The newest all-electric Mercedes model — the EQB compact crossover — arrived in the U.S. this summer.

The electric version of the GLB is similar to its internal combustion sibling and can be equipped as a three-row, seven-seater.

It is available in a pair of four-wheel-drive versions: The EQB 300 4matic, with peak output of 168 hp and 390 Newton-meters of torque; and the 350 4matic, with output of 215 hp and 520 Nm of torque (57,988 euros).

A less-expensive two-wheel-drive version is expected later.

Competitors include the Audi Q4 e-tron and e-tron Sportback; the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the coming Genesis GV60.

We’ve rounded up some early reviews from the automotive press.

“Despite running on a standard front-wheel-drive platform, this compact SUV feels like it was designed to be an EV from the get-go.

It’s largely the same as the regular GLB, with the long display housing two 12-inch screens, some visually interesting trim in front of the passenger, a suitably large cubby under the climate controls and optional seating for seven. The back row remains outside the realm of usability for large adults, and the lower half of the cabin contains some surprisingly thin plastics, but the EQB’s boxy shape lets in a lot of light and makes the cabin feel pretty darn airy.

As I slip behind the wheel of the EQB300, I’m immediately impressed with how normal it feels to drive. It doesn’t feel like all the electric bits are eating into cabin space or fudging with the driving dynamics. Its 225 hp is plenty for climbing into the hills outside of town, and those 288 lb-ft will get the EQB through traffic gaps without issue.

The additional power and torque is noticeable, but it doesn’t ramp things up so much that it feels like a secret performance car — heavens knows there’ll be an AMG variant to fill that gap. Instead, it’s just a bit perkier and should get speed demons into a little more trouble with the local constabulary. Truly, the decision will largely be up to your wallet.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB is every bit the fun little urban runabout that the gas-powered GLB-Class is. It’s shaped to prioritize interior and cargo volume in a footprint that’s easy to maneuver and park on tight streets. It has good tech and, for what it can fit under the passenger compartment, a solid amount of electric range. It’s a smooth, cute ute.”

– Andrew Krok,
CNET

“The EQB’s styling combines the boxy shape of the GLB with the smooth grille of other EQ electric models. That makes it stand out from other electric SUVs, most of which shy away from the traditional utility-vehicle look in favor of more streamlined shapes.

The interior carries over from the gasoline GLB, with the same pleasingly functional design. As in the GLB, the tall roof creates a nice airy feeling, but the seating position is a bit lower than some SUV drivers might expect. And like the GLB, interior materials are a bit plain; Mercedes doesn’t hide the fact that this is an entry-level model.

As in the GLB, we liked the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, particularly the voice recognition, which is more responsive and accurate than most competitor systems.

The EQB would probably lose to the Volvo XC40 Recharge in a drag race, thanks to the latter’s 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, but it still felt plenty quick for everyday use. While not sporty, the Mercedes had better handling balance than the Volvo, offering similar levels of comfort and refinement but also taking corners in a more dignified way.

The EQB seemed to have less body roll in corners than the XC40, making for a drama-free experience.

The EQB takes everything that was good about the Mercedes GLB-Class and adds an electric powertrain. That makes for a pretty satisfying compact SUV.”

– Stephen Edelstein,
digitaltrends

“In spite of the EV’s added weight – an inevitability given the sizable battery – the EQB 300 doesn’t suffer from any loss of real-world performance thanks to its immediate torque delivery. In fact, it feels even more spry and nimble than the GLB 250 around town.

Above 80 miles per hour, the EQB feels a bit flat-footed, and the top speed is limited to 99, so the EQB isn’t a freeway stormer like other Mercedes models.

The EQB’s center of gravity feels much lower than that of the GLB, which reduces body roll in corners and improves turn-in. The electric crossover still isn’t particularly sporting – perhaps a Mercedes-AMG EQB 45 would rectify that – but it feels safe, stable, and secure on winding roads.

The [exterior] details are less boxy than the square-jawed GLB, but the electric crossover is still appealingly chunky when viewed in profile. Those minor alterations (and my tester’s fabulous coat of Rose Gold Metallic paint) give the EQB even more personality than the mini-bulldog GLB.

The SUV boasts plenty of headroom and a good seating position front and rear, though the optional third row is best left for emergencies or sadomasochism only.

The EQB’s stylish paint and interior finishes would almost be enough to get me to pick it over a GLB, while the torquey and smooth driving experience is rose gold icing on the cake.”

– Brett T. Evans,
motor1.com

“Although the EQB’s body is identical to the GLB’s, designers shifted the front-end design in a more futuristic direction to bring the crossover in line with other members of the EQ range.

Going electric doesn’t sacrifice cabin space, which is one of the GLB’s strongest assets. The EQB can comfortably carry four adults and their gear in its five-seater configuration, even if the rear passengers are on the taller side.

My time behind the wheel of the EQB 300 was limited to the roads that zig-zag through the postcard-like German countryside. In these conditions, the EQB’s four driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Eco and Individual) perform exactly how you expect.

Stuffing the battery pack – the heaviest part of the drivetrain by a wide margin – beneath the passenger compartment lowers the center of gravity, which in turn reduces body roll, but the powertrain is front-biased and the EQB drives like it. Mercedes-Benz aimed for sure-footedness and comfort above all, which makes the EQB a laid-back car to drive.

The EQB may not be the most competitive on paper, but it still makes a very strong case for itself – it’s spacious, practical and indeed more luxurious than the Hyundais, Kias, and yes, Teslas of the world.”

– Ronan Glon,
Autoblog

“The EQB is a bit of an outlier when it comes to premium vehicles in terms of powertrain specs, and unfortunately, I don’t mean that in a good way.

For me personally, that lower range and charging speed spec makes this a less than optimal long trip vehicle. That isn’t really something that pairs well with a small SUV family car.

The EQB, while significantly peppier than its ICE counterpart, is also slow for an EV. My testing confirmed this. We rode in the faster 288 horsepower 350 version, which I still found a bit laggy when the accelerator was stomped on.

This is a $55,000 Mercedes electric seven-seater, and after the federal tax credit, it will be under $50,000. That means something has to give. Thankfully Mercedes didn’t sacrifice on its workmanship. It chose to skimp on the electric drivetrain, which, for many people, is going to be just fine.

For now, this will make an amazing family car for those without a lead foot and lots of patience on long trips.”

– Seth Weintraub,
electrek