Mercedes-Benz’s rapid expansion of the EQ electric vehicle family continues with the unveiling of the EQB compact SUV. The model will be officially presented on April 18, at 3:30 p.m. CEST (9:30 a.m. EST), at Auto Shanghai, 2021, in China, during the brand’s ‘EQ Night’ event, alongside the EQS zero-emission flagship sedan that will celebrate its Asian premiere.
Positioned as a battery-electric
alternative to the GLB, hence the ‘B’ in its name, the EQB will have a similar
boxy exterior styling. It will feature a closed-off grille for improved
aerodynamic efficiency, exclusive LED lighting signature at both ends,
different bumpers and perhaps more exclusive wheels and paint finishes. The
latest driver assistance systems will be included, complete with
semi-autonomous driving in certain scenarios.
Built around the Modular Electric
Architecture (MEA) EVA II platform, just like its smaller sibling, the EQB will
offer room for up to seven passengers, or 1,700 liters of cargo
space with the second and third rows folded down. It will reportedly launch
with different battery capacities, ranging from 60 to 110 kW and offering at
least 400 km) on a single charge in the entry-level version, and
perhaps three powertrain options, with 201 HP, 268 HP and 335 HP respectively.
Mercedes has confirmed that the EQB will
launch in the People’s Republic shortly after the official unveiling.
Subsequently, the European version will go on sale before the end of the year,
and the U.S.-spec will make its way to our market in 2022.
