2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB Auto Channel Preview
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Room for seven
As a seven-seater (optional), the new EQB offers space for large families and a wide variety of transportation needs, resulting in a unique and versatile postion for the EQB among electric cars. The two seats in the third row can be used by people up to 5.4 feet tall, and child seats can also be fitted there.
Compact on the outside, spacious on the inside
The new EQB (length/width/height: 184/721/662 inches) offers a generous amount of space and a maximum trunk capacity of 60 cu ft2 thanks the long wheelbase of the GLB (111 inches). The positioning of the backrests in the second row can be adjusted in several stages as standard, while also allowing for longitudinal adjustment of up to 5.5 inches as an option.
Third all-electric launch in 2021
While the first EQA 250 begins its rollout into European dealerships and the EQS, the purpose-designed, fully electric member of the new S-Class family, is being presented, the China-specific version of the new EQB will be making its debut in Shanghai. It will be produced in Beijing and will come to market in China later this year. The European version will also be launched in 2021, and will arrive in the U.S. market in 2022.
The compact class becomes increasingly electric
The EQB will be the first all-electric production vehicle from the Hungarian plant in Kecskemét. So far, the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake plug-in hybrid models have been produced there. The A-Class with plug-in hybrid drive will also be produced in Kecskemét in future – in addition to the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, where the EQA is built.
Customers have the choice
The EQB range will include several models with front-wheel and all-wheel drive, various power ratings – some of which will exceed 268 hp – plus batteries with usable capacities starting from 66.5 kWh. A specific long- range version is also planned.
Electro design aesthetics
The EQB interprets Mercedes-EQ's Progressive Luxury in an edgy and characterful way. It features the typical Mercedes-EQ black panel grille with central star. A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at the front and rear.
Navigation with Electric Intelligence
The standard Navigation with Electric Intelligence contributes to the effortless handling of the EQB in everyday life. It calculates the fastest route to the destination, taking into account maximum charging power and the duration of possible charging stops. In addition, the Navigation with Electric Intelligence ensures that the high-voltage battery is brought to an optimal charging temperature before a planned charging stop, as needed.
Green power as standard
By means of high-quality certificates of origin, Mercedes-Benz guarantees that energy from renewable energy sources is fed into the grid for charging current sourced via Mercedes me Charge. With Mercedes me Charge, customers can charge at over 200,000 public charging stations across Europe and also benefit from over 90% coverage of public charging points in the USA.
New EQB: electromobility in the family pack
All-electric compact SUV with up to seven seats celebrates premiere in China
Whether it's a large immediate family or a small extended family: as a seven-seater, the new EQB offers space for large family gatherings and a wide variety of transport needs. This gives it an exceptional position not only in the compact segment, but especially among electric cars. The two seats in the third row can be used by people up to 5.4 inches tall, and child seats can also be fitted there. The new EQB will make its debut at Auto Shanghai 2021 (April 21 – 28, 2021). Following the EQA 250 it is the second fully electric compact car from Mercedes-EQ. The powerful and efficient electric drive, clever recuperation and predictive Navigation with Electric Intelligence are just some of the features that link it to the EQA. The market launch in China is scheduled for this year. The international version of the EQB, produced in Kecskemét, Hungary, will be launched in Europe at the end of the year, followed by the U.S. market launch in 2022.
The electric offensive from Mercedes-Benz Cars is not only picking up speed, it is accelerating with as much kick as the Mercedes-EQ vehicles themselves: while the first EQAs roll into European dealerships and the EQS, the purpose-designed, all-electric member of the new S-Class family, is being presented, the version of the new EQB specific to China will be making its debut in Shanghai at the same time. It is also produced in China at Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd (BBAC), a joint venture between Daimler and its Chinese partner BAIC Group. The design of the new all-electric compact SUV interprets the progressive luxury of Mercedes-EQ in an edgy and characterful way.
"China is not only the most important passenger car sales region for us, it is also the world's leading market for electric cars", says Hubertus Troska, Daimler AG Board Member responsible for Greater China. "We are extremely delighted to world-premiere the all-electric EQB here in China. With its seven seats, the new EQB meets the needs of 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 looking forward to produce the all-electric EQB in Beijing."
