Mercedes EQB - compact SUV for up to 7 people

Another SUV will soon be joining the Mercedes-EQ: the compact EQB with seating for up to 7 passengers. Initially, there will be two versions of powerful drives to choose from: EQB 300 4MATIC with 229 hp. and EQB 350 4MATIC with 293 hp. More options will be added to the range later, tailored to specific customer requirements, including a version with a particularly long range.

New Mercedes EQB

100% Mercedes-EQ electric cars are becoming more and more popular. From January to June 2021, customers received more than 19,000 EQA, EQC and EQV models, almost 470% more than in the corresponding period of 2020. Soon EQB will join the line of electric models of the brand. This is a unique offering in its class and the second compact SUV in the Mercedes-EQ family. Behind the characteristic exterior is a functional, spacious interior that can accommodate up to 7 people on request, as well as a roomy and practical luggage compartment.

Traditionally for Mercedes, the EQB offers a high level of safety, exemplary comfort and extensive connectivity - all with the aesthetics typical of the Mercedes-EQ model. Initially, the offer will include two powerful versions with a drive on both axles.

In both cases, the front wheels are driven by an asynchronous motor. The electrical unit, fixed ratio gearbox with differential, cooling system and power electronics form a single compact module - the so-called electric train (EATS).

The EQB 300 4MATIC and EQB 350 4MATIC versions also have an eATS module on the rear axle. It uses a newly developed permanent magnet synchronous motor. The advantages of this design are: high power density, constant power supply and high efficiency.

In the 4MATIC versions, the required tractive force between the front and rear axles is intelligently adjusted according to the situation – 100 times per second. The Mercedes-EQ drive concept aims to optimize energy consumption by using the rear electric motor as often as possible. At partial load, an asynchronous unit on the front axle ensures minimal drag losses.

Mercedes-Benz - technical data:

EKV 300 4MATIC

• Drive system - 4×4
• Electric motors: front / rear - asynchronous motor (ASM) / permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM)
• Maximum power - 168/229 kW / hp
• Torque - 390 Nm
• Acceleration 0-100 km / h - 8.0 s
• Maximum speed (electrically limited) 160 km/h
• Net Battery Capacity (NEDC) - 66.5 kWh
• Range (WLTP) - 419 km
• AC Charging Time (10-100%, 11 kW) 5:45 hrs.
• DC Charging Time (10-80%, 100 kW) 32 min.
• DC charging: WLTP range after 15 minutes of charging up to approximately 150 km

EKV 350 4MATIC

• Drive system - 4×4
• Electric motors: front / rear - asynchronous motor (ASM) / permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM)
• Maximum power - 215/293 kW / hp
• Torque - 520 Nm
• Acceleration 0-100 km / h - 6.2 s
• Maximum speed (electrically limited) 160 km/h
• Net Battery Capacity (NEDC) - 66.5 kWh
• Range (WLTP) - 419 km
• AC Charging Time (10-100%, 11 kW) 5:45 hrs.
• DC Charging Time (10-80%, 100 kW) 32 min.
• DC charging: WLTP range after 15 minutes of charging up to approximately 150 km

In coasting or braking mode, the electric motors turn into alternators: they generate electricity, which is fed into the high-voltage battery in a process known as regeneration.

Battery: part of an intelligent heat management system

The EQB is equipped with a high energy density lithium-ion battery. Its net power is 66.5 kWh. The battery consists of five modules and is located in the center of the car, under the passenger compartment. The aluminum body and body structure itself protect it from potential ground contact and possible splashes. The battery housing is part of the vehicle design and therefore an integral part of the crash protection concept.

At the same time, the battery belongs to the intelligent heat management system. To keep the temperature within the optimum range, it is cooled or heated as needed by a cooling plate underneath.

If the driver has activated smart navigation, the battery can be preheated or cooled down while driving so that it is in the ideal temperature range when it arrives at the fast charging station. On the other hand, if the battery is cold when the car pulls into a fast charging station, a significant portion of the charging power will initially be used only to heat it. This reduces the charging time.

Charging AC and DC

At home or at public charging stations, the EQB can be conveniently charged with alternating current (AC) up to 11 kW. The time required for a full charge depends on the available infrastructure. You can speed up AC charging, for example with the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home charging station.

Of course, even faster DC charging is available. Depending on the charge level and temperature of the battery, it can be charged up to 100 kW at a suitable charging station. Under optimal conditions, charging time from 10 to 80% is 32 minutes, and in just 15 minutes, you can store an additional 300 km of electricity (WLTP).

Support for efficient driving: ECO Assist and extensive recuperation

ECO Assist prompts the driver when to release the accelerator, for example when approaching a speed limit zone, and supports it with features such as sailing and dedicated recuperation control. To this end, it takes into account, in particular, navigation data, detected traffic signs and information from auxiliary systems (radar and stereo camera).

Based on the road picture, ECO Assist decides whether to drive with the least resistance or increase recuperation. Its recommendations take into account slopes and gradients, as well as speed limits, route (turns, intersections, roundabouts) and distance to vehicles ahead. It tells the driver when to release the gas pedal and at the same time indicates the reason for its message (for example, an intersection or a road slope).

In addition, the driver can manually set the recuperation function using the paddles on the steering wheel. The following stages are available: D Auto (ECO Assist recuperation optimized for the traffic situation), D+ (when cruising), D (low recuperation) and D- (medium recuperation). If D Auto is selected, this mode will be retained after the vehicle is restarted. In order to stop, the driver must apply the brake pedal regardless of the degree of recuperation selected.

Smart navigation for electric vehicles

Intelligent navigation in the new EQB calculates the fastest route, taking into account various factors, and automatically calculates stops for recharging. It can even respond dynamically to changing conditions such as traffic jams. While a conventional range calculator relies on past data, EQB's smart navigation looks to the future.

The route calculation takes into account, among other things, the range of the vehicle, the current energy consumption, the topography of the intended route (due to the need for electricity), the temperature on the way (due to the charging time), as well as the traffic and available charging stations (and even their congestion). ).

Charging does not always have to be "full" - stops at stations will be planned in the most favorable way for the total travel time: under certain circumstances, it may happen that two short recharges with more power will be faster than one longer one.

If the range becomes critical, the active range control system will advise you, for example, "switch off the air conditioner" or "select ECO mode". In addition, in ECO mode, the system will calculate the most efficient speed at which to reach the next charging station or destination and display it on the speedometer. If the DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control is activated, this speed will be set automatically. In this mode, the vehicle also switches to an intelligent strategy for the auxiliary receivers to reduce their power consumption.

The route can be planned in advance in the Mercedes me app. If the driver later accepts this plan in the car's navigation system, the route will be loaded with the latest information. This data is updated before the start of each trip and every 2 minutes thereafter.

In addition, the user has the possibility to individually adapt the smart navigation to their preferences – they can set it so that, for example, after arriving at their destination, the EQB battery state of charge is at least 50%.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz