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2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB unveiled, Australian launch due 2022

Mercedes-Benz's third EV of 2021 goes official, with 200kW all-paw power, boxy styling and seven seats.


The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB has been revealed, ahead of an Australian launch sometime in 2022.

Hot on the heels of the debut of the flagship EQS limo, the new EQB will launch as Mercedes-Benz's second electric SUV based on a combustion-powered vehicle underpinned by its compact MFA2 platform – namely the GLB seven-seat SUV – following the GLA-based EQA's unveiling in January.

European buyers will be presented an array of front- and all-wheel drive powertrain options, headlined by a flagship EQB 350 4Matic variant (pictured) developing over 200kW and featuring all-wheel drive.

It's likely the 140kW/375Nm front-mounted electric motor offered at launch in the EQA will eventually make its way to its larger sibling, badged as the EQB 250.

Above: Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic AMG Line. Below: Standard Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic.

All European-market models at launch will score a 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery shared with the EQA, enabling a 478km range on the more lenient NEDC test cycle in the 350 4Matic, or 419km on Europe's stricter WLTP standard – though the brand claims "a particularly long-range version" will arrive at a later date, with a larger battery pack.

A sole variant of the EQB will be offered at launch specific to the Chinese market, developing 215kW – though whether this will match the 200kW-plus European model's output isn't clear.

Performance figures have yet to be announced, however given the electric SUV's 0.28Cd drag coefficient and likely two-tonne-plus kerb weight, expect 200kW-plus models to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in the mid-six-second bracket.

DC fast charging at up to 100kW is available, enabling a 10 to 80 per cent charge in "just over" 30 minutes. Charging via an 11kW AC home wallbox or public destination charger is available, and while a charging time isn't claimed, the EQA's 66.5kWh pack can be recharged in 5 hours 45 minutes.

On the styling front, the EQB builds on the donor GLB's boxy bodywork with a selection of EQ-specific design changes, headlined by the addition of the electric sub-brand's trademark closed-off black front grille with conjoined LED headlights.

The daytime-running light strip running across the 'grille' is another signature EQ hallmark, while the headlights' internals feature blue accents to reinforce the EQB's eco-friendly intentions.

At the rear, the GLB's individual rectangular tail-lights have been replaced by a full-width LED tail-light bar, with the Mercedes-Benz emblem, model designation badging, and a new rear bumper incorporating the licence plate sitting below.

Alloy wheels up to 20 inches in diameter fill the arches, while EQB badging on the front quarter and studded roof rails can be seen from the side. Aerodynamic devices ahead of the wheels and a near-completely enclosed underbody aid aerodynamics.

Buyers can choose from a selection of exterior styling packages – including the sporty AMG Line pack, pictured in white – which vary the front and rear bumper designs, and can add rose gold or blue accents to the body and alloy wheels.

Inside, the EQB borrows its dual 10.25-inch screens from its petrol-powered donor, powered by Mercedes-Benz's MBUX infotainment software incorporating unique EV-specific displays, and a revised satellite navigation system with locations of charging stations and simulations of estimated remaining driving range upon reaching your destination.

Aluminium accents are standard, while buyers can select from the same array of rose gold or blue accents on the air vents, seats, key fob and digital displays.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB measures in at 4684mm long, 1834mm wide and 1667mm high, riding on a 2829mm wheelbase – 50mm longer overall and 9mm taller, thanks to the placement of the batteries beneath the vehicle, and different front and rear bumpers.

Standard in China (and likely Australia too, mirroring the standard GLB) is a third row of seats, capable of housing passengers up to 165cm tall, and featuring curtain airbags, Isofix child-seat anchor points and flat-folding functionality.

Fold said third row down and you'll be presented with 465 litres of boot space, expanding to 1620 litres with the 'middle' seats folded – though the second-row backrests are adjustable by up to 140mm, liberating an additional 190 litres as needed (though it's unclear whether the aforementioned capacities include the boot enlargement).

On the safety front, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard, with buyers able to option a Driver Assistance package including turn assist, safe exit warning, and an "emergency corridor function".

Passive safety is covered by an extruded metal frame for the lithium-ion battery, featuring cross members for strength, and a guard panel towards the front intended to prevent the pack from "being pierced by foreign objects".

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB will go on sale first in China, with production slated to occur at the brand's plant in Beijing, operated as part of the Beijing Benz Automotive Co local joint-venture.

A European launch will take place at the end of the year, with vehicles destined for the continent to be manufactured in Kecskemét, Hungary – where Australian-delivered examples will likely be built.

All European customers will have access to Mercedes-Benz's Me Charge service, offering access to over 500,000 AC and DC charging points across 31 countries in the region.

When will the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB come to Australia?

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB will go on sale locally in 2022, though more specific arrival timing has yet to be announced.

Local pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch, but given the price difference between equivalent GLA and EQA models locally, expect prices to kick off from around $90,000 to $95,000 for an EQB 350 4Matic variant.

Click any of the images in this story for the full gallery.


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Alex Misoyannis

Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.

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