The new Mercedes-Benz EQB represents an improved model with many novelties and significant updates. In its latest version, it brings a rejuvenated design and advanced technologies that push it further. It is delivered as in the previous generation in a 5- or 7-seat version. We had a 5-seater variant available. The exterior catches the eye with a new design of the front mask with a black panel and a star pattern, which visually connects the EQB with its larger model siblings. The new bumper and inner parts of the taillights give the car a wider and more robust appearance. In the interior, you will find the latest generation steering wheel with touch control panels on the double partitions and the continuation of the star motif on the door and dashboard decorations. Technological innovations include a new generation of the MBUX system, which offers improved visual capabilities and better interactive functions. Updated driving assistance systems increase driving safety and comfort. The technical improvements include the Plug & Charge function, which enables easier and more convenient charging at public charging stations, and innovative sensor systems.
Although the interior of the vehicle has not undergone any revolution, there are several modernized elements. In addition to the aforementioned new steering wheel, which may not be to everyone’s liking, there is a central 10.25″ multimedia display that is now standard on all versions. It allows users to customize the display to personal preferences with options for display styles such as discreet , sports and classic, and modes such as navigation, assistance and service. This approach to personalization expands user comfort and improves the overall experience of interacting with the vehicle. contextually displays the currently used or the most used functions. These are still on top and can be used at any time. Compared to the predecessor, you will not find any other control elements and only the driving dynamics selector, the EQB control is provided multiple sound setting options thanks to the function of sound experiences with the Burmester sound system. These sound profiles, called Silvery Waves and Gentle Flow, provide soundscapes tailored to different moods and preferences. The experience is enhanced by Dolby Atmos technology, which adds depth and space.
One of EQB’s key features is the ability to maximize range through various energy-saving settings that can be activated directly from the MBUX system’s central display. These settings include options such as ECO mode for driving programs, ECO+ air conditioning mode and recommended maximum speeds to avoid additional charging. All these options contribute to the optimization of energy use and extend the range of the vehicle without the need for frequent charging. The navigation system uses the function of electrical intelligence, so when entering a route, it can very accurately determine whether the energy in the battery will be enough for you and with what remaining capacity you will reach your destination. If that’s not enough, it will show the chargers on the route where you’ll recharge, but also how long you’ll be there and how much battery you’ll leave with. Of course, you can change the planned charger and the display will show you the situation with the range and charging after the change. Before arriving at the charger, the system automatically preheats the battery so that maximum charging power is achieved. Unfortunately, unlike some other models, there is no option to turn on the battery heating manually. That’s a bit of a shame. However, the system can estimate the target remaining capacity – even quite accurately if you use the intelligent adaptive cruise control. A number of parameters are taken into account in the calculations, including the altitude and speed profile of the route, taking into account speed limits, the current traffic situation, temperature, climate settings, driving style and much more. In addition, it uses artificial intelligence and can gradually improve its abilities. It is one of the most advanced systems on the market. The system also includes an up-to-date database of chargers. You just have to search for chargers in the vicinity, along the route or near the destination, while you can select what power they should have, and the system will list them for you. The database is constantly updated, and if you come close to a specific charger, the display will show you complete information about it. The vehicle also supports the Plug & Charge service, which enables automatic charging authorization, so just plug in the cable and the vehicle will take care of everything else. Currently, the service is activated in the IONITY network, but more will be added gradually. It goes without saying that intelligent technologies are available in the new generation of assistance driving systems, which include improved lane keeping functions and Distronic adaptive cruise control. These systems are designed to ensure a smooth and safe ride with minimized steering intervention and increased comfort for the driver. In the field of safety, EQB continues to introduce advanced technologies with new functions of driving assistants. Modernized systems, such as the active lane keeping assistant, now work more gently and efficiently, which ensures greater safety and driving comfort. The parking systems have been improved, making it easier to maneuver the vehicle in tight parking spaces with the help of a 360-degree camera and more intuitive controls built into the MBUX system.
Battery heating is started automatically based on the set route, the vehicle does not allow manual activation
The drive system works with a battery with a capacity of 66.5 kWh, which can be charged by a built-in 11 kW three-phase charger or by DC charging with a power of 100 W. The vehicle uses all-wheel drive with the 4MATIC system with a maximum system power of 215 kW and a torque of 520 Nm. An asynchronous motor is used in the front, a synchronous motor with permanent magnets in the back. Despite the seemingly low value of DC charging, the vehicle has a good charging curve that maintains high charging performance almost all the time, so the battery charges from 10 to 80% in about 28 minutes. The charging door can also be opened remotely from the cabin. The five-seater EQB 350 variant that we had for the test allows the optional installation of a towing device with the possibility of towing a trailer with a maximum weight of up to 1700 kg and is equipped with trailer stabilization via the ESP system. A vertical load of the towing device of up to 80 kg is possible, it is approved for a bicycle carrier. Its control is electric, carried out by a button in the luggage compartment.
The excellent 360° camera system is a good helper when maneuvering
Despite the SUV body and relatively large dimensions, the car is optimized for high operational efficiency. It is helped by aerodynamic improvements and special tires with low rolling resistance, which contribute to a longer range. During the test, we drove with a total average consumption of 20.5 kWh/100 km in combined operation. When driving in the districts and in the city, consumption was around 17.6 kWh/100 km, highway driving requires 25 kWh/100 km.
The car is very good for normal family use. It is pleasant to drive, the cabin is well soundproofed and the chassis provides very good driving comfort even on worse roads. The spacious cabin solution provides comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, thanks to ventilated seats in the front as well. The technological equipment with a number of advanced assistants is at a higher level compared to the previous version. There is also a high-quality 360° camera system and automatic parking.
TESTY:
- Consumption in the test (kWh/100 km) 17.6 – 20.5 – 25.5
- Test range (km) 270-395
- AC charging power on 22 kW 3f charger (kW) 11
- Max. DC charging power UFC charger 350 kW (kW) 111
- Charging time 10-80% (min) 28
Specifications:
Battery capacity 69.7 kWh (usable 66.5 kWh), 4Matic all-wheel drive, system power max. 215 kW, torque 520 Nm, charging DC 100 kW, AC 11 kW 3f, CCS socket, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h 6.2 s, max. speed 160 km/h, WLTP range 550 km
PROS, CONS:
+ Technological equipment, processing, space in the cabin and in the trunk, towing equipment, driving characteristics
– Nothing important
- Model price from (incl. VAT): EUR 54,170
- Tested vehicle (with VAT): EUR 82,434
Source: www.nextech.sk
