Mercedes launched this car with the two perkier powertrain packages available in the EQA, both of which feature 4MATIC four-wheel-drive. The EQB 300 4MATIC uses a 219bhp dual motor set-up, while the EQB 350 4MATIC has a 288bhp version of the same drivetrain. If you need a more affordable option, you can talk to your dealer about an EQB 250 variant with front wheel drive and 188bhp. As in an EQA, all models use a 66.5kWh battery, which in the '300' and '350' variants delivers up to 257 miles from a full charge. Mercedes promises that a longer range model with around 300 miles of range will be with us shortly. Both of the 4MATIC variants offer rapid acceleration, particularly the EQB 350, which gets to 62mph in 6.0 seconds, 1.7 seconds quicker than its 4MATIC stablemate. As with most EVs, maximum speed is restricted, here to 99mph.
Setting off in this Mercedes feels all very normal. There's the same kind of starter button and column-mounted auto gear lever that you'd find in any normal combustion engine model in the Stuttgart maker's range. To maximise range, you'll need to make proactive use of the various brake regenerative energy harvesting modes on offer. The most aggressive setting is 'D - -', in which you feel sharp retardation whenever you come off the throttle. That's useful in town, meaning you hardly ever need to use the brakes, except when coming to a complete stop. The least aggressive setting is 'D+', in which the car coasts without any perceptible off-throttle braking, maintaining momentum.