Mercedes-Benz Launches GLB And EQB In India
Between them, there are three conventionally-powered variants and one electric.
India has multiple pure-electric options in the car space but none with a seven-seat layout. To fill that void, Mercedes-Benz India has launched the EQB. The EV is available in a single variant (300 4MATIC), priced at INR 74.5 lakh. However, those who don’t want to take the electric route can have the same package (almost) with a petrol or a diesel engine. The conventionally-powered model is called the Mercedes-Benz GLB. Here’s the price list:
• GLB 200 – INR 63.8 Lakh
• GLB 220d – INR 66.8 Lakh
• GLB 220d 4MATIC – INR 69.8 Lakh
Both GLB and the EQB arrive in India as CBUs (Completely Built Units). And because of that, heavy import taxes come into the equation. However, based on the market response, Mercedes-Benz India could shift to the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) process.
The EQB
The Mercedes-EQ EQB 300 4MATIC has two electric motors that jointly produce 225bhp/390Nm, enough for a 0-100kmph sprint time of 8.0 seconds. The top speed is limited to 160kmph. The powerplant gets its juices from a 66.5kWh battery. If used responsibly, it could last for trips stretching up to 423km (WLTP).
To charge, one could use a 7.4kW or an 11kW AC charger. With the former, the electric SUV will take around 10 hours and 30 minutes to charge from 10 to 100 per cent. The wait time drops by four hours if the latter option is put to use. And yes, the EQB 300 4MATIC can also take up to 100kW of DC feed. Under ideal conditions and at full power, the charging time from 10 to 80 per cent is about 32 minutes.
Features? The list includes LED headlamps with adaptive Highbeam assist, multiple drive modes, cruise control, 64-colour ambient lighting, heated and powered front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument cluster and the latest version of MBUX. There’s also a powered tailgate, a wireless mobile charger, a rear-view camera, seven airbags and Active Brake Assist.
The GLB
As mentioned above, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is available in three variants – two diesel and one petrol. If you settle for the GLB 200, you’ll get a 1.33-litre turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 161bhp/250Nm. Accompanying the powerplant is a 7-speed automatic transmission, which helps achieve a 0-100kmph sprint time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 207kmph.
Moving to the diesel variants, both pack the same 2.0-litre turbocharged mill under the bonnet along with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. With 188bhp/400Nm on tap, the GLB 220d 4MATIC can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 7.6 seconds and max out at 217kmph. As you’d expect, the two-whee-drive GLB 220d offers slightly different performance figures.
The list of features is quite similar to that of the EQB. The GLB comes with stuff like a Keyless-Go start function, automatic climate control, a multi-function steering wheel, two 10.25-inch displays (one each for the instrument cluster and infotainment purposes), Mercedes me connected-car tech and rain-sensing wipers.
Neither of the newcomers has a direct rival in India at the moment. The EQB, although pricy, is especially an attractive prospect for those looking for a pure-electric seven-seater.
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