The EQB borrows heavily from the gas-powered GLB Class, for better or worse

The electrification of Mercedes’ lineup is now well underway, and one of the German automaker’s newest entrants in the EV fight is the EQB, an all-electric cousin of the compact and gas-powered GLB Class.

The EQB makes its debut for 2022 with two powertrain variants and two trims to satisfy the needs of a consumer market increasingly making the switch to SUVs, and as of late, those that come with battery packs. With a starting price of $55,550, the EQB is a relatively affordable entry point into Mercedes’ new all-electric EQ lineup that competes directly with the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron.

Unlike its EQS sedan sibling, which is built on an all-new platform, the EQB borrows almost all of its characteristics and components from the gas-only GLB Class. While this familiarity bodes well for those simply making the switch to electric power, the new model isn’t at the cutting edge of EV tech despite wearing a three-pointed star.

The EQB is available with two powertrains, each offering dual motors and all-wheel drive. The EQB 300 delivers a total output of 168 kW, equating to 225 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque, while the more powerful EQB 350 has a 215-kW output with 288 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque on tap.

Now though I have yet to have a go with the 350 version, the 300 has adequate hustle for everyday needs. As expected in an EV, power delivery is nearly instantaneous, and plenty of torque provides rapid grunt when mashing the accelerator. Though not particularly quick overall, the 300 model scoots from a stop to 60 mph in a respectable 7.8 seconds. Upgrading to the 350 will cut that time down to about six seconds.

At no point during my week with the EQB did it feel underpowered, but it is more geared toward those making their daily commute or weekly grocery run, than those who want electrified stimulation from its battery pack.

The EQB is not powered by a series of small explosions, but from behind the wheel, it still feels like a traditional Benz offering. Steering is accurate with a generous amount of feel, the brakes are easy to modulate, and the suspension soaks up most road imperfections without transferring lumps and bumps to passengers.

Still, it isn’t the most engaging experience for enthusiasts. Adaptive dampers are available, but the standard setup is clearly tuned for comfort. As is the use of economy-focused tires, in this case, Continental ProContact rubber. Under tight cornering, the EQB exhibits some body roll, and understeer is frequent. Regenerative braking can also dampen the experience, rapidly slowing the EQB when acceleration goes from aggressive to light. Yet, these issues are only present when strongly pushing the EQB. For everyday needs, the electrified Benz is pleasant to drive, and its small footprint provides necessary parking lot agility.

The EPA has not released the range for the EQB as of this writing. Under the European WLTP testing, which is usually more generous than the EPA, the Merc was rated for a maximum of 260 miles. Specced similarly, the EQB is on par with the base, AWD Model Y (which is discontinued for 2022, only the long-range model is offered), and the electrified Audi Q4. However, the Mercedes will likely return closer to 230-240 miles of max range.

That’s no longer a strong figure as it is less than what drivers can expect from a Chevy Bolt or up to 303 miles offered by the larger, similarly powered, and less expensive Hyundai Ioniq 5. Sure, Chevy and Hyundai badges don’t hold the same weight in as the Tri-Star in the country club parking lot, but it’s worth noting. At 240V, the EQB charges from 10 to 100 percent in 11.25 hours. Standard DC fast charging will re-juice the batteries from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes, helping to somewhat mitigate the Merc’s so-so range.

Regenerative braking is effective at mitigating range loss, but drivers are limited in how they can tailor it. The 300 does not offer a way to set regenerative braking without changing the overall driving mode. For instance, maximizing regen requires Eco driving mode, which also saps the EQB’s power, eliminating the opportunity for full regen and full power simultaneously that is offered in other EVs. True one-pedal driving is not available, either. The EQB will slow rapidly in Eco mode, but drivers will still need to use the brake pedal to come to a full stop.

RELATED: 2022 MERCEDES EQS 580 TEST DRIVE: THE DEFINITION OF LUXURY, ELECTRIFIED

The EQB does not add any visual excitement to a driveway — not many compact SUVs do — but its boxy styling is presented handsomely. Consider it an average-looking guy wearing a nice suit.

