As my lease on the VW ID.4 nears its end, the search for a replacement EV has begun. Excited to test the waters with a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle, I recently rented an EQB 250+ for a week through Hertz, anticipating a premium experience. Initially aiming for a Bolt, the Hertz location offered an EQB instead, suggesting a step-up in vehicle class and, presumably, price. However, after a week behind the wheel, the reality was far from premium. In short: I would overwhelmingly choose an ID.4, even my current one, over the EQB. The EQB presented very few advantages, a notable list of disadvantages, and all at what is expected to be a considerably higher price point. Even at the same price, the ID.4 emerges as the clear winner in my book.
Performance and Driving Disappointment
Under the hood, or rather, under the floor, the EQB 250+’s power delivery left much to be desired. While my ID.4 isn’t exactly a speed demon, the EQB felt surprisingly sluggish off the mark. Expecting a certain level of briskness from the Mercedes-Benz badge, I even experimented with “Sport” mode, hoping for a more engaging driving experience. Unfortunately, the result was negligible. The EQB’s acceleration felt labored and uninspired, a significant letdown compared to expectations for a modern EV, particularly one bearing the Mercedes star.
Feature Fumbles and Ergonomic Errors
Beyond mere acceleration, the feature set and user interface of the EQB presented a series of disappointments. Starting with basic accessibility, the EQB lacked proximity sensors for keyless unlocking. In an age where even budget-friendly cars offer this convenience, having to physically use the key fob to unlock a Mercedes felt archaic. The start-up sequence further compounded the usability issues. Requiring a distinct “turn-on” step before engaging drive or reverse added an unnecessary pause to the driving process. Attempting to shift too quickly resulted in a frustrating delay, a stark contrast to the seamless and fluid operation offered by VW and Tesla, who have elegantly streamlined this aspect of EV driving.
Alt text: The spartan and somewhat confusing dashboard of the Mercedes EQB 250+, highlighting the small landscape display and button-heavy center console.
While the EQB’s seats did offer a wide range of adjustments and excellent lumbar support, a notable ergonomic flaw emerged. The seat controls were positioned where the door lever should intuitively be, leading to repeated fumbling and mis-grabs. Conversely, the door lever itself was tucked away and less accessible. This design choice prioritized infrequent seat adjustments over the constantly used door lever, a perplexing decision from a user experience perspective.
Display and Technology Deficiencies
The EQB’s digital display, while technically functional, proved to be both underwhelming and cumbersome. While it did power on promptly, the interface was remarkably basic and unintuitive to navigate. Even Hertz staff struggled to access fundamental vehicle information like mileage and state of charge upon return. The central trackpad and steering wheel-mounted touchpad controls operated in a reverse logic, reminiscent of older Mac interfaces, adding another layer of frustration. While a setting to reverse this behavior might exist, its default configuration felt counterintuitive.
Alt text: A close-up of the small, landscape-oriented infotainment screen in the Mercedes EQB, displaying wired Apple CarPlay, which appears to offer limited screen real estate.
The diminutive size and landscape orientation of the display screen further hampered usability. For navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps, a portrait orientation is undeniably superior, maximizing map visibility. Even with wired Apple CarPlay connected (wireless CarPlay is absent), the information displayed offered little advantage over simply using a smartphone. The available binnacle display options appeared largely superfluous and added little value to the driving experience.
Missing Modern Driver Aids
In a vehicle class and price range where advanced driver assistance systems are increasingly standard, the EQB’s omissions were glaring. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic parking – features commonly found even in more affordable vehicles – were notably absent. This lack of modern driving aids felt particularly out of place in a Mercedes-Benz, further diminishing its value proposition.
Subjective Styling: An Unflattering Aesthetic
A purely subjective point, but the EQB’s exterior styling failed to impress. In my opinion, it lacks the visual appeal of the ID.4, appearing somewhat plain and “shrimpy.” Aesthetics are personal, but the EQB’s design did little to elevate its appeal in my eyes.
Ride Comfort and Practicality: Minor Silver Linings
To its credit, the EQB offered a remarkably quiet ride, noticeably quieter than a Tesla and perhaps even quieter than my ID.4. Handling felt comparable to the ID.4, and the seats, possibly upholstered in real leather, were comfortable. While I didn’t test its charging speed or cargo capacity extensively during my rental, the range and overall size seemed similar to the ID.4. Visibility was also adequate.
Final Verdict: Prestige Without Substance?
Ultimately, the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ left me puzzled. Beyond the prestige of the Mercedes badge – which undoubtedly holds value for some – it’s difficult to justify its higher price point compared to vehicles like the VW ID.4. The EQB lags behind in performance, features, technology, and subjective styling, offering minimal discernible advantages. While I remain undecided on whether my next EV will be another ID.4, one thing is certain: the Mercedes EQB 250+ will not be on my list of contenders.
