Why I'd buy a Tesla Model Y over the Mercedes EQB after driving both electric SUVs

• I drove electric SUVs from Tesla and Mercedes-Benz.

• The Tesla Model Y is quicker, more spacious, and provides more range for an effectively lower price.

• The Mercedes EQB is more luxurious inside and more comfortable on the road.

Mercedes-Benz is launching an onslaught of electric vehicles, but are they good enough to make a dent in Elon Musk's empire?

I drove Tesla's immensely popular Model Y SUV and the German brand's closest competitor, the EQB, to find out. After testing both vehicles and comparing them across cost, range, driving performance, and interior comfort, I'd pick the Tesla. But the Mercedes has its advantages too.

Which is cheaper?

They're neck and neck, at first glance. The Model Y starts at $53,490, while the Mercedes starts at $52,400 for a 2023 model.

Until just recently, the EQB was the more affordable option by far. But a new price cut dropped the Model Y's starting price from nearly $66,000 to where it currently stands. That makes it eligible for the federal $7,500 tax credit for plug-in purchases, which the Mercedes doesn't qualify for because it isn't built in North America.

What about range?

Tesla's always been the one to beat when it comes to range. And although some new EVs come close to or match Tesla's offerings, the EQB isn't one of them.

The Model Y serves up an EPA-estimated 330 miles of driving per charge, making it one of the industry leaders. The 2022 EQB carries a comparatively weak 243-mile rating, which drops to 227 miles in the quicker EQB 350 model I tested. For 2023, Mercedes is introducing a new long-range base model targeting 250 miles of range.

To be fair, not everyone needs 300-plus miles of range on the regular. In fact, most people can probably get by with much less 90% of the time. But that extra mileage could save you a lot of time and headache on a longer trip.

How do they drive?