Its faux front intakes give the front fascia a more traditional look, while the grille is nicely adorned with contrasting, metallic trim and a Tri-Star the size of a dinner plate. The dimpled hood rises to a raked windshield, giving the EQB’s profile something to appreciate in an otherwise dull presentation. The EQB’s drag coefficient of 0.28 isn’t exactly buttery through the air, but then again, we’ll probably have an electric “coupe-SUV” from the Tri-Star soon enough.

From the back, an LED light strip runs the length of the tailgate with square brake lights, and the rear wheel arches provide a generous swoop from the C-pillar to the lower cladding. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the 300 with the 350 models fitted with 19-inch alloys.

I do have a particular gripe with the exterior of the 300 models, which does not offer passive entry. Locking and unlocking the doors requires taking the keys out of your pocket and using the fob. A first-world problem, yes, but in a car that costs around $55,000, a feature that is included in most economy cars shouldn’t be missing.

RELATED: TOP 10 EVS WITH THE LONGEST RANGE IN 2022

The EQB’s cabin will be familiar to Mercedes fans. Unlike the EQS, Benz’s new electrified baby SUV shares its interior with the GLB Class, albeit with some minor dimension updates. Standard seating is for five passengers with the option for a third row for up to seven. My tester did not have this option, but based on the remaining space behind the second row, these seats would, at best, only be usable for small children.

The dash sports dual, 10.3-inch screens serving as a digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen. Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system is intuitive and attractive, but its keypad controller often requires drivers to momentarily take their eyes off the road. Fortunately, traditional switchgear for radio volume, climate control, driving modes, and other inputs are present on the steering wheel and center stack.

Metallic and diamond-pattern trims break up the otherwise all-black cabin, and the attractive airplane-like vents in the GLB Class carry over to the EQB as well. Soft leather wraps the seats, and keeping with Mercedes tradition, most interior materials are pleasant to touch and components feel sturdy.

Front passengers are not in need of space, two adults can sit with relative comfort in the rear with adequate legroom and generous headroom with the EQB’s tall greenhouse. On long excursions, however, rear passengers might feel a bit uncomfortable because of the near bolt-upright seatbacks in the second row.

Cargo space behind the second row fits the bill for most needs with 23.7-cubic feet of storage space, which grows to 60 cubes behind the front row. The Mercedes trails the Q4 e-tron slightly in space behind the rear row but provides nearly seven more cubic feet of storage space overall. The Model Y beats out both models by notable margins.

RELATED: Why We Love The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB

The EQB 300 starts at $56,800 for the base Exclusive trim with Pinnacle models ringing in at $59,350 with additions like a Burmester sound system, panoramic roof, and surround-view camera. The more powerful 350 starts at $60,350.

With the standard-range Model Y discontinued and prices now starting at over $67,000, the EQB is significantly less expensive but also smaller and with far less maximum range than the Tesla. The Q4 e-tron can be had for about $51,000, but fitted with similar kit, the Mercedes and Audi are closely aligned in price. Check out our in-depth Buyers Guide of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB here.

To liken the EQB to soda, consider it the zero-sugar alternative to popular brands. It has almost all the taste of the original, in this case, the GLB, without any of the calories (read: emissions) of the real sugar version.

The EQB certainly has its appeal to those who want a luxury compact SUV with the familiarity of an ICE model, but as an all-electric offering, it has several pitfalls. Its range isn’t particularly impressive, a lack of customizable regenerative braking and one-pedal driving are missteps, its charge times aren’t especially notable and there is little to separate it from the GLB.

Still, it does provide reasonable practicality, a comfortable and refined experience behind the wheel, a good helping of creature comforts, and the prestige of the Tri-Star without the downfalls of gasoline power. The EQB is a strong, small luxury SUV. But it’s not a standout small, luxury electric SUV.

Joe Parker is a nationally award-winning journalist and columnist from the Atlanta area. He has served as an automotive journalist for the past four years alongside extensive sports, business, government, and column writing. His favorite modern car feature is ventilated seats to combat the Southeast U.S. climate, and his heel-toe shifting attempts usually end in disappointment.