The brand new Mercedes-Benz EQA is the German model’s first totally electrical compact mannequin and is claimed to supply an “glorious compromise between efficiency, prices and time to market”. Mercedes’ entry-level EV is one among six EQ fashions to be launched by 2022, together with a 7-seat EQB sitting instantly above the EQA.
- Entrance-wheel-drive EQA 250 will get 190hp electrical motor
- Has a spread of 426km on a full cost (WLTP cycle)
- Prolonged vary model to be unveiled later
Mercedes-Benz EQA: drivetrain and platform
The EQA continues Mercedes’ present technique of providing EVs based mostly across the platform of an current combustion-engined mannequin, versus making a bespoke structure.
As such, a lot of the EQA’s platform is shared with the brand new GLA, albeit with a number of diversifications, together with the removing of underfloor cross members to permit the underfloor battery to kind a structural part. It is shielded from harm by the automobile’s current construction in addition to by an aluminium housing.
The EV is launched initially in 250 kind earlier than additional derivatives – together with a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive AMG efficiency variant – are introduced in after the primary yr of sale. Mercedes claims energy outputs of as much as 272hp can be provided, though that is understood to not embody the AMG by-product.
Producing 190hp and 375Nm from its front-mounted asynchronous motor, the front-wheel drive EQA 250 is able to 0-100kph in 8.9sec and a prime pace restricted to simply underneath 160kph.
The battery capability is 66.5kWh (usable), with a WLTP vary of 426km promised (a longer-range variant with a claimed 500-kilometre vary will arrive later). A most DC charging fee of 100kW is quoted, permitting for an 80 % cost in round half-hour. An 11kW AC cost can take it from empty to full in slightly below six hours.
Mercedes-Benz EQA: exterior and inside particulars
Utilizing the second-generation GLA as its base, the EQA options quite a lot of distinctive styling particulars to mark it out from its conventionally-powered sibling. These embody the now signature ‘black panel’ EQ radiator grille, together with unbroken lighting strips on the entrance and rear.
The entrance sees the usual full-LED headlights linked by way of a fibre optic strip throughout the entrance fascia. On the rear, a very totally different tailgate design from the GLA that sees the quantity plate relocated all the way down to the bumper permits the tail-lamps to merge as a single-piece mild bar. Mercedes claims these options guarantee a “excessive stage of recognisability, each in daylight and at night time”.
Distinctive wheel designs not provided on ‘commonplace’ Mercedes fashions are additionally obtainable at as much as 20-inch in dimension. These are bi-colour or tri-colour designs, with some that includes rose gold-coloured or blue detailing. A aggressive drag coefficient of 0.28Cd boosts aerodynamics and, due to this fact, vary.
Adjustments to the inside of the GLA to create the EQA are much less in depth than the skin. Basically, the essential format is unchanged, however there at the moment are rose gold-coloured trim inserts on the vents, seats and key, together with extra trim backlighting. A totally-loaded Version 1-spec brings particular leather-based with blue cloth perforations, too.
As regular, the digital instrument cluster is redesigned for EV-specific show capabilities, and likewise options rose gold and blue highlights. Mercedes claims the EQA presents the specified excessive driving place of an SUV mixed with a give attention to versatility, with the GLA’s 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats retained.
Mercedes-Benz EQA: expertise
Distinctive tech options additionally mark out the EQA from its GLA sibling. A “refined thermal administration system” encompasses a warmth pump that reuses waste warmth from the electrical drivetrain, whereas local weather pre-conditioning capabilities are managed by way of the MBUX infotainment system or the multi-function Mercedes Me app.
There may be additionally a typical ‘Navigation with electrical intelligence’ operate. Except for calculating the quickest route, it makes use of vary simulations to permit for obligatory charging stops and account for adjustments in topography, climate, site visitors and driving model. It could actually even pre-heat or cool the battery whereas driving to deliver it to the perfect temperature for speedy charging.
The Mercedes Me Charging community, obtainable to all EQ prospects, includes 4,50,000 charging factors throughout 31 international locations.
Customary security tech consists of Lively Lane Maintaining Help and Lively Brake Help, whereas the improved Driving Help Bundle brings quite a lot of additional lively alert capabilities and help options, together with a warning that detects when pedestrians are close to a zebra crossing.
Additional equipment as commonplace on the preliminary launch EQA 250 mannequin consists of adaptive excessive beam, an electrical boot lid, 18-inch alloys, 64-colour ambient lighting, a reversing digital camera and four-way adjustable lumbar assist on ‘luxurious’ seats. AMG Line, Electrical Artwork and Night time Bundle personalisation packages are additionally provided.
Mercedes-Benz EQ in India
It was final yr that Mercedes-Benz launched its EQ electrical sub-brand in India with the launch of the GLC-based EQC SUV. The corporate’s preliminary allocation of the EQC is bought out, and prone to comply with the EQC is the EQS sedan, which is ready to make its debut within the coming months.
At this level, it’s unclear if the EQA is a part of Mercedes’ plans for India. Nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz India lately confirmed it should launch 15 fashions in 2021, together with the A-class Limousine, second-gen GLA, new S-class and the AMG GT Black Collection.
Additionally see:
2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA picture gallery
Up to date 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC launched
EVs coming to India in 2021
Mercedes-Benz EQA picture gallery
