2024 Mercedes EQB Arrives With Fresh Face And Next-Gen Tech

Aug. 24, 2023 4:00 AM ET byRoger Biermann Electric Vehicles /Comments

Mercedes' junior American EV is a little fresher for 2024.

TheMercedes EQBhas been updated for the 2024 model year with a fresh face and updated tech. Definitely what we would term a facelift, the subcompact luxury crossover remains mechanically unchanged, but there is a new charging system called Plug & Charge, removing the need for the owner to authenticate themselves at the charging station. Instead, the car authenticates for you and begins charging immediately, a la Tesla.

Outside, the EQB retains the familiar looks of its gas-powered sibling, theGLB-Class, but receives a few new EV-specific updates. These include a new 'grille' panel design with a revised star pattern seen on other Mercedes-EQ models. Above this, a full-width LED strip connects the DRLs, which emphasizes the width of the car, along with a new front bumper design. At the other end, new taillight innards give the EQB a fresher look.

Two new paint hues have also been added to the palette: Starling Blue and Cirrus Silver.

Bigger changes are in store inside, where the EQB gets the latest-gen Mercedes steering wheel with its three dual-spokes and touch-sensitive, haptic feedback controls. The MBUX infotainment interface has been updated, too, with the 10.25-inch central display now made standard to accommodate the updated software and graphic user interface. It inherits Mercedes' so-calledZero Layer interfaceto make basic controls as accessible as possible without needing to dive seven menus deep into the system to achieve basic tasks.

The system features three display styles (classic/sporty/discreet), three standard display modes (navigation/assistance/service), and 10 different ambient lighting presets. The display screen's graphics can also be tailored more than before.

In tandem with this, the EQB introduces soundscapes (called Sound Experiences by Mercedes) for the first time when you spec the optional Burmester sound system. In addition to the two standard experiences, buyers can purchase two extra ones via the Mercedes me store, which are then activated via OTA updates.

The EQB retains its standard five-seat and optional seven-seat configuration.

这是一个电动汽车,我更新了t easier to live with. Over and above the Plug & Charge system mentioned earlier, a new range monitoring function is embedded in MBUX, which, when activated, provides tips to maximize driving range that include, but are not limited to, switching driving modes, lowering speed, using the ECO+ climate control function, and more. On theWLTP cycle, the EQB achieves a claimed maximum range of 333 miles in the base EQB 250+, but we don't expect much more than the current 245 miles on the EPA cycle.

As far as charging goes, the Plug & Charge function pairs with selected public charging points on the Mercedes me Charge network, comprising 75,000 charging points in the US across different charging partners. Mercedes previously announced its intent toform its own charging networkfor North America but has subsequently aligned with other OEMs for a mega charging network torival the Tesla Supercharger network.

The new EQB sees enhanced driver assistance thanks to new sensors, which include a mono-multipurpose camera and a new backup camera. An optional Driving Assistance Package adds extra features like lane keeping assist that relies on steering intervention instead of ESP.

The enhanced sensors also enable better parking assistance through the Parking Package with the 360-degree camera, and Mercedes claims quicker access times for this functionality.

As before, three core models are available. The EQB 250+ maintains its front-mounted single motor with 188 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the EQB 350 4Matic adds a second motor for total outputs of 225 hp and 288 lb-ft. The range-topper is the EQB 350 4Matic with 288 hp and 384 lb-ft. All models make use of a 70.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack.

定价将接近2024奔驰公布EQB's dealer arrival, which is scheduled for the first half of 2024.