MERCEDES-BENZ formally opened the subsequent chapter of its EQ electrical automobile (EV) portfolio this week, revealing the brand new EQA compact SUV at a digital media occasion with the inexperienced high-rider set to reach in Australia across the center of this yr.
Whereas native pricing and specs are but to be confirmed, Mercedes has introduced the primary EQA to come back to market would be the mid-spec 250 variant creating 140kW of energy and 375Nm of torque courtesy of a 66.5kWh (usable) battery with a claimed vary of as much as 486km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
No different variants have been detailed as but nonetheless the model is promising extra to come back, together with “a sequence” of 200kW-plus all-wheel-drive choices that includes a dual-motor set-up in addition to at the least one long-range model able to greater than 500km on a single cost.
Visually, the EQA intently resembles the fundamental styling and proportions of its petrol-powered GLA cousin, measuring 4463mm lengthy, 1834mm large and 1620mm tall with a 2729mm wheelbase.
Whereas sustaining the identical primary kind, it’s the finer particulars that set the EV other than the fuel-burner by its EQC-inspired entrance fascia – all EQ fashions will comply with this design language – that includes a full-width fibre-optic strip connecting the daytime working lights, a characteristic replicated between the tail-lights on the rear.
18-inch aerodynamically optimised multi-spoke alloy wheels are the opposite apparent giveaways, as is the low-mounted rear badging beneath the tail-light strip.
Being an EV, the EQA is inevitably heavier than the GLA some margin with the EQA250 tipping the scales at 2040kg, virtually half a tonne greater than the bottom GLA200 (1580kg).
Boot house can be missing in comparison with the GLA (340L vs 435L) as a result of packaging of the battery pack beneath the ground, even with an additional 53mm in total size.
Not a devoted efficiency mannequin, Mercedes claims the EQA250 will go from 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds and prime out at 160km/h with its battery capable of be charged again up once more from 10 per cent to full in 5 hours and 45 minutes when utilizing an 11kW wall field or public charging station.
Utilizing a DC quick charger however will cost the battery from 10-80 per cent in half-hour.
Like the outside, the EQA’s cabin has been given a delicate EV-flavoured workover to assist make it stand out from the common GLA vary with rose gold trim parts and highlights complementing the end of the distinctive alloy wheels.
All the regular Mercedes options are current throughout the inside together with the signature twin-screen – both 7.0-inch or 10.25-inch – set-up with the MBUX infotainment system and distinctive blue/rose-gold EV shows which now sit inside a devoted reduce out throughout the sprint.
Different world customary tools highlights embrace a leather-based multifunction sports activities steering wheel, LED headlights with adaptive excessive beam, energy tailgate, 64-colour ambient lighting, luxurious seats with four-way adjustable lumbar help, reversing digicam and satellite tv for pc navigation with an ‘electrical intelligence system’ which primarily optimises the route steering in relation to the battery’s residual cost ranges and components in charging areas if wanted.
Vary-wide security options encompass lively brake help (superior emergency autonomous braking) and lively lane conserving help whereas the compact platform has been specifically modified and strengthened to cater for the electrical powertrain and all the related security necessities.
In response to Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG member of the board of administration for gross sales Britta Seeger, the EQA’s place because the model’s first compact EV made it an necessary automobile for the model.
“Progressive design and intuitive operation are two of the highlights of the EQA,” she stated.
“With this automotive, for the primary time we’re providing our prospects an all-electric Mercedes within the compact phase with an in depth vary that ensures its viability in on a regular basis use.
“As such, the brand new EQA is a vital automobile alongside our path in the direction of the electrification of all our automobile segments.”
Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Australia/Pacific offered 29,455 new autos final yr, 3173 of which have been GLAs and whereas the electrical EQC contributed 194 deliveries.
