THE MERCEDES-BENZ EQA 250 IS SET to create a new entry point to Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle ownership in Australia, as the latest addition to the increasingly diverse compact passenger vehicle family.
The all-electric compact SUV arrives in showrooms in 2021 to fill a particularly sweet spot for Mercedes-Benz: globally, SUVs account for one in every three Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles sold, compact models comprise one-in-four, and customer interest in the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand and its expanding portfolio of all-electric and mild hybrid models is at an all-time high around the world.
With a driving range of up to 480km the EQA 250 adequately covers not just the daily commute for most customers, but adds the flexibility to plan extra-urban road trips and weekends away.
Taking charge
The EQA 250 can be recharged at home via a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox or standard 240-volt wall plug, while the nation’s growing network of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers adds the option of fast top-ups on the go. Every Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 purchase includes a Chargefox subscription, with complimentary unlimited access to selected Ultra-Rapid and Rapid chargers for three years.
“With this car, for the first time we are offering our customers an all-electric Mercedes in the compact segment with an extensive range that ensures its viability in everyday use,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “As such, the new EQA is an important vehicle along our path towards the electrification of all our vehicle segments.”
Under the bonnet
The EQA 250 SUV is powered by an asynchronous electric motor at the front axle with a rated output of 140kW and 375Nm, via a single-speed spur gear set. The transmission ratio and gear wheels have been configured for the requirements of the front-wheel drive system.
Beneath the floor as part of the integral vehicle structure is a ‘double-decker’ 420-volt lithium-ion battery with five modules and 200 cells, creating usable energy content of 66.5kWh and combined electrical consumption of 16.2kWh/100km. The battery is part of an intelligent thermal management system, which can be cooled or heated as required via a coolant-fed plate underneath the battery, ensuring it can be kept within optimal temperature range for operation and charging.
Via the inbuilt Type 2 CCS plug and supplied charging cables (1 x Australian domestic socket, 8m cable; 1 x public charging stations, 5m cable), the EQA can achieve from 10 to 80 percent charge via an optional installed Mercedes-Benz Wallbox in around 4.25 hours (AC connection with at least 11kW), and from 10 to 80 percent charge with a rapid charger in 30 min (DC connection with a 100kW supply). The time required for a full charge depends on available infrastructure and equipment, and charging via a home-installed Mercedes-Benz Wallbox is considerably faster than at a domestic power socket.
Unmistakably EQ
Indicative of the ‘Progressive Luxury’ portrayed by the EQ brand, the EQA features a black panel grille, divided into two by a louvre, highlighting the central star that is a hallmark of the brand. A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlights, ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night. Blue colour highlights within the headlight reinforce the signature EQ appearance. The front wing features a badge in high-gloss black with EQA lettering in blue.
The rear end also includes characteristic EQ features. The LED tail lights merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip, underlining the impression of width in the rear view of the EQA.
Additionally, the EQA is distinguished by front and rear aprons in chrome, while the roof rails and waistline and window-line trim strips are polished aluminium.
Comprehensively equipped
Although quite unlike any other Mercedes-Benz compact vehicle by virtue of its all-electric heart, the EQA bears all the hallmarks of its family with high-quality finishes, conspicuous technology and innovation, and generous equipment levels.
The EQA has adjustable damping suspension with multi-link rear, a direct steer system and DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode selection, and rides on eye-catching 19-inch AMG 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels.
Inside, the EQA is equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, including voice control (‘Hey Mercedes’) and 10.25-inch centre touchscreen that is the hub for functions such as navigation, media playback, telephony and vehicle functionality. A second 10.25-inch screen forms a customisable digital instrument cluster for the driver.
Other convenience functions include keyless entry and start, a powered tailgate with handsfree access, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto plus wireless charging for selected mobile devices, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, automatic climate control including remotely actuated pre-entry climate control, ARTICO upholstery and a leather multi-function sports steering wheel, and a DAB+ digital radio tuner.
The standard safety fitment includes the Driver Assistance Package with DISTRONIC active distance assist cruise control with automatic restart, route-based speed adaptation, and a range of active assists including steering, braking, lane keeping and blind-spot monitoring. Traffic Sign Assist and Parking Package including Parking Assist PARKTRONIC and reversing camera, all help keep occupants safe, as do nine airbags.
Edition 1 Package
For a limited time, the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 can be specified with an exclusive Edition 1 package, which includes a comprehensive selection of additional features and distinctive interior and exterior cosmetic enhancements.
Key highlights of the package include 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels finished exclusively in matt copper only (and, we suspect, fiddly to clean) for the Edition 1 variant, plus AMG Line exterior trim and further gloss-black details, Neva grey leather and CYBER CUT blue upholstery, backlit Spiral-look trim elements, blue stitching for the door panels and centre console, air vents in silver chrome and energy blue, sports multifunction steering wheel with flat bottom and perforated grips, AMG pedals, illuminated door sill panels, Edition 1 floor mats, and a unique vehicle key with copper-coloured surround.
Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz EQA is available to order from April, with deliveries to commence from June 2021. It provides a new entry point to the all-electric EQ family, priced at $76,800 plus on road costs). The exclusive Edition 1 package costs an additional $7300.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mercedes-Benz EQA, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.