The 2023 Mercedes EQB is one of the few compact electric SUVs that offers an optional third row, blending familiar Mercedes-Benz luxury with practical family-hauling capability. It’s not the flashiest EV on the market, but if you care more about comfort and everyday usability than headline-grabbing specs, the 2023 EQB deserves a serious look, especially as a used EV where pricing has become much more approachable.
Where the EQB fits in
2023 Mercedes EQB overview
2023 Mercedes EQB key specs at a glance
Core specs for the main EQB variants sold in the U.S. for 2023.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Power (hp) | EPA range (mi, approx.) | 0–60 mph (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQB 250+ | FWD | 188 | 245 | ~8.0 sec |
| EQB 300 4MATIC | AWD | 225 | ~232 | ~7.0 sec |
| EQB 350 4MATIC | AWD | 288 | 221 | ~6.0 sec |
Exact range and performance vary slightly by wheel size and equipment.
All 2023 EQB models use a battery around 70 kWh usable, with different motor setups by trim. The EQB 250+ prioritizes range and price with a single front motor. The EQB 300 4MATIC adds a rear motor for all-wheel drive, while the EQB 350 4MATIC turns up the power for quicker acceleration at the expense of some range.
Trim choice tip
Powertrains, range, and efficiency
EQB 250+, 300, and 350: what’s the real difference?
Same battery, three personalities.
EQB 250+ (FWD)
The efficiency pick. A single front motor makes 188 hp and delivers an EPA-estimated ~245 miles of range. It’s not quick, but perfectly adequate for daily driving.
EQB 300 4MATIC (AWD)
Dual motors with around 225 hp and standard all-wheel drive. Expect slightly lower range (around low 230s) but better traction and stronger passing power.
EQB 350 4MATIC (AWD)
The performance trim with roughly 288 hp and brisk 0–60 mph in about 6 seconds. Range drops to around 221 miles, so it’s geared more toward drivers prioritizing acceleration.
On paper, the EQB’s range sits in the low- to mid-200-mile band, solid but not groundbreaking by 2023 standards. In mixed real-world driving, reviewers have seen around 2.5–2.8 miles per kWh, translating to roughly 180–210 miles on a full charge depending on trim, weather, and how much highway driving you do.
Efficiency expectations
Charging performance: home and fast charging
Charging highlights for the 2023 EQB
Every 2023 EQB supports up to 11 kW AC charging (Level 2) and around 100–112 kW peak DC fast charging. With a typical 40–48 amp home charger on a 240V circuit, a full charge from low state of charge to 100% is an overnight affair, exactly what most owners want. On a DC fast charger, the EQB can go from roughly 10% to 80% in about half an hour when the battery is properly conditioned.
Home charging setup
On the road, the 100 kW-ish DC peak is competitive for a compact EV, but not class-leading. Rivals like the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 charge much faster on 800V architectures. That said, the EQB’s charging curve is reasonably consistent; as long as you plug in around 10–20% and stop near 80%, you can usually be back on the road in under 40 minutes.
Road-trip reality check
Interior space, 3-row practicality, and tech
Space and seating
The EQB’s biggest differentiator is its optional third row, rare in this size class. Think of it as a 5+2: the first and second rows are comfortable for adults, while the third row is best for kids or short trips.
- Boxy roofline provides good headroom in the first two rows.
- Sliding second row helps you trade legroom for third-row space when needed.
- With the third row folded, cargo space is generous for a compact SUV.
Materials and tech
Inside, the 2023 EQB feels like a modern Mercedes: twin 10.25-inch screens, turbine-style vents, ambient lighting, and solid build quality.
- MBUX infotainment with voice control, navigation, and EV routing.
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Available augmented-reality navigation and premium audio.
It’s a more traditional luxury vibe than the minimalist dashboards in many newer EVs.
Third-row reality
Driving experience: quiet, comfortable, but not sporty
On the road, the 2023 EQB leans into its Mercedes heritage: quiet, composed, and confidence-inspiring, rather than playful or razor sharp. The steering is light, visibility is excellent thanks to the upright greenhouse, and the suspension tuning prioritizes comfort over corner-carving. Around town and on the highway, it feels like a familiar compact luxury SUV that just happens to be electric.
- EQB 250+: Adequate acceleration, smooth and relaxed.
- EQB 300 4MATIC: Noticeably stronger midrange punch and better traction.
- EQB 350 4MATIC: Genuinely quick in a straight line, but still not a performance crossover in the way a Model Y Performance is.
One-pedal driving and regen
Safety, recalls, and reliability
The 2023 EQB comes with the full suite of modern active safety features you’d expect from Mercedes-Benz: forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. Depending on package and trim, you can add adaptive cruise control and more advanced driver-assist features.
