW wallbox.
 

The Mercedes EQB line-up starts at £52,800 for the entry-level EQB 250+ in Sport Executive specification and rises to £62,800 for the EQB 350 4MATIC (all-wheel drive) in AMG Line Premium Plus.

Our test vehicle, the EQB 250+ AMG Line Executive, was priced at £55,060 and there were no optional extras fitted to give buyers a nasty shock at the check-out desk.

So, clearly not cheap, but it is worth remembering that Mercedes is a premium carmaker and its vehicles carry premium price tags. And you can start to claw back some of the expense thanks to its zero carbon emissions.

For example, owners will not have to pay for road tax and can drive free of charge through Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone areas. There is also no premium car levy for purchasing a vehicle costing in excess of £40k.

However, the Government has warned that many of the incentives for EV drivers will be cut back or axed completely from next year.

The day-to-day running costs can be kept low by charging at home and it is worth checking with your energy supplier to see if cheaper tariffs are available for overnight battery boosting.

Any business driver considering the Mercedes EQB as a company car will profit from the generous Benefit in Kind tax rating of two per cent.

Mercedes does have an excellent reputation for reliability, but for added peace of mind, the EQB comes with a standard three-year, unlimited mileage warranty. The cover for the battery is increased to 10 years or 100,000 miles. 

The Mercedes EQB resembles a traditional crossover vehicle but it has a hidden super-power. Open the boot and there beneath a carpet are two additional seats. Admittedly they are only suitable for children who will have the flexibility to climb in and out with ease, but it is still a huge asset for families that often have extra passengers to transport at the last minute. 

The EQB is ideal for anyone who enjoys high-end technology, needs those extra seats, is keen to drive an electric car and likes to have a premium-badged vehicle on their driveway … at a price, of course.