The Mercedes-Benz EQB will start at 55,311 euros ($62, 030) in Germany as the brand expands its full-electric lineup into the compact SUV segment.
The EQB is available only in two four-wheel-drive versions: The EQB 300 4matic, with a peak output of 168 hp and 390 Newton-meters of torque; and the 350 4matic, with output of 215 hp and 520 Nm of torque (57,988 euros). A less-expensive two-wheel-drive version is expected at a later date.
Orders are now open in Germany, Mercedes said in a statement Wednesday. In Germany the EQB qualifies for an environmental bonus of 7,500 euros for electric vehicles, of which 5,000 euros is financed by the government and 2,500 by the automaker.
After the EQA, the EQB is Mercedes' second all-electric compact car.
The EQB is essentially an electric version of the GLB compact SUV, and like its internal-combustion sibling model, is available as a three-row, seven-seater, for a premium of 1,416 euros. The GLB starts at about 40,000 euros in Germany, with AMG versions starting at 57,000 euros.
EQB models come with one year of free charging at the Mercedes Me network, which has more than 600,000 charge points worldwide.
Mercedes has priced the EQB higher than its competitors in the premium compact SUV segment.
Competitors include the Audi Q4 e-tron and e-tron Sportback models, which start at 41,900 euros in Germany (but at 50,900 euros in quattro all-wheel-drive versions); the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which starts at 45,650 euros in Germany (52,150 euros for all-wheel-drive); and the coming Genesis GV60 (price not yet announced).
BMW is expected to enter the segment in 2022.
