Mercedes-Benz is bringing a lower-priced, longer-range version of its EQB electric crossover to Canada this fall. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 gets nearly 400 km of range and will start from just shy of $60,000, with the lower price and extended range mainly resulting from a switch to a single motor setup and front-wheel drive.
The EQB 350 4Matic was the first EQB to go on sale in Canada. We drove that dual-motor 288-hp AWD model earlier this year and gave it top marks for practicality thanks to its large cargo bay and rear seats, a high score for comfort, but low scores for value and efficiency with the former related to a high starting price and the latter its short 356-km range.
Mercedes-Benz looks to remedy both issues with the EQB 250 (notice the lack of 4Matic badging).
The EQB 250 has just one electric motor, mounted in the front and making 188 hp with 284 lb-ft of torque. The 250 has the same 70.5-kWh battery pack as the 350, which should deliver an estimated 394 km of range. Like its more powerful sibling, the EQB 250 can charge up to 11 kW at home or 100 kW on a Level 3 DC fast charger. The latter should bring it from 10 to 80 per cent charge in 32 minutes.
Installing just one motor means Mercedes-Benz can lower the vehicle's price. The EQB 250 will start from $59,990 before destination, which should let it qualify for the federal iZEV and provincial EV incentives. It won't allow the EQB 350 to qualify for any extra incentives, as it still exceeds the $70,000 cap the federal government put on electric crossovers.
The price is lower, but the 2023 EQB 250 will still offer features like a 10.25-inch digital dash display and a same-sized centre infotainment screen. The EQB runs the latest version of the company's infotainment software and will have a power liftgate, eight-way adjustable front seats, adaptive braking, and other features. Seating for five is standard, with a third row with space for two more on the options list.
Mercedes-Benz will offer five packages with the EQB 250, starting with the $1,700 Exclusive Trim. This adds keyless go, satellite radio, wireless phone charging, and an advanced sound system. Next up is the $2,100 Pinnacle Trim that includes Burmester sound, parking package, and 360-degree camera, then the $2,500 Technology package with Traffic Sign Assist, augmented reality, and head-up display, and the $3,500 Intelligent Drive pack with traffic sign assist, adaptive cruise control, driver assistance pack, active lane change assist, and some other driver aids. To get the Pinnacle, you need to add Exclusive and to get the Tech or Intelligent Drive packs, you need Exclusive and Pinnacle.
The fifth pack is a $3,500 AMG Line with Night Package. The AMG trim adds dark-finish 18-inch AMG design wheels, AMG styling bits, sport seats, sport steering wheel, and black trim.
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