"With the all new EQB we have created an iconic electric SUV that takes the heritage of our boxy off-road vehicles and transforms this into the future. We combine the significant boxy silhouette with futuristic elements such as the black-panel front to create the extraordinary look of the vehicle", says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler Group.
In China, the new EQB is being launched as a fully equipped top-of-the-range model with AMG Line and an output of 288 hp. In Europe, customers will have the choice between several models with front-wheel and all- wheel drive and various power levels, some rated at over 268 hp. The usable capacity of the batteries in Europe is 66.5 kWh. These batteries are manufactured at the Daimler plants in Kamenz (Germany) and Jawor (Poland). A long-range version is also planned.
This year, Mercedes-Benz Cars is pushing ahead rapidly with electrification. The EQA, EQB, electric luxury sedan EQE and the EQS, creates a total of four new models from Mercedes-EQ that will be presented. The Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid family, currently consisting of more than 20 model variants, is being renewed with electrified derivatives of the C-Class and the S-Class. For 2021, Mercedes-Benz Cars expects to increase the xEV share, i.e. of plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, to around 13 percent. In addition, mild hybrids with starter-alternator and 48-volt system are conquering the product range, especially of the group's luxury vehicles.
Generous space and variable, level trunk
The new EQB (length/width/height: 184/721/662 inches) enriches Mercedes' successful compact car family and is closely related to two models in particular: to the EQA, which shares its advanced drive technology, and to the GLB compact SUV. This is where the long wheelbase (111 inches), the spacious and variable interior and the third row of seats with two additional individual seats come from.
The amount of space is generous: the headroom in the first row of seats is 41 inches, in the second it is 39 inches for the five-seater. With 3.4 inches of room in the rear, the knee space in the rear of the five-seater reaches a comfortable level. The trunk is level and spacious: The load volume of 17 to 60 or 16 to 57 cubic feet (figures for five- and seven-seaters respectively) has the qualities of a compact wagon. The inclination of the backrests in the second row can be adjusted in several stages as standard, and as an option it features longitudinally adjustment of 5.5 inches. This enables the trunk to be enlarged by up to 6.7 cu ft and put to versatile use.
As an option (standard in China), the EQB has a third row of seats with two additional individual seats. The seats offer people up to a height of 5.4 feet a comfortable amount of space. Extensive safety features include extractable head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters on all outer seats and a side windowbag that also covers passengers in the third row. A total of up to four child seats can be fitted in rows two and three, plus one more in the front passenger seat. To increase luggage space, the third row seats can be lowered flush into the load floor.
Electro design aesthetics with corners and edges
The EQB interprets Mercedes-EQ's Progressive Luxury in an edgy and characterful way. It features the typical Mercedes-EQ black panel grille with central star. A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at the front and rear. A horizontal fiber-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring a high level of recognizability both in daylight and at night. The inside of the headlamps is finished to a high level of quality, detail and precision. Blue color highlights within the headlamp reinforce the signature Mercedes-EQ appearance.
The function-oriented greenhouse with upright windscreen allows for a comfortable interior. Circumferential and protective cladding elements structure the overall proportion. The muscular and sensuously modeled vehicle shoulder dominates the side view, which is further emphasized by the rise of the beltline. Outwardly positioned wheels give the EQB a powerful character and confident stance on the road. Exclusive to this model are light-alloy wheels in a bi- or tri-color design, up to 20 inches in size, in some cases with rose gold- colored or blue decorative trim.
The LED taillamps merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip. This underlines the horizontal sense of width of the EQB from the rear. In addition, the license plate is placed on the bumper, which allows for a beautifully sculpted tailgate. The studded roof rails underline the high utility value of the new EQB.
The large body of the dashboard has a cut-out in the driver and passenger area. The driver faces a Widescreen Cockpit, with control and the display via MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The robust character of the interior is underlined by tubular elements in an aluminum look. They sit as handles in the doors, in the center console and in the instrument panel on the passenger side.
Depending on the design and equipment line, a spectacular backlit trim piece and rose gold-colored decorative elements on the air vents, seats and vehicle key emphasize the electric character in the interior of the EQB. The instruments, with their electric car-specific displays, pick up on the same color scheme with rose gold-coloring and blue highlights.
