At the Auto Shanghai 2021, Mercedes-EQ unveiled the all-electric EQB SUV for the first time. After the EQA and the EQS, this is Mercedes’ third all-electric vehicle. It will be designed for the UK market at the German carmaker’s Kecskemet plant in Hungary, based on the GLB. However, Beijing Benz Automotive Co. Ltd (BBAC), a joint venture between Daimler and its Chinese partner BAIC Group, will manufacture the China-specific version of the new EQB. Later this year, the seven-seater all-electric SUV will be released in China. Furthermore, the European version will be released this year, with the US version following in 2022.
The all-new EQB features a classic Mercedes-EQ black panel grille with a centre star, which projections Mercedes-radical EQ’s luxury characteristics. A continuous light strip runs front and back, highlighting the distinctive style. Full LED headlamps, LED DRLs, up to 20-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, a beautifully sculpted tailgate, roof bars, and more are all standard on the vehicle. The Mercedes EQB has a wheelbase of 2829 mm and measures 4684 mm in length, 1834 mm in width, and 1667 mm in height.
The company hasn’t released exact powertrain specifications yet, but the all-electric SUV will be available in a variety of versions with front-wheel and all-wheel drive, as well as different power ratings, some of which are rated at over 268 bhp. It will have a radius of 419 kilometres. A especially long-range variant, according to the automaker, is also in the works. The Mercedes EQB will be introduced in China as a fully loaded top-of-the-line variant with AMG Line and a maximum output of 288 bhp. In Europe, the battery’s usable power is 66.5 kWh. It can be powered at up to 11 kW using the onboard charger with an AC system.
Daimler AG Board Member for Greater China Hubertus Troska said, “China is not only our largest passenger car market, but it is also the world’s largest market for electric vehicles. We are ecstatic to see the all-electric EQB make its world debut in China. The new EQB, with its seven benches, caters to consumers who are very family-oriented. Our local manufacturing footprint, in addition to the right goods, is one of the most important reasons for long-term growth in China. That is why we are excited to begin production of the all-electric EQB in Beijing.”
Daimler Group’s Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagener, said, “We’ve built a classic electric SUV with the all-new EQB, which takes the legacy of our boxy off-road vehicles and transforms it into the future. The vehicle’s remarkable appearance is achieved by combining a substantial boxy silhouette with sleek features such as the black-panel front.”
Mercedes-Benz Cars expects the xEV share, which includes plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles, to reach about 13% by 2021. Mild hybrids with starter-alternator and 48-volt systems are also gaining popularity, especially among the group’s luxury vehicles.