Although Mercedes Benz Malaysia offers a diverse lineup of Mercedes EQ models in the country, the Mercedes Benz EQB has not garnered as much attention and impact as its counterparts. Despite being one of the most practical electric SUVs available in Malaysia, with the capability to accommodate seven passengers, the EQB has only one variant currently offered in the market. In this evaluation, we will delve into the reasons why the Mercedes EQB 350 has not been able to attract buyers as effectively as it ideally should have.
The EQB bears a striking resemblance to the GLB when viewed from the exterior, showcasing the familiar silhouette of its predecessor but with an EQ twist, similar to the EQA. Upon its launch, Mercedes Benz Malaysia presented it in a distinct Rose Gold color, which initially struck me as feminine, but over time, I grew to appreciate its uniqueness. Even the interior and car key sport this same eye-catching hue, making it a color that will likely appeal to many.
Regarding its EQ-specific features, the EQB shares similarities with the EQA, such as the recognizable plastic grille cover, light bar, and headlights. While the front bumper has received updates, it exudes a more subdued and less aggressive appearance compared to the GLB. The rear of the EQB also deviates from the GLB, adopting the sleek look reminiscent of the EQA. Here, a lightbar runs across the tailgate, accompanied by the prominent Mercedes Benz logo that serves as both a rear camera cover and a boot opener. 
The redesign of the tailgate necessitated relocating the number plate to the rear bumper, which, in turn, complements the elegance of the front bumper, lending the car an overall refined look. Additionally, the EQB boasts aerodynamically efficient rims, subtly highlighted in blue, adding to its eco-friendly appeal. These 19-inch rims are paired with 235/50 R19 tires, providing the necessary grip for a well-rounded SUV driving experience.
Inside the EQB, it retains the familiar Mercedes Benz interior found in many of their compact vehicles, drawing inspiration from the GLB model. However, the EQB sets itself apart with unique touches inside. The dashboard’s silver color accent has been replaced with a charming rose gold hue that complements the exterior color. This delightful rose gold theme extends to the seat stitching and inserts, showcasing Mercedes Benz’s meticulous attention to detail in harmonizing the interior and exterior aesthetics. 
In addition to the color scheme, the EQB boasts distinctive dashboard and door trims, enhancing its individuality. The interior graphics add flair, distinguishing it from the GLB. While the seating position remains similar to the GLB, there are slight differences in the 2nd row due to the placement of the EV battery, resulting in a slightly raised floor. Unlike my experience with the GLB, I had the opportunity to test the 3rd row seat in the EQB. However, I noticed that the AC struggles to reach the back, potentially making it feel somewhat stuffy for 3rd-row passengers. 
Powering the EQB is two electric motors, situated on the front and rear axles, distinguishing it from the EQA, which only has one motor. This configuration makes the EQB an impressive all-wheel-drive vehicle. Its power comes from a 66.5 kWh battery, granting it a theoretical range of 423 km. The EQB packs a punch with 292 hp and a peak torque of 520 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h.
Like any electric vehicle, the EQB effortlessly gains speed. Its all-wheel-drive system ensures effective power distribution, allowing you to effortlessly keep pace with traffic. Remarkably, I achieved an average energy consumption of approximately 20.4 kWh/100 km, which is quite efficient for a seven-seater SUV with all-wheel drive. Over time, I improved my efficiency in driving EVs. Charging the vehicle is reasonably fast, reaching speeds of about 100 kW on a 350 kW charger. However, it still takes nearly half an hour to charge fully.
For the suspension, the EQB boasts a notably comfortable suspension, skillfully tuned by Mercedes Benz engineers to strike a perfect balance between softness and firmness. This finely-tuned suspension excels at smoothing out road imperfections, although it falls slightly short of the plushness found in the ATTO 3’s suspension. Nonetheless, it instills confidence when maneuvering through corners. The precise steering wheel enhances the experience by offering excellent feedback from the front wheels. Despite these advantages, it’s important to acknowledge that the EQB’s taller stature leads to some body roll when navigating corners.
The EQB boasts impressive braking capabilities, with both its physical and regenerative brakes excelling in slowing down the vehicle effectively. The regenerative brakes, in particular, exhibit substantial power, showcasing remarkable retardation from the electric motors alone. To enhance its appeal, Mercedes Benz Malaysia has outfitted the EQB with an array of cutting-edge safety and driver assistance systems. These include 7 airbags, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Extended automatic Re-start in traffic jams, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Exit warning function, Active Brake Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and Tyre pressure monitoring system. This comprehensive suite of features enhances the EQB’s allure, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.
Presently, the EQB holds a unique position in the Malaysian market, being the only 7-seater full electric SUV available at a price of RM 333,888.00. If you’re looking for an electric SUV with seating for 7, the EQB stands unrivaled. However, considering the current trend, most families in Malaysia have an electric vehicle as their second car, making a 7-seater less of a necessity. While I personally admire the elegant touch of rose gold accents on the vehicle, the practicality of a 7-seater SUV isn’t a priority for me. Moreover, the ongoing development of charging facilities could pose a potential hindrance, leading me to reconsider my decision to own one at this point in time.
Check out full photo album here. 
