2023 Mercedes EQS vs EQB: An Expert Comparison of Mercedes‘ Flagship Luxury Electric SUVs

The 2023 Mercedes EQS and EQB represent the pinnacle of luxury and innovation in the booming electric SUV segment. As Mercedes‘ first two entrants spanning compact and flagship models, these new battery-powered SUVs leverage the automaker‘s long heritage of cutting-edge vehicles befitting discerning drivers.

But with both wearing the coveted Mercedes star badge, how precisely does the EQS measure up against the EQB across critical categories? As an electric vehicle analyst, I will comprehensively compare these luxury EVs across metrics ranging from performance and interior technology to driving dynamics and cargo versatility helping highlight which model best aligns with your priorities.

We have a lot to cover, so let‘s dive in!

EQS vs EQB Overview: Mercedes Goes Electric

As flagship and compact SUVs, the EQS and EQB clearly differ in positioning and pricing within Mercedes‘ expanding electric lineup:

In short – the EQS delivers remarkable performance and luxury innovations in an imposing yet elegant package, while the EQB adopts much of this new electric technology in a scaled-down SUV form factor at a lower price point.

Having set the stage, let‘s explore how these two Mercedes EV SUVs compare where it really counts…

Driving Performance and Range

Performance specs clearly favor the flagship EQS, which boasts up to 536 hp enabling supercar-like 0-60 sprints under 4.5 seconds from the hulking SUV. Even in base 450+ trim with 329 hp, Mercedes‘ largest EV vaults off the line.

The smaller EQB tops out at 288 hp resulting in segment-competitive mid 6-second acceleration – quick but not nearly matching its big brother. Towing capacity sees a similar advantage for the EQS at 3,500 to 4,000+ lbs compared to just 2,000 lbs for the EQB depending on configuration.

But sustainable speed requires ample driving range – a crucial consideration for any electric vehicle shopper. Here too the EQS outclasses the compact EQB by delivering up to 400 miles of range as rated by European testing procedures.

By comparison, MotorTrend recorded just 226 miles of real-world driving from a fully topped-off EQB. So while the EQB meets the needs of many daily commuters, frequent travelers will appreciate the EQS‘s 100+ mile range edge when plotting road trips between charging stops.

Range & Performance Advantage: EQS

EQS Est. Range: over 400 miles 
EQB Tested Range: 226 miles

EQS 0-60 mph: as quick as 4.5 sec  
EQB 0-60 mph: around 6.2 sec

EQS Max Towing: 4,000+ lbs
EQB Max Towing: 2,000 lbs  

Clearly buyers prioritizing outright performance and maximum driving range between charges should steer decisively toward the superior EQS.

Interior Luxury and Technology

Mercedes-Benz interiors have long set standards for luxury finishes and tech innovation. The new electrified EQS and EQB SUVs deliver on that legacy in decidedly unique ways.

Occupants enter the meticulously-crafted EQS cocoon through power-closing doors and settle into multi-contour heated/cooled massaging front seats as the glowing 64-color accent lighting pulses in sequence.

Their gaze lifts to the panoramic "Hyperscreen" – a single curved glass panel spanning the entire dashboard delivering an intoxicating digital spectacle. Second row passengers have their own large touchscreen and individual "MPE" rear tablets.

The EQB brings its own flavor of refinement including imitation leather power heated front seats, dual TFT displays flowing cohesively across the dash, matte wood trim custom ambient lighting flows, and an overall aura of modern sophistication at a more accessible price point.

Both models serve up expected Mercedes excellence like augmented reality navigation, natural voice assistants, and seamless Bluetooth integration. But make no mistake, the spaceship aesthetic and splashy occupant displays place the EQS interior firmly in a class of its own.

Interior Tech & Luxury Advantage: EQS

EQS Hyperscreen entire glass cockpit
EQS more total screens including rear displays
EQS open pore wood and rose gold accents 

EQB twin TFT displays more modest  
EQB still very well-appointed inside

Simply put – no SUV on the planet matches the EQS for sheer technological marvel and passenger pampering from the moment you enter until you reluctantly leave the cabin.

Ride Quality and Driving Experience

Sharing no common architecture, the EQS and EQB diverge sharply on driving dynamics as well.

Built on dedicated EV underpinnings, the low-slung EQS SUV handles more like a sports sedan than full-size family hauler. Standard rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension enable deft maneuvers belying its size. Active noise cancellation quells wind and road noise lending to serene highway cruising.

The taller EQB leans more toward a traditional small crossover driving demeanor. Agile given its compact footprint but significant body roll through corners from its higher center of gravity. Less engaging at higher speeds but sprightly off the line.

