The Mercedes EQB is one of very few electric family cars that offers seven seats as standard, and one that does so on a relatively compact footprint. Admittedly, the pair of rearmost chairs are only suitable for children, but it gives this compact SUV enormous flexibility while being wrapped in a level of quality, luxury and comfort you’d expect from any vehicle that wears the three-pointed star.

Key highlights

A revised grille and rear tail-light help to distinguish the fully electric EQB from its combustion-engine siblings branded as the GLB. While the interior does offers seating for up to seven, those rearmost chairs are best considered for occasional use. With five seats up, you’ll get 465 litres in the boot and if you fold down the middle seats, you’ll get an IKEA-friendly 1,710 litres of boot space. Mercedes-Benz has been generous with the technology in the EQB, too, with a slick infotainment system and touchpad, voice controls, reversing camera and the latest smartphone connectivity.

Performance and range

The Mercedes EQB has a 66kWh battery across all trims and power outputs. While that may be smaller than some rivals it’s still capable of around 250 miles of range, which should be more than enough for most family trips. The dual electric motor is available as either 300 or 350, meaning you’ll either do 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds or 7.7 seconds, depending how much you prioritise the traffic light grand prix. Entry-level spec is the AMG Line with AMG Line Premium adding extra kit and wheel options. The EQB is capable of charging speeds up to 100kW – again slower than some rivals but still capable of 10-80% in half an hour on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway.

Tech specs

Mercedes EQB 350 AMG Line Premium

• 0-62mph: 6.0 seconds
• Top speed: 99mph
• Battery: 66kWh
• Range:  257 miles
• Max charging speed: 100kW
• Boot space: 465 litres

Similar models

If you need a premium seven-seater, all-electric options are fairly limited and pricier. However, there are a few leasing options available, such as the Tesla Model X with it gullwing rear doors, or the retro-tastic Volkswagen ID. Buzz.