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.
In the realm of family friendly mid-size SUVs, few names have the same reputation as Mitsubishi’s Outlander.
While this new one looks almost identical to the previous version, it’s hiding some serious, Australian-flavoured changes under the skin.
But in a segment now full of not only upgraded mainstream rivals, but also new cut-price alternatives from China, does such a modest upgrade to the Outlander do enough to deserve your consideration in such a crowded market?
We went to its Australian launch to find out.
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.
Just make sure you’ve considered its rivals which may potentially offer more range or features for the same money.
Mitsubishi has leaned into its strengths with this Outlander update, spending its money in subtle areas to upgrade what was already a widely appealing mid-size SUV.
The local tuning has made a notable difference to the refinement and comfort of this version, while subtle updates to the software and interior trim help to refine things even further.
If you’ve had an Outlander before, you’ll love this one, although it doesn’t help the brand to challenge new players on the value front. This leaves you with the decision of whether to pick a brand with the reputation and network of Mitsubishi, or roll the dice on a far more affordable new player.
For what it’s worth, it’s genuinely tough to pick a sweet spot here. I think the best picks are at either end of the spectrum, with the ES being outstanding value, and the Exceed being particularly plush.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.