Mercedes-Benz EQB v/s Mini 3-Door Electric

Mercedes-Benz EQB

The Mercedes-Benz EQ family is growing fast. Very quickly. After the EQC, EQV, and EQA, the EQB has joined the catalog and promises large families to travel connected. Unlike the EQE sedan, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is not a vehicle originally designed to be 100% electric. The EQB derives from the GLB offered in thermal and rechargeable hybrid.

In order to differentiate these false twins, the EQB has a reworked, refined front face, with a full grille and light strip highlighting the bonnet and connecting the front blocks. At the rear, same treatment, an LED strip connects the optics and separates the window from the tailgate. If the shield does not accommodate any exhaust outlet, it does accommodate the license plate.

Inside, the design is identical to that of the GLB and common to all compact vehicles from Mercedes-Benz ( Class A, CLA, GLA, Class B). And that's good since the presentation combining chrome, lacquered surfaces, and foamed plastics is still very flattering while the instrumentation combining a double digital panel - a trick imitated by the competition since - remains topical and very simple to use in daily use.

Well seen, the transformation of the GLB into the EQB was done without losing the practicality of this large compact SUV. The model retains its minivan soul, its good roominess (roof guard, sliding bench seat, adjustable backrests, storage), and above all its third row of seats. It is therefore the only seven-seater electric SUV on the market!

On the specification side, the generous torque specific to electric vehicles compensates for the weight of the 66.5 kWh battery and, here, of the two electric blocks placed on the front and rear axles. The firmer suspensions give it a certain dynamism on all types of roads. Fleets will appreciate the 140 kW (190 hp) version which is reserved for them and has better autonomy.

Finally, Mercedes-Benz knows how to effectively manage the transfer and recovery of energy. Enough to guarantee real autonomy close to that announced.

It is available in the price range of Rs 74.5 lakh.

Mini 3-Door Electric

The first electric car marketed by the British brand, the electric Mini Cooper SE, with its 230 km range, has made a name for itself in the premium 'zero emission' city car market.

Coming from the first concept car presented by the brand in 2017, the electric Mini Cooper takes up a large part of the onboard elements of the Mini with internal combustion engines. Exclusively offered in a three-door version, the small British electric chip takes up the characteristic elements of the brand such as the Union Flag integrated into the rear lights while adding a few details specific to the electric version. The grille is thus almost closed while “E” logos take place at the level of the front fenders and the trunk. Specific to the model, the yellow inserts remain optional equipment.

Inside, the presentation is also relatively close to the thermal Minis with obviously the addition of features specific to this electric version at the level of the digital screens.

Powered by a 135 kW (184 horsepower) electric block, the Mini Cooper SE develops up to 270 Nm of torque. In terms of performance, the manufacturer communicates on a 0 to 60 km / h shot in 3.9 seconds and on a 0 to 100 km / h cross in 7.3 seconds. At top speed, the model is limited to 150 km/h.

Integrated under the floor, the battery pack does not affect the habitability of the vehicle or the loading space in the trunk, displayed at 211 liters. Totaling 32.6 kWh of capacity, the lithium-ion battery that powers this electric Mini announces between 225 and 234 kilometers of autonomy in the WLTP cycle with an average consumption of 15.2 to 15.9 kWh / 100 km.

To recharge the Mini Cooper SE, two solutions:

• For charging at home and at public terminals, the Mini Electric has an 11 kW power charger for 80% charging in 2.5 hours.
• For long journeys, a Combo connector allows up to 50 kW, or 80% of energy recovered after 35 minutes.

In both cases, the charging hatch is located on the right side and at the rear of the vehicle.

It is available in the price range of Rs 52.5 lakh.