Mercedes’ lineup of electric crossovers and SUVs continues to take shape with a fresh batch of spy photos of a model that looks a lot like the Mercedes GLB-Class. Except this isn’t the GLB; this is the GLB’s all-electric alter ego, the EQ B. The spy photos were taken in Sweden where the EQ B is undergoing winter testing. Mercedes hasn’t divulged the juicy details of the EQ B, but it is believed that, among other things, it will largely take the form of the GLB, albeit with a few minor tweaks to reflect is all-electric stature. No timetable has been given on when the Mercedes EQ B will launch, but we do know that the all-electric crossover will not hit the U.S. market until 2021.
Update 2/28/2020: The Mercedes EQB has started to take on its official electrified look in our latest batch of spy shots. Is a debut imminent? Find out what we know in our special “Spy Shots” section below!
2022 Mercedes EQ B
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- Model: 2022 Mercedes EQ B
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Spy Shots
February 28,2020 – Mercedes EQB Prototype Wearing Official Body Panels
The last time that we saw the all-electric Mercedes EQB tesling in the wild, it was still sporting the same exact look as the GLB, inlcuding the front radiator grille and headlights. Well, the prototype has now advanced to the stage that it’s now wearing an official front and rear end, albeit covered in camo. Unfortunately, we can’t make out a lot of what is under that cool blue and black camo, but it’s very clear that it won’t sport the traditional Mercedes grille. The front fascia is set to be different and more aerodynamic compared to the GLB, and the headlights will be thinner – two things that should make the EQB stand out among the GLB in the lineup. Around back, there won’t be a lot of changes, but the exhaust outlets will be no more. The taillights will also be slightly different, but outside of these two things, and some unique badging, the EQB will look a lot like the GLB from the side and rear angles.
It looks like the Mercedes GLB, but it isn’t the Mercedes GLB
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This isn’t the first time that we’ve spotted the Mercedes EQ B in the wild. For starters, it looks more upright than the sleeker-looking EQ C. It’s hard to make out the shape of the test mule’s headlamps, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the EQ B adopts the same lighting signature as the EQ C to establish its identity as an all-electric model. One thing that we’re certain of is that the EQ B will have a closed radiator grille — for obvious reasons — and maybe even a modified rear diffuser sans any exhaust pipes. Notice the absence of exhaust pipes in the test mule? That’s not by accident.
The front bumper is covered in camouflage, but the proportions suggest that it could adopt a similar look to the 2020 GLB with the massive vents on opposite ends of the bumper. Those vents should be closed, too. Over in the back, the area for the number plate has been moved to the rear bumper. Now, this could mean absolutely nothing, but it could also mean something.
Another interesting detail about the EQ B prototype is the set of wheels it’s wearing. It’s the same design as the ones worn by the EQ C during its unveiling. Overall, there aren’t that many surprises with this fresh batch of spy photos. But as it is, don’t expect this test mule to carry the final design of the EQ B. Mercedes, after all, is known for making last-second design audibles if it feels like changes are warranted.
The Mercedes EQB Will Offer Decent Power and Performance
Without getting too far ahead of ourselves, there’s been a lot of chatter on what kind of electric powertrain the Mercedes EQ B will end up using. If this sounds familiar to any of you, it’s because this powertrain is the same one that we saw on the EQ A Concept when it was revealed back in 2017. At that time, Mercedes earmarked a 0-to-60-mph sprint time of around five seconds for the concept, but given the size of the EQ B relative to the EQA Concept, it’s not unreasonable to imagine the electric crossover posting a slightly slower acceleration time. Perhaps around 5.2 to 5.5 seconds?
In addition to the dual-motor setup, the Mercedes EQ B will also carry a 60-kWh battery pack, just as the EQA Concept did two years ago. That’s an important thing to remember because the EQ B is not just a one-spec electric crossover. A range-topping version will also be offered a little way down the road with a larger battery pack — cross your fingers for at least an 80-kWh battery pack or even a 100-kWh battery pack — and a higher range on a single charge.
The Mercedes EQB will be More Expensive Than the GLB but more affordable than the EQC
That’s all we know as far as a timetable for the electric crossover’s launch is concerned. It’s been said, too, that the EQ B will arrive in the U.S. market sometime in 2021. Pricing details have not been revealed for obvious reasons, but with the bigger EQ C carrying a starting price tag of $67,900, expect the EQ B to be priced lower. A more appropriate comparison could be the GLB, which starts at around $37,595. Obviously, the EQ B is going to be a bit more expensive than that so if we had to make our best guesstimate on the EQ B’s starting price, our hunch for a starting price would be somewhere in the vicinity of $45,000.
Lots of work left, but Mercedes EQB is finally taking shape
Mercedes has come a long way in such a short time with its all-electric crossovers. The EQ C served as the bellwether of Mercedes’ electric crossover/SUV offering. The EQ B, for all intents and purposes, is a promising follow-up, in part because it offers something a little different than the EQ C. Sure, both are electric crossovers at heart, but the EQ B’s more traditional crossover profile is a fresh alternative to the more posh-looking and more expensive EQ C. I can’t wait for the EQ B to arrive for this reason. Mercedes impressed us with the EQ C and what it has to offer. Now we wait to see if the EQ B can deliver the same kind of gratification. As far as first impressions go, I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t.