EQB Electric & GLB Become Merc’s Latest Entry-level 7-seater SUVs In India

• Mercedes GLB launched at Rs 63.8 lakh (ex-showroom).

• GLB’s electric version, EQB, launched at Rs 74.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

• GLB available in three trims: 200, 220d and 220d 4Matic AMG Line.

• EQB launched in a single 300 AWD trim.

• Both are fully imported units.

Double trouble! The clarion call is not for us, but Mercedes’ rivals as there’s not one but two new SUVs from the German marque that have landed in India. The Mercedes GLB and its electric iteration, the EQB, have just been launched in the country and are priced at Rs 63.80 lakh and 74.50 lakh (all prices ex-showroom), respectively. 

The GLB will be offered in three broad variants: 200, 220d, and 220d 4Matic. The first two are based on the Progressive Line, while the last is exclusively AMG Line. On the other hand, the EQB is offered only in a single 300 4Matic trim. 

Price 

Both SUVs are being brought into India in the form of completely built-up units (CBU), which makes them quite expensive compared to locally assembled models. The GLB’s range-topping AMG Line variant stretches all the way to Rs 69.8 lakh, while the electric version is more expensive still at Rs 74.5 lakh. Keep in mind, these prices are introductory and likely to increase later on. 

Design

Both SUVs don’t really look like full-fledged seven-seaters because they simply aren’t as huge. That being said, they still have an upright stance as an SUV should. The GLB looks a bit more butch and muscular in comparison to the EQB, probably because of the closed-off EV-specfic elements of the latter. Overall aesthetics of both cars are modern, yet clean. 

The GLB is offered in five colours – Polar White, Denim Blue, Cosmos Black, Mountain Grey and Patagonia Red. Its interiors can be upholstered in Dinamica black, Machhiato beige and Anthracite Black. 

Variants and powertrain

While the EQB is offered in a single 300 AWD trim, the GLB gets three variants: 200, 220d and 220d 4Matic (all-wheel drive). The first variant is powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine with cylinder deactivation tech, while the other two get a 2-litre diesel engine.

The two electric motors on board the EQB are fed using a 66.5kWh battery pack and this particular variant of the EQB boasts a WLTP-claimed range of 423km, which when depleted can be added rapidly as it supports fast-charging north of 100kW.

Features

The seven-seater SUVs from the three-pointed star get a host of creature comforts including two big 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and driver’s display, powered front seats with memory function, 10-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, dual zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and connected car tech. Safety of the passengers is ensured by multiple airbags, electronic stability control and ADAS. 

The ICE and EV powertrain components of the GLB and EQB are protected by an eight-year warranty. The overall feel and layout of the cabin has been detailed in our first drive review of the two SUVs. 

Despite being a fully imported unit, the GLB still undercuts the segment above, which includes the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, and BMW X3. The EQB, also a full import, is in no man’s land with no direct competition and can be considered a seven-seater alternative to the BMW iX.