The Mercedes-Benz EQB is just not a very nice electrical automobile to purchase new. (Sure, is; they nonetheless make it.) A base 2024 EQB 250+ begins at $53,050, providing a front-wheel-drive powertrain and an okay vary of 251 miles. If you need a dual-motor mannequin with some respectable choices, you’ll simply encroach upon the $60,000 vary. However right here’s the deal: the Mercedes-Benz EQB isn’t a foul automobile; it simply prices manner an excessive amount of cash model new. However you possibly can all the time go for a used one. And used EQBs are way more inexpensive.
There at the moment are quite a few EQBs listed on the market under the $30,000 mark. And a few of these used ones have simply a number of thousand miles on the odometer. In comparison with authentic costs beginning at round $55,000, we’re seeing a roughly $25,000 drop in value. In some instances, these automobiles weren’t even registered for a full 12 months, that means they’ll include three years of fundamental guarantee.
The EQB was already depreciating a great bit, primarily because of the not-so-great specs for the steep value. But additionally, Hertz is offloading a bunch of former rental models.
Whereas some patrons could also be involved about shopping for an ex-rental, the costs paired with the substantial remaining warranties are noteworthy.
One instance is a 2023 EQB 250+ listed for $29,900. Whereas it’s a former rental, it was registered in October 2023 and has simply 5,200 miles on the odometer. Based mostly on the CarFax report, it’ll have 37 months or 44,800 miles left for the fundamental guarantee. Assuming this car doesn’t have any added choices (loads of Hertz autos don’t come well-equipped), this automobile is already down 44.5% in worth. That is unhealthy for the primary purchaser however nice for the used buyer.
For individuals who don’t desire a former rental, there are nonetheless some nice choices. One California-based Mercedes-Benz vendor had a Licensed Pre-Owned 2022 EQB 350 4MATIC listed just lately for $30,999. This one has simply 8,600 miles on the odometer together with 44 months of limitless mileage bumper-to-bumper guarantee left (because of the CPO guarantee). In different phrases, in lower than 10,000 miles, the second purchaser can save 48.5% when in comparison with the unique $60,200 sticker.
Based mostly on these costs, used is certainly the way in which to go together with the EQB. However must you go forward and purchase one? And in case you do, is there something it is best to contemplate?
The Mercedes-Benz EQB: Tech Specs
The EQB first hit the U.S. market as a 2022 mannequin 12 months. The electrical crossover makes use of the MFA platform, which might accommodate each inner combustion and electrical flavors. For the electrical choices, it additionally powers the EQA, although it is just accessible abroad. For North Individuals in search of the least costly Mercedes electrical product, the EQB is it.
The EQB is a midsize crossover that is available in at 184.4 inches, roughly the identical size because the Kia EV6 (184.3 inches). It affords a 70.5 kWh battery pack, of which 66.5 is usable. This leads to 245 miles of vary for the front-wheel-drive fashions and 221 or 232 miles for the all-wheel-drive ones. (For 2024, vary received boosted barely on the FWD mannequin, but it surely’s right down to 205 for the EQB 300 and 207 for the EQB 350, respectively.)
The EQB’s battery pack can settle for a most of 100 kW on a DC quick charger. This isn’t notably notable, however its real-world efficiency is genuinely spectacular because of a flat charging curve. An impartial take a look at revealed a median of 93.8 kW from 10 to 80%. Fascinatingly, a Tesla Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary (250 kW peak) solely averaged 99.1 kW from 10 to 80% in one other third-party take a look at. In different phrases, the EQB’s 100 kW peak ranking could be very conservative.
Nonetheless, the EQB is heavy. The bottom EQB 250+ weighs in at a plump 4,497 kilos, which is hefty for an EV of its footprint. The 300 is available in at 4,630 kilos and the 350 suggestions the size at 4,718. For reference, the Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary All-Wheel Drive weighs 4,398 kilos, lower than even the front-wheel-drive EQB. Not solely does the Y have a bigger battery with extra vary, but it surely’s bigger, sooner, and extra spacious.
Trims And Tools
All 2023 EQB fashions include the selection of three trims: Premium, Unique, and Pinnacle. The Premium trim comes as customary and affords a good array of options. It comes with distant cabin preconditioning, power-folding mirrors, ambient lighting, aluminum roof rails, leather-based steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performance, and an influence tailgate. Security options are restricted blind spot monitoring, ahead collision warning, and automated emergency braking. Adaptive cruise management, lane centering, and different security options all value additional.
Improve to the Unique model for $1,250 and in comes a 10-speaker and 225-watt Superior Sound System, hands-free tailgate opening, and wi-fi telephone charging. The $3,800 Pinnacle package deal comes with the whole lot within the Unique plus 12-speaker and 590-watt Burmester sound system, sunroof, and a surround-view digicam. Mercedes additionally affords a $1,250 choice to get third-row seats, making it the smallest three-row electrical crossover on the market.
Drivers wanting options corresponding to heated seats, adaptive cruise management, and lane centering should pay for these individually. When shopping used choices, it’s finest to find the car’s authentic window sticker to substantiate it has all the specified choices.
For the 2024 mannequin 12 months, Mercedes eradicated all trims except for the Pinnacle. It lowered the improve value to $2,800 versus $3,800, however now requires the sunroof to be bought individually for $1,500.
For individuals who crave extra choices, it’s finest to have a look at 2022 mannequin years. These have been solely shipped in Unique or Pinnacle guise. Most of the ex-rentals on the market are base Premium choices, so that you’ll miss out on all of the goodies from the higher-spec ones.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC in European specification
Any Areas Of Concern?
Whereas the EQB continues to be a comparatively new automobile in the marketplace, there have been some points reported with the automobile. Some house owners report points associated to the coolant system monitor and the car throwing random codes like “excessive voltage battery malfunction.”
Merely put, it’s a comparatively new car made by an organization that isn’t notably finest identified for reliability. For those who’re craving one thing extra dependable, one thing tried and examined just like the Tesla Mannequin Y shall be extra comforting.
But when three years of guarantee is enough with you, no less than there’s a security internet there in case issues do go awry.
Ought to I Purchase One?
Used Mercedes EQBs have already come down in worth considerably. In comparison with the brand new value, shopping for used is clearly the way in which to go together with the EQB. However who’s to say how way more these automobiles will depreciate? Heck, the as soon as six-figure EQS merchandise at the moment are simply attainable for round $45,000.
However used EQBs aren’t the one strong deal floating round. One of the crucial notable is the Volvo C40 Recharge, which really sells for much less secondhand than the EQB. It affords related vary and barely lowered charging capabilities, however affords much better efficiency with a sharper design.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 Exterior
There are another good used electrical crossovers accessible in the identical value vary as nicely. The Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E are only a few cool choices which have additionally come down in worth considerably.
However for many who need the Mercedes badge and construct, the EQB is just not a foul alternative. Particularly for $30,000, you’re trying on the similar value level as a brand new base-spec Ford Bronco Sport. You’re nonetheless getting respectable vary, good charging, and a properly appointed inside. And better of all, you received’t be the one who misplaced round $25,000 within the first 12 months.
Andrew Lambrecht is a contributor at InsideEVs and an industrial engineering scholar at Clemson College. Along with InsideEVs, Andrew writes for Forbes Wheels and Enterprise Insider, protecting the transportation sector.
