The EQB is currently the most attainable all-electric vehicle with a three-pointed star emblem

This is the Mercedes-Benz EQB. While Merc may have taken its time to hop on the EV bandwagon, courtesy of their all-electric Mercedes EQ sub-brand, the folks from Stuttgart have a series of upcoming vehicles headed our way.

While models like the all-electric flagship EQS sedan arrived State-side earlier last year and set the ball rolling for the German marque's EV ambitions in America, it is cars like the more attainable GLB-based EQB that has the potential to become a true volume seller for the three-pointed star.

Mercedes is no stranger to battery-powered vehicles. As early as 2011, the German automaker showcased what it can do with the technology with cars like the SLS Electric Drive. However, the brand's hint toward a sustainable future only became apparent with the debut of its EQC concept in 2016. But things really started to gain momentum after the introduction of its dedicated EQ brand, which will specifically cater to the sale of EVs.

Mercedes designs models like the aforementioned EQS Sedan as an EV from the ground up. On the other hand, the likes of the EQB borrows a lot from its ICE counterpart. First introduced at the Shanghai Motor Show last year, the 2022 Mercedes EQB shares its underpinning with the gas-powered Mercedes GLB crossover.

The new Mercedes EQB features the EVA 1.5 electric vehicle platform and this technical architecture supports two trims:

Both models come with a dual motor setup with 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard. On the EQB300, you get a combined power output of 225 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque, while the slightly more powerful EQB 350 packs 288 horsepower and 384 pounds of torque. 0-60 takes just 7.0 seconds on the EQB 300, while you’ll get there a second quicker on the EQB 350.

With the battery pack situated low down in the chassis, the EQB has a lower center of gravity when compared to the GLB and as a result, you can expect it to handle significantly better compared to its nose-heavy gas-powered sibling. You get variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive with 4-Wheel independent suspension and torque vectoring. But this is no corner carver and the over 4,700-pound curb weight will become apparent in the bends. You can toggle between the various drive modes using the DYNAMIC SELECT.

You have multiple charging options along with Mercedes Me Charge, which makes the charging experience seamless. You get two years of 30-minute complimentary charging with your EQB at Electrify America's DCFC stations across the country. Pull up to one of those public Level 3, DC fast charging stations, and the EQB with support for up to 100 kW can gain back up to 80 percent charge in just 32 minutes. With Level 2 Charging, you can add about 30 miles of range per hour. At home, you can top up the battery pack from 10 to 100 percent on an AC charger in just under eight hours.

As for driving range, the EQB 300 has an estimated 243 miles on the EQB 300, while that number drops to 227 miles on the EQB 350. You can further maximize range through energy recuperation with one pedal driving and the regenerative braking system.

Let's talk exterior styling. Unlike the swoopy forms that we've seen on other all-electric Mercedes SUVs like the EQC, the EQS, and the EQA, the Mercedes EQB appears to be a GLB with a missing grille right? Well, the answer to that is yes and no. While the boxy shape is reminiscent of the GLB, Mercedes has slightly extended the wheelbase extended to accommodate the batteries.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB, like the other EQ models, features LED headlights surrounded by a gloss black grille with black trim and a big air intake in the front bumper. You get full-width light bars at the front and rear, which is perhaps the most distinguishing feature because aside from some more EQB badges on the vehicle, it's not easy to tell this crossover apart from its gas-powered sibling. For an extra dash of sportiness, you can opt for the AMG body kit along with 18-inch 5-Spoke wheels with black accents.

The EQB and GLB pair in fact look like a scaled-down version of the bigger GLS SUV. Now the benefit of this approach is that you get the traditional design crossover that people are already used to, making the switch to an EV a more seamless experience. You also get more space.

However, a boxy silhouette will have a direct impact on the Cd value, which is so crucial to improving the aerodynamic efficiency of any vehicle, let alone an EV. But overall, the EQB with its taller stance, short overhangs, and plastic underbody protection, certainly has the looks of an SUV and prominent roof rails accentuate its ruggedness further.

Step inside the EQB and you'll find that things are even more conventional here. The same high-quality interior carries over from the gas-powered GLB. As a result, there is no shortage of high-quality materials in this cabin, be it with the use of real metal or the turbine-style air vents on the dash, which work well with the 64-color LED ambient lighting. You can choose between natural grain Black Linden or a Walnut wood finish.

The highlight of the cabin is the twin 10-inch tablet-style screens housed within a single panel. It houses both the instrument panel and the infotainment system. However, do keep in mind that the system isn't running the latest version of MBUX found on some more recent EQ models. You get one year of Mercedes Me connected services along with over-the-air software updates.

That boxy profile and 112-inch wheelbase translate to a fairly roomy cabin. The optional panorama roof should let in even more natural light making the interior appear bigger than it is. As standard, the EQB comes with five seats, but you can also go with the optional third row with seating for seven. However, do note that the third-row leg room is pretty tight and is best suited for kids. You get powered front seats with 3-position memory and a 40/20/40-split folding second row. The second row is very versatile in that you can fold, slide and recline the seats and the cabin can fit up to four child seats.

As for the trunk, you can access the 22 cubic feet of cargo room via the powered lift gate. Mercedes have managed to package the EQB well because this is exactly the same cargo volume that you'll also find on the gas-powered GLB.

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Mercedes Benz cars are some of the safest on the road with several models earning the Top Safety Pick rating with the IIHS. The list of safety and driver assistance features on the EQB is exhaustive and you get up to 25 of them. Given that the gas-powered GLB earned five stars with the NHTSA, the all-electric EQB should carry a similar safety rating as well.

The Technology Package ($2,000) adds features like the Augmented video for the Nav, a Head-Up display, and an MBUX Interior Assistant. The Driver Assistance Package Lite ($1,300) gets you the following features

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4Matic starts at a base MSRP of $54,500 excluding handling and destination. The top-sped EQB 350 4Matic carries a $3558 premium and comes at $59,058. For the money, you do get more oomph from those electric motors, but the caveat here is that the range drops too.

As for the optional packages, you have the AMG Line w/Night Package ($3,250) which gets you the AMG body styling, Gloss Black exterior accents, Sports front seats wrapped in MB-Tex/Microfiber imitation leather upholstery brushed stainless steel pedals to name a few.

Configure your 2022 Mercedes Benz EQB here.

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When it comes to competition, the Mercedes-Benz EQB takes on the mighty Tesla Model Y, which has been the benchmark of this segment for a long time. While the Tesla should offer a superb experience when it comes to on-road performance, driving range (est 326 miles), and charging thanks to its extensive nationwide Supercharger network, it does so at a much higher price, because even the base Tesla Model Y starts just shy of $70,000.

However, with potential savings, you could end up saving close to $7,800. Tesla's full self-driving capability is a pretty price optional extra at $15,000. Where the Mercedes might have a leg up on the Tesla is with its build quality. Although that optional third row is still pretty tight, given how the boxy shape of the Merc, it'll be far more usable than the ones on the Model Y.

Aside from the Tesla, the compact luxury crossover segment has several options. For similar money, you can also look at models like the Audi Q4 e-Tron, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the Volvo C40 Recharge, the recently launched Genesis GV60, and the Jaguar I-Pace. But if it's a three-pointed star that you're after, the Mercedes EQB perfectly fist the bill as it now has curb appeal as well as the green credentials to go with it.

Khris is a classic car aficionado and adores his Jags and Alfas, although he keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid. Formula One is very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto any day.