Mercedes Family Focused BEV Leads off in China
Mercedes hopes to make the BEV attractive to the larger family’s needs with a seven-seater crossover in the shape of its new EQB.
Launching first in China, then Europe later this year and the US in 2022, the mid-size car hopes to take on the do-anything compact sector for the first time as an all-electric vehicle. The two seats in the third row can be used by people up to 5ft 4inches tall, and child seats can also be fitted there. Following on from the EQA 250, it is the second fully electric compact car from the Mercedes-EQ family.
In China, the new EQB is being launched as a fully equipped top-of-the-range model with AMG Line and an output of 215 kW. In Europe, right from the start customers will have the choice between several models with front-wheel and all-wheel drive and various power levels, some rated at over 200 kW. The usable capacity of the batteries in Europe is 66.5 kWh. These batteries are manufactured at the Daimler plants in Kamenz, Germany, and Jawor in Poland.
A particularly long-range version is also planned. The electrical consumption of the EQB 350 4Matic in Europe claims a combined electrical consumption of 16.2 kWh/100 km, a maximum range of 297 miles on the WLTP rating. The Chinese model will be produced at Beijing Benz Automotive Company (BBAC), a joint venture between Daimler and its Chinese partner BAIC Group.
Hubertus Troska, Daimler AG board member responsible for Greater China, said: “China is not only the most important passenger car sales region for us, it is also the world’s leading market for electric cars. With its seven seats, the new EQB meets the needs of very family-oriented customers. In addition to the right products, our local production footprint is one of the decisive factors for sustainable growth in China. That’s why we are looking forward to produce the all-electric EQB in Beijing.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
