Mercedes-Benz EQB Quietly Glides Over Snow In Northern Europe

If you’ve lost track of the multitude of electric SUVs, don’t worry, you’re not alone, although if you want to stay in touch with everything that Mercedes-Benz is doing in the segment, then you have to remember six letters (for now): EQB and EQC.

The latter was already unveiled and the former doesn’t seem that far away either. A zero-emissions version of the GLB compact SUV which, in turn is a more practical alternative to the GLA, thanks to a raised roofline, boxier styling. The upcoming EQB is now undergoing some cold-weather testing near the Arctic Circle in Europe.

Read: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB Edition 1 Detailed, Is It Worth An Extra $10k?

Most body panels will carry over from the ICE-powered versions, yet the front and rear ends will be different to make sure that everyone knows you’re driving an electric Mercedes. The closed-off grille, different headlights and likely a reshaped bumper will make it more visible to bystanders, whereas at the other end, the license plate holder has moved from the tailgate to the bumper. Does this mean that a light strip will join the two taillights together, like on the bigger EQC? We don’t have a definitive answer to this question yet, so let’s move on to the next topic: power.

Three electric motors should be on the list, and getting the entry-level will let you enjoy 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW), whereas the mid-spec is thought to unleash 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW). The top-of-the-line model will have an AMG-rivalling 340 PS (335 hp / 250 kW) allegedly, as well as e-AWD (electric all-wheel drive), a feature shared with the mid-range variant. Battery capacities should span between 60 and 110 kWh, depending on trim level.

Echoing the electric motors and perhaps batteries too will be the EQA hatchback, the zero-emission version of the just revealed GLA crossover.