Mercedes-Benz EQB

The EQB 250+ uses a 70.5 kWh usable (73.9 kWh gross) lithium-ion NMC battery, while the EQB 350 4MATIC carries a 66.5 kWh usable (69.7 kWh gross) pack. Both operate on a 400-volt architecture. A heat pump is standard across the range, helping preserve range in cooled or heated cabin conditions. The battery carries an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty.

The EQB 250+ returns a WLTP range of up to 536 km. In UAE summer conditions with full air conditioning, expect 380–455 km in mixed driving. The heavier, more powerful 350 4MATIC returns a WLTP range of approximately 396–459 km, translating to 340–390 km in real-world Gulf conditions. Motorway cruising at 120–140 km/h reduces both figures by a further 10–15% due to the boxy GLB-derived body shape.

Both variants charge at 11 kW via Type 2 AC, taking approximately seven to seven-and-a-half hours for a full charge on a villa wall box. At DEWA's residential rate of AED 0.23/kWh, a full charge for the 250+ costs approximately AED 16.22. In Abu Dhabi at the expatriate rate of AED 0.27/kWh, the cost rises to approximately AED 19.04. An optional 22 kW onboard charger halves home charging time to under four hours.

DC fast charging peaks at 102 kW (250+) or 112 kW (350 4MATIC) via CCS2. The 350 4MATIC charges from 10% to 80% in approximately 29 minutes; the 250+ takes around 35 minutes. Compatible UAE networks include DEWA Green Charger, E2GO (ADNOC/TAQA), Tesla Supercharger (via CCS2 adapter where supported), UAEV, and GreenParking. Plug & Charge (ISO 15118) is supported for seamless authentication. 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQB — Battery & Charging

The EQB's cabin follows the GLB's boxy, upright design — maximising headroom across all three rows. Front seats are heated with optional ventilation. The second row slides 140 mm fore-and-aft, allowing occupants to balance legroom with third-row access. Material quality is typical Mercedes-Benz: soft-touch surfaces, metal-finish switchgear, and ambient lighting across 64 colours.

The elevated driving position provides clear sightlines on UAE motorways. A dual 10.25-inch screen layout (instrument cluster plus MBUX infotainment) sits ahead of the driver. The steering column adjusts for both rake and reach. Road noise insulation is effective at urban speeds but allows some wind noise above 120 km/h, consistent with the upright roofline.

Dual-zone climate control cools the cabin efficiently from UAE peak temperatures. The standard heat pump reduces energy drain compared to resistive heating systems. Remote pre-conditioning via the Mercedes me app allows cabin cooling before departure. Third-row passengers receive dedicated air vents — a notable consideration for families in Gulf summer conditions.

Boot space is 495 litres with the third row folded, expanding to 1,710 litres with all rear seats down. With the third row erected, usable boot space drops to approximately 130 litres — adequate for school bags but not weekly shopping. A powered tailgate is standard. No frunk is available due to the adapted combustion-engine platform.

MBUX with dual 10.25-inch displays supports full Arabic language navigation and voice control — a critical differentiator in the UAE market. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Over-the-air software updates keep the system current. Navigation integrates real-time charging station availability and range-optimised routing. A Burmester surround sound system is available on higher trims.

Euro NCAP awarded the EQB five stars, with 95% adult occupant and 91% child occupant scores. Standard ADAS includes Active Brake Assist (AEB), Active Lane Keeping Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround camera. Active Distance Assist (adaptive cruise with stop-and-go) is standard. Parking Package with Active Parking Assist handles parallel and perpendicular manoeuvres.

The EQB drives like a conventional Mercedes-Benz SUV — composed, refined, and predictable. The transition from combustion GLB is seamless in terms of driving feel. Electric torque provides smooth, linear acceleration from standstill. The elevated seating position and upright windscreen offer excellent forward visibility in congested Dubai traffic.

The EQB 250+ dispatches 0–100 km/h in 8.9 seconds — adequate for daily driving. The 350 4MATIC cuts this to 6.2 seconds, offering decisive overtaking on Sheikh Zayed Road. Both variants are electronically limited to 160 km/h. The 350 4MATIC's dual-motor torque vectoring adds confidence during lane changes and motorway merges.

Regenerative braking is adjustable via steering-wheel paddles across three levels. A dedicated D Auto mode allows the system to modulate regeneration based on traffic conditions and navigation data. One-pedal driving is not as aggressive as some competitors, maintaining a natural braking feel familiar to Mercedes-Benz owners.

Active Distance Assist with stop-and-go performs reliably on well-marked UAE motorways including the E11 and Sheikh Zayed Road. Active Lane Keeping Assist centres the vehicle smoothly at highway speeds. The system requires regular steering-wheel input and does not offer hands-free driving. Performance on older, poorly-marked roads in the Northern Emirates is less consistent.

The EQB's floor-mounted battery lowers the centre of gravity compared to the GLB. Body roll through sweeping motorway interchanges is well-controlled. The steering is light at parking speeds and weights up progressively — typical Mercedes-Benz EQ calibration. Multi-storey car parks with standard 2.1 m clearance are accessible, unlike many larger EVs.

Comfort-oriented suspension tuning absorbs UAE speed bumps and expansion joints effectively. At motorway speeds, the ride is settled and composed. The 2,100–2,165 kg kerb weight helps damp out surface imperfections without the bouncy feel some lighter EVs exhibit. Short-wheelbase limitations are only noticeable on deeply rutted surfaces.

The EQB is not designed for off-road use. Ground clearance is modest and no dedicated terrain modes are offered. The 350 4MATIC's all-wheel drive provides added traction on loose gravel or wet surfaces, but sand driving and wadi crossings are beyond this vehicle's remit. Desert-focused buyers should consider dedicated off-road alternatives.

Gargash Enterprises provides a three-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty with an eight-year or 160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty. The Integrated Service Package (ISP) covers scheduled maintenance for up to five years or 125,000 km. Mercedes-Benz certified EV technicians operate at service centres across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates. Parts availability benefits from the shared GLB platform.

Grey import EQB units typically lack UAE-specific MBUX calibration, Arabic navigation, and regional thermal management settings. Insurance loading for grey imports is 15–25% above standard. Government incentives — free Salik tag, green parking bays with a four-hour session limit, and reduced registration fees — apply exclusively to official agency vehicles. Gargash's extended warranty programme and roadside assistance network are unavailable to grey import owners.

At AED 260,000–330,000, the EQB positions itself as a premium electric family SUV. For a buyer covering 20,000 km annually with home charging, electricity costs are approximately AED 780–920 per year at DEWA rates — versus AED 6,000–9,000 for a comparable petrol GLB. Annual savings of AED 5,000–8,000 in fuel alone offset the EV purchase premium within five to six years. Insurance through Gargash channels ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 annually depending on variant and driver profile. Scheduled servicing costs approximately AED 2,500–3,500 per year — lower than the petrol GLB due to fewer moving parts. Government incentives include a free Salik tag (toll charges of AED 4–6 per gate still apply), green parking bay access, and reduced RTA registration fees. Depreciation risk is moderate to high. Mercedes-Benz EVs have historically depreciated faster than their combustion counterparts in the UAE market. However, the EQB's position as the only seven-seat premium electric SUV provides some residual support. Three-year resale is estimated at 50–60% of purchase price. The eight-year battery warranty provides reassurance for second owners — a factor supporting used-market confidence. 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQB — Standard Equipment