Stern couldn’t be cheaper: Mercedes B 220d and EQA 350 4Matic in comparison

Mercedes also keeps the drive variety large in its compact class. And not just that. There are also a significant number of body styles. ntv.de demonstrates this using the examples of EQA and B-Class with diesel engines.

Would you like a compact Mercedes because you appreciate the star but have a manageable budget for cars? Then you now have a problem. And not because there would be no offer. But because the offer is almost so confusing that you are spoiled for choice.

At Mercedes, compact is available as a sedan, a hatchback, an SUV or a van. Compact is also possible as an off-road vehicle with a slightly rugged look (GLB). Compact is available as a petrol or diesel engine. The Swabians also offer plug-in hybrids. And battery-electric means you can also travel compactly with Stern. Actually crazy, right?

This time ntv.de has chosen a more utilitarian focus, so the two versions of the A-Class with a hatchback and a notchback stand out. And since the differences in the drive system also need to be worked out, there are two vehicles facing each other that actually polarize in this discipline.

The EQA 350 offers performance with a clear conscience

On the one hand, the EQA 350 4Matic should be viewed as an unrepentant powerhouse (electric is 100% environmentally friendly, hehe) with 292 hp and all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the B 220, which is somewhat out of fashion in its segment, is vying for customer favor. This B-Class with a comparatively manageable 190 hp is an efficiency beast with a monster range. Here worlds collide not only in terms of drive technology but also ideologically in order to argue about who is right.

But before philosophizing about all the advantages and disadvantages of the drive, let’s take a look at what connects them. And that is definitely the interior including the cockpit with an expansive widescreen. The interior designers deliver the right mix of an appropriate amount of infotainment as well as attractive interior design with exciting elements such as turbine-like ventilation nozzles. Nevertheless, the operation and appearance are by no means too fancy so as not to alienate conservative B-Class drivers.

B-Class beats EQA in terms of trunk volume

And both representatives, i.e. EQA and B-Class, have decent seating and acceptable (even for long journeys), but by no means wasteful, space. But the 4.42 meter long B-Class shows its true size as soon as the rear seat backs are horizontal. Namely with exactly 1505 liters of trunk volume. The electrically powered SUV has to admit defeat here – it can only load luggage equivalent to 1320 liters.

It would also be strange if the SUV, which is slightly longer at 4.46 meters, offered more utility. On the other hand, you sit a little higher in the EQA, which many customers find to be an advantage. The following applies here: it’s a matter of taste.

By the way, if you’re wondering and maybe even wondering why 350 are competing against 220, well, it’s time to educate yourself. What is not always clear to outsiders is that there is a certain logistical effort behind such a comparison. Both vehicles must be photographed together and appear at the photo session at the same time. But the manufacturer’s pool of test cars is also limited. The right engines are not always available. And in this context, despite all the similarities between the series based on the modular front architecture (MFA) with transversely installed engines and front-wheel drive (optionally all-wheel drive), you can also point out the differences between the individual versions.

The B-Class is more objectively oriented and starts with the slightly electrified petrol version B 180 (136 plus 14 hp) at 38,413 euros. The top model is called B 250 4Matic and produces 224 plus 14 hp. Cost: a whopping 51,479 euros. The B 220d (190 hp) tested here costs at least 45,875 euros. If you were really strict, the EQA 250, which costs 50,777 euros, would also have had to come with 190 hp. However, since the differences between diesel and electric drives in practical application will have to be worked out later and all EQA models are the same in terms of charging performance, the 350 is a welcome change. Especially since it is also clear at this point that the EQA penetrates performance spheres that are denied to the B-Class. Would you like a number? The EQA 350 offers 292 hp with a similarly inconspicuous look as the B-Class. It has something of an underdog philosophy about it.

Incidentally, it costs around 6,000 euros more than the basic EQA – that is manageable in relation to the total costs and the costs for special equipment. And so it happens that the purchase prices can be harmonized with the corresponding ticks in the equipment list without any problems. And in most cases, it’s the leasing payments that count in the end anyway. The additional performance can therefore confidently be understood as a kind of special equipment. In addition, the more powerful electric vehicle is not as expensive to maintain.

In the past, when more power was associated with more displacement, higher inspection costs and higher taxes, there may have been greater inhibitions about choosing the top model. But please also pay attention to the insurance rates for electric vehicles. The 350 also uses around two kWh more electricity per 100 kilometers than the basic model, although this is due to the mandatory all-wheel drive.

The EQA nibbles on the small battery

And anyone who drives the first few meters and experiences the Dreififzig with 520 Newton meters of torque driving away powerfully (six seconds to 100 km/h) will probably wonder why they want to switch to the diesel. But of course there are lots of reasons. You have to know that the EQA variants do not have a very large power storage unit (66.5 kWh usable battery capacity). And to be honest, the 70 kWh of the “250+” doesn’t make the pig fat either. In addition, there is the rather weak nominal peak charging power of 100 kW.

However, the EQA must be given credit for operating close to the maximum possible charging performance up to beyond the 70 percent limit (charge level). But it doesn’t help, even in the best case scenario you stand at the charging station for 30 minutes to then get a maximum real range of 300 kilometers. This is not at all unusual given the specifications (small battery, two powerful electric machines), but you have to be prepared for it.

Here the diesel is of a completely different caliber. It takes less than five minutes to fill the 51 liter tank to the brim. And with moderate driving, four-digit kilometers can be covered before the next refueling stop. And the driving itself? It works well, especially since the four-cylinder pumps out a decent 400 Newton meters of torque towards the eight-speed dual clutch from a low 1600 rpm.

Seen this way, the most powerful diesel is by no means lacking in pulling power. But the point is the gearbox. Firstly, the gear ratios have to be changed, which can sometimes be associated with delays depending on the load situation and performance requirements. And then it happens that after driving with electric drives for a while, you are simply spoiled by the smooth acceleration that hardly any combustion engine can do. And that’s why the diesel seems less confident in direct comparison with the electric car, that’s what it has to say.

It runs at 234 km/h, while the powerful EQA already reaches 160 km/h. And if you accelerate, it reaches country road speed in an equally sporty 7.4 seconds. Incidentally, both candidates are similarly comfortable, with the 1.6-ton B 220d appearing a touch more light-footed than the Stromer, which is 500 kilograms heavier. The EQA doesn’t turn out to be unstable when cornering, even though it not only weighs more but is also taller. This effect is achieved by the low center of gravity thanks to the massive battery in the vehicle floor.

Fun fact, by the way: As a rule, you expect electric vehicles to have a significantly lower trailer load. Here it is the other way around. The EQA 350 4Matic can hook trailers up to 1.8 tons, while the B 220 can handle 1.6 tons.

Finally, we consider the question of whether a compact Mercedes priced under 40,000 euros is actually fully-fledged and can make you happy even without a single special equipment. After all, features such as air conditioning, navigation system, reversing camera and heated seats are available as standard. However, the Mercedes marketing strategists already know very well how they can entice people with special equipment. The desirable LED light costs extra – you simply don’t want to be on the road with tired halogen headlights anymore.

Adaptive cruise control is the ultimate comfort gadget. It costs a relatively cheap 476 euros and would still keep the list price of a possible plain-black B-Class with a basic engine under 40,000 euros. But! In order to order this speed controller, at least the next higher equipment level is required. It costs 2,671 euros, and hey presto, the 40,000 euro barrier would be broken.

Fortunately, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) is available for all models at a price of 357 euros. Digital natives, you can also look forward to the compact cars from Mercedes.