Mercedes-Benz Eqb250 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA35
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

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2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLA35

$38,800 - $59,888

2021 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo Es90

Volvo XC90

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqb250

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA35

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

8.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Distinctive design
Interior presentation
Gutsy EQB 350 4Matic’s athletic poise

Chunky AMG looks
Terrific interior
Great engine and chassis

Dislikes

Too expensive
250’s ordinary performance
No seven-seat availability on EQB 350 4Matic

Tyre noise
Price
Slightly grim rear seats

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqb250 Summary

Iconic/gangster G-Class Geländewagen aside, is there a cooler-looking Mercedes-Benz SUV than the GLB and so – by association – its electrically-powered EQB twin?

And while we're asking questions, does the electric connection make the EV version even more so?

Let’s take a deeper dive into the new EQB – a striking SUV that Mercedes reckons will be its bestselling EV for the foreseeable future. Because there's much more to this Benz than meets the eye.

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA35 Summary

Fast SUVs, we can't get enough of them. The fastest of the small SUV set was the previous-generation GLA 45, a high-riding version of AMG's bonkers A-Class hatchback. Tons of power, more ride height (and, by extension, a better ride) and an obnoxious soundtrack.

It had its problems - the GLA was literally just a jacked up A-Class, so it had tight rear legroom and a chintzy interior but for me it was the pick of the two cars because it didn't rearrange your spine and, perversely, was more fun to drive.

This year, we got the second generation GLA which built on the success of the first GLA. While, yes, it is a jacked-up A-Class, it is much more of an actual SUV and with it comes more space, more of its own personality and, like its hatchback sibling, there's a new high-performance version, the GLA 35 to sit under the even more bonkers GLA 45.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqb250 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA35

Verdict

The EQB is a likeable yet complicated machine.

On one hand, the high pricing is a real hurdle, even in the base 250, while the 350 4Matic costing the wrong side of $110K driveaway can’t even be had with seven seats. What is the point of it?

On the other, though, the EQB is roomier than its appearance suggests, way lovelier inside than anticipated, and – especially after allowed to really be driven hard and fast – a whole lot more Mercedes-Benz in the way the 350 4Matic moves, steers, grips, rides and stops.

As a result, we’d skip the capable but bland 250 and try to haggle hard on the price of the altogether too-expensive yet compelling 350 4Matic instead. It’s the EQB to be in.

Verdict

Fast and small SUVs from Germany have arrived thick and fast over the last couple of years and of course Mercedes has to show off by having two, the GLA 45 will be along shortly.

A new addition to the GLA range, the GLA 35 is a welcome one, a step down from the brink of madness that will undoubtedly be the GLA 45 while putting itself into combat with the X2 M35i.

It's fast, fun and for a family, it's reasonably roomy, a sensible upgrade to an A 35. It's not cheap, but that doesn't ever seem to have stopped Mercedes buyers. I'm pretty sure the GLA 35 will be no exception.

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA35 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz Eqb250 vs Mercedes-Benz GLA35
What's the difference?