If
you’ve lost track of the multitude of electric SUVs, don’t worry, you’re not
alone, although if you want to stay in touch with everything that Mercedes-Benz
is doing in the segment, then you have to remember six letters: EQB
and EQC.
The
latter was already unveiled and the former doesn’t seem that far away either. A
zero-emissions version of the GLB compact SUV which, in turn is a more
practical alternative to the GLA, thanks to a raised roofline, boxier styling.
The upcoming EQB is now undergoing some cold-weather testing near the Arctic
Circle in Europe.
Most
body panels will carry over from the ICE-powered versions, yet the front and
rear ends will be different to make sure
that everyone knows you’re driving an electric Mercedes. The closed-off grille,
different headlights and likely a reshaped bumper will make it more visible to
bystanders, whereas at the other end, the license plate holder has moved from
the tailgate to the bumper. Does this mean that a light strip will join the two
taillights together, like on the bigger EQC? We don’t have a definitive answer
to this question yet, so let’s move on to the next topic: power.
Three
electric motors should be on the list, and getting the entry-level will let you
enjoy 204 PS, whereas the mid-spec is thought to unleash 272
PS. The top-of-the-line model will have an AMG-rivalling 340
PS allegedly, as well as e-AWD (electric all-wheel drive), a
feature shared with the mid-range variant. Battery capacities should span
between 60 and 110 kWh, depending on trim level. Echoing
the electric motors and perhaps batteries too will be the EQA hatchback, the
zero-emission version of the just revealed GLA crossover.