• Two power options
• Both have good shove
• Four-wheel drive

What power options are there?

There are two power outputs to choose from. The confusingly named 350 model has 292hp while the 300 has 228hp. The more powerful model has a 6.0 second 0-62mph time while the less powerful one makes do with a 7.7sec effort. They both come with four-wheel drive as standard.

The 350 is effortless in its power delivery. It never feels anything but smooth and controlled. It has a bit less of a kick than something like a Tesla Model Y, but we don’t think anyone will really be bothered by this. For most people switching to electric, this model will feel pretty quick. The acceleration, like with most electric cars, is most urgent from low speeds.

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There’s definitely a bit less shove in the 300 but it’s hardly slow. It doesn’t feel that much slower on the 0-30 mph sprint (useful at the traffic lights) but it is notably more leisurely than the 350 above 60mph. There’s still a swell of energy from standstill and it’s still measured out perfectly with no traction lost, but it’s just that bit slower. If you’re switching to electric, this will feel more like a petrol model.

We think the 300 is the one to go for. In day-to-day driving it just doesn’t feel all that different, and it doesn’t seem like it’s worth the extra money. If you regularly travel seven up and are often overtaking on a-roads, the 350 might be useful.

The driving modes are well judged and really change the way the car drives. In Eco the response is dialled back in order to maintain energy and maximise the range. In Sport full power is delivered with only a small application of the accelerator pedal. Comfort is a halfway house which most people will stick with. It’s worth noting that the EQB can also tow up to 1,800kg, making it a rarity in the EV world.

What’s it like to drive?

• Safe and serene
• Soft at speed
• A bit bouncy at times

The EQB is fairly unremarkable to drive, which is actually a positive. Off the line there’s an immediacy shared with all electric cars, but in the corners, the EQB’s tall body tends to lean a little more than a Tesla Model Y, and its light steering doesn’t inspire you to press on. 

In Sport mode the steering is sharper, requiring less movement to go around corners. This isn’t particularly useful and feels unnatural.

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The standard fit four-wheel drive broadly means it doles out its power in a constrained and safe manner. But don’t think it’s capable of tackling the toughest green lanes; muddy fields will be the apex of its off-roading ability.

The EQB excels in comfort and refinement though. Even on 20-inch alloy wheels, it irons out all but the largest bumps and potholes.