Mercedes-Benz is expanding its electric car range with another all-new electric SUV. The all-new Mercedes-Benz EQB electric SUV made its debut at the ‘Mercedes-EQ Night’ event on the eve of the first press day of Auto Shanghai 2021.
Following the EQA 250, the EQB it is the second fully electric compact car from Mercedes-EQ. The powerful and efficient electric drive, clever recuperation and predictive Navigation with Electric Intelligence are just some of the features that link it to the EQA. The market launch in China is scheduled for this year. After Europe, the international version of the EQB, produced in Kecskemét, Hungary, will be launched at the end of the year, followed by the US market launch in 2022.
The new EQB is a proper seven-seat family SUV. It offers a generous amount of space and a maximum boot capacity of 1710 litres thanks to having the long wheelbase of the GLB.
The EQB range will include several models with front-wheel and all-wheel drive, various power ratings – some of which will exceed 200 kW – plus batteries with usable capacities starting from 66.5 kWh.
In China, the new EQB is being launched as a fully equipped top-of-the-range model with AMG Line and an output of 215 kW. In Europe, right from the start customers will have the choice between several models with front-wheel and all-wheel drive and various power levels, some rated at over 200 kW. The usable capacity of the batteries in Europe is 66.5 kWh. These batteries are manufactured at the Daimler plants in Kamenz (Germany) and Jawor (Poland). A particularly long-range version is also planned.
“China is not only the most important passenger car sales region for us, it is also the world’s leading market for electric cars”, says Hubertus Troska, Daimler AG Board Member responsible for Greater China. “We are extremely delighted to world-premiere the all-electric EQB here in China. With its seven seats, the new EQB meets the needs of very family-oriented customers. In addition to the right products, our local production footprint is one of the decisive factors for sustainable growth in China. That’s why we are looking forward to produce the all-electric EQB in Beijing.”
Final performance figures are not yet confirmed, but the four-wheel EQB 350 4MATIC is expected to get range of 419 km (260 miles).
It can be charged at up to 11kW with alternating current (AC) using the onboard charge. And it is of course much faster at direct current (DC) fast-charging stations. Depending on the SoC (State of Charge) and the temperature of the high-voltage battery, the EQB charges at a corresponding charging station with a maximum power of up to 100 kW. The charging time is then just over 30 minutes from 10-80 percent.
Via Mercedes me Charge, EQB drivers will be able to use what is currently the largest charging network in the world: this currently comprises more than 500,000 AC and DC charging stations across 31 countries. Mercedes me Charge allows Mercedes-EQ customers convenient use of the charging stations of various providers, while they also benefit from an integrated payment function with simple billing processes.
“With the all new EQB we have created an iconic electric SUV that takes the heritage of our boxy off-road vehicles and transforms this into the future. We combine the significant boxy silhouette with futuristic elements such as the black-panel front to create the extraordinary look of the vehicle”, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler Group.
