This year’s Shanghai Auto Show found Mercedes-Benz bringing what will likely be a top-seller in China to the table: the EQB, an EV version of the popular mid-sized, family-oriented GLB.
The reveal followed closely on the heels of the first look at Merc’s EV halo cars, the EQS 450+ and 580 4Matic. The luxury sedan flagship variants are said to have a range of over 400 miles with optional long-range battery packages, and design features that include a glass dash with the Mercedes ‘Hyperscreen’ layout.
The EQB is one of Mercedes’ SUV variations based on a fossil fuel-powered model, as the automaker continues its careful bet-hedging transition toward full electrification. The EQA and EQC correspond to the GLA and GLC in the mid-size SUV lineup scheme.
Mercedes geared the reveal version of the EQB toward the Chinese marketplace, of course; the model will be manufactured in China, and a goodly percentage of production will stay right at home. This version features an upscale performance-luxury treatment including an AMG package. A U.S. market EQB will arrive next year.