Both excel at the immediate electric torque delivery enabling one-pedal driving. And multi-mode regenerative braking affords drivers the ability to customize the amount of deceleration when lifting off the "gas". Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and impressive sound insulation further enhance road trip enjoyment.

So while the EQB acquits itself well for daily commuting, the larger EQS simply outshines as a luxury land rocket that transcends its SUV classification for pure driving enjoyment.

Driving Character Advantage: EQS 

EQS luxury sedan handling 
EQS less body roll, superior high-speed composure

EQB agile around town
EQB sufficient for most but less refined  

Bottom line – behind the wheel the EQS delivers a unmatched blend of sports car athleticism and silent comfort that rewrites expectations for the electric luxury SUV segment.

Interior Space and Cargo Versatility

On paper, the EQS and EQB share similar interior dimensions consistent with 3-row family SUVs. Yet the EQS manages increased passenger and cargo flexibility compared to its scaled-down sibling.

Up front, both models offer ample stretch-out room for taller drivers along with multi-contour heated/cooled seats. The second row sees largely comparable legroom but with a slight edge to the EQB. It‘s the newly-added third row where the EQS layout plays dividends.

Passenger Space  

Front Row: Advantage Even  
Second Row: Slight Edge EQB
Third Row: Advantage EQS   

While tight in segments, the EQS provides several extra inches behind the third row allowing full-size adults to squeeze in for shorter trips. Getting way back there is also easier than in the EQB thanks to power fold-and-tumble second row captain‘s chairs coming standard on the EQS.

Cargo space predictably shrinks behind that cramped 3rd row but holds an advantage in the EQS which better leverages its longer platform for additional luggage room when all passenger seats are deployed.

Cargo Capacity 

Behind 3rd Row: Advantage EQS
Max Cargo (2nd & 3rd Row Folded): Significant Advantage EQS  

So if you plan to frequently load up the SUV while leaving the wayback open for friends or flexible seating, the EQS gets the nod for swallowing more stuff.

Ultimately both deliver generous passenger and cargo versatility but the largest Mercedes EV SUV eeks out bonus utility from its size that compact EQB shoppers might require.

Cost, Equipment, & Value Proposition

The EQS and EQB divergence splits widest when tallying up MSRPs. As the flagship halo, the EQS commands a luxury price tag equally matching its elevated standard equipment.

In base 450+ trim starting at $$103,360 before federal or local incentives, the EQS touts numerous exclusives absent from the entry-level EQB – massaging multi-contour front seats, dedicated rear touchscreens and tablets, adjustable ambient interior lighting schemes, acoustic glass, rear axle steering, and the vaunted hyperscreen dominating the minimalist dashboard.

The $54,500 EQB 300 counterpunches by packing potent electric motivation and respectable Mercedes refinement into popular compact crossover dimensions at roughly half the entry price. And unlike the sold-out EQS, it still qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax incentive plus potential state bonuses effectively clipping over 10% from its sticker.

That lower buy-in plus running cost savings from lesser electricity consumption and insurance premiums sharpen the value calculus for budget-minded buyers. Yet the EQS brings unmatched innovation and pampering worthy of the Mercedes flag bearer lineage.

So while both deliver substantive luxury, the rational EQB slots neatly into “just enough” status while the emotional EQS occupies rarefied air even among well-heeled purchasers. Each nicely nails their positioning.

Cost & Value Comparison

Base MSRP  Advantage: EQB   
Exclusivity & Equipment: Advantage EQS
Incentives: Advantage EQB
Operating Costs: Advantage EQB 

EQS unmatched luxury flagship 
EQB impressive bang-for-buck  

The Verdict: Which Mercedes EV Is Right For You?

The 2023 Mercedes EQS and EQB make a compelling duo – overlapping in size yet diverging in focus between aspirational flagship and pragmatic stepping stone.

Those yearning for innovation with performance to spare will delight in the boundary-pushing EQS and its spaceship aesthetic pushing EV technology forward. Families needing 7 seats, ample cargo room for road trips plus Mercedes prestige should shortlist the EQB.

Both shine as standard bearers in their own right – the EQS unchallenged as Mercedes‘ new luxury EV vanguard while the EQB democratizes much of that cutting-edge technology for broader appeal.

So which is right for you? Ask yourself:

Are maximum innovation, performance, range and luxury paramount even at a steep cost? Choose the 2023 Mercedes EQS.

Could a compact luxury EV SUV with ample range and tech still satisfy for far less? Then the 2023 Mercedes EQB merits your attention.

Whichever you prioritize, with these two industry-leading electric SUV models Mercedes-Benz sets the bar for luxury motoring into its electrified future. The only decision left is where you land on that spectrum of driving desire. Happy scrolling!

Still Undecided?

Priority on Innovation & Performance? Choose EQS
Priority on Value & Practicality? Choose EQB

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