The Mercedes-Benz EQB was introduced in 2021 as one of the brand’s first compact electric SUVs, offering practicality, three-row seating, and the prestige of the Mercedes badge. But just four years later, Mercedes has announced the end of EQB production, with the final units rolling off the line in late 2025. In its place, the company is preparing to launch a new GLB with EQ technology in 2026, signaling a major step forward in its electrification strategy.
🚗 The EQB: A Short but Significant Journey
The EQB was essentially the electric version of the GLB-Class, built on the older MFA platform. Despite its limitations, it carved out a niche:
- Battery: 70.5 kWh pack with DC fast charging.
- Range: Around 250–260 miles (WLTP).
- Seating: Up to three rows, rare for compact EVs.
- Launch markets: Europe, China, and North America.
While praised for practicality and Mercedes luxury, the EQB struggled against newer rivals offering longer ranges and faster charging.
⚡ Why Mercedes Ended EQB Production
Mercedes-Benz confirmed that the EQB’s MFA platform was outdated, limiting efficiency and charging speeds. Instead, the company is pivoting to its MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture), designed specifically for EVs.
- Production halt: Orders closed in late 2025; only existing bookings are being fulfilled.
- Transition: The Hungarian plant in Kecskemét is retooling for the new GLB EV.
- ICE GLB: The gasoline-powered GLB will continue briefly from Mexico before being phased out.
🏎️ The Successor: GLB with EQ Technology
Launching in early 2026, the new GLB EV represents a leap forward:
- Range: Over 600 km (WLTP), nearly double the EQB.
- Charging: 800V system with up to 325 kW DC fast charging, enabling ~300 km in 10 minutes.
- Platform: MMA architecture, optimized for EV efficiency and flexibility.
- Design: Updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and a more futuristic cabin.
- Drivetrains: Multiple options, including single- and dual-motor setups.
This successor aims to compete directly with Tesla’s Model Y, Audi Q6 e-tron, and BMW iX3.
⚖️ EQB vs. GLB EV
| Feature | EQB (2021–2025) | GLB EV (2026– ) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MFA (ICE-based) | MMA (EV-first) |
| Range (WLTP) | ~250–260 miles | 600+ km |
| Charging Speed | ~100–150 kW | Up to 325 kW |
| Seating | Up to 3 rows | 2 rows (with more space) |
| Launch Year | 2021 | 2026 |
🌍 Market Impact
The EQB’s discontinuation reflects Mercedes’ broader strategy:
- Efficiency focus: Moving away from ICE-derived platforms to EV-first architectures.
- Competitive positioning: The GLB EV’s specs put Mercedes back in contention with rivals.
- Consumer benefit: Longer range and faster charging address key EV adoption barriers.
For existing EQB owners, Mercedes will continue support and servicing, but resale values may be affected by the model’s short lifespan.
✨ Final Thoughts
The Mercedes EQB was an important stepping stone in the brand’s electrification journey, offering practicality and luxury in a compact EV. But its short run highlights the rapid pace of EV innovation. With the GLB EV arriving in 2026, Mercedes is making a bold statement: the future of its SUVs will be built on dedicated EV platforms, longer ranges, and cutting-edge charging technology.
The EQB may be gone, but its successor promises to redefine what a compact luxury EV can be.
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