Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the launch of two new products in India. These include the all-new 7-seater electric vehicle EQB and the 7-seater GLB SUV. Both SUVs will be launched on December 2, 2022. Booking for both these is now open, and customers can reserve one by paying a booking amount of INR 1,50,000.
The EQB is the third all-electric offering and the first 7-seater EV of Mercedes-Benz in India. Prior to this, the German carmaker had launched the AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ and the EQS 580 4MATIC. Of these, the EQS is made in India. With plans to launch more electric vehicles in the Indian market, Mercedes has come up with the EQB.
Unlike previous all-electric launches, this time around, Mercedes-Benz wants to offer multiple options to the customer. Hence they are launching both the all-electric and internal-combustion engine (ICE) variants of the same vehicle simultaneously.
While EQB shares most of its body panels and overall look with the GLB, it gets a few EV-specific styling differences. These include a blanked-off front grille and a unique headlight design. On the inside as well, the interiors of the EQB are identical to the GLB save for a gold colour highlight on the AC vents.
The GLB is known as the mini GLS. The SUV will be offered in a single Progressive Line trim. It will get a dual slat grille, a faux skid plate, chrome trims on the exterior and 18-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the GLB 220d will get the AMG Line package with a sportier bumper, single-slat AMG-themed grille and 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels.
Both SUVs are based on the same MFA2 platform. The EQB gets a dual motor setup with two variants – 300 4MATIC with 225 BHP and 350 4MATIC with 288 BHP. According to the WLTP Cycle, the car has a maximum range of 419 km on a single charge.
The GLB will be offered in three variants – the base GLB 200, the mid-level GLB 220d and the top-end GLB 220d 4Matic. The GLB 200 petrol will get a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine good for 163 BHP, paired with a seven-speed automatic. On the other hand, the GLB 220d siblings get a 2.0-litre 190 BHP engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
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