FYI: The Mercedes-Benz EQB may not stand out as a new electric car purchase, but as a used option, it presents significant savings and value.
Exploring the Market – Mercedes-Benz EQB
Initially launched for the 2022 model year, the Mercedes-Benz EQB has not quite lived up to its hefty price tag when buying new. The 2024 base model EQB 250+ starts at $53,050 and offers a front-wheel-drive powertrain with a modest range of 251 miles. Upgrading to a dual-motor version with additional options easily pushes the price into the $60,000 range. However, there is a silver lining for savvy car shoppers: the used EQB market is flourishing with much more reasonable pricing.
Reasons to Choose a Used EQB
Numerous used EQBs are available for less than $30,000, some with only a few thousand miles logged. Compared to the initial prices, this represents a nearly $25,000 drop, offering significant savings. Many vehicles in this bracket are ex-rentals from companies like Hertz, which contributes to the rapid depreciation. This can be excellent news for buyers, as many of these vehicles still come with substantial warranty coverage.
A decent example is a 2023 EQB 250+, listed for $29,900 with only 5,200 miles, still under warranty for the next 37 months. Although previously a rental, the value proposition for a buyer is clear with a 44.5% reduction in price.
Tech Specs and Performance
The EQB is a midsize crossover measuring 184.4 inches in length, similar to the Kia EV6. It features a 70.5 kWh battery pack, yielding varying ranges: 245 miles for FWD and between 205 to 232 miles for AWD models depending on the year and setup. While not outstanding in peak output, the EQB’s charging curve is impressively consistent, maintaining an average of 93.8 kW on a DC fast charger.
Despite this performance, the EQB is notably heavy, starting at 4,497 pounds for the base model, which impacts agility and efficiency compared to rivals like the Tesla Model Y.
Trim Levels and Features
For the 2023 model year, buyers can select from three trims: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. The base Premium model includes essentials like remote cabin preconditioning, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Essential safety features are present, but advanced options such as adaptive cruise control are additional.
The Exclusive trim ($1,250) sees upgrades like an advanced sound system and wireless phone charging. The top Pinnacle trim ($3,800) adds luxury features such as a Burmester sound system and a sunroof. In 2024, Mercedes streamlined offerings by retaining only the Pinnacle trim and decreasing the upgrade cost, though with some features becoming optional add-ons.
Prospect and Considerations
Although reports of reliability issues like battery malfunctions exist, users under warranty have less to worry about regarding unforeseen issues. Those wanting the prestige of a Mercedes badge without the initial depreciation hit might consider the EQB a viable option. However, alternatives exist, like the Volvo C40 Recharge, which offers competitive pricing and performance, or other electric crossovers such as the Kia EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Final Verdict: Mercedes EQB Insights
While the new Mercedes-Benz EQB may not initially present a tempting offer, its used counterparts offer significant value. Potential buyers should weigh the trade-offs and consider secondary models from reliable marques depending on personal needs for reliability and feature sets.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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