Mercedes-Benz has just rolled out a new electric vehicle (EV), which it calls the all-new EQB, in India, giving luxury car buffs yet another feature-rich choice, and that too, at a smart price point.
The EQB 300 4M fully-electric SUV is designed keeping Indian car buyers and Indian conditions in mind.
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| The Mercedes-Benz EQB SUV has a range of 423 km (262 miles) on a single charge -- Photo: Mercedes-Benz. |
It comes in a single 300 4Matic trim and is the luxury car maker’s entry-level electric SUV in India. So, the EQB EV can be termed a budget luxury car.
Some of the USPs of the Mercedes-Benz EQB luxury EV are: The EQB is offered with a seven-seater configuration and can give a seamless driving experience to its owner even if the terrain is rough.
The middle seats may be a little short on space and the occupants of the car would have to sit almost touching each other.
A positive of the EQB EV model, however, is that it comes with AC vents and a USB-C charging port even for the middle row occupants.
And, if all the seats are occupied, there could be little room for luggage, though. EQB cars come with sunroofs and the seats are foldable.
At the rear, the EQB version is different from the GLB model (internal combustion engine or ICE model) in looks — the EQB is offered with bespoke-connected LED tail lamps with the number plate placed below the bumper.
The bumper is somewhat basic and has triangular-shaped faux air dams on either side.
The Mercedes EQB comes with a closed-off grille and there is also a LED bar that connects both the headlamps.
Design-wise, the EQB can’t be billed as a large SUV as its length is just 4.6 metres.
However, it is tall enough and comes with chunky wheel arches that make it look like an impressive SUV.
The EQB model is offered with aero-specific wheel and this feature differentiates the SUV from the ICE model, the GLB.
The Merc EQB 300 4M is offered in a rose gold colour, and as usual, there is the signature black panel in the front along with a LED blend also.
Mercedes-Benz has packed some freebies with the EQB where free charging is offered to all car owners for the first year.
The pricing of the car is also judicious with the EQB coming for a starting price of Rs 75 lakh (Rs 75,00,000).
“Mercedes-Benz is on a mission to come up with ultra-fast charging infra in the country. We have already set up 30 ultra-fast chargers in the last three months and intend to add 10 more this month itself. Totally, we would be having 140 charging points in India,” said Martin Schwenk, chief executive officer (CEO) of Mercedes-Benz India.
Top features offered with the Mercedes EQB include Apple CarPlay as well as an Android system, a 10-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, powered front seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof along with connected car tech.
Passenger safety is another USP — with multiple airbags, electronic stability control and ADAS.
Propelling the Mercedes EQB are dual electric motors belting out 228PS and 390Nm. It comprises a 66.5kWh battery pack, which allows a range of 423 km or 262 miles (WLTP-claimed). The EQB usually supports fast-charging.
The Mercedes EQB electric would have to compete in India with the likes of BMW i4, Kia EV6 as well as the Volvo X40 Recharge.
The EQB actually does not have any rivals in its segment in India, and there could be a minor space issue while sitting but the really smart pricing, the litany of features as well as the Mercedes-Benz brand name could kick-start its sales in India to commendable levels.
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