The upcoming Mercedes EQB is set
to become the second electric SUV from the German car maker, following the
bigger EQC. If the overall shape of the electric EQB looks familiar, it’s because
it shares the same body with the GLB SUV, which also explains why most of the
body panels are the same.
We say most but not all as the small electric SUV is
set to get its own front and rear fascias to distinguish itself from its
ICE-powered cousins.
The front end will get a set of redesigned
headlamps, a blanked off grille and a unique bumper design, while the rear will
also get new taillights that will be connected to each other via a thin LED
strip and a new bumper that will also host the number plate.
Mercedes is expected to offer the choice between
three electric motor choices, starting with the base 201 hp,
a mid-level 268 hp and a range-topping 335 hp. Base models will most likely offer front-wheel drive while the other two
variants will combine a pair of electric motors to provide all-wheel drive.
The same applies for the lithium-ion battery pack
options, which will start at 60kWh and reach all the way up to 110kWh of
capacity. The electric powetrain range will be mirrored in the also upcoming
EQA compact hatchback.
Thanks to the model’s high roofline, mounting the
batteries within the floor isn’t expected to rob much space in the cabin but we
still don’t know if Mercedes will get to retain the GLB’s seven-seat option.
The modern dashboard is also expected to remain largely unchanged, featuring
new graphics and EV-related information from its infotainment system. The new Mercedes EQB is expected
to reach the market in 2021, following the debut of the smaller EQA electric
compact.
