Three-row crossovers and SUVs are a hot commodity nowadays. Tesla's Model Y is so popular that it could end the year as Europe's best-selling car, overcoming legends like the VW Golf or Dacia Sandero. It even has a shot at becoming the world's best-selling vehicle. But until the official numbers are in, let's look at how Mercedes-Benz plans to steal market share from the now Texas-based EV maker.
A seven-seater zero-emission vehicle surely sounds like an enticing proposition now that gas is over $6 per gallon in some parts of the Western US. Charging at home may not happen too fast, but with overnight rates being as low as they are, it makes a whole lot of sense to leave your commuting appliance plugged in and wake up to a car that'll go at least 250 miles on a full battery.
But you have heard stories about Tesla owners dealing with fit-and-finish issues, servicing troubles, and other discouraging aspects of being a customer of the world's most valuable company. Even though people tend to use social media platforms to express their grievances more often than praising something, it can still be disheartening to see what others are dealing with.
Thus, let's presume you don't want a Model Y.
So, you decide to look at Mercedes-Benz's three-row crossover SUV – the EQB. There are three versions available for US buyers:
the front-wheel-drive EQB 250+ with 188 hp, 284 lb-ft of torque, a zero to 60 mph time of eight seconds, and an MSRP of $52,750;
the all-wheel-drive EQB 300 4Matic with 225 hp, 288 lb-ft of torque, a zero to 60 mph of seven seconds, and an MSRP of $56,900;
the all-wheel-drive EQB 350 4Matic with 288 hp, 384 lb-ft of torque, a zero to 60 mph of six seconds, and an MSRP of $60,550.
Those are the initial data points the German automaker is showing prospective customers. There's nothing said about range, battery size, or charging capabilities.
Photo: Florin Profir / autoevolution.com
More numbers
However, you should know that the crossover SUV boasts a 70.5-kWh energy storage unit that has the 420V architecture. That means it will charge well at Magic Dock-equipped Superchargers but won't be able to take full advantage of Electrify America's 350-kW stalls.
It's also worth pointing out that Mercedes-Benz is building its own charging network and is also involved in the project that aims to give Americans an Ionity-like charging experience. It could threaten Tesla's Supercharger network in a couple of years, which is great news for consumers because they will have more places to replenish their EV's energy storage units.
Per the EPA, the EQB 300 4Matic has a range of 243 miles and consumes 33 kWh per 100 miles, while the EQB 350 Matic goes 227 miles on a single charge and enjoys an efficiency of 35 kWh per 100 miles.
The Agency did not publish data about the front-wheel-drive EQB, but the WLTP testing procedure says the zero-emission crossover can do 231 miles on a full battery.
Photo: Florin Profir / autoevolution.com
In reality, the available range figure will be lower because of factors like driving behavior, weather, and payload. Moreover, reaching those numbers will only happen if you're willing to go from 100% State of Charge (SoC) to 0%. Sadly, that's not healthy for the high-voltage battery, and you shouldn't attempt to reach the buffer often.
The EQB is also not eligible for the EV tax credit and comes with the CCS Combo 1 port. There's no frunk as well.
It's not looking good
Everything points against the EQB when you compare it to Tesla's Model Y, which can be ordered in two versions: Long Range and Performance.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive Model Y has a starting price of $50,490, while the "Speedy Gonzales" version adds $4,000 to that figure. Both qualify for the EV tax credit, which means you'll end up paying $7,500 less if you qualify for the federal perk. In some states, there are other incentives available that can lower the acquisition cost even further.
Photo: Andy Slye / YouTube
The Model Y also has the NACS inlet and can use the Supercharger network.
Moreover, it has an EPA-estimated range of 330 miles in Long Range form and 303 miles when you opt for the Model Y Performance.
On top of that, the entry-level all-wheel-drive Model Y goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while its sportier sibling needs just 3.5 seconds.
Add that it comes with Autopilot included and the possibility to upgrade to Full Self-Driving Beta, and the defeat is almost imminent.
Why would anyone consider buying a Mercedes-Benz EQB? If you do, let us know why down below. We'd love to hear your take.
We can think of one reason – build quality. But is the possibility of dealing with a panel gap and a misaligned trim enough to sway one away from a much better bang for their buck?
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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