Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its EQB all-electric seven-seater compact SUV at the 2021 Shanghai Motor Show, rivalling models such as the Volkswagen ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron.

Revealed hot on the heels of the EQS luxury saloon, the EQB is the latest addition to the carmaker’s fast-growing electric car line-up following the arrival of the EQA electric crossover, and starts sales towards the end of 2021.

It’s based on the GLB SUV and offers the same 2,829mm long wheelbase. Boot space stands at 495 litres to 1,710 for the five-seater or 465 litres to 1,620 for the seven-seater, which will be sold as standard in the UK and China, and the second row of seats will able to move forwards and back, increasing boot or cabin space as needed.

The EQB will be available in a number of variants, including front- and all-wheel drive models and with various power ratings, including performance models over 270hp. Battery capacity is 66.5kWh and there will be a “particularly” long-range version.

Full powertrain details are yet to be revealed but the line-up includes EQB 300 and 350 variants, of which the latter will be a 4Matic version with two motors and a range up to 260 miles (419km).

In Europe, charging can be carried out at DC fast-charging stations at up to 100kW, giving a 10-80% charge in just over 30 minutes. The time for an AC charge at up to 11kW varies depending on market.

EQB drivers will also be able to use the Mercedes me Charge programme to access more than 500,000 AC and DC charging stations across 31 countries, including over 200,000 public charging stations across Europe, making use of renewable energy.

Design is similar to the GLB but with a full-width light bar at the rear, a blanked-off grille and unique bi- or tri-coloured wheels up to 20 inches in size. The interior features rose-coloured details and bespoke EV displays.

Equipment includes a widescreen cockpit with the MBUX infotainment system and navigation with Electric Intelligence. This calculates the fastest route to the destination and primes the battery prior to a planned charging stop.

Driving assistance systems include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist as standard.

The EQB will be produced for the global market at Mercedes’ plant in Kecskemét, Hungary, and at the BBAC plant in Beijing, run as a joint venture with BAIC Group, for the local market. In Kecskemét, it will be produced alongside the GLB and the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake plug-in hybrid models, while production of the plug-in hybrid A-Class is also due to move there in the future, alongside the German Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt where the EQA is built.

For this year, Mercedes-Benz Cars expects to increase share of plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles in its line-up to around 13%.

UK pricing and specification will be announced towards the end of the year and first deliveries are expected to take place shortly after the EQB goes on sale.