The Mercedes-Benz EQB electric crossover has officially been discontinued in the United States and Canada after the 2025 model year. The decision to retire the seven-seater electric vehicle was confirmed by a company spokesperson in response to reports that the German online configurator for the EQB had been taken offline.
“The EQB has reached the end of its planned lifecycle and will not be offered in the U.S. or Canada after model year 2025,” the spokesperson stated. However, Mercedes-Benz remains fully committed to electrification and has a new product offensive on the horizon. Two new SUVs based on a new architecture are set to be introduced, as announced at the IAA Mobility 2023 event.
The EQB, which was based on the aging MFA architecture introduced in 2011, made its debut in 2021 as an electric alternative to the gas and diesel-powered GLB crossover. While it offered a seven-seat configuration, it had some drawbacks such as a lack of driving engagement and relatively slow DC fast charging capabilities with a 70.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack.
Despite these limitations, the EQB was able to achieve a 10% to 80% state of charge in around 35 minutes, with an EPA estimated driving range of 205 to 251 miles on a full charge. The retirement of the EQB paves the way for a replacement model, expected to be named the GLB with EQ Technology, which is anticipated to debut early next year.
The new GLB with EQ Technology will be based on the MMA architecture, similar to the latest generation CLA sedan. This upgrade will bring significant technological advancements, including a transition from a 400-volt to an 800-volt system for faster charging speeds. The new GLB is also expected to feature a redesigned interior, more efficient electric motors, and the ability to support gas engines as well.
Just like the CLA, the new GLB with EQ Technology is likely to offer a 320 kW maximum input for faster charging times. The platform has been designed to prioritize electric vehicles, with hybrid powertrains as a secondary option. Overall, the retirement of the EQB marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mercedes-Benz in the electric vehicle market, with exciting new models set to hit the roads in the near future.