Mercedes-Benz EQA- and EQB-Class updated

BY PETER BARNWELL | 19th Apr 2024

MERCEDES-BENZ has revised, renamed, and repriced its popular all-electric EQA and EQB small SUVs that arrive soon amped up with an extended driving range, more kit, and sharper looks.

Now called EQA 250+, EQB250+ and EQA350 4Matic, the new models sell from $84,900 and $89,100 plus on-road costs respectively for the first two (that fall below the Luxury Car Tax threshold) with the more powerful EQA350 4Matic model pitched from $102,900 excluding on-road costs.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says the newcomers are expected to broaden the model’s appeal due to the raft of “impressive” updates presenting a more compelling case for utility-focused young families, couples, and downsizers.

Previously optional equipment has been added to the 250+ variants as standard spec.

Sweetening the deal a touch for customers is more convenient electric charging following the launch of Mercedes me Charge, a new service that enables “seamless” digital authentication at charging stations in conjunction with automated payment and billing.

A complimentary Chargefox subscription is also offered with every new EQA and EQB sold (T&Cs apply).

The already popular pair of electron powered Benzes has found favour with a broad cross-section of customers attracted to the EQA’s compact dimensions and sleek styling and the family-friendly practicality of the boxy and spacious EQB.

Battery improvements have yielded an additional 54km range to 578km (claimed) for the EQA250+ over the previous model, with the EQB250+ scoring an additional 57km range to 564km (claimed) compared to its predecessor.

Both variants are powered by an electric motor generating 140kW of power and 385Nm of torque allied to a 70.5kWh battery pack.

Externally, the new models differ from the previous vehicles with sharp new exterior styling including a new front grille design featuring a “constellation of Mercedes-Benz stars, plus distinctive new tail-light graphics”.

Inside, both models utilise the current-generation Mercedes-Benz multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather featuring touch control buttons plus a new Mercedes-Benz backlit pattern trim.

That additional standard equipment that was previously optional includes AMG Line exterior styling featuring AMG body styling, front seats with electric adjustment and memory setting, an advanced sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and standard metallic paint.

In a minor miracle for a car its size, the EQB250+ adds a third row of seats as standard allowing seating for up to seven people. It was a popular option previously and can be folded flat to create extra cargo capacity.

Both variants ride on adjustable damping suspension designed to deliver a controlled, comfortable ride with sporty handling.

Standard kit includes three-zone automatic climate control, sports-style front seats in Artico and Microcut microfibre with four-way lumbar support, the advanced MBUX multimedia system including navigation with augmented reality display, interior ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone integration, wireless charging for mobile devices, digital radio, and a handy partition net and load compartment package.

Also part of the offer is Keyless-Go entry and starting, a powered Easy-Pack tailgate, a parking package including 360-degree camera view and Active Parking Assist, LED high-performance headlights with adaptive high beam assist, heat-insulating dark tinted glass from the centre pillar backwards, and distinctive 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Both 250+ models score a wide array of integral safety systems on both variants includes nine airbags, the pre-safe accident anticipation system, Distronic active distance assist cruise control, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Braking Assist, exit warning function, tyre pressure monitoring, an auto-dipping rear-view mirror, and the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system.

Stepping up to the EQB350 4Matic we find dual electric motor drive with 215kW and 520Nm on tap powering all four wheels from a 66.5 kWh battery pack that gives a claimed 489km range (NEDC). Benz says the sporty EQB350 4Matic can clock a 6.0-scond 0-100 km/h sprint.

The more powerful model gains additional kit over the 250+ versions adding a Burmester 3D surround sound system, head-up display, MBUX Interior Assist, Guard 360 vehicle protection, and Driving Assistance Package featuring Active Steering Assist, Route-Based Speed Adaption, and Extended Automatic Restart in traffic.

The new recharge system is integrated into the MBUX multimedia system and includes navigation fitted with an electric intelligence feature that calculates a comfortable and time-efficient route, including charging stops.

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQA pricing*: