Mercedes-Benz To Drive In Volvo XC40 Recharge Alternative This Year

Published August 25, 2022
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3 min read

That ‘rival’from the German marque is the all-electric EQB SUV

The EQB is globally available in three variants - 250, 300 and 350.
The 250 is an entry-level FWD variant with a single motor setup.
The 300 and 350 are 4MATIC versions with dual motors.
The maximum claimed WLTP range of the SUV is 416km.

We have always rooted for the Mercedes-Benz GLB, ever since it was globally released three years ago. The reason for that trickles down to the 7-seat layout – first in its class which includes the Audi Q4, BMW X2 and the Volvo XC40. The GLB also had the aura and styling of a bigger SUV which made loving it all the more easier. Sadly, Mercedes-Benz has no plans to bring it to India.

But, much to our surprise, the German marque has now announced that it will bring the GLB’s all-electric alter ego, the EQB, to India. Mercedes has revealed that it plans to have the EQB’s India debut by the end of 2022 during the launch of the Mercedes-AMG EQS.

The EQB is underpinned by the same platform as the GLB, which is based on the MFA2 (Modular Front Architecture) platform. The SUV will be the longest in the segment, as it incorporates a third row, unlike its competition.

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Overseas, the EQB is available in two main guises – EQB 300 4MATIC and EQB 350 4MATIC. The all-wheel drive 4MATIC versions come with a dual-motor setup (one for each axle). The 300 gets a 66.5kWh battery pack and the combined output from the motors are 225PS and 390Nm with a WLTP range of 395km. The range-topping 350 variant gets a 70.5kWh battery pack developing 288PS and 520Nm with a claimed WLTP range of 416km.

In some markets, the EQB is also available in an entry-level 250 variant with a 66.5kWh battery pack powering a single motor (making 188PS and 385Nm) that drives the front wheels with a WLTP range of 330km. We are not sure which variants Mercedes plans to introduce in India. The electric SUV also has fast-charging capabilities and can charge from 10-80 per cent in 32 minutes when plugged into a 200kW charger.

The EQB looks similar to the GLB except for some tell-tale EV signs such as the blanked-off grille, EV-specific alloy wheels and changes to the front, rear bumpers and lights to make it look like it belongs to the EQ familia. The story is similar on the inside as well with a similar interior design to the GLB which looks great with the general Mercedes-specific bits such as the classy round aircon vents.

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We expect the EQB to be priced around the same as its primary competitor in India, the Volvo XC40 Recharge. The Volvo is locally assembled, has a claimed range of 418 and is way more powerful than the GLB as it develops 408PS! The fact that all 150 units of XC40 Recharge got sold in 2 hours of commencement of sales also gives us an idea of how good it is.

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