Mercedes EQB 250+

Overview

The 2023 Mercedes EQB 250+ rolls in as a super smart choice if you’re eyeing a compact luxury electric SUV with that desirable three-pointed star. Think of it as the entry ticket to Merc’s electric SUV world, packing premium vibes without a colossal price tag. For the 2023 model year, the 250+ trim was the new FWD hero, offering a practical option with decent poke and the unique trick of optional seven seats – perfect for the school run! While new prices were around $53,000, its discontinued status means you’ll be hunting for a pre-loved gem.

What's New for 2023?

For 2023, the big news for the Mercedes EQB lineup in the US was the arrival of this very 250+ model! It slotted in as the new entry-level, front-wheel-drive variant, making the EQB a bit more accessible. While the overall EQB design and tech carried over largely unchanged from its recent introduction, the 250+ brought a different flavor with its single motor setup aimed at maximizing range and everyday usability. This introduction expanded choices for buyers wanting that Merc EV experience with a focus on efficiency over outright all-wheel-drive performance.

Design & Exterior

The EQB 250+ doesn't skimp on Mercedes' signature electric style. You get that cool black panel 'grille' up front, flanked by sharp LED headlamps, and a distinctive full-width LED light bar at the rear – it looks proper modern. Its boxier SUV shape is both practical and stylishly understated. Dimensions come in at 184.4 inches long, 72.2 inches wide, and 65.6 inches tall, making it a tidy fit for city life. The 250+ trim keeps things clean and sophisticated, looking every bit the premium family hauler it is.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EQB 250+, and you're greeted by a cabin that’s pure Mercedes – plush materials, snazzy turbine-style air vents, and ambient lighting set a premium mood. The twin 10.25-inch screens for the driver display and MBUX infotainment system are front and center, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space is great for five, with an optional third row best for kids. Cargo? You’ve got a useful 17.5 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a generous 60.4 cubic feet with seats down. No frunk here, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

The EQB 250+ isn’t about ludicrous speed, but its 188 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque from its front-mounted AC Induction Motor deliver a smooth and perfectly adequate punch for daily duties. Nought to 60 mph takes a respectable 8.6 seconds. Being front-wheel drive, it’s geared for comfort and efficiency, offering a serene and quiet ride that Mercedes is known for. The steering is light, making it a doddle to maneuver. You also get adjustable regenerative braking modes, letting you fine-tune the driving feel and recoup some energy like a pro.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the floor, the EQB 250+ packs a 70.5 kWh usable battery, which Green Cars Compare estimates gives a real-world range of 260 miles – pretty handy! Efficiency is rated at a solid 3.69 mi/kWh. For home top-ups, the standard 9.6 kW AC on-board charger can juice it up fully in about 7.5 hours. Out and about, it supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW, getting you from 10-80% in around 32 minutes. US models feature the CCS Type 1 port, conveniently located on the driver's side rear.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Mercedes doesn't mess about with safety. While NHTSA hadn't fully rated the 2023 EQB at the time, it earned a stellar IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, and its European counterpart scored 5 stars from Euro NCAP, which is reassuring. Standard kit on the 250+ includes essentials like active brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and attention assist. For the full suite of semi-autonomous goodies, like adaptive cruise control with lane keeping, you'd typically look to the optional Driver Assistance Package. So, it’s well-equipped to keep you and yours protected.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Owning a Mercedes EQB 250+ comes with solid peace of mind. You’ll typically get a 4-year/50,000-mile basic new vehicle warranty. Critically for an EV, the high-voltage battery is covered for a lengthy 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, protecting against significant degradation. The electric powertrain components are usually covered under this battery warranty too. While Mercedes sometimes offers complimentary maintenance for a couple of years on new models, specifics can vary, so it's always best to check the original terms for a pre-owned example.