We had reported in July that Mercedes-Benz will be launching the EQB 7-seat EV SUV in the Indian market towards the end of 2022. Now, a spy picture of the electric SUV has surfaced, hinting that it will be launched here soon. The EQB will be Mercedes’ third electric vehicle in India, after the EQC SUV and the recently launched EQS sedan. Based on the ICE-powered GLB, it will also be the first 7-seater EV in India.
Mercedes Benz EQB: exterior and interior
Since it is based on the GLB, the EQB retains the basic design of its ICE counterpart. However, there are a few elements that make it stand out. It gets EV-specific details like a blanked-off front grille, along with a different headlight design. In line with Mercedes' other EQ models, the electric SUV gets a full-width LED light bar at the front and at the rear.
On the inside too, except for a splash of gold paint on the turbine-like vents, the EQB’s interior looks identical to the GLB, which in turn looks similar to the GLA that is currently on sale here.
Mercedes Benz EQB: battery, powertrain and range
Globally, the EQB comes in two variants with different power outputs – the EQB 300 that makes 228hp and the EQB 350 that makes a healthier 292hp. Both variants use a 66.5kWh battery that offers the same claimed range of up to 419km (WLTP). Mercedes-Benz is yet to reveal which of the two variants we will get in India. To keep costs in check, Mercedes-Benz is likely to opt for the lower powered EQB 300.
We have driven the EQB and you can check our review here or watch the video.
Mercedes Benz EQB: expected launch date, price and rivals
Mercedes-Benz India is gearing up to launch the EQB by December 2022 and it will most likely come in as a full import. With an estimated price tag of Rs 80 lakh, it will be substantially cheaper than the EQC (Rs 99.5 lakh) but is quite a bit more expensive than the Volvo XC40 Recharge (Rs 55.90 lakh).
The carmaker will also bring the GLB to India in early December. As a full import, the GLB will likely be priced in the region of Rs 65 lakh-70 lakh. For more details, you can read our report here.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Also see:
Next gen Mercedes A-Class hatchback to be EV only