Mercedes‑Benz’s 2022 Power Surge: The Electric Wave Hits Singapore
March 2022 was no ordinary month for car lovers in Singapore – it marked the launch of Mercedes‑Benz’s electric boom, with the headline act being the newly minted EQB, the brand’s first electric seven‑seat SUV.
Key Specs
- Price: $352,888 (including VES and COE)
- Body: Five‑door, luxury mid‑size SUV with seven seats
- Power: 288 hp – two electric motors working in harmony
- Range: 352 km on a single charge (VES A1)
- Efficiency: 18.8 kWh per 100 km
What Makes It a Worthwhile Ride?
- Top‑Tier Comfort: You’ll feel like royalty on every journey – a plush interior and a smooth ride that misses the rubber‑on‑road buzz of combustion engines.
- Great Range: You can ditch the pumping station for a while and focus on the town’s sights.
- Space & Flexibility: The seven‑seat layout means family holidays are literally possible.
- High‑Tech Chic: The interior is so futuristic it practically includes a smart home feel.
Heads‑Up: The Less Fun Bits
- Weight: The extra mass may feel less playful on winding roads – it’s more about performance than fireworks.
- Compactness: While it’s spacious for an EV, it offers a tad less room compared to its gasoline counterpart, the GLB.
All in all, the EQB stands as a symbol of Mercedes‑Benz’s electrified ambition. After all, the big daring move was to turn the conventional, luxurious, gas‑powered limo into a fully electric, family‑friendly adventure that is ready to roar through Singapore’s streets.
Glide into the Future with the GLB & Its Electric Cousins
Ever wonder what whispers “Future SUV” in Singapore streets? It’s the GLB, the tiny titan that’s practically a shared taxi now. From the buzz around the GA EQA to the GLC EQC, the naming convention is a mystery solved once you hit the road.
The GLB – Singapore’s Everyday Groove
- Seven seats in a tiny package – the only “luxury” SUV in its class that can still fit a full family.
- Price point that won’t break the bank – a sweet spot that got buyers turning heads and wallets open.
- Ubiquity in Singapore – you’ve got to stop to photo‑screenshot it because it’s everywhere.
Electric Labels, You Know The Drill
Quick note: the electric GLE SUV isn’t the EQE (that’s actually the E‑class sedan). The lineup goes GLC – EQC, GLA – EQA, GLB – EQB, etc. Think of it like a phone model hierarchy, but for SUVs.
Meet the EQB 350 – Singapore’s Powerhouse
CarBuyer’s EQB launch story explains all the quirks, but here’s the headline: the EQB 350 is the most potent hatch‑back in the lineup.
- Dual motors powering all‑wheel drive – buzz like a superhero on wheels.
- Hi‑energy output of 288 horsepower – they call it “the beast” of the EQB models.
- Price that practically starts at its model number (350) – chic if you love rounding numbers.
So next time you see a ‘glimmer’, it’s not just a car, it’s a tiny, efficient, electric revolver rolling through Singapore’s streets. Hit the road – and bring a coffee because the future’s here and it’s driving now!
Design and appearance
EQB 350 AMG Line: The “Sporty‑But‑Chill” Car
Think of a regular Mercedes‑EQ and then sprinkle a dash of “I’m ready to nap in a sportster.” That’s the EQB 350 AMG Line in a nutshell.
- AMG Line? More like “I didn’t cross the line into extreme.” It sports the familiar AMG chrome and sporty hood, but stops short of the full‑blown, rocket‑powered vibe of the GLB 35 or EQS 53.
- No grill, no drama. The front is blacked out—no chrome grill to brag about—so the car keeps its electric‑futuristic face.
- Style over speed. Because sometimes you want the sleek look without the need to break the speed limit (or the warranty).
Bottom line: you get a little of that sporty swagger, keep the comfort and eco‑friendly chops intact, and still look like the next‑generation Mercedes you were hoping for. Cruising to your car‑shop stop is never boring with this one!
Why the EQB 250 Is a Game Changer
Lights On, Heads Turned
Every detail on the new EQB 250 screams modernity. From the sleek front lighting to the futuristic rear light bars, both are those unmistakable Mercedes‑EQ signatures that make every eye follow the car around.
Add a Splash of AMG Flavor
Want that extra oomph? The AMG Line kit gives the EQB 250 that sporty edge. If you’re going for the premium EQB 250 Progressive, this kit is a $14,400 tweak that unlocks:
- The bold AMG styling, turning heads at every turn
- Super‑cozy sport seats that hug you like a champion hug
- A sporty steering wheel that feels like a racing cockpit
- And, the cherry on top—AMG floor mats that add the final touch of luxury
Feeling the Rush?
