Western News: July 13, 2023

12
Thursday July 13 2023
Sustainable and sporty with a lot of space
MERCEDES-BENZ continues
its push to offer a broader range
of electric models by adding an
EV version of its compact but
enormously practical EQB SUV.
The EQB follows in the
footsteps of the smaller EQA
SUV, which alphabetically is a
logical evolution. Since its launch
in 2021, it’s become a popular
choice for those keen to commit
to a more sustainable lowemission
vehicle, with premium
looks and an inherently sporty
disposition.
What you get with the EQB is
all that plus lots more space for
people and luggage, in a vehicle
capable of seating up to seven –
or you can reconfigure the cabin
to create a whooping 1600L of
load capacity.
Powering the EQB is an
electric drivetrain developed by
Mercedes-EQ. Its lithium-ion
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
battery has a usable energy
content of 66.5 kWh. Weighing a
respectable 469kg, it’s positioned
beneath the vehicle floor, giving
the EQB an ideal centre of gravity.
The EQB has more in common
with its GLB petrol powered
sibling than you might think,
including heaps of useable space
from its compact footprint. With
its flat floor and tall roofline,
you are set to cart all manner of
things from bikes to surf boards.
The most affordable EQB is
the $99,900 five-seat 250. A
$2900 optional third row extends
the seating to seven. A 140kW
single e-motor dispatches power
directly to the front wheels with
efforts backed up by a hard
working 385Nm of torque. It has
a handy enough driving range of
371km according to the WLTP
test standard. The EQB 350
Incorporating
best motorbuys
www.drivesouth.co.nz
4MATIC AWD lined up for this
road test is priced at $109,900.
Both models are covered by a
five-year unlimited kilometre
warranty and eight years cover
on the battery.
The tall styling is interesting
rather than eye catching.
Reduced lines and precise seams
are a feature, while the upright
front section with its dominant
headlights has Mercedes Benz
SUV DNA all over it.
Torque and power arrive
instantly, no engine revs
required. It makes most internal
combustion engines seem a
tad like yesterday’s technology,
which they probably will be
in about five years. The EQB
delivers exceptional performance
across the board and does it
with ease, and is brilliantly
supported by two outstanding
electric motors and a one speed
automatic.
The fit and finish of the passenger
compartment is excellent.
A large and spacious interior
ensures plenty of room for everyone.
The EQB 350 adds more significant
features. Among them
are sports seats with adjustable
head restraints and micro fibre
inserts with red stitching. A
multi-function sports steering
wheel wrapped in Nappa leather
adds a touch of class.
A Driver Assistance Package
features a comprehensive suite
of active safety and convenience
systems. As with other vehicles
in the Mercedes-EQ passenger
vehicle line-up, the EQB has
acoustic ambient protection to
reduce the risk to pedestrians
and cyclists by the vehicle’s
silent drivetrain. It sounds an
audible warning at speeds below
20km/h, plus a reversing tone.
Handling is as good as you
will find in a luxury compact
SUV with deep reserves of real
world grip. This isn’t a bona fide
off-road battler; the vehicle’s
modest ground clearance limits
excursions in rougher terrain.
As expected, the nicely
weighted steering with its
excellent road feel is everything
we’ve come to expect from
Mercedes Benz.
Rating out of
10: Performance 8;
Handling 8; Build Quality
8; Refinement 8; Space
8; Styling, 6; Value for
money 7; Safety – 5-star
ANCAP crash rating.
Overall points out of
10: 8
Finance
available
(conditions apply)
CARS WANTED
– CASH PAID
We buy small
Japanese vehicles
- Must be tidy
low KMS
2016 toyota corolla GX SEDaN
$10,995
1.8L, auto, NZ new, 175,000kms, nice unit.
2016 toyota corolla GlX 5/HatcH
$11,995
1.8L, auto, alloys, back camera, 194,000kms.
2012 HyuNDai i30 S/w
$8,995
NZ new, 1600cc, auto, 133,000kms, alloys.
2012 toyota aqua
$10,995
1.5L, hybrid, 64,000kms, alloys, back camera.
2013 toyota priuS 5/HatcH HybriD
$9,995
1.8L auto, hybrid, 156,000kms.
low KMS
2007 SuzuKi SX-4 5/HatcH
$8,995
1.5L, auto, 2WD, low 89,000kms.
2012 NiSSaN tiiDa 5/HatcH
$6,995
15.L, auto, 160,000kms.
2015 toyota corolla GlX 5/HatcH
$12,995
NZ new, 1.8L, auto, 178,000kms, alloys.
2012 NiSSaN tiiDa 5/HatcH
$7,995
1.5L, auto, 109,000kms, mech sound.
2012 NiSSaN latio 4 Door
$5,995
1.5L, auto, 163,000kms, drives fine.
low KMS
2011 NiSSaN latio 4 Door
$6,995
1.5L, auto, 122,000kms.
2013 NiSSaN latio 4 Door
$6,995
1.5L, auto, 132,000kms, sound car.
2011 toyota corolla GX 5/HatcH
$8,995
1.8L, auto, NZ new, 168,000kms, arriving.
2015 toyota yariS 5/HatcH
$13,995
1.3L, auto, NZ new, low 56,000kms.
2005 NiSSaN aD vaN 5/Sw
$2,995
1.5L, auto, 274,000kms, new WOF.
- 281 Ferry Road - 03 389 1121 - dougdrake@xtra.co.nz www.dougdrake.co.nz