Mercedes EQB Prices For America Revealed
In a fairly breathless press release this week, Mercedes announced pricing for the all new EQB battery-electric SUV that will be in US showrooms this summer. The company calls it a “durable and practical SUV with powerful proportions yet compact dimensions.” The EQB 300 4MATIC will start from $54,500 and the EQB 350 4MATIC is priced from $58,050. Those prices do not include a $1,050 transportation charge.
“The all-new EQB interprets Mercedes-EQ’s Progressive Luxury in an edgy and particularly characterful way. [Charactrerful? Really?] With the optional seven seat configuration, the new EQB offers space for larger families and a wide variety of transport needs. The all electric compact SUV offerings include the EQB 300 4MATIC with 225 hp and the EQB 350 4MATIC with 288 hp. The EQB is fitted with a lithium ion battery with a high energy density. It has a maximum voltage of 420 V and, with a nominal capacity of around 190 Ah, has a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh.”
Well, if it has a 66.5 kWh battery and the aerodynamics of a barn door (Car and Driver calls it “boxy,” which is being kind. It also says the optional third row seat is not intended for actual humans), don’t expect the new Mercedes to offer much joy in the range department. The Chevy Bolt has a similar size battery, but is a smaller and lighter car. It has an EPA range of 265 miles. No EPA numbers are available for the EQB yet, but they probably won’t be anything to write home about.
No details about charging speed are offered, although customers will be entitled to 2 years of free 30-minute fast charging sessions at any Electrify America location. Owners also get access to the Mercedes me Charge system that offers a seamless plug and charge experience at other charging locations.
The EQB 300 and EQB 350 will both be offered in either Exclusive or Pinnacle trim. Pinnacle is a $2550 option on the EQB 300 and a $1,500 option on the EQB 350. Pinnacle includes a Burmester surround sound audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a surround view camera system.
Mercedes says standard equipment for the EQB includes the MBUX multimedia system with augmented reality and two 10.25″ touchscreens, one for the navigation and infotainment system and the other a digital instrument cluster. Safety features include active lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, and active brake assist with pedestrian detection.
The standard navigation with electric intelligence system calculates the fastest route to the destination, including any necessary charging stops. On the basis of continual range simulations, the system makes allowance for any necessary charging stops as well as for numerous other factors, such as the topography and the weather. It is also able to react dynamically to changes, for instance in the traffic situation or personal driving style. It can also precondition the battery for fast charging sessions.
In the press release, Mercedes mentions one other feature almost as an afterthought. It says all EQB models will be equipped for inductive wireless charging. That’s a feature we think deserves more attention than the “EQ specific design language with front and rear LED light bands that are seamlessly integrated into the black panel grill.” If you are looking for a battery-electric SUV with modest range and the Mercedes three-pointed star on the hood, the EQB could the car you have been waiting for.
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