By Amanda Mfuphi

We recently sampled Mercedes-Benz’s fully electric vehicle in the mid-size family SUV segment, the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic. We loved spending time with the EQB 350 and in particular loved the fact that range anxiety did not feature much during our test week given the over 400km range in the EQB.

Futuristic exterior design

The EQB is based on the GLB and adopts its box design of the GLB. We found the EQB beautiful with a commanding exterior front design. Upfront you get a large black panel grille with model specific LED daytime running lights. A continuous light strip is present at the front and rear, which gives the EQB a futuristic look. Completing the front look are chrome elements on the bumper and large black grille. The EQB comes standard with 18-inch light-alloy wheels but our test unit ran on optional 19-inch alloy wheels and panoramic sliding sunroof which introduces beautiful natural light inside the cabin. The EQB range comes with roof rails in chrome and measures 4 684 mm long, 1 834 mm wide and stands 1 667 mm tall from a size perspective.

Modern interior for seven passengers

Inside, the EQB presents a modern interior with a widescreen virtual cockpit which merges two large 10.25-inch digital display screens across the dashboard, with the one display screen displaying the odometer and the second display screen displaying infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and navigation system. The cabin also felt premium thanks to the heavy use of soft touch leather materials, the air-vents are adorned with rose gold-coloured elements which give the cabin a pop of regality and the ambient lighting fitted in the cabin.

As previously indicated, the EQB is based on the GLB and therefore it comes with seven seats as an optional extra.  Space is not issue with the cabin offering ample head room and legroom for front and rear occupants, and a very generous boot. The boot space has a load capacity of 495 litres in the 5-seater configuration while the boot space has a load capacity of 465 litres in the 7-seater configuration. Our test unit came with driver assistance systems such as blind spot assist, parking sensors and rear-view camera.

The EQB has various standard specifications such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED High-Performance headlamps with Adaptive High-beam Assist, cruise control, tailgate with electrically operated opening and closing, navigation system, comfort seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, active parking assist with sensors and a reversing camera, and windscreen wipers with rain sensors.

The EQB is powered by two motors (an asynchronous motor on the front axle and a permanent magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle) coupled with a 66.5kWh battery. This gives it a combined power output of 215kW and 520Nm. At full charge, the EQB offers a range of about 423km. However, this range immediately drops by about 12 to 15km the minute you turn on the aircon. Performance wise, the EQB is a bliss to drive and the silent motion adds to the experience of enjoying the EQB with the world outside being non-existent when you drive.

The EQB is quick off the mark and responsive on acceleration, as well as firmly planted thanks to the all-wheel drive 4Matic system. Naturally with EVs, there are range anxiety concerns – however, that was not a concern for us as we easily did a 4-day trip from Paulshof to Sandton with one bar. We also comfortably managed to do a round stint from Johannesburg to Hartbeespoort and were left with over 200km range to spare, thanks to the regenerative power of the battery. On the charging front, it took us 50 minutes to charge the EQB to 100% from about 50% battery capacity at the Virta Charging Station in Bryanston.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic is priced at R1,379,000.