New Mercedes EQB Urban Edition Review: The Electric SUV That Treads a Fine Line

Overview
The new Mercedes EQB Urban Edition stands out in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly for those seeking a compact SUV that accommodates seven passengers. While it retains its charm, it's becoming apparent that the model is showing its age. Nevertheless, this Urban Edition variant presents excellent value, making it an attractive option in the increasingly competitive EV market.

Impressive Features for a Modest Price

With a price tag of £55,070, the EQB Urban Edition is just £2,260 more than the base model and considerably less than the AMG Line Premium variant. This model focuses on essential features, avoiding unnecessary luxuries while still providing a modern and stylish design.

Design First Impressions

The Urban Edition boasts the same dynamic exterior aesthetics as the AMG Line, featuring refined bumpers and an updated grille adorned with subtle three-pointed stars. Additionally, the inclusion of the 'Night Package' enhances its appeal with darker trims, tinted windows, and eye-catching 20-inch gloss-black wheels. The offered Spectral Blue metallic paint is a complimentary upgrade that enhances the overall appearance.

Interior Comfort and Convenience

Inside, the EQB Urban Edition comes equipped with sporty seats upholstered in a mix of man-made leather and microfibre cloth. Further interior luxuries include a dark headlining, 64-colour ambient lighting, and unique ‘Star Pattern’ trim, providing a refined atmosphere. However, it does lack some expected features like keyless entry and a front-facing parking camera, which could be seen as drawbacks in this segment.

Space and Practicality

The EQB's interior is designed for functionality, making it a practical choice for families. The third-row seats provide ample safety with two Isofix child-seat mounts and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, ensuring peace of mind for parents. While the middle row is adjustable to maximize either legroom or cargo space, the five-seat configuration offers a generous 675-liter load area, making it highly versatile for everyday use.

Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to driving dynamics, the EQB Urban Edition is equipped with a single electric motor generating 187 bhp. Although it's not the sportiest SUV on the market, it offers adequate performance for city driving and highway cruising. The ride quality is generally comfortable, but the larger 20-inch wheels may contribute to increased road noise and a slightly stiffer ride compared to the base model.

Driving Dynamics

The handling may feel a bit detached at times, with a lighter steering setup that lacks feedback. While the driving modes provide some customization, they don't significantly enhance the driving experience. Additionally, the regenerative braking system still shows room for improvement, with some drivers finding it inconsistent in response.

Range and Charging Capability

On the efficiency front, the EQB Urban Edition achieves about 3.6 mi/kWh, translating into a real-world range of approximately 250 miles. While this is a respectable distance, it falls short of its estimated maximum. Charging is capped at 100kW, meaning a 10-80% charge can be reached in about half an hour, which may be slower compared to some newer models on the market.

Conclusion

In summary, the Mercedes EQB Urban Edition is a compelling option for those seeking a small electric SUV with the ability to carry seven passengers. Despite its age showing in some areas, the Urban Edition model revitalizes the lineup by offering desirable features at a competitive price. For families prioritizing comfort and safety in a compact package, this electric SUV remains a worthwhile consideration.

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Specifications

• Model: Mercedes EQB 250+ Urban Edition
• Price: £55,070
• Powertrain: 70.5kWh battery, 1x e-motor
• Power/Torque: 187 bhp / 385 Nm
• Transmission: Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
• 0-62 mph: 8.9 seconds
• Top Speed: 99 mph
• Range: 299 miles
• Max Charging: 100kW (10-80% in 32 mins)
• Size (L/W/H): 4,687 / 1,834 / 1,701 mm
• On Sale: Now