Will this be a true seven seater?

Mercedes isn’t claiming that the EQB is a full-time seven seater in the same way a large MPV is. The rearmost seats pop up out of the floor space and are only really suitable for children or short-ish adults. 

How much boot space is there in seven-seater form?

With all seven seats in use, the boot space is 495 litres, which isn’t huge. It’s big enough for a couple of overnight bags, but if you’re looking for something big enough for a camping trip, you’ll either need a roof rack or fewer passengers.

Will there be any cheaper versions?

A front-wheel drive entry-level model has been confirmed, but Mercedes has said that this will arrive later next year and will not form part of the launch range. No prices or specifications have been announced, but we’d expect prices to start at around £45,000.

Do Mercedes build any other seven-seaters?

If you’re happy to drive what is effectively a large van with lots of seats, Mercedes will happily sell you an EQV, which is a battery-powered version of the V-Class MPV. There’s plenty of room inside, but it comes with the considerable downsides of a paltry 211 mile range and a price tag that starts at £70,000

Are there any alternatives to the EQB?

Right now, not really. Unless you’re prepared to choose a van-based model such as the Citroen e-SpaceTourer or Vauxhall Vivaro-e, you’re looking at this Mercedes EQB or the new Tesla Model Y. The latter is sold in the USA in seven seater form, but like the Mercedes, the third row of seats are small and really only suitable for children.