What's the difference?
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.
Australia’s mid-size (2.5-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial van market currently features nine brands competing for sales against Toyota’s staggeringly popular HiAce, which now represents almost 60 per cent of vehicles sold in this segment.
One of those competitors is the Renault Trafic which in 2026 brings a suite of technical upgrades designed to deliver enhanced economy, lower emissions, greater towing capacity and improved driver comfort and convenience.
With June approaching, traditionally the biggest month of the year for commercial vehicle sales, we recently spent a week in Renault’s latest offering to find out if it represents a compelling alternative to the HiAce for tradies and other commercial van users.
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?Â
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.
The Renault Trafic Premium LWB makes light work of heavy payloads and offers smart solutions for long internal load carrying and ‘mobile office’ requirements, combined with lengthy service intervals, good fuel economy and long driving range. It’s certainly worthy of cross-shopping with the HiAce and other rivals if you’re in the market for a refined and efficient mid-size commercial van.