What's the difference?
When the GLB arrived in Australia in 2020 it did so to much fanfare as the little premium SUV which could do it all.
It had seven-seats, ideal dimensions slotting underneath the mid-size GLC, the option of all-wheel drive, and even a go-fast AMG version to boot.
Now, the clever little luxury SUV can add another headline feature - it’s gone fully electric.
The EQB, like the EQA before it, follows the formula of its donor car to a T, being familiar for an existing Mercedes buyer whilst also making the jump to a fully electric drivetrain.
For now it comes in two variants, a two-wheel drive with seven seats, and a five-seat all-wheel drive which leans more on the performance aspect of its electric drivetrain. Is the trade-off worth it?
The answer is: It depends. Read on to find out why.
Have you ever wished for an electric version of a high-riding hatchback, something like a Subaru XV, but with batteries and a bit more prestige?
Clearly, many luxury car buyers have, as the conceptually similar EQA 250 has proven since launching in Australia at the tail end of 2020. Mercedes-Benz can’t import enough of them.
Now, there’s a 350 4Matic version, with two electric motors, not one, all-wheel instead of just front-wheel drive, and appreciably stronger performance.
But in the two years since the EQA’s debut, the EV landscape has transformed, with Korea and China leading in innovation, disrupting the long-established order of things.
In other words, can the new 350 4Matic cut it? Read on.
I really liked the combustion version of this car, the GLB, for its funky style and flexibility and I was pleased to find how easily Mercedes has made the conversion to a fully-electric layout for the EQB.
Despite a tall price, the EQB 350 is a compelling option for those seeking something a bit more luxurious than the Tesla Model Y, something a bit larger than the Volvo XC40 Recharge, and something a bit smaller than the Audi e-tron or the EQC.
The main trade-off for this 350 variant is the loss of the seven-seat layout in favour of more performance. Instead it offers a huge boot, has a sufficient range for city-based buyers, and offers surprising levels of fun, too.Â
Just make sure you’ve considered its rivals which may potentially offer more range or features for the same money.
On one hand, the EQA 350 4Matic has the styling, interior presentation, forceful performance and handling prowess to make you forgive its very expensive price tag, especially when so many rival EVs are also so talented.
But there’s too much that’s ordinary about this Mercedes to justify its huge ask, including a lack of that final polish in the way it drives and rides.
Despite being a recent release, the EQA is already feeling beyond its age. For the money, the 350 4Matic feels out of its depth.