Time for a change of scenery – and vehicle. To be honest I wasn’t really sure how a fully electric compact SUV would perform on some of the most stunning mountain roads in the world. The last time I did a similar curves trip in a Merc was a couple of years ago. My ride then: the SL 63 AMG.

But man, did this EQB surprise me. By now everyone knows, that electric cars are agile. But on those narrow, windy roads the low centre of gravity, the instant torque and the 4matic made this a proper mountaineer. Some of the sportscar drivers and motor bike riders couldn’t believe their eyes, when I silently flew past them in those hairpin turns. And while going up passes like this, with battery quickly depleting, the recuperation starts on the long way down, during coasting and braking. Latter is only necessary in very tight turns.

Like with all Mercedes EQs electric intelligence finds charging points along the route, even in tiny Alpine villages. And the high voltage battery is brought to an optimal charging temperature before a planned charging stop. The EQB’s battery is 66kWh and can be charged with up to 100kW. So yes, with a realistic range of about 370 kilometres, the anxiety is back after having spent time with the long-range EQS. But 30 minutes from 10 back to 80%, or 15 minutes for 150km/h is really not that bad. Especially with charging stations everywhere. As well as great views and restaurants. While having an excellent lunch on top of the king of mountain passes, Passo de Stelvio, we even loaded up with hydro-generated green electricity at the highest charging point in Europe.

Another highlight is Furka Pass of 007 fame. Remember the famous car chase in the silver Aston Martin DB5 and the white Mustang convertible? If not, watch it on Youtube. The road looks pretty much the same as in 1964, including the famous picture-perfect Hotel Belvedere in the hairpin. It’s unfortunately closed for years now. And apparently haunted. By the way, a sudden cold front, passing through the day before, resulted in Furka Pass being closed. Our intelligent live navi also said closed, but with 4Motion confidence, we tried anyway. And just as we reached the top of the pass, the snow had melted enough to let us through.

And on the other side, the sun peaked out again. Parked in this magnificent mountain scenery the EQB doesn’t look as exciting as the EQS. But it also features the continuous light strip at the front and rear and the Mercedes EQ black panel grille with central star. This car is a true sleeper. Nobody expects performance like this, when looking at it.

In famous St. Moritz we decided to sleep on top of a 2456m high mountain. We left the Merc at the bottom and took the cog railway up. The reward were endless views, due to a in the meantime cloudless sky. The disadvantage were below freezing temperatures during the night. When we returned to the car the next morning, it had turned into a proper frozen edition. Even the star on the bonnet was covered in ice. And the battery? Another surprise, not a single % battery charge lost. It must be very well insulated.

After a couple of famous mountain passes, such as Albula, Julier, Gotthard and Umbrail we kept the best for last. So far I had only heard about this one. And seen some enticing pics of the unlit and unpaved tunnel on top. Kunkels Pass might only be 1357m high, but it is a true adrenaline ride. When the Rhine valley below used to be impassable due to flooding, the Romans already utilized this route over the mountain. The one-lane tunnel was added during the First World War. Though the entry process is digital. At the bottom of the pass, we scanned the code at the prohibition sign and paid the toll online. With the virtual permit and after a hearty lunch at the cosy pass restaurant, we finally entered the tunnel. Definitely the highlight our mountain trip. As feared we encountered some mountain bikers inside. And they barely made it past the Merc. So cool, we decided to come back soon. Maybe with a V8? Imagine this tunnel in a non-silent way.