2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB: You Can Do Better Than That

Introduced two years ago, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is the most affordable way for fans of the German brand to get their hands on an electric vehicle. Considering this compact-sized SUV is also available with two or three rows of seats, similar to the gasoline-powered GLB, small families have an interesting option here—at least at first glance.

The reality is that the EQB currently lags behind many rivals in various technical aspects and requires some compromises, too. We found this out while spending an entire week behind the wheel of a 2024 model earlier this fall.

• Also: 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB Offers Cheaper AWD Variant
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Classy With a Taste of Vanilla

Compared to the GLB, Mercedes-Benz's entry-level electric SUV visually stands out with a closed grille adorned with a constellation of little three-pointed stars (black or chrome, depending on the option package) and a selection of aero-optimized wheels (unless you prefer AMG wheels, also available as an option). The design of the headlights and taillights, which accentuates the impression of width, is also different.

Overall, the EQB is classic and typically Mercedes, but a little plain compared to some of the other EVs in the segment. The rather boxy silhouette doesn't really affect its drag coefficient, which is set at 0.28, and it makes for large windows improving visibility. On the downside, the huge recess where the windshield wipers are hidden (for a clean, aerodynamic look) will accumulate a lot of snow and ice during winter if the vehicle is not parked inside.

High-Tech and Accommodating

The Mercedes-Benz EQB is very accommodating in terms of height, making it super easy to get inside. On the other hand, the seats are relatively firm and feel more like you're sitting on them than in them, if you know what we mean. They also lack a bit of lateral support for sharp cornering manoeuvres and flexibility for long trips. A nice touch: there’s a system you can activate to automatically alter the position of the seat and your posture behind the wheel at the same time, preventing muscle soreness.

The cabin is quiet and attractive, even more so at night with ambient lighting encompassing the air vents and, optionally, some of the stars on the dashboard and door panels. The steering wheel, which was redesigned for 2024, is certainly more elegant now, but features tricky touch controls that require finesse while driving. The combination of materials and textures is mostly admirable, save for the unacceptably cheap and hard plastics in some areas, such as the dashboard and centre console.

A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is now included as standard and no longer requires navigating through various sub-menus, which is a good thing. What's more, being able to rest your fingers atop the centre air vents allows more precise control while driving. The MBUX system is as comprehensive as it gets, and the presentation of the charging features has been improved. By activating online services in the Mercedes me app, the intelligent voice assistant becomes even more capable of dialogue and learning. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included, the screens are configurable, and a head-up display can be added as an option. As for HVAC controls, the only one that goes through the touchscreen is for directing the ventilation.

7 Seats? Forget It

In the second row, legroom and headroom are not really a problem. Our tester had five seats and a generous cargo area, plus an optional hands-free liftgate (operated by a sweep of the foot under the rear bumper) for added convenience.

Believe it or not, the little EQB offers a third row of seats for an extra $1,105. Don't kid yourself: even children will feel cramped back there. Speaking of space, there's no trunk under the hood for additional cargo. However, the roof rails can come in handy.

Lower-Tier Performance and Capability

Now, here’s where this EV starts to pale in comparison to rivals. To begin with, the base 2024 EQB 250+ is a FWD-only model that generates a meagre 188 horsepower. That is nowhere near competitive, even with 284 lb-ft of torque to back it up. Furthermore, maximum range is limited to 359 km.

Much to our chagrin, Mercedes-Benz Canada has decided to replace the EQB 350 4MATIC model that we used to have (288 hp, 384 lb-ft, 356 km of range) with an EQB 300 4MATIC producing 225 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. Why? To lower the price and qualify for EV incentives, that’s why. Acceleration off the line is lively, especially in Sport mode, but you’ll still need 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Faster EVs are not hard to find.

Making matters worse, the official range of 330 km is the worst among all the EQB's direct competitors, with the exception of a Lexus RZ equipped with the Luxury or Executive Package (315 km). This is clearly not enough for a family-oriented SUV, and the result of a 70.5kWh lithium-ion battery that consumes an average of 24 kWh/100 km (or as we observed, 24.5 kWh/100 km with temperatures ranging from 3-15 degrees Celsius). While a warming system helps bring the battery to its optimum performance and efficiency range, driving this electric vehicle in winter will always be a limiting experience.

Another letdown is the max DC fast charging rate of 100 kW, which has the EQB lagging behind most of its competitors once again. In other words, not only do you have to stop more often at charging stations when going on a road trip, but you also have to spend more time there (10-80 percent in 32 minutes under optimal conditions). What's more, although three levels of regenerative braking are available via the paddles on the steering wheel, the most aggressive setting doesn't quite allow for true one-pedal driving. Oh, and when it's time to use the conventional brakes, prepare yourself to depress the pedal well beyond the midpoint of its travel to achieve the desired result.

Finally, a minor irritant that cannot be ignored is the noise made by the pivoting mechanism of the rear-view camera, which is hidden behind the M-B logo on the liftgate for cosmetic reasons. There’s just no way to avoid it.

Just Shop Elsewhere

You could say the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB lives up to the German manufacturer's reputation for comfort, technology and safety, but its various shortcomings are pretty much a deal breaker in our opinion. Unless you've got the Silver Star tattooed on your heart, you'll be better served and more satisfied by an Audi Q4 e-tron, Genesis GV60/Electrified GV70 or Volvo EX40, for example, not to mention the brand-new Cadillac Optiq. Hopefully the future electric variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLC will be more convincing.

As for pricing, the base EQB 250+ carries an MSRP of $59,990, while the EQB 300 4MATIC starts at $64,990. Freight, PDI and other applicable fees amount to a whopping $4,835. Both models qualify for the federal EV subsidy of $5,000, not to mention some provincial incentives including up to $7,000 in Quebec (down to $4,000 after Dec. 31, 2024). You can lease one for up to 48 months at just 1.99 percent (same thing with a 60-month loan), and a few dealers are even offering 0 percent financing to existing customers, just so you know.