Check Drive: 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB300 | The Day by day Drive | Shopper Information® The Day by day Drive

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300 in Mountain Gray Metallic

Consumer Guide Test Drive

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB300 4Matic

Class: Premium Compact Crossover

Colour: Mountain Gray Metallic

Miles pushed: 141

CG Report Card
Room and Consolation B+
Energy and Efficiency B+
Match and End A-
Gasoline Economic system A
Worth B
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup.
Massive & Tall Consolation
Massive Man A
Tall Man A
Massive & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Massive” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs 225-hp
Engine Sort Electrical motor
Transmission Automated transmission
Drive Wheels AWD

Battery capability: 70.5 kWh

EPA-estimate MPGe: 104 metropolis/98 hwy/101 mixed

EPA-estimated driving vary: 243 miles

Shopper Information vary estimate (ideally suited circumstances): 243+ miles

Base value: $54,500 (not together with $1050 vacation spot cost)

Choices on check car: Particular paint ($750), charging cable ($250), AMG steering wheel ($360), Augmented Video ($350), Panorama Roof ($1500), Velocity Restrict Help ($300), heated entrance seats ($500), AMG Night time Package deal ($2890) D8A and D9C credit score for lacking normal tools* (-$800)

Worth as examined: $61,650

*Characteristic credit a operate of supply-chain limitations at time of auto meeting. D8A credit score for lacking Navigation Companies live-traffic function. Prospects lacking this function can buy it on the Mercedes me join app for $50. D9C credit score for lacking energy driver and passenger entrance seats with reminiscence.

 

Fast Hits

The good: Wonderful area utilization, refined energy supply

The great: Quiet cabin, spectacular trip high quality, elegant inside, fun-to-drive character

The not so good: May use extra vary, dear choices

 

Tom Appel:

There are 4 EV fashions within the 2023 Mercedes-Benz lineup, probably the most sensible and most compelling of which can even be probably the most reasonably priced.

The flagship EQS collection is obtainable in massive sedan and SUV variants, each of which crest the $100,000 threshold. Shopper Information not too long ago spent per week with the EQS 580 sedan, and got here away very impressed. Additionally provided for 2023 is the EQE midsize sedan, pricing for which begins just below $70,000.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

It’s price noting that every one EQS and EQE variants trip on Mercedes-Benz’s EVA devoted electric-vehicle structure, and aren’t EV variants of current gasoline-powered vehicles or crossovers.

That isn’t the case for the EQB, which is predicated on the maker’s GLB small crossover and modified to run on electrical energy. And, we must always add, turns into a vastly higher car within the course of.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

New within the U.S. for the 2022 mannequin 12 months, the EQB is obtainable in two energy ranges. The EQB 300 begins round $56,000 and is rated at 225 horsepower. Rated at 288 horsepower, the EQB 350 begins round $60,000. Every EQB comes normal with AWD.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

To complicate issues barely, each the 300 and 350 are provided in Premium, Unique, and Pinnacle trim ranges. Shopper Information not too long ago spent per week with the “base” EQB 300 Premium. Right here’s our take:

Although the least-expensive choice within the EQB lineup, we discovered our check crossover be sufficiently luxurious and well-equipped to advantage the Mercedes badge, and, actually, additionally a pleasure to drive.

This was not totally the case with the GLB250 we evaluated again in 2020, which numbered amongst its drivability flaws a recalcitrant transmission–which shifted too usually and customarily at awkward occasions–and an engine which was too coarse for a car in its value class. You’ll be able to learn that evaluation right here.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

However with its seamless and refined electrical drivetrain instead of the GLB’s uncouth 4-cylinder gasoline engine and cranky transmission, the EQB shines, and the fundamental goodness of the little crossover’s design could be totally appreciated.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

Just like the GLB, the EQB is surprisingly roomy in each the entrance and rear seating areas. The sense of openness is enhanced by the beneficiant quantity of glass throughout, which additionally enhances outward visibility. And, regardless of being among the many most-affordable automobiles within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the EQB cabin appears and feels luxurious. We had been dissatisfied by the “widespread” plastic used on the decrease door panels and across the middle console, however none of that’s seen from the driving force’s seat.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

Underway the EQB shines. Whereas 225 horsepower could sound a bit mild by modern requirements, throttle response is instant, and there’s loads of thrust for around-town site visitors jockeying, and freeway passing and merging. The cabin could be very quiet, even at freeway pace, and the EQB’s sporty suspension tuning and responsive steering assist make commuting enjoyable. Moreover, not like many electrical automobiles, the EQB delivers wonderful low-speed idle creep, a factor a lot appreciated in stop-and-go site visitors.

All EQBs are powered by a 70.5-kWh battery, good for an EPA estimated 243 miles within the 300, and 227 miles within the more-powerful 350. In frigid Chicago-winter temps, our noticed full-charge estimates ranged from 208-224 miles, consistent with the cold-weather capability decline we’ve noticed in different EVs in related circumstances. Be aware that Shopper Information’s level-2 charger is positioned exterior, lowering battery capability considerably when temperatures fall.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

Additionally of notice, the usual audio system is great, a factor of significance to this creator, as I had not too long ago acquired of variety of new jazz downloads. I used to be impressed by each the stereo—can we name them stereos anymore?—and my new Jimmy Smith albums.

There’s a little bit of unhealthy information associated to picking the electrical EQB over the gas-fueled GLB, and that’s the lack of the accessible 3rd-row seat. An $850 choice on the GLB, the threerd-row seat expands seating capability from 5 passengers to 7. Sadly, the area which may have gone to the rear-most seating row is consumed by the EQB’s battery pack.

As for the underside line, our flippantly—however sufficiently—geared up EQB 300 got here to $61,150, together with vacation spot cost. That value contains an $800 credit score for options lacking from our check car because of provide chain points. A type of objects, frustratingly, was keyless entry. Hopefully such annoyances will quickly be behind us.

At about $60,000, the EQB is priced in league will well-equipped variations of the wonderful Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and each of these automobiles serve up extra energy and vary. That mentioned, this small electrical Mercedes is refined, very area environment friendly, properly appointed, and imbued with a personality all its personal. For a small, well-healed household able to take the EV plunge, the EQB might be simply the ticket. It’s additionally a slightly sensible and reasonably priced means to purchase into the German luxurious scene.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB300

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2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB300 Gallery

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