Mercedes' cheapest electric car is more luxurious than a Tesla but with way less range

• The Mercedes-Benz EQB is the German brand's cheapest electric vehicle, starting at around $55,000.

• It's more luxurious inside than a Tesla, but lacks range and some fun quirks of EVs.

• It's quick and fun, with 288 horsepower in the EQB 350 version I tested.

In 2022, Tesla officially became the best-selling luxury brand in the US, and Mercedes-Benz is officially over it.

In an effort to claw back customers from Elon Musk, the German brand now offers Americans four electric vehicles in all shapes and sizes. That's up from zero just a couple of years ago.

The entry point into Benz's EV lineup is the compact EQB SUV. While it may not be the most exciting electric option on the market, it's comfy, quick, and shouldn't scare off anybody hesitant about leaving their gas car. Plus, it's way more luxurious than any Tesla.

The basics

The EQB slots in below the larger and more expensive EQE and EQS offerings. To make it, Mercedes took its gas-fueled GLB SUV, swapped in a battery pack, added some electric motors, and made some styling tweaks. Namely a shiny, closed-off grille, a snazzy light strip, and some blue badging. As everybody knows, electricity is blue.

What results is an e-SUV with almost no learning curve. It looks and feels like a regular SUV inside, and isn't so stuffed with screens that you have to relearn how to operate an automobile, which some buyers may appreciate.

It went on sale as a 2022 model in two flavors: the 225-horsepower, $54,500 EQB 300 and the pricier, 288-horsepower EQB 350. The 2022 EQB 350 Mercedes lent me came out to $58,050, including optional heated seats. For 2023, Mercedes is adding a base EQB 250+ model that costs $52,400.

What stands out: A luxurious interior and comfy ride

Teslas have a lot going for them, sure, but they aren't known for being particularly luxurious inside. They go the more techy, minimalist route.