Installing the AMG Line on your EQB 250 isn’t just about looks; it’s about living the thrill in a sustainable package. So why settle for ordinary when you can have the extraordinary?
What’s Missing in the Upgraded 250?
It’s frustrating when the big upgrades don’t come with the expected goodies.
- 20-inch AMG design wheels – The upgraded 250 sticks to 18‑inch AMG wheels.
- Adaptive sport suspension – This feature is left out of the package.
Interior and equipment
EQB vs GLB: Where the Seats Make a Quiet Jinx
What Happens When You Step Into the Cockpit?
- Feels like a reunion – the EQB’s cabin is basically a mirror image of the GLB. No surprise jumps in layout.
- Digital buffet – you’ll spot two shiny 10.25‑inch screens, one of which is a buzzing touchscreen. That’s the future staring back.
- Quick comparison:
- GLB: Slightly less screen‑centric, more “classic.”
- EQB: Slick, double‑screen charm dancing at your fingertips.
Bottom Line
Step into the EQB and you’ll discover that the interior feels almost as if you’re in a GLB – just with a fancy digital duo that keeps you endlessly entertained.
Mercedes’ Human‑Machine Interface: A Quick & Quirky Rundown
We’ve raved about Mercedes’ HMI across the GLA, GLB, A‑Class hatchback and saloon, but in short, it’s eye‑poppingly slick with a ton of goodies that make you feel like a tech wizard.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Neat, modern layout that feels as smooth as a freshly oiled dance floor.
- Features galore: voice, touch, and even gesture controls give drivers an all‑in‑one tech mash‑up.
- Sometimes the lightning‑bright reflections make you wonder if the car is mirroring your own selfie gallery.
Confusing Yet Charming?
Picture this: you’re hunting for the AC knob, and the screen suddenly does a disco spin. It’s a bit confusing but undeniably charming.
Bottom Line
Mercedes’ HMI packs a punch of features and looks absolutely fantastic, but its quirky quirks will only win heartbeats if you appreciate a touch of mystery.
The EQB: An SUV That Shines Like a Video‑Game Console
While the EQA packs a punch, the EQB takes the buzz to a whole new level by adding a funky LED panel right on the passenger side of the dash. Think of it as your in‑car gaming rig—perfect for those who love a splash of RGB in everything.
Why it’s actually a great driving experience
- Boxy/ tall shape gives the car that unmistakable SUV vibe.
- Large windows & high seats make you feel like you’re cruising on top of the world.
- All of that translates into a command‑in‑control driving feel, perfect for anyone who likes being at the helm.
Inside the cockpit
Besides the lights that would make a gamer’s heart skip a beat, the sport‑y interior doesn’t forget practicality. Each detail—from the LED glow to the airy cabin—is thoughtfully tuned so you stay focused on the road, yet never miss a beat of your favorite soundtrack.
Bottom line
Whether you’re in the mood for a flashy light display or a comfortable, elevated ride, the EQB is built to deliver both with a chuckle in the mix.
Space and practicality
Electric Win for the Big Family
Good news! Switching to electric power barely scratches the original winning recipe: amplified space, flexible layout, and seats for all seven of the crew.
- Huge room for everyone to spread out
- Adaptable seating arrangements
- Comfort for a full family of seven
Underfloor Battery Space Trade‑Off
Having the battery tucked under the floor does take up a little bit of room—especially in the second row. It’s the same feeling you get in the EQA, where your knees end up higher than they would be in the gasoline‑powered version.
Why the EQB’s Adjustable Second Row Rocks
Feeling awkward about the tight rear seat? Not anymore. The EQB comes with a fully adjustable second row that turns cramped into comfy in seconds. Whether you’re hauling cargo or cramming family, it’s a game‑changer.
Key perks of the lift‐and‑shift tech
- Fold‑down freedom: Seat can slide for extra storage or lift to create a roomy lounge.
- Maneuverability magic: Easy sliding means tighter spots won’t hassle you.
- Comfort boost: Adjust the height, and the back will hug you like an old friend.
Bottom line
With this nifty second‑row adjustment, the EQB is kind of a “Move‑in‑to‑your‑town” vehicle that plays it cool—no complaints, just smart moves.
Space Under the Seats: A Quick Journey to the Third Row
Bottom line? The third-row seat in the Mercedes is a bit tighter than the GLB, making it best suited for folks standing around 1.65 meters tall (about 5’5″). The GLB, on the other hand, welcomes riders up to roughly 1.68 meters (around 5’6″). If you’re a bit taller—think 1.7 meters or about 5’7″—you might need to adopt the “gentley lean” technique to fit comfortably.
