Mercedes-Benz Is Saying “Baby Come Back” To The U.S. As It Prepares To Launch Its EQB
Barely a few months after Mercedes-Benz released its very first electric compact SUV, the EQA, the opulent German automaker is now trotting out a companion that is somewhat larger and even more capable. The EQB was revealed last Sunday (Sept, 9th) at the 2021 IAA Mobility show in Germany. The manufacturer plans on building the EQB in Hungary and China this month, and will start selling the crossover in North America in 2022.
The car company brought forth the EQB by the side of a handful of other new electric cars that it’s including in its squad. One being the EQE car, which is a more affordable version of the EQS electric flagship. The automaker also showed off EQS AMG® and Maybach variants. Additionally, there is going to be an electrified G-Wagon, however, we won’t see that truck for quite some time, since it only debuted as a concept version of the EQG.
Mercedes-Benz first gave us a glimpse of the EQG at the Auto Shanghai show in April, nevertheless, the luxury brand decided to use Sunday to open up more about the details, along with its plans for the compact model. Fundamentally, this move marks the company’s second attempt at releasing an electric SUV in the U.S., after it ceased plans to give us the EQC earlier this year.
These bold moves are similar to that of the EQB, when we heard it in April. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) EQB will accommodate 5 people, with an optional third row that can transform the car into a seven-seater. It is worth noting that those seats will be more agreeable with either children or those who are under 5 feet and 5 inches tall. It is also expected that the EQB will get close to 419 kilometers (nearly 260 miles) of range, this is according to the European WLTP standard, which means that the estimated EPA may be lower.
It’s easy to deduce that the space and range in the interior were among the rationals of Mercedes-Benz backing off from even bringing the EQS to the States. One shouldn’t fret however, because the EQB brings on a little more of both.
With its progressive features, the EQB shouldn’t have to struggle too much to stand out with its competition in the U.S., as well as other parts of the world. The manufacturer mentioned Sunday that it would also sell two versions of the SUV, one that has 225 horsepower and the other that has 288; Using the monikers EQB 300 4MATIC® and EQB 350 4MATIC®, accordingly. A front-wheel-drive (FWD) version will arrive at a later date, together with a “particularly long-range version,” said Mercedes-Benz.
If there’s anything that Tesla’s Model Y compact has shown us, it’s that electric SUVs, no matter small or midsize can receive great achievements in North America. The Model Y already exceeded its sedan equivalent, the Model 3, and Ford has also found great success with its Mustang Mach-E. Even the Chevy Bolts were faring well before the company’s huge recall. However, imports considered to be higher-end necessitate a bit more compromise regarding the range, such as with Audi’s E-Tron, which hasn’t come to an exact agreement.
Eventually, Mercedes-Benz will construct electric SUVs on the platform it made for the EQS (as it is doing for the EQE), among other EVs that are being built on platforms from scratch that won’t require as much compromise. The EQB will essentially serve as a tool to prove whether the automaker can bring some onto the market until that time, and as always, we’re hoping that we’ll finally get to see what these EQ’s are truly made of.
Mercedes-Benz of Washington
When the time finally comes to purchase the EQB or the EQ’s, be sure to do it at Mercedes-Benz of Washington. We carry a great deal of vehicles from the brand, and in a variety of different styles and prices. Those who are interested in any of our vehicles can simply view our online new car inventory and chat with a representative for further assistance.