Mercedes EQB 250+

Overview

The 2023 Mercedes EQB 250+ is your ticket to premium, family-friendly electric motoring, offering a surprisingly compact footprint with a clever optional seven-seat layout – a rare gem in this class! It’s the entry-ish front-wheel-drive variant focused on maximising range. While production of this specific version ceased in 2023 ahead of a facelift, it's a compelling package blending Merc's luxury with EV practicality. Used examples can be snapped up for around €34,585 in Europe, making it an attractive proposition on the nearly-new market for those wanting that three-pointed star on a versatile electric SUV.

What's New for 2023?

For the 2023 model year, the EQB 250+ largely continued its impressive run from its recent introduction, solidifying its place as a practical electric SUV before a significant facelift arrived for 2024 models. This meant buyers in 2023 got the established package: the efficient front-wheel-drive powertrain, the useful real-world range, and the option for those super-handy third-row seats. No major shake-ups, just Mercedes letting this well-equipped configuration shine for another year, focusing on its core strengths of practicality and premium feel within the compact electric SUV segment.

Design & Exterior

The EQB 250+ doesn't scream "I'm electric!" with a wacky design, instead opting for a classier, more traditional SUV look that’s unmistakably Mercedes. You get the signature black panel grille upfront, sleek LED headlights, and tidy proportions that make it city-friendly. It’s a handsome, if slightly boxy, machine that measures 4684 mm in length, 1834 mm in width, and 1667 mm in height. This particular trim focuses on understated elegance, often riding on aerodynamically considered alloy wheels to help eke out that extra range when new.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the EQB 250+ and you're greeted by that familiar, plush Mercedes ambience. Quality materials abound, and the MBUX infotainment system, typically with twin screens, takes centre stage, offering crisp graphics and responsive voice commands (Hey Mercedes!), plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger space is decent, especially with the optional "5, 7" seat configuration allowing for two extra spots in the back for kids. Cargo-wise, you get a useful 495 litres in the boot (5-seat mode), expanding to a van-like 1710 litres with seats down. No frunk here, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

The EQB 250+ isn't a fire-breather, but its single front-mounted Induction Motor (IM) delivers a respectable 140 kW and a healthy 385 Nm of torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h sprint in a perfectly adequate 8.9 seconds, ideal for daily duties, with a top speed of 160 km/h. Being front-wheel drive (FWD), it’s more about smooth, refined progress and comfort rather than outright B-road thrills. The ride is generally cushy, soaking up bumps well, and multiple regenerative braking modes allow for efficient one-pedal driving in many situations.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the floor, the EQB 250+ packs a 70.5 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 419 km – pretty solid for the weekly grind and even some longer trips! Efficiency is rated at a decent 5.94 km/kWh. For charging, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger will top it up overnight. When you’re out and about, it can guzzle electrons at up to 100 kW from a DC fast charger via its CCS Type 2 port, meaning speedy top-ups on its 400V architecture.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Mercedes doesn't skimp on safety, and the EQB proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The 250+ comes kitted out with a good baseline of safety tech, typically including Active Brake Assist to help prevent shunts, and Active Lane Keeping Assist to nudge you back in line. While some of the more advanced goodies like adaptive cruise control with steering assist often live in optional packages, you're still getting a very safe family chariot right out of the box. Always check the specific car's spec sheet for the full list!

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Mercedes typically backs the EQB 250+ with a standard 2-year, unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty. Critically for an EV, the high-voltage battery usually gets a more extensive warranty, often around 8 years or 160,000 km, guaranteeing a minimum level of capacity retention (e.g., 70%). Maintenance on EVs is generally lower than petrol cars, with fewer moving parts to worry about, mainly focusing on brakes, tyres, and cabin filters. Reliability for Merc's EQ range has been shaping up well, offering peace of mind.