Why It Matters
- Comfort is key. The extra inch in the GLB means a longer legroom cushion.
- Baby-steps are for everyone. Even the tallest folks can squeeze in if they avoid standing too tall.
- Flexibility! Some people prefer to slightly lean forward to get a better view, and that’s perfectly fine and safe.
Quick Takeaway
Whether you’re a short-to-medium height passenger or the tall one in the group, both models offer a workable solution—just enjoy the ride and make those gentle stoops your secret confidence trick!
Driving experience
Electric vs Gas: Who Wins the Ride?
Think of the EQA/GLA divide as a fun playground where each car shows off its tricks. The difference between a gas engine and an electric motor might look subtle until you really put them on the road.
Engine Showdown
- GLB 200 – The “good enough” gas guy that gives you a decent drive, but its 1.33‑liter turbo engine can feel a bit buzzy and not the smoothest at all.
- EQB 350 – Powered by two electric motors that blend front‑ and all‑wheel drive like a smooth jazz duet. The car just whirrs along, no engine knock.
On Singapore’s “rough tarmac”, the EQB’s 20‑inch wheels handle the bumps pretty well. There’s some stiffness to the ride, but overall it’s a step up from the GLB when it comes to refinement.
Volkswagen EQB 350: The Quiet Powerhouse on the Road
What’s Inside? A Clean Room, Not a Combustion Room
There isn’t a traditional vibey engine humming to keep this car moving. The “engine” is a sleek electric motor that whispers “I’m on duty” when you hit the accelerator.
Sound Profile – From Tire to Wind
- Tire roar: The big 20” wheels give a satisfying thrum, especially when you’re driving at normal city speeds.
- Wind noise: Its tall, aerodynamic profile means you’ll hear that whistling hiss at higher speeds – a reminder that it’s heading fast!
Daily Driving: Calm, Long, and Battery‑Friendly
The EQB 350 shines with everyday practicality. A consumer‑grade driver can comfortably drive long distances with a single charge, which typically eases you beyond 350 km on the road.
- Our 280 km test run reported an efficiency of 18.1 kWh/100 km, translating into around 370 km per charge.
- Because the car is designed for smooth ride-sharing, you won’t feel jolts or sudden shifts – just a relaxed cruise.
Performance: Power That’s “Eager” Not “1st‑class Speedster”
- Power comparison: The EQB 350 packs a grand total of 100 hp more than the base EQB 250.
- All‑wheel drive: Two motors give full traction, proving capable of brisk acceleration when needed.
- Torque: The car boasts 520 Nm of torque, ensuring it can feel fast even if it doesn’t steal the show at a corner.
Bottom Line: Quiet, Consistent, and Efficient – With a Smile
While it won’t win any drag races, the EQB 350 is a reliable pack for daily commutes, friendly to your battery, and surprisingly comfortable on longer trips. If you’re looking for a car that moves smoothly and does its jobs well, this electric sage might just hit the sweet spot.
EQB 350: A Hefty but Responsive EV
The EQB 350 comes with an adaptive suspension—a feature missing from its lighter cousin, the 250. In Sport mode, it kicks up the grip just enough to keep you feeling engaged, especially on city lo‑ops and quick lane changes.
What’s the “normal driving” vibe?
Like most electric cars, the EQB 350 shines when you’re cruising at moderate speeds. The extra 1,175‑kg weight boost over the GLB 200 (think 500 kg difference) makes it feel like a solid block that doesn’t skip, but it adds a bit of complacency when you try to go fast.
Comfort mode vs. Road mode
- Comfort mode gives that silky, relaxed ride but can feel a tad wallowing and understeering—you’ll notice it when you lean into a corner.
- Sport mode cranks up the suspension stiffness, so you’ll feel a tighter, more responsive steering feel. Still, the car’s a large, robust beast that likes to stay on its safe side.
Reality check: Can you push it?
While it has decent performance in Sport mode, the EQB 350’s weight still caps how much raw oomph you can pull out. It reminds you that speed isn’t everything—comfort and control are equally important.
Bottom line: If you’re a fan of a smooth, stable drive with a splash of athleticism, the 350’s got the package. Just don’t expect it to be the sleek, adrenaline‑driven playmate that the AMG35 GLB would be.
Competitors and conclusion
EQB vs GLB: Which SUV Keeps the Wheels Turning?
Imagine the GLB as that reliable family SUV that never forgets a birthday. Now, give it a clean‑energy upgrade and voilà—EQB shows up, riding the same solid platform but with a fresh electric vibe. It’s like adding a turbo to a nice old car without cranking up the paperwork.
