The Tesla Model Y is Tesla’s relatively affordable electric SUV option. It has its fans, but it may not be the best electric SUV on the market. Mercedes-Benz is getting into the EV segment, and one of the luxury German automaker’s latest offerings is the EQB, an electric luxury compact SUV. Here’s a look at the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB and its two advantages over the 2022 Tesla Model Y.

Where the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB tied with the 2022 Tesla Model Y

According to J.D. Power, the EQB and the Model Y are two great electric SUVs, and the areas where they’re tied are their comfort and utility. The EQB’s interior is very similar to the interior of the GLB, which is a regular SUV from Mercedes. Since the GLB has a great and luxurious interior, the EQB’s interior is also very high-end and luxurious.

The Model Y’s interior isn’t as “rich” or luxurious-looking as the EQB’s, but it has its own unique vibe. It has a huge 15-inch touch screen that Teslas are known for and a minimalistic and futuristic look. In terms of comfort, both are spacious and well-designed enough to be comfortable. In terms of utility, the two EVs are relatively similar as well. The EQB has a max cargo capacity of about 62 cu-ft, while the Model Y tops out at 72.1 cu-ft. 

The 2 advantages that the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB has over the 2022 Tesla Model Y

However, the Mercedes has two advantages over the Tesla, and the first big one is in pricing. Despite being a well-made luxury car from Mercedes-Benz, the EQB is actually significantly cheaper than the Model Y. The EQB starts at about $54,500, while the Model Y starts at about $67,000. That’s a price difference of over $12,000.

Car shoppers can upgrade to the EQB 350, which starts at $59,000 and still save money compared to buying a standard Model Y. On top of that, the Model Y’s top trim starts at over $71,000, which is also $12,000 more expensive than the EQB’s top trim. Plus, Mercedes-Benz offers options and packages, such as the roughly $3,000 AMG Line package, and shoppers can add that to their EV and still come out ahead. 

The other advantage of the EQB over the Model Y is the car’s tech features. The EQB has a 10.25-inch touch screen, which is much smaller than the Tesla’s but is a better infotainment system overall. Drivers and passengers can use voice commands and hand gestures to control the EQB’s infotainment system. The EQB also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Model Y doesn’t.

An overview of these two electric SUVs

The EQB starts with a single electric motor and gets 188 hp. There are several powertrain options, and the most powerful one has two electric motors that generate a combined 288 hp. The Model Y comes with two motors, but they have a different horsepower output depending on the trim. The standard Model Y gets about 385 hp, while the Performance trim bumps up to 456 hp.

Not only is the Tesla more powerful, but it also has more range than the EQB. The standard EQB is the longest range option for the Mercedes, as it gets up to 275 miles. The Model Y, however, gets 330 miles in the standard Long Range trim. Folks who want the EQB’s top trim will see the car’s max range drop to 227 miles. The Model Y Performance, however, still gets 303 miles of range.