Mercedes-Benz engineers have been spotted with a prototype
for an electric version of the GLB-Class.
The new EV is confirmed as the EQB and will be available sometime in 2021.
Although the prototype looks like the regular GLB, the
sealed-off grille and lack of exhaust pipes confirm it as an EV. Earlier test
mules were also seen with fully covered underbodies.
The GLB is based on the same MFA2 (Mercedes Front-drive
Architecture) as the recently launched A-Class. The EQB will feature a
battery-electric version of the platform. The platform will also underpin
an EQA
electric hatch previewed in concept form in 2017. The first dedicated
EV platform from Mercedes will debut
in the EQS sedan, also due around 2021.
As for the powertrain, expect an electric motor at each axle
and around 60 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity for more than 200 miles of
range initially. More powertrain options could be added down the line.
Trademark filings made by Mercedes with the United States Patent and Trademark
Office hint at EQB200, EQB250, EQB320, EQB350 and EQB360 grades.
Mercedes' first volume EV is the GLC-based
EQC due in local showrooms in the first half 2020. The EQA is expected
to appear around the same time, though a U.S. launch for the electric hatch may
not happen due to crossovers being more popular here. Therefore we're more
likely to receive the EQB to satisfy local buyers looking for a compact EV from
Mercedes.
Many automakers in the luxury space are working on electric
compact crossovers. Volvo will launch an electric
XC40 on October 16 and Lexus is thought to be working on an electric
version of its UX. France's DS has also just introduced the DS 3 Crossback
E-Tense. Soon we'll be able to add Mercedes' EQB to the list.
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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