Auto Shanghai 2021: Mercedes-Benz presents EQB

Between A and C, Daimler left a gap in the EQ models, which is now filled by the EQB. Like the other two SUVs, it is also based on the similarly named GL combustion engine SUV, the GLB, and is optionally designed as a seven-seater. According to Daimler, the two seats in the third row can "be used by persons up to 1.65 meters tall," and child seats can also be installed there. And because China is an extremely important market for Daimler, the EQB is also produced there by Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd (BBAC), a joint venture between Daimler and its Chinese partner BAIC Group.

"China is not only the most important passenger car sales region for us, but also the world's leading market for electric cars," says Hubertus Troska, a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for all activities in China, and adds:

"We are very pleased to present the all-electric EQB here in China for the very first time. With its seven seats, the new EQB meets the needs of very family-oriented customers. In addition to the right products, our local production footprint is one of the decisive factors for sustainable growth in China. That’s why we are very much looking forward to producing the all-electric EQB in Beijing."

In China, the new EQB starts as a fully equipped top model with AMG Line and a power output of 215 kW. In Europe, customers will be able to choose right from the start from several models with front and all-wheel drive and various power levels, some with over 200 kW. The usable capacity of the batteries in Europe is 66.5 kWh, and these batteries are manufactured at Daimler's plants in Kamenz (Germany) and Jawor (Poland). A particularly long-range version is also planned. The consumption values of the EQB 350 4MATIC in Europe according to WLTP are expected to be 18.1 to 19.2 kWh/100km, which means a range of up to 419 kilometers. In reality, this will more likely be around 300 plus or minus, assuming a realistic average consumption of around 20 kWh/100 km.

The dimensions (length/width/height: 4,684/1,834/1,667 millimeters) and the relatively long wheelbase of 2829 millimeters are taken over from the GLB to the similarly constructed EQB. The loading volume is 495 to 1,710 or 465 to 1,620 liters (figures for five- or seven-seater). The seat backs in the second row are adjustable in several stages for tilt as standard, and this row can also be shifted 140 millimeters in length if desired. This allows the trunk to be increased by up to 190 liters in various steps and used in a versatile manner. If desired (standard in China), the EQB has the aforementioned third row of seats with two additional individual seats.

Aerodynamically optimized to gain range

Visually, too, the EQB makes no secret of its origins, but like the EQA and EQV, it has been "EQ-ized." The cw value starting at 0.28 is favorable for such an upright character. The most important aerodynamic measures include the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper area, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear bumpers, a very smooth, almost completely closed underbody, specially optimized aero wheels, and matching front and rear wheel spoilers.

The EQB also offers an ECO assistant, which offers situation-optimized recuperation. It incorporates navigation data, traffic sign recognition, and information from the vehicle's sensors into its efficiency strategy. Additionally, the standard navigation with Electric Intelligence calculates the fastest route to the destination, including any necessary charging stops. The system dynamically responds to changes, such as traffic situation and personal driving behavior. Furthermore, navigation with Electric Intelligence ensures that the high-voltage battery is preconditioned to an optimal temperature for charging before a planned charging stop, if necessary.

Up to 100 kW fast charging

At home or at public charging stations, the EQB can be comfortably charged with up to 11 kW of alternating current (AC) using the onboard charger, and DC charging is possible up to 100 kW. Charging time is just over 30 minutes from 10-80 percent SoC. For AC and DC charging, the EQB in Europe and the USA is equipped with a CCS combo plug on the right side wall as standard. In China, a country-specific charging solution with sockets on both the right and left side walls is used, and charging times may vary compared to the European version. EQB drivers will be able to use the currently largest charging network in the world through Mercedes me Charge, which currently has over 500,000 AC and DC charging points in 31 countries. Through Mercedes me Charge, Mercedes-EQ customers have convenient access to charging stations from various providers and benefit from an integrated payment function with simple billing.

The electricity from Mercedes me Charge comes from renewable energies – at least indirectly

Mercedes-Benz guarantees through high-quality certificates of origin that the charging amounts flowed through Mercedes me Charge are offset by electricity from renewable energies being fed into the grid. With Mercedes me Charge, customers can charge at over 200,000 public charging points across Europe, and Mercedes-Benz ensures green electricity compensation afterward.

Made in Germany is a thing of the past

Production of the EQB will start at two locations in 2021: at the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét for the global market and at the German-Chinese joint venture BBAC in Beijing for the local market. The EQB will be the first purely electric series production vehicle from Hungary and will complement the plug-in hybrid portfolio consisting of the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake. The A-Class will also be produced in Kecskemét with plug-in hybrid drive in addition to the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, where the EQA is built. As expected, this has nothing to do with electrification but rather with lower labor costs: Since production began in 2012, the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant has continuously expanded its importance within the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars. In addition to digital networking, one of the strengths of the compact car production network is the direct exchange with the lead plant for the compact cars in Rastatt, Baden-Württemberg. The battery systems for the compact Mercedes-EQ models produced in Europe are supplied by Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz and the battery factory in Jawor, Poland. Both factories were designed to be CO₂-neutral from the start.

The market launch in China is planned for this year. The international version of the EQB produced in Kecskemét, Hungary will arrive in Europe at the end of the year, with the market launch in the USA to follow in 2022.

What does that mean?

The EQB, like the GLB, is one of the most space-efficient Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and occupies a core and upper segment of the global compact SUV market. With seven seats and a lot of optional loading volume, it holds a space-efficient special position. It's a pity that its production, except for a few batteries, no longer takes place in Germany. Because Hungarian labor costs will always undercut those of Rastatt, Sindelfingen, and the like.