Does the new Mercedes EQB outperform the Tesla Model Y?

Does the update to the fully electric Mercedes EQB make it the new benchmark among eco-friendly SUVs?

Mobiwisy highlighted, a few weeks ago, Mercedes’ decision to lower the price of two of its electric cars to make them eligible for the €5,000 eco bonus. We won’t list all the qualities again, but the three main advantages of the Mercedes EQA and EQB are range, equipment, and build quality. Regarding criticisms, the most significant was the relatively slow charging on a DC outlet: 100 kW for the EQB 250+ when the Tesla Model Y Propulsion accepts up to 170 kW. In short, highway breaks will be twice as long: 31 minutes for the German versus 17 minutes for the American to go from 20% to 80% battery charge. But be careful with the calculation: the batteries are not of the same capacity! 70.5 kWh for the first, 66 kWh for the second.

It is precisely on this aspect that the Mercedes EQB irritates Tesla the most. And the new updated version emphasizes this even more with 6% savings in electrical consumption… and therefore a 6% gain in range. Thanks to reworked aerodynamics and tires (yet wider) with low rolling resistance, the driving range in WLTP cycle rises from 506 to 536 km (or even 560 km for the more streamlined EQA body). On its side, the Tesla Model Y claims 455 km, which is at least 80 km less, which is significant. The average consumption of the EQB drops from 16.2 to 15.2 kW/100 km. Realistically, we estimate the final range at 400 km without issue, compared to 350 km for Tesla.

It should be said that Mercedes makes a choice of frugality through less demonstrative mechanics: 190 hp versus about 260 hp for its rival, but the priority goes to sobriety. This same engine, housed in a more streamlined sedan, could easily ensure a range of 600 km…

Besides the increased range, Mercedes introduces an intelligent assistant that advises you on the maximum speed to travel on a given route to save time. Essentially: driving slower gets you there faster. The idea is to avoid recharge stops. For example: instead of driving at 130 km/h on the highway, the EQB will suggest not to exceed 110 km/h on a climb. The savings can be huge over long trips. This recommended speed is displayed as a red line on the speedometer, and the cruise control follows this suggestion.

Finally, the vehicle now automatically identifies itself to a charging station of Mercedes’s partner networks, like Ionity. The driver no longer needs to enter credentials; everything is automatic.

One last unknown remains: the selling price of these new EQA and EQB models. Raw material costs are falling, electric cars are becoming mainstream, industrial methods are developing, and production costs are decreasing. Until now, the Tesla Model Y Propulsion had a €1,000 advantage. The American manufacturer, still very aggressive, may need to react to maintain its market lead.

In any case, the response from traditional automakers is becoming clearer and stronger. The customer will be the big winner.

READ ALSO: Facing Mercedes and Tesla, when will we see a bonus-equipped BMW electric?

REMINDER: HERE IS THE CURRENT MERCEDES EQB BEFORE THE RESTYLING.

THE FRONT BUMPER WAS PARTICULARLY TOO BULKY AND HARMED AERODYNAMICS.