If you’re in the market for an electric SUV, be ready to spend some money. Most of the top electric cars released so far have been crossover-sized, which means electric SUV seekers often end up looking at pricey options like the Rivian R1S, which starts at over $70,000. But there’s some good news.
Recently, I’ve been driving the Mercedes-Benz EQB250+. Being a Mercedes, I assumed it would be very expensive. Surprisingly, it’s relatively affordable for an electric car.
Let’s be clear: the EQB isn’t a budget car. If you’re on a tight budget, this isn’t the one for you. However, compared to other electric SUVs, it’s more reasonably priced, starting at $52,750. This makes it over $20,000 cheaper than the Rivian R1S and far less expensive than options like the Tesla Model X, BMW iX, and Mercedes’ EQS SUV, which can easily exceed $100k.
While there are less pricey electric SUVs, I don’t consider models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6 true SUVs despite their marketing. The EQB250+ is bigger and even offers an optional third row of seats. The Toyota bZ4X is slightly larger and starts at $42,000, which is cheaper than the EQB. The Tesla Model Y, which also has an optional third row, starts at $50,490, a bit less than the Mercedes.
More budget-friendly options are likely coming soon, such as the Kia EV9. But for now, a Mercedes-Benz being cheaper than some of the most well-known electric SUVs is a fact worth noting.
So, what do you get for that lower price? The Mercedes-Benz EQB provides a pretty luxurious driving experience. It features comfortable seats made of premium materials and a dual display for infotainment and instrument monitoring, similar to the more expensive EQS.
It also drives smoothly, with quick acceleration typical of electric cars, thanks in part to its low-mounted battery. Speaking of the battery, this is where the EQB falls short. Its range is 245 miles, which is less than much of its competition. While 245 miles isn’t terrible, I prefer electric cars with a minimum range of 300 miles. Additionally, the EQB charges at 100kW, taking just over 32 minutes to go from 10% to 80%—not bad, but somewhat slow.
So, if you have around $50,000 to spend and want an electric SUV, should you consider the EQB? It depends. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is probably the best electric SUV under $55,000. But if your priorities are range and charging speed, other options like the Tesla Model Y or more compact models like the EV6, Ioniq 5, or Mustang Mach-E might be better choices.
Also, it might be worth waiting a bit. Many new electric SUVs are expected to launch soon, including the larger and likely similarly-priced Kia EV9. The EV9 will be a true SUV, offering faster charging speeds of up to 350kW and is expected to be available in the U.S. by the fourth quarter of 2023.