Important: recent high-voltage battery recall
Beyond the recall, early reliability data suggests the EQB behaves much like the GLB it’s based on: generally solid, but with the typical complexity of a modern luxury SUV. The upside of an EV is fewer wear items like engine oil, spark plugs, and exhaust components. The trade-off is additional software, sensors, and high-voltage components that require specialized service.
How Recharged helps on safety and battery health
Ownership costs and used pricing
2023 EQB ownership snapshot (U.S. market)
When new, the 2023 EQB line started in the low–$50,000s for the 250+ and climbed into the low–$60,000s for a well-equipped 350 4MATIC. As of 2026, used pricing has come down significantly as newer EVs launch and as the EQB approaches the end of its planned production run. That depreciation can be your friend if you buy carefully and pay close attention to battery condition and recall history.
Running costs are generally favorable compared to a gasoline GLB. Electricity is usually cheaper per mile than gasoline, and the EQB’s brake regeneration reduces brake wear in normal driving. Expect higher tire costs than a non-luxury compact SUV due to weight and performance-oriented tires, and budget for the occasional software update or diagnostic visit at a Mercedes dealer or qualified independent EV shop.
2023 Mercedes EQB vs. rivals
How the 2023 EQB stacks up against key rivals
High-level comparison against popular alternatives shoppers often cross-shop.
| Model | Key strengths | Key trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | Excellent efficiency and fast charging; strong software and Supercharger access (increasingly open to other brands). | More minimalist interior; no third row in many trims; ride quality can be firmer. |
| Audi Q4 e-tron | Refined, quiet cabin; strong brand appeal; good overall balance. | Less cargo flexibility; no optional third row; charging speeds competitive but not standout. |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6 | Very fast DC charging; spacious interiors; compelling pricing and warranties. | Design is more futuristic; no three-row option; some owners prefer more traditional luxury feel. |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge / C40 | Strong safety image and cozy cabin; quick acceleration. | Smaller interior; shorter range on highway than class leaders; no 3-row option. |
Specs are approximate and vary by configuration; focus on role and character, not just numbers.
The EQB’s niche is clear: it’s the compact luxury EV for people who want a traditional SUV shape and an optional +2 seats. If you don’t need the third row, other EVs may offer more range, faster charging, or more modern platforms. But if you like the GLB and simply want it in electric form, the EQB delivers exactly that experience.
Buying used: what to look for on a 2023 EQB
Key checks before you buy a used 2023 EQB
1. Confirm high-voltage battery recall status
Ask for documentation that any open battery-related recall work has been completed. If it hasn’t, confirm that the remedy is scheduled with a Mercedes dealer and factor the timing into your decision.
2. Review battery health data
Look for objective battery health information rather than relying on guesses. At Recharged, our Recharged Score battery diagnostics estimate remaining capacity so you can see how the pack has aged versus mileage and use.
3. Verify DC fast-charging history
Frequent high-power DC fast charging isn’t automatically bad, but it can accelerate wear if abused. Ask where and how the previous owner typically charged, mostly at home, or living off fast chargers?
4. Inspect tires, brakes, and suspension
The EQB is heavy for its size, which can wear tires and suspension components more quickly than a comparable gas SUV. Uneven tire wear or clunks over bumps are negotiation points, or reasons to walk away.
5. Test all driver-assist and infotainment features
Spend time verifying adaptive cruise control (if equipped), lane-keeping, parking sensors, cameras, and the MBUX system. Software glitches are sometimes fixable, but you want to discover them before signing paperwork.
6. Evaluate third-row usefulness for your family
If the third row is a must-have, physically sit adults and kids in all rows. Make sure ingress/egress and legroom work for your specific use cases rather than assuming it will be "fine."
How Recharged simplifies used EQB shopping
Is the 2023 Mercedes EQB right for you?
Great fit if you want…
- A compact, luxury EV with a familiar SUV shape.
- Optional third-row seating for kids or occasional extra passengers.
- Comfort-first ride quality and a quiet cabin.
- Traditional Mercedes interior design with strong tech and ambient lighting.
- A used EV that’s already taken a big depreciation hit from new MSRP.
You may want to look elsewhere if…
- You need fast road-trip charging and 260+ miles of real-world range.
- You carry adults in all three rows on a regular basis.
- You prioritize cutting-edge EV platforms with 800V architectures and bi-directional charging.
- You strongly prefer minimalist interiors and heavy one-pedal driving.
The 2023 Mercedes EQB isn’t chasing records, it’s providing a comfortable, familiar Mercedes experience in an electric package, with the rare bonus of an optional third row in a compact footprint. If you understand its limitations around range and charging speed, verify that recall work and battery health check out, and shop carefully on price, a used EQB can be a smart, pragmatic entry into luxury EV ownership. And if you’d like help comparing specific vehicles, Recharged’s EV specialists and Recharged Score Reports are designed to give you the confidence that the EQB you pick fits your life, your budget, and your charging reality.
