Hot on the heels of the newly-launched Mercedes-Benz EQC, the three-pointed star has been caught testing a prototype version of the upcoming EQB in Spain. It’s the first time we’ve seen this model out in the open, and apparently it’s scheduled for launch in 2020, after the EQA‘s arrival in 2019.
Now, Mercedes-Benz has filed trademarks for the EQB 200, EQB 250, EQB 260, EQB 300, EQB 320, EQB 350 and EQB 360, but it is not known exactly what the EQB might be. However, the camouflaged body here is very reminiscent of the W247 B-Class, yet interestingly it features more prominent wheel arches and a taller ride height. The production version will certainly feature EQ-specific looks, both inside and out.
In any case, the EQB could well be an all-electric crossover, although it won’t be sharing the same Electric Vehicle Architecture I (EVA I) as the larger EQC. Instead, it will sit on the EVA II platform (together with the EQA), complete with battery packs – ranging from 60 kWh to 110 kWh – that are positioned between the axles. The electric motors, on the other hand, are expected to put out between 150 kW to 250 kW.
By contrast, the EQC’s asynchronous motors offer 300 kW (402 hp) and 765 Nm in output, enough to send the 2,425 kg SUV from zero to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Together with an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery (maximum 408 volts), the EQC boasts an operating range of 450 km, and the top speed is electronically-limited to 180 km/h. The claimed combined power consumption is 22.2 kWh/100 km (NEDC ratings).
A similar water-cooled 7.4 kW onboard charger can be expected on the EQB, making it suitable for AC and DC charging. Charging via a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is up to three times faster than through a domestic European power socket, and DC charging – accomplished via CCS (Combined Charging Systems) in Europe and the USA, CHAdeMO in Japan or GB/T in China – ramps up speed further.
The EQC can be charged at up to 110 kW at compatible charging stations, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in around 40 minutes. In Europe, the upcoming GLB will reportedly priced from 35,000 euros (RM167k), whereas the EQB is said to start from 50,000 euros (RM238k).
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Every car manufacturer is moving into electrification. Infact by 2035, Europe will be petrol free. Not long more. 17 years more only.
In Malaysia, our national car has no clue about electrification or hybrid technology which is 10 years old
Then when nobody buys their outdated products, they say rakyat not patriotic.
They are always outdated.
Looks like a B class with batteries