MERCEDES-BENZ EQB250 SUV

MERCEDES-BENZ EQB250 SUV

Serving up an electrified lifestyle

By Arv Voss

OVERVIEW:

The Mercedes-Benz EQB250 is a small SUV that’s based on the MBZ GLB class SUV substituting an electrified powertrain in place of a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol fueled engine. A black polymer panel appears in place of a traditional grille and there are blue accents on the wheels that also give away the EV status.

The cabin yields almost the same spaciousness and practicality as the GLB-Class except for the cargo space where the battery pack consumes more space. The infotainment system and controls are also shared with the GLB.

MOTIVE FORCE:

There is no fuel system as the EQB250’s power comes exclusively from an electric motor driving the two front wheels that delivers 188 maximum horsepower along with a maximum torque rating of 284. The battery is a 66.5-kWh Lithium Ion pack mounted beneath the floor. The automatic transmission has only one speed and is essentially direct drive. The range is not stellar providing an estimated average of 250 miles per charge, so there will be more stops on a long trip than is required by the gas fueled GLB. There is however a 9.6kW AC charging system and a 100kW Fast Charging System and an adjustable Regenerative Braking System with a Dynamic Select feature.

EXTERIOR DESIGN:

The exterior design of the Mercedes EQB250, closely resembles the MBZ GLB-Class lineup with the exceptions already noted. It has short front and rear overhangs, a gently raked windscreen and reverse angle rear window. The wheel well arches wear protective cladding that virtually wraps around the entire body including the rocker panels, through the nose lip spoiler and tail.

Out back, the flush glass gives the impression of a floating roof and the tail lamps feature a connecting bar extension.

CABIN AMBIENCE:

The interior, though somewhat compact, is quite comfortable with 8-way front bucket comfort seats that include 3-position memory and 4-way power lumbar support. The manual steering column tilts and is also telescopic. The rear seat is a 40-20-40 bench front facing, with a manual fore/aft adjustment and a manual reclining fold forward seatback

INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY:

The dash display covers two-thirds of the dashboard with the display serving as both a digital gauge cluster and an on-board infotainment center. Switchgear is logically placed and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard fare, additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system. Voice control (Hey Mercedes) is also included.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY FEATURES:

The EQB250 comes with an impressive complement of driver assistance and safety features including ESP with Crosswind Assist, ABS and Driveline Traction Control, Park assist front and rear sensors, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Front Collision Mitigation, Driver Alert Monitoring, tire specific tire pressure monitoring, dual stage Driver and Passenger front and seat mounted side airbags, backup camera, Lane Departuure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist and more.

AS TESTED:

My 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB250 SUV wore and exterior finish of Iridium Silver Metallic complemented by a Black MB-Tex interior and Natural grain Black Linden wood trim accents. The base price was set at $52,750. while optional equipment and value added packages along with the destination and delivery fees elevated the final sticker price to $61,160.

WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE COVERAGE:

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles and the [powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles. Unfortunately there is no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

PERFORMANCE:

The EQB250 is a pleasant performer on virtually all levels. It does what it is supposed to do and is comfortable in the process. The handling characteristics are on the sporty side as is the ride quality. The switchgear is not exactly intuitive at first, but it can be mastered with time spent and familiarity.

OUR FINAL TAKE:

The Mercedes-Benz EQB250 is an ideal choice if you are looking for a small electric SUV that delivers a host of amenities and features that’s enjoyable to drive with a reasonable range at a fair price considering the price point of some competitors.

SPECIFICATIONS: Mercedes-Benz EQB250 SUV

Base Price: $52,750.

Price as Tested: $61,160.

Engine Type and Size: Front electric motor with Lithium Ion Traction Battery, 9.6 kW onboard charger. 7.75 hour charging tome @220/240V and 70.5 kWh capacity

Horsepower (bhp): 188

Torque (ft./ lbs.) 284

Combined Output: Horsepower 664 @ 5400 rpm

Torque 590 @ 1600 rpm

Transmission: 1-Speed automatic with Dynamic Select shift paddles.

Drive Train: Front Motor 2WD

Suspension: Front – Strut with Coil Springs, gas pressurized shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.

Rear – Multi-link with Coil Springs, gas pressurized shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.

Brakes: Regenerative four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS, Brake Assist, Hill Descent Control, Hill Hold Control and electric parking brake.

Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero 235/55 R18 mounted on 5 machine-face Geo-spoke alloy wheels with black painted inserts.

Wheelbase: 111.3 inches

Length Overall: 184.4 inches