An EV with a star - Mercedes EQB350 4MATIC
Despite some turbulence in the electric car market, linked to changes in subsidy policy and a rethink of climate strategy, new zero-emission vehicles keep arriving. Our test gave us a closer look at the Mercedes EQB350.
Although brands and consumers recognise that designing an electric car should start from a blank sheet, mainly because the battery needs to sit as low and as centrally as possible, we still come across vehicles based on their combustion-engined counterparts. The EQB is one such example. The car is 468.4 cm long, 183.4 cm wide and 166.7 cm tall, with a wheelbase of 282.9 cm. It combines features of the familiar GLB and EQA models. It takes its styling from the latter, which keeps its design consistent with the rest of the electric range bearing the star on the bonnet and the letter “Q”.
EQB design and interior
What stands out in the styling of the Mercedes EQB350 4MATIC is the “boxiness” of its body. This may put some people off, but to others it promises a very high degree of practicality. The latter will not be mistaken. The styling details are appealing too - at the front there is an illuminated LED strip running across the full width of the car. The test car had red paint, black exterior trim, chrome details and the AMG styling package. It has to be said that Mercedes has managed to create a good-looking vehicle.
The interior features solutions familiar from other Mercedes models, such as the gear selector stalk by the steering wheel. The colour scheme of the screens (the central one measures 12.4 inches) can be configured in many ways, as can the ambient interior lighting. The question remains whether this is really necessary, bearing in mind that the German brand has always been associated with elegance and a certain restraint in reaching for the more intense colours of the rainbow.
Seven seats, battery and range
The Mercedes EQB350 4MATIC we tested could carry up to 7 people. Of course, the last row of seats is more of an extra that will delight children, because for adults of average build a journey back there would be torture. Unless it is just a short hop - after all, the manufacturer advises that people taller than 165 cm should not sit there. The second row is also worth noting: it is mounted on longitudinal rails, so it can be locked in various positions. The boot offers 495 litres. Even though an electric motor is always very compact, there is no front boot.
The EQB 350 4Matic has a 79.8 kWh battery and a manufacturer-claimed range of 423 km. On the motorway, be prepared to stop every 200-250 km. Top speed is 160 km/h, and acceleration is worthy of an EV, at 6.2 seconds to 100 km/h. The car offers a choice of three preset driving modes - “eco”, “comfort” and “sport” - while a fourth, “individual”, lets you tailor the car to your own preferences. The Mercedes charging cable deserves a mention. There is only one, but it comes with several plug ends. It turns out that this factory component is made by “Bury”, a company from Mielec in Poland.
Test summary
The Mercedes EQB350 4MATIC is a practical electric family car. Although you will rarely take it off-road, the 4x4 drive lets you make full use of its performance and improves traction. The third row of seats is another plus. It would be good if the next generation offered a longer range, but taken as a whole the car seems a success and is well worth recommending.
