In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz lifted the veil on the EQB 350 4matic in Canada. The electric SUV, advertised at a starting price of $75,000, was not eligible for government rebates. More expensive than some competitors, its success has so far been mixed in the country with only 38 copies sold between October and December 2022. The company had nevertheless promised that a less expensive version would follow during the year 2023, and Mercedes-Benz is officially revealing the EQB 250. This version offers longer autonomy, as much space in the cabin, but it is not offered with all-wheel drive.
$59,990, less power and longer battery life
Offered starting at $59,990, excluding freight and delivery charges, the 2023 EQB 250 now meets the various criteria that allow it to be eligible for the full government rebates of $12,000.
The electric SUV is equipped with a high energy density lithium-ion battery. With a capacity of 70.5 kilowatt hours, this battery powers an asynchronous electric motor mounted at the front of the vehicle that develops 188 horsepower and produces 284 lb-ft of torque. According to the EPA standard, the EQB 250 is able to travel 394 kilometers on a full charge, 29 kilometers more than the EQB 350. Mercedes-Benz specifies that the battery of the EQB 250 can be recharged in a terminal to 100 kilowatts and recover from 10 to 80% of its autonomy in 32 minutes.
In contrast, the less expensive model is only offered in front-wheel drive. To obtain the integral, it is necessary to choose the EQB 350.
Up to 7 seats
The Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 will offer a sought-after feature among electric SUVs, it will be sold in a 7-seater configuration. This option will allow the vehicle to distinguish itself from certain competitors such as the Audi Q4 e-tron which does not offer the possibility of adding a 3e row of seats.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the cargo space of the EQB 250 will be generous. The trunk will be spacious with a loading volume of 495 to 1,710 liters in the 5-seater version, and from 465 to 1,620 liters in the 3-row version. Either way, the EQB 250 will be one of the roomiest electric SUVs in the class.
Mercedes-Benz confirms that the 3e series of seats will be comfortable. The manufacturer specifies that people who measure 1.65 meters should find their comfort without problem. In total, the company claims that 4 child seats can be installed in the vehicle if it is equipped with the extra row of seats. Note that it is possible to completely fold down the 3e row of seats in the floor to create a more voluminous trunk.
Equipment and a shared style
On the outside, the EQB 250 looks a lot like its more capable sibling. Lighting strips in front and behind are integrated into the vehicle to give, according to Mercedes-Benz, a distinctive style to the product. A horizontal fiber optic ribbon connects the daytime running lights to the headlights, ensuring a high level of visibility day and night. Blue tints in the optical units reinforce the characterful electric aspect of the brand’s Vé. The EQB 250 comes standard with 18-inch silver wheels. It is also possible to choose wheels of the same dimensions with 5 spokes in black in the AMG Line option package with Night Package.
Each version of the vehicle will be equipped with the 10.25-inch multimedia touch screen paired with the Mercedes-Benz user experience called MBUX. Adaptive mood lighting, a leather-covered multifunction steering wheel, power tailgate, power seats with 3 memory positions and emergency braking are among the features offered from the outset in the SUV.
Mercedes-Benz Canada says the EQB 250 will hit dealerships nationwide in the fall of 2023. The RPM team will have the opportunity to test drive the vehicle over the next few weeks.
