Mercedes is electrifying its lineup with new models in several segments. The EQS flagship sedan came first, followed by a smaller sedan and two SUV models. One, the EQB SUV, offers the styling and size of the gas-powered GLB-Class, but with up to 250 miles of all-electric range.

The EQB was all-new for 2022, and it rolls into 2023 without change. Three configurations are on offer: the EQB 250+, the EQB 300 4Matic, and the EQB 350 4Matic. The base EQB 250+ arrives first, with a starting price of $54,500. It gets front-wheel drive (FWD) with a 225-horsepower electric motor. The range extends to 250 miles, and charging from 10-100 percent takes around 11.25 hours using a 240V home outlet. Using DC fast charging, the EQB can recover from 10 to 80 percent battery in just 31 minutes.

Though it’s based on the gas GLB, the EQB has more planted, refined handling thanks to its electric powertrain and the batteries located low in the floor. Instant torque is another significant benefit, as the electric motors get the SUV moving with authority. Models that come later on will offer all-wheel drive (AWD), but all EQBs come with a single-speed transmission.

Interior features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate, 64-color ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate controls, and an adjustable back seat. Mercedes says the second-row seat can be moved up to 5.5 inches and splits 60/40 to allow for carrying larger cargo items.

Mercedes equips the EQB with a load of advanced technology and driver-assistance features. It gets a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Both run on the automaker’s latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, which brings updated voice controls and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Several control methods are available, including touch, voice, touchpad, and steering wheel inputs. The new voice system is better at understanding natural language, and it can be triggered by saying “Hey Mercedes.”

The EQB is too new to have crash test data, but Mercedes was not stingy with safety equipment. The EQB gets standard adaptive cruise control with route-based speed adaptation, active steering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, speed-limit assist, automatic emergency braking, and forward-collision warning.

Mercedes expects the EQB to compete with the Tesla Model Y, the Audi Q4 e-tron, and the Volkswagen ID.4. Buyers may also consider the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, or the Kia EV6. The Mercedes-Benz’s somewhat reasonable starting price and modest range numbers make it competitive with a wide range of vehicles, from mainstream to premium. Unfortunately for the EQB, its range falls short of the numbers offered by less expensive models from Kia and Hyundai, and its performance variants aren’t on par with quick models from Ford and others.