Mercedes-Benz EQB review

While the EQB may still be one of the cheapest seven-seat EVs on sale right now, that doesn’t mean it’s actually cheap.

We hoped the arrival of a front-wheel drive model would slash the entry price, but with inflation and whatnot the 250+ is £52,800, almost right back where the base price used to be for the AWD car. Shucks.

The EQB 300 starts from £55,310, while the range-topping 350 is another grand and a half at £56,810.

Those are in AMG Line Executive trim, which comes with 19-inch alloys with ten-spoke AMG designs, an electric tailgate, LED lights front and rear, a reversing camera and – hurrah! – illuminated door sills as standard.

The front seats are heated and wildly adjustable (just not low enough, huh?) while a pair of 10-inch touchscreens and 64-colour ambient lighting lift the mood ahead of them. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard throughout.

Add precisely three grand to each and you’ll upgrade to AMG Line Premium. This hikes the alloy wheels up to 20s, while you get keyless go, a 10-speaker/225W stereo and wireless phone charging up front.

AMG Line Premium Plus is another £3k again (taking the 350 all the way up to £62,810), adding a head-up display, Burmester surround sound and a panoramic sunroof.

Which of those should I buy?

Ah ha! Trick question, because the answer might be none of them. The cheapest 250+ comes first in Sport Executive trim, riding on the smallest 18in alloys which really helps the ride out and ekes out the most range. If you really must have your bells and whistles then that single motor, big battery combo can be had in all but Premium Plus form.

Colour options have improved a tad from the very sober black or fridge-like white that used to be the only ‘free’ choices: now there’s grey, silver and - thank heavens - spectral metallic blue available too. Patagonia red is only £200. Go on, be brave. Embarrass your kids.