BMW iX3 vs Mercedes-EQ EQB Review

It’s not often we end up driving direct rivals back-to-back. However, in the last few weeks we spent a bit of time with two relative newcomers to the SA market. That allowed us to bring you this direct comparison of the BMW iX3 vs Mercedes-EQ EQB.

The Teutonic Trio are not holding back when it comes to the introduction of electric vehicles into the local market. Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have added a raft of all-electric models to the local listings in the last few months. Each brand is covering their bases with luxury saloons and SUVs as part of the electric portfolio.

Among the SUVs on offer are the BMW iX3 and the Mercedes-EQ EQB. EQ is the umbrella term for all Mercedes EVs in the same way that AMG refers to performance. BMW prefers the ‘i’ prefix to denote its EVs.

Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.

Appearance

This is a very subjective category on which to judge any vehicle. What is pretty to some can be ghastly to others. Both SUVs are not particularly overt in their EV credentials. If you aren’t really clued up with the current market you could easily dismiss both for general derivatives of their respective ranges.

However, look closer and differences start to appear. BMW uses blue to differentiate its electric models from others. The light colour surrounds the badges and is used in the cabin as well. Look closely and you’ll note  the front grille is all but closed and there are funky, 20-inch alloys. The iX3 is available locally only in M Sport trim, which gives it a unique appearance when mated to the aforementioned ‘i’ touches

The BMW iX3 is based on the regular X3 platform. In a similar vein the Mercedes-EQ EQB is based on an already existing SUV called the GLB. This model is not as prevalent on our roads as larger GL siblings such as the GLC and GLE. Mercedes differentiates EQ models from ICE derivatives in a few ways.

This mid-range SUV features familial EQ design traits such as the closed black panel between the headlamps and a continuous light strip front and rear, There are also smooth body lines and model-specific alloys, both of which contribute to lowering the overall drag coefficient.

During our time with each car it was definitely the EQB that obtained more looks. Perhaps it is the novelty factor of the GLB in general. The X3 is a handsome proposition, though quite familiar to most South Africans.

Click here to watch our Audi E-tron video review.

Interior

In keeping with the exterior theme, the BMW iX3 is not unfamiliar in the cabin either. Front occupants are faced by a large touchscreen and the driver has a digital instrument cluster for vehicle info. 

Mercedes has really ramped up its interiors in the last few years. Fully digital cockpits with voice controlled infotainment are the order of the day. The EQB is no different. One onlooker, who leaned in to have a look at the cabin at night commented that it looked like a disco machine. Thankfully, one can tailor the lighting treatment to suit one’s taste.

Both cars are packed to the hilt with high-tech mod-cons and connectivity options. There is very little to choose between them in this regard. Two handy features that we used heavily in both cars were the navigation shortcut to the nearest charging stations. While the other was the real-time traffic on the navigation systems.

The iX3 has a high-up, commanding driving position that feels like an SUV. In contrast, the EQB has a more MPV-like feel from behind the wheel. Perhaps this is a side effect of the Merc having seating for seven while the Beemer has two fewer seats. Interestingly, the Merc’s battery is mounted below the passenger compartment, which makes it feel as though one’s knees are tad too high when seated in the middle row.

BMW quotes a boot volume of a handy 510 litres for the iX3. Incidentally, this is a little less than ICE versions offers. The EQB has a fractionally smaller 465 litres with the rear-most seats folded flat. However, the second set of seats slides through a range of 140 mm, which then helps increase the boot volume even further. 

Powertrains

The EQB350 has a motor on each axle, making it all-wheel-drive. Total system power is rated as 215 kW along with 520 N.m of torque. The quoted range for the EBQ350, provided you have a light foot, is 423 km.

The iX3 has a single motor that is fitted where ‘regular’ X3s have their ICE. The motor feeds 210 kW/400 N.m solely to the rear axle. BMW says that the iX3 will do 460 km on a full charge. Its battery beats the Mercedes by not having to feed two motors.

Click here to check out more electric car news on our website.

On The Road

The iX3, expectedly, rides and feels like an X3. The only difference from behind the wheel is the lack of any engine noise, and the small range meter alongside a state of charge (SOC) reading for the battery. The Beemer has that same sporty demeanour and hefty steering action. The ride quality is impressive considering the large alloys. The power delivery feels civilised, rather than the violent nature of other (read: more powerful) EVs. The iX3 is happy to be hustled along, but that’ll hurt the overall range.

The EQB feels subjectively quicker, which is confirmed when you see the comparative 0-100 km/h acceleration times. Though, even with 520 N.m of torque sent to both axles there is no real option of overwhelming grip levels, even on a full-bore pull away. The urge provided by the twin motors feels more impressive, but the EQB pays the price in full-charge range. All told, it is the less entertaining car to drive, should that be a factor in your decision-making process.

Summary

It is an interesting time for buyers in this category. Alternatives include petrol, diesel and now battery-powered powertrains. We know that EVs are still very much in their infancy in the local context. Not only are the cars expensive, but we have the added issue of regularly interrupted power supply. Having said that, there are many (rich) folks who are always keen to be seen with the latest toys. And in the automotive space, EVs are the new toy. 

Driving the two (near) rivals back-to-back was an interesting and illuminating experience. They are similarly priced, powered and should, theoretically, appeal to the same buyer. They are also quite different in execution, as BMW and Mercedes are wont to do. 

If you are looking for a seven-seat SUV/crossover in SA right now, there is only one option, and that is the EQB. However, if five seats are enough, we’d suggest the iX3. It costs less, looks the part and has better range. That makes it a winner in our book.