The EQB achieves a very good drag value with a Cd value from 0.28. The frontal area A totals 2.53 m2. Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear bumpers, a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underbody, specially optimized Aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.
Efficient driving pleasure and Navigation with Electric Intelligence
ECO Assist offers a recuperation process optimized to the particular situation. It incorporates a navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the vehicle sensors into its efficiency strategy. Anticipatory driving saves power, thereby extending the range.
The standard Navigation with Electric Intelligence also contributes to the effortless handling of the EQB in everyday life. It calculates the fastest route to the destination, including any necessary charging stops. On the basis of continual range simulations, the system makes allowance for any necessary charging stops as well as for numerous other factors, such as the topography and the weather. It is also able to react dynamically to changes, for instance in the traffic situation or personal driving style. In addition, the Navigation with Electric Intelligence ensures that the high-voltage battery is brought to an optimal charging temperature before a planned charging stop, if needed.
Sophisticated charging technology, large network and green power
At home or at public charging stations, the EQB can be conveniently charged at up to 11 kW with alternating current (AC) using the onboard charger. The charging time required for a full charge depends on the available infrastructure and the country-specific vehicle equipment. Charging at a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is considerably faster than at a household socket.
And it is of course even faster at direct current (DC) fast-charging stations. Depending on the SoC (State of Charge) and the temperature of the high-voltage battery, the EQB charges at a corresponding charging station with a maximum power of up to 100 kW. The charging time is then just over 30 minutes from 10-80 percent SoC. For AC and DC charging, the EQB is equipped as standard in Europe and the USA with a CCS (Combined Charging Systems) connector in the right-hand side panel. In China, a country-specific charging solution with sockets on the right and left in the side wall is used, and charging times may also vary compared with the European version.
Via Mercedes me Charge, EQB drivers will be able to use what is currently the largest charging network in the world: this currently comprises more than 500,000 AC and DC charging stations across 31 countries.
Mercedes me Charge allows Mercedes-EQ customers convenient use of the charging stations of various providers, while they also benefit from an integrated payment function with simple billing processes.
By means of high-quality certificates of origin, Mercedes-Benz guarantees that energy from renewable energy sources is fed into the grid for charging current sourced via Mercedes me Charge. With Mercedes me Charge, customers can charge at more than 200,000 public charging stations across Europe and over 90% coverage of public charging points in the USA, where Mercedes-Benz ensures subsequent compensation through green electricity.
Cooperative support for the driver and high level of crash safety
The EQB features intelligent driving assistance systems with cooperative support for the driver. Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist are equipped as standard. In many critical situations, the latter has the ability to prevent a collision or reduce its severity with autonomous braking. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds. The enhanced functions of the Driving
Assistance Package include, for example, the turning maneuver function, the exit warning function alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles, and a warning when pedestrians are detected near pedestrian crosswalks.
The EQB is also a true Mercedes when it comes to passive safety. Building on the robust bodyshell structure of the GLB, the body of the EQB was adapted to the special requirements of an electric car. The battery sits within a frame made out of extruded sections. This takes on a structural function which until now was maintained by the cross members in the underfloor. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects.
Of course, the EQB had to pass the brand's usual extensive crash test program. Stringent requirements for the battery and all components carrying electrical current also apply.
The EQB in the global production network
Production of the EQB will commence in 2021 at two sites forming part of the production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars: 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. Preparations, including staff qualification processes and reconstruction work, have already commenced at the plants. The EQB compact SUV will be the first purely electrically powered production vehicle from Hungary and will supplement the plug-in hybrid portfolio which comprises the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake. The A-Class will also be produced with plug-in hybrid drive at Kecskemét in future as well as at the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, where the EQA is built.
Since it commenced production in 2012, the Hungarian Mercedes-Benz plant has continually increased in importance within the global production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars. In addition to digital networking, the strengths of the compact car production network include direct exchange with the lead plant for compact cars in Rastatt, Baden-Württemberg.
The battery systems for the compact Mercedes-EQ models produced in Europe are supplied by the Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz as well as by the battery factory in Jawor, Poland. Both factories were designed to operate as CO₂-neutral facilities from the outset.
- Without exterior mirrors
- Specification for five-seater