Mercedes-Benz launches seven-seater electric EQB in Europe

German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has officially launched its all-electric, seven-seater EQB in Europe, with a starting price just north of €55,000.

Mercedes premiered its EQB back in September at the Munich motor show, and the all-electric compact family car has five seats as standard – and seven seats as optional.

The starting price is €55,311.20, which converts to around $A87,300, and the Mercedes EQB model range consists of the EQB 300 4MATIC and the EQB 350 4MATIC, both of which are all-wheel drive.

With peak output of 168kW for the base model, the usable energy content for the battery sits at 66.5kWh and delivers acceleration of 0-100km/h in 8-seconds and peak torque of 390Nm, with a range just north of 400-kilometres.

Meanwhile, the pricier EQB 350 4MATIC at €57,988.70 offers peak output of 215kW and 520Nm of torque, with acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.2-seconds. Usable battery capacity is the same as the base model, as is the top speed of 160km/h, and range is expected to cap out at around 419-kilometres (WLTP) – about the same as the base model.

A limited Edition 1 will be available at launch, sporting an exterior combining elements from the Night Package with AMG body styling, 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, and painted in matt copper with a high-sheen finish.

The interior of the Edition 1 has also been upgraded, with upholstery in neva grey leather with “Cyber Cut” blue, the back-lit spiral-look trim element and ventilation nozzles with outer ring in silver chrome, and air guide ring in energy blue.

For the two continuing production models, several optional extras and packages are available, including a third row of seats which expands seating from 5-seats to 7. The Advanced Package adds two 10.25-inch displays which merge to form a widescreen cockpit and which also includes the Mirror Package and the Parking Package with reversing camera.

The Advanced Plus package builds on the Advanced Package and adds the company’s Keyless-Go Convenience Package, Thermotronic two-zone automatic climate control, audio system, and wireless smartphone charging.

Finally, the Driving Assistance Package offers expanded functions including turning manoeuvre function, emergency corridor function, exit warning function that detects approaching cyclists or vehicles, and a warning function that detects people in the area of zebra crossings.