Ever wondered what it’s like to navigate a bustling city like Mumbai with a full-fledged electric SUV? Buckle up, because I’m about to share my week-long experience with the Mercedes EQB, where we crammed in family, luggage, and even ventured out for some kid-free fun.
Spacious Interiors for Weekend Warriors
My journey began with picking up my cousin and her family from the airport. Despite being on my side, they somehow ended up tagging along with my wife, leaving me to handle the mammoth task of luggage Tetris. Thankfully, the EQB’s spacious interiors came to the rescue. With a length of 4,684mm, it might not be a giant, but it definitely punches above its weight compared to a Toyota Innova. Despite the longish bonnet that had me worried about cabin space, the EQB devoured their luggage with ease – three extra-large kit bags, three hefty check-in suitcases, and a carry-on, all without exceeding the window line. Talk about impressive!
Seven-Seater Shenanigans: A Mixed Bag
Now, the EQB boasts of being a seven-seater, and we put that claim to the test. First, we embarked on a kid-free night out with a full load of seven adults. While the EQB managed to fit us all in, comfort wasn’t exactly a highlight. The seats, which we found firm even during our initial test drive, didn’t exactly translate to a luxurious seven-seater experience. It’s more suited for occasional use, like ferrying people to a party, rather than a regular seven-seater option.
Things were slightly better with the kids on board. The older ones found the third row a bit cramped, while the younger ones felt a bit claustrophobic. This could be due to a combination of factors: the low seat base, the limited visibility from the small quarter glass windows, the large headrests in the second row, and the dark interior trim.
EV Charging in the Real World: A Reality Check
With a week’s worth of errands and outings, the EQB needed charging twice. This highlighted some of the real-world challenges of EV infrastructure. The app promised a CCS2 fast charger, but upon arrival, surprise! It was the much rarer CHAdeMO unit. This meant relying on the slower AC charger, resulting in a painstaking 3 hours and 14 minutes to add just 31% battery (from 41% to 72%). While the slow speed wasn’t ideal, being parked at a mall meant no major complaints. In terms of efficiency, the EQB delivered a decent 5.02km/kWh, translating to a roughly 334km range. Considering the car was almost always fully loaded, this wasn’t bad at all. For reference, Hormazd from our previous review managed a consistent 380-390km range, with a claimed WLTP range of 423km.
Mumbai Maneuvers and Everyday Usability
Once the family frenzy subsided, I kept the EQB for a few more days to experience its everyday usability for my commute. The electric motor’s torque delivery was a delight – unlike some EVs that hit you with an instant burst, the EQB’s power is measured and strong. Despite being almost as wide as an Innova, navigating Mumbai’s tight spaces was surprisingly easy. The light steering controls and a high seating position offering good visibility definitely contributed to this. And being an automatic EV, stop-and-goin traffic became a breeze.
Needless to say, I was quite impressed with the EQB’s city manners. In fact, I decided to extend my little experiment with a trip to Ikea – luggage mode, here we come again!
In Conclusion: A Capable Companion for Urban Adventures
The Mercedes EQB isn’t perfect. The seven-seater functionality is more occasional than everyday, and the public charging infrastructure needs some serious improvements. But for a week of navigating Mumbai’s bustling streets, tackling family errands, and even squeezing in some kid-free fun, the EQB proved to be a capable and comfortable companion. The spacious interiors, impressive efficiency, and enjoyable driving experience make it a compelling option for urban electric adventures.