Why the Competition Isn’t with the Competitors
The real battleground isn’t against a rival brand; it’s against the gasoline versions of the GLB themselves. Because the EQB keeps the classic “good‑bits” of the GLB (familiar handling, roomy interior, and solid build quality) and slaps on a battery instead of a back‑alley engine, the only real threat comes from the original, petrol‑powered siblings.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Let’s put a price tag on the idea. The EQB 350 is honoring its “premium” status with a staggering $350,000 sticker (yes, the car wants you to cough up a fish). When you do the math—fuel savings, lower taxes, maintenance costs—it starts to look less like a bargain and more like a kid who borrowed money but didn’t pay it back.
Now, compare that to the leaner models:
- EQB 250 Progressive: $292,888 plus a COE (Certificate of Entitlement). Same range, same class of comfort, but at a much lower price.
- GLB 180: Starting at $244,888 with a COE. Basically the “budget edition” that still offers a decent ride if you’re cool with running a bit slower and accepting the occasional puff of exhaust.
Bottom Line
If you’re not obsessing over cutting emissions to the tune of “air‑quality‑first” or speeding like a NASCAR rookie, you’ll find the cheaper options do the trick. The EQB 250 gives you that green‑bike feel minus the heavy price tag, while the GLB 180 is a sweet discount for those who don’t mind a touch of fuel burning.
So, next time you’re quirky about which SUV to pull out of the driveway, remember: it’s not about the brand’s flair; it’s about your wallet and how fast you’re willing to go into the next stoplight.
<img alt="" data-caption="Here’s the non AMG Line model, the EQB Electric Art variant.
PHOTO: Mercedes” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”f514fee1-3b2a-4fc3-97dd-1d5b85a2b50c” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-Mercedes-Benz-EQB-announced-Singapore-CarBuyer.com_.sg-11-1.jpg”/>
Choosing Your BMW Buddy: AMG vs. EQB — The Ultimate Showdown
Let’s face it: if you’re craving that AMG taste, you’ve got a couple of sweet options on the table. The GLB 250 AMG Line is sweet‑and‑simple at $322,888, or, for a little extra purr, you can slap an AMG Line kit onto the EQB 250. Either route gets you the signature rumble and good looks that AMG lovers love.
But there’s a catch: Sometimes you might just want a raw, rollicking thrill.
If you’re ready to let the engine roar and the cabin vibrate, the GLB 35 AMG is the star of the show.
- Price tag: $342,888 (including COE)
- Still more economical than the EQB 350, yet it’s the real showstopper.
- Iconic sound: loud, proud, and trust me— it farts like hell
- Best part? That “farting” makes the whole experience hilariously memorable.
The Mercy of the EQB 350
On the other hand, the EQB 350 wins on the check‑book front.
- Cheaper to run, because you’re electric
- Ranked as the fastest and sleekest of Mercedes’ budget seven‑seat lineup
- Nice, modern is a good way to describe it
So, if you’re all about that budget‑friendly hustle, the EQB 350 is solid. But if you want a car that rocks and makes you feel like you’re behind the wheel of a rolling concert, go for the GLB 35 AMG and enjoy the ride.
Mercedes-EQ EQB 350 4Matic AMG Line
Mercedes-Benz Fresh‑Air SUV: Clean Fun, Big Price Tag
What’s the scoop?
Mercedes-Benz has dropped a blue‑tinted, 7‑seat SUV into the electric arena. It’s sleek, it’s quiet, but the price will make your wallet wince. Think of it as the luxury sedan of a crossover, with a whole battery pack tucked inside.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Drivetrain – Full electric
- Motor layout – Dual, front and rear for that balanced thrust
- Power / Torque – 288 hp / 520 Nm (that’s a punchy combo)
- Battery – 66.5 kWh lithium‑ion, big enough to keep you rolling on a city loop
- Normal charge – 11 kW AC, about 6 h 25 min to full
- Fast charge – 100 kW DC, 32 min for 10‑80 %
- Range – 419 km WLTP assessment, 353 km local spec
- 0‑100 km/h – 6.2 s (fast enough for a quick getaway)
- Top speed – 160 km/h (just enough for highway sanity)
- Efficiency – 18.8 kWh/100 km
- I‑VEV Band – A1 –$25,000 discount on the vehicle
- Agent – Mercedes-Benz Singapore
- Price – $352,888 (including COE and VES)
- Availability – Now (but the queue might still be long)
Verdict
For those who crave clean, spirited driving and don’t mind paying the premium, this seven‑seat SUV feels like a pulse‑boosting joyride. If the price tag feels a bit too steep, the electric beast still delivers a triumphant blend of style, power, and zero‑emission bragging rights.
— First published in CarBuyer, reviewed by Mercedes Car & Electric/Hybrid vehicles.
