Mercedes EQB and GLB SUVs Launched In India

Mercedes Benz has launched the ICE-powered GLB and its electric iteration, the EBQ, in India via the CBU (completely built-up units) route at a starting price of Rs 63.80 lakh and 74.50 lakh (all prices ex-showroom), respectively. The GLB is offered in three variants: 200, 220d, and 220d 4Matic AMG, whereas the EQB comes in a sole 300 4Matic trim. Here’s a look at their prices: –

Also Read: Locally Assembled Mercedes-EQS 580 Electric Sedan Launched In India

Design and Features

Borrowing its design cues from the Mercedes Benz GLS, the crossover-styled GLB has a butchy and brawny appearance. The EQB also looks similar to the GLS, albeit with a few EV-specific cosmetic tweaks such as a closed-off grille, differently designed alloy wheels, a slightly tweaked lighting system, and reprofiled bumpers. 

Inside, both these 7-seater SUVs have a familiar dashboard layout, featuring twin-connecting displays for infotainment and instrument cluster, turbine-like AC vents, connected car tech, wireless smartphone charger,64-colour ambient lighting, electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function, 10-speaker sound system, dual zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and a powered tailgate. The safety of the passengers is assured by electronic stability control, multiple airbags, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

The AMG variant of the Mercedes Benz GLB also gets sports seats, an AMG-spec steering wheel, and a carbon fibre-like finish on the dashboard and door panels. 

Also Read: BMW X6 50 Jahre M Edition Launched In India

Powertrain

As mentioned above, the Mercedes Benz GLB comes with both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol is a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged unit with cylinder deactivation tech that also powers the A-Class sedan. Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drivetrain, this engine makes 165PS of maximum power and 250Nm of peak torque.

The diesel mill, on the other hand, is a 2-litre unit that makes 190PS and 400Nm. It gets an 8-speed automatic transmission and is offered with a front-wheel drivetrain as standard. Its 4Matic AMG trim, however, gets an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

Speaking of the Mercedes Benz EQB, it gets an all-wheel drive setup via dual electric motors (one on each axle), delivering a maximum power output of 228PS and a peak torque of 390Nm. This lets the electrified crossover complete the century sprint in just 8 seconds before reaching the top speed of 160kmph. As for range, it uses a 66.5kWh battery pack that offers a WLTP claimed range of up to 423km and takes around 32 minutes to get charged from 10 percent to 80 percent via a 100kW DC fast charger. A 11kW AC charger takes around 6 hrs & 25 mins to energise it from 10-100 per cent.

Competitors

Both of these newly launched Mercedes CUVs don’t have any direct rivals in the Indian market. However, the EQB can be seen as a 7-seater alternative to the BMW iX and Volvo XC40 Recharge.