In today’s fast-evolving EV landscape, the Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 faces tough competition not just from legacy European rivals, but increasingly from a flood of high-value, high-tech EVs from Asia.
Hyundai, Kia, and BYD have been resetting expectations on what an electric vehicle should be—affordable, well-specced, and uncompromising in performance. So where does the EQB 350 which costs RM333,888 stand in this electrified battle? Let’s dig in.
The EQB 350 carries a recognizable Mercedes-Benz aesthetic—conservative, upright, and subtly premium. It doesn’t scream “futuristic EV” like a Hyundai IONIQ 5 or Kia EV6, but for some, that understated design is part of the appeal. It looks like a traditional compact luxury SUV because it is—just one that happens to run on electrons.
Inside, it’s textbook Mercedes: dual 10.25-inch screens, turbine-style air vents, ambient lighting galore, and materials that mostly live up to the badge. The seven-seat layout (albeit with a tight third row) is a rare find in the EV world at this price point, and gives the EQB a practical edge if you need more seating flexibility.
The EQB 350 4MATIC offers dual-motor all-wheel drive, with 288 hp and 520 Nm of torque. It’s quick—0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds—but not thrilling. The chassis prioritizes comfort and composure over outright agility, and that’s fine. This isn’t a sporty EV; it’s a premium compact SUV with a quiet, confident demeanour.
Range is decent but unremarkable. The 66.5 kWh battery offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 448 km, though real-world figures hover closer to 370–400 km depending on your driving style. Fast charging is capped at 100 kW, which now feels behind the curve compared to Hyundai and Kia’s 800V platforms offering up to 350 kW.
How does it stack against the Asians?
Asian EVs—particularly from Hyundai, Kia, and BYD—offer more advanced technology, greater range, faster charging, and better value overall. Hyundai and Kia’s 800V platforms enable ultra-fast charging speeds that the EQB’s 100 kW max simply can’t match, while models like the IONIQ 5, EV6, and BYD Seal deliver sleeker designs, more dynamic performance, and better efficiency.
Many of these rivals also pack in more cutting-edge features such as vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, more intuitive infotainment systems, and longer warranties—all at a lower price point.
While the Mercedes still has the advantage in badge prestige and interior ambiance, it’s hard to ignore how much more you get from the latest Asian EVs when you compare spec-for-spec. For instance, the BYD Seal offers even more for even less, with interior quality that surprises and tech that impresses.
Why Pick the EQB?
Badge prestige and heritage. A perceived step up in aftersales experience and refinement. The EQB 350 is for buyers who want a Mercedes, first and foremost—and an EV second. It doesn’t necessarily lead in tech or value but it offers a familiar luxury experience with a quiet, composed ride, premium interior ambiance, and the cachet of a three-pointed star.
It also fits buyers who want a bit of everything: decent performance, decent range, a third row of seats, and a brand name that still carries weight.
Verdict: Worth It?
If your heart is set on a luxury badge and you value refinement over raw specs, the EQB 350 makes sense. But if you’re shopping with your head and looking for outright EV innovation, performance, and bang for your buck, the Asian EVs are simply hard to ignore.
The EQB feels like a comfortable, well-made answer to a question that’s already evolving. In this fast-moving EV market, Mercedes needs to move quicker. For now, the EQB 350 is a good EV—but not a great one, and certainly not a category leader.
