Mercedes adds fully electric EQB SUV to its range

General Guides  New Launches 

SUVs remain consistently popular with leasing customers and those from the premium German brands such as Mercedes-Benz in particular. Small wonder then that Mercedes-Benz chose Auto Shanghai to launch its latest battery electric model, the EQB seven-seat SUV - two more seats than the car's competitors in the compact SUV market.

The vehicle will be built in China for the local market and in Hungary for European customers and will be launched in Europe and China later this year, while North American customers must wait until 2022. Mercedes-Benz quotes a range of between 260 and 297 miles on a full charge for the EQB 350 4MATIC.

There is a choice of front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models with a range of power outputs, some exceeding 200kW (268hp). EQB is one of four electric Mercedes models that are being launched this year offering business users a range of fully electric vehicles to choose from.





It will be joined by EQA, which shares its drive technology, as well as EQE and EQS. EQS, from the electric S-Class range was also launched in Shanghai.

EQB shares the same 2,829mm wheelbase length as the GLB model, providing space for three rows of seats, with up to 1,710-litres of boot space in five-seat models.

Mercedes EQ models are distinguished from internal combustion engine models by their black panel grille and continuous light strips to front and rear. Standard equipment includes Navigation with Mercedes Electric Intelligence. This system will calculate the fastest route, allowing for maximum charging power and the length of the possible charging stops needed. It will also factor in the weather and terrain when calculating the route.

The system will also ensure that the battery is brought to the optimal charging temperature before a planned charging stop. Mercedes will also guarantee that energy from renewable sources is used when using Mercedes me Charge , available at over 200,000 charging stations across Europe.





EQB can be charged using AC current at up to 11kW. It can also be rapid charged using DC current at up to 100kW, which would take just over 30 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent charge. A range of intelligent driving assistance systems is available. Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist are fitted as standard.

In particular, the EQB will be of interest to family-oriented business users with an eye on reducing the impact of benefit-in-kind taxation. Like all fully electric vehicles, the EQB qualifies for just 1% company car tax this year and 2% BIK for the following three years.

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