~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

As a new entry-level electric crossover sport utility vehicle, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ can actually compete in the marketplace on price—almost.

With a bottom-line sticker price of $60,410, including $6,510 worth of options, it’s as pricey as any customer might expect from the German luxury brand. But its base price of $53,900 creeps closer to the $48,000-plus average price of a new automobile in the United States.

Though there are some low-priced electrics like the Chevrolet Bolt, the juiced vehicles are generally more expensive across the board. That will change as they become more popular and prices come down as the nation builds a widespread infrastructure of charging stations.

The situation is analogous to gasoline-fueled vehicles replacing horses and buggies in the early 20th century. In those days, eager adopters of the gassers had to buy gasoline from drug stores because of a shortage of filling stations.

Though the EQB 250+ stretches 15 feet 4 inches from bumper to bumper, with 124 cubic feet of interior room, it is generally described as a compact crossover sport utility vehicle. The Environmental Protection Agency, which certifies fuel economy numbers, says it is “small,” despite the fact that if it were a conventional sedan it would be classified as a large car.

Passenger space totals 102 cubic feet for five occupants, about what you’d find in a midsize car. A cramped third row is optional, though the test car did not have one, opening up 22 cubic feet for cargo.

The EQB+ comes with front-wheel drive and is powered by an electric motor that makes 188 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque, enough to send it from a stop to 60 miles an hour in about seven seconds.

That’s not as fast as some other electric SUVs and sedans. But the EQB+ is likable for its maneuverability in traffic and straight-line stability on the Interstates with Mercedes-Benz’s Distronic adaptive cruise control functioning. There are four selectable drive modes: Eco, Sport, Comfort and Individual. The last can be adjusted to suit the driver.

Range is listed by Mercedes-Benz at 250 miles on a full charge but the tested 250+ did better on a standard level-two home charger, usually about 255 miles as shown on the instruments. Mercedes says the SUV will charge from 10% to 80% in half an hour on a commercial DC fast charger.

As with most pure electrics, this Mercedes-Benz is a silent runner in most environments from urban areas to Interstate freeways. It also has the competent handling that savvy motorists have come to expect from small, well-engineered crossover SUVs. The steering is responsive and quick on curving, hilly roads, and the ride is pleasant on all but pockmarked pavements.

The tester was painted a bright “Polar White” with a black interior that included seats upholstered in MB-Tex, the Mercedes name for faux leather, as well as a dash decorated with natural grain black Linden wood trim.

Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple Car Play or Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power tailgate, SXM satellite radio, and power front seats with memory and lumbar support.

The $6,510 options list includes a driver’s assistance package with the adaptive cruise control and a whole clutch of safety features described as “active”: automatic emergency braking; brake assist with cross-traffic function; steering, lane keeping and lane change assist; blind spot monitor; speed limit assist, and evasive steering assist.

Other separate options included 18-inch alloy wheels; panorama glass sunroof; heated windshield washers, front seats and steering wheel; premium audio system, and wireless device charging.

The Mercedes designers dropped the ball with the sun visors. They do not slide on their support rods, which means they cannot fully block bright sunshine from the sides. Seat adjustments, as usual on Benzes, are mounted awkwardly on the doors instead of on the more intuitive sides of the seats.

One of the coolest features of this likable small SUVs is its familiarity. Controls are mostly where most drivers would expect to find them, and the EQB 250+ doesn’t have any electric-only quirks that would be daunting to a driver used to motoring in a standard ICE vehicle—one with an internal combustion engine (ICE) like the EQB’s sibling, the GLB, which is powered by a turbocharged ICE.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ four-door crossover sport utility vehicle.
  • Motor: Electric, 188 hp; 284 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: single-speed direct-drive with front-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 15 feet 4 inches.
  • Height: 5  feet 6 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 102/22 cubic feet. (cargo 62 with second row folded).
  • Weight: 4,497 pounds.
  • Range: 250 miles.
  • Charging times: Overnight on level-two home charger; from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes on a commercial DC fast charger.
  • EPA city/highway/combined miles per gallon equivalent: 113/97/105 MPGe.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $53,900.      
  • Price as tested: $60,410.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Mercedes-Benz