The X3 could be in trouble.
“Targeted appeal” would be a good way to quickly sum up the new Mercedes-Benz EQB. Looking at it, the brand’s new car is set to check all the popular consumer car boxes. A luxury, electric, 7-seat, SUV with progressive yet largely inoffensive styling? We’ll be seeing these everywhere in about six months. That’s especially true now that potential buyers have some idea of the price.
The vehicle is set to arrive in US dealers by this summer and will start from $54,500 for the EQB 300 4MATIC model, with the 350 4MATIC model starting at $58,050. Ignoring the powertrain, that puts it in range of popular options like Merc’s own GLB, as well as the BMW X3 and X5. Each of those models will be offered in either “Exclusive” or “Pinnacle” trim levels.
We’ll try and break this down as simply as possible. First, the EQB 300 4MATIC, which will have 225 hp. The Exclusive trim level adds a little cash on top of that MSRP, bringing the total to $55,750. For now, Mercedes only offers the highlights reel of features for each trim level.
In Exclusive cars, that means keyless-go, wireless charging and NFC pairing, and an upgraded sound system. The 300 4MATIC Pinnacle will start at $58,300 and adds a Burmester surround sound system, panoramic roof, and surround-view camera to the Exclusive’s features list. The only change for the EQB 350, as far as we can tell, is power output, up from 225 to 288 hp. Pricing similarly climbs, with Exclusive and Pinnacle models priced at $59,300 and $60,350, respectively.
In addition to those features, the EQB will offer an optional third row, as well as some other standard features. That includes front and rear LEDs, the latest iteration of MBUX infotainment, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, and automatic emergency braking. Mercedes says the AEB system can also stop for stationary cars and pedestrians at “typical city speeds.”
Mercedes is also aware its buyers may have some qualms about going electric and has worked hard to assuage that. The EQB will include Mercedes’ “Electric Intelligence” nav software. It will calculate the fastest route to a destination while taking charging stops into account.
The system will also make allowance for charging based on topography and weather, both of which can affect electric range. Finally, it can also work around your driving style and time spent in traffic. We used this system on our Mercedes-Benz EQS range test and found it to work nearly flawlessly.
Charging should be similarly flawless. Mercedes me Charge will integrate numerous brands’ charging stations into one platform for ease of use, and Mercedes will include two years of that program with your purchase of the vehicle. Additionally, buyers will have access to two years of free 30-minute charging sessions via Electrify America. For now, we’ll have to wait for some seat time to see if the new EQB really does check all of those popular consumer car boxes.
