Mercedes-Benz Eqb350 vs Porsche Panamera
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz Eqb350

—

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Porsche Panamera

—

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqb350

2024 Porsche Panamera

By Tom White

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Twin Turbo V6, 2.9L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

445 km

9.2L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

66.50 kWh

Seating

Likes

Clever packaging
350 is by far the best EQB to drive
Tech galore

One of the best-looking in segment
Power and performance
Robust safety features

Dislikes

Sorry kids, no third row!
Expensive (even for an electric Merc)
Styling might not be for everyone

Cabin not the most practical
Ongoing ownership costs
Pricey options

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqb350 Summary

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.

View full pricing & specs

2024 Porsche Panamera Summary

Australia hasn't had what you'd call a love affair with the Porsche Panamera. Especially compared to the on-going romance with its iconic sibling, the 911 and even its SUV stablemates.

The Panamera straddles the fence between high-performance sports car and family sedan and it's a position rivals like the BMW 740i, Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz S450 have sometimes found difficult to balance.

This new-generation 'base' Panamera model is on test to see if this sedan's 2025 redesign will launch an arrow from Cupid's bow for Australian families?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqb350 2024 Porsche Panamera

Verdict

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.

Verdict

The Panamera is the ‘have your Porsche and drive it too’ model.

It encompasses the fun of the 911 while still being a comfortable daily driver that can easily fit a family of four. The cabin is sumptuously styled and not hurting for features, either.

Could the ownership costs and storage be better? Probably, but if you’re looking at this model, those items will probably be lower priorities for you.

For my little family of three, the base model Panamera is a win.

Mercedes-Benz Eqb350 vs Porsche Panamera What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz Eqb350 vs Porsche Panamera
What's the difference?