Mercedes-Benz EQB

Twin motors, one over the front axle and the other over the rear axle drive the EQB. The permanent magnet synchronous motor in the back performs the majority of the work since it is more effective and has more torque. Although the motor in front is less efficient and is an induction motor from Tesla, it produces more peak power and has a bigger impact. In the EQB 300, the motors work together to produce 229 horsepower. The maximum torque is 390Nm, which is, ironically, less than the GLB's diesel counterpart. However, this engine's maximum torque arrives just off idle, and that makes a significant difference.

A 66.5kWh battery is also used by the EQB, and it is positioned behind the back seat and between the wheels. It features a 400V design and lithium-ion pouch-type cells. The WLTP range is 423 kilometers, and an 11 kW AC charger can complete a 10-percent charge in 6 hours and 25 minutes. A 10 percent to 80 percent charge can be handled using a 100kW DC fast charger in 32 minutes. On the more popular 50kW DC chargers in India, give yourself an estimate of one hour and a few minutes.

It's surprisingly comfortable and nice to drive the EQB. In many ways, it is much more enjoyable to drive than the GLB diesel.

There are various causes for this. One reason is the EQB's effortless, powerful, and quick takeoff, which just feels exceptional. It delivers power in a calm, smooth manner that is extremely charming and very Mercedes. There is no rapid increase in power like a Tesla and no needless hurry. This makes it simple to maneuver through stop-and-go traffic and close gaps as they open up. The fact that the EQB pulls powerfully even at higher motor speeds and that the torque curve doesn't flatten out until much later in the powerband is another feature that makes it appealing to drivers. Performance is very rapid and highly entertaining; the automobile is capable of 160 kph and claims to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 8.0 seconds.

The EQB also travels quite quietly and softly despite having a 469kg battery under the floor. The EQB actually rides better than the GLB since the ride is so good. Passengers are very comfortable because the SUV has the excellent body control and doesn't pitch or bob, and the suspension is supple and seems to have the ideal degree of pliancy for our broken surfaces. Even the biggest potholes and bumps with jagged edges don't cause too much deflection for it. The EQB's large amount of ground clearance, which may reach 155mm when loaded, is also crucial. For comparison, the EQC had just about 95mm, which is why it frequently made a loud impact with speed bumps.

Unmistakably, the EQB is based on the GLB. The same stand-up lines, nearly identical proportions, and similar measurements are all discernible in this image. The design's success as an EV is rather unexpected. The large faux grille up front clearly identifies the vehicle as an electric vehicle; the light bar that spans the vehicle effectively; and the fact that the front lamps are now thinner and integrated with the grille all contribute to the vehicle's futuristic appearance. I'm not convinced Merc should have kept the large "fog light" casings and the wide chin.

Unexpectedly, the EQB is about 40mm longer than the GLB, and that's all thanks to its long nose! Unusual for an EV. Even yet, the GLC is 28mm shorter than it. The GLS-like taillights have been replaced by a pair of connected lamps, and the Merc badge has been moved, making the EQB's rear end distinctive as well.

The EQB and GLB are extremely similar on the inside. Similar elements include the instrument panel, displays, vents, and even the chrome accents. The EQB receives a copper-tone coating to make it appear electrified. This can be seen on the key fob, the seat fabric, the vents, and a few other locations. It kind of works well and serves as a reminder that this is the electric model. Mercedes designers have added what can only be described as a cluster of LED lights on the dash above the glovebox in an effort to add some distinctiveness. Along with the ambient lights, these also illuminate and change color, giving the cabin a bit more glitter.

The degrees of regeneration can also be changed on the EQB using paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The dash, build, details, and fit and finish are otherwise extremely comparable to those on the GLB. The flat instrument panel and touchscreen are incorporated, while the interior design of the MFA2 is retained. Although the cabin is well-built and many of the parts are of excellent quality, the touchscreen feels a little small for an expensive luxury SUV and the lower-level plastics are not as well-made. On the touchscreen of the EQB, there is a distinct EQ menu where you may access a variety of operations connected to the electric system. And the navigation shows you routes while intelligently taking into account your available charge and range.

It has been sufficiently identified as an electric by Merc. An 11kW AC charger is actually all you need, and even if the battery pack takes up some space under the floor, the second-row seats are still comfy. At that point, the range is more than adequate.

Even when compared to other high-end EVs of similar size, its anticipated price of around Rs 80 lakh indicates how pricey it will be. And that'll encourage shoppers to compare. Even above the gasoline or diesel GLB, the EQB has so many advantages and is such a well-rounded product that one should expect to really desire one. Of course, I did.