Mercedes-Benz confirms EQA price and timing
The second Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle to go on-sale in Australia, the compact EQA 250, will be priced from $76,800.
That figure includes GST and LCT but excludes on-road costs such as registration.
Available for order from April with delivery from June, early adopters will also be able to secure the more luxuriously equipped Edition 1 for an additional $7300.
The EQA 250 is an EV equivalent of the orthodox five-seat five-door Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV in the same way the larger $139,700 EQC 400 relates to the GLC.
Its pricing positions it $9900 above its ICE equivalent, the GLA 250.
That pricing also makes the EQA one of the cheapest EV on offer from any of the traditional luxury makers, although it is undercut by the BMW i3 compact hatch and the entry level version of the popular Tesla Model 3 sedan.
But the EQA’s ‘value’ positioning is bound to come under pressure as models from other luxury brands such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Lexus UX300e, Volvo XC40 Recharge EV and Tesla Model Y are released.
Cross-over EVs such as the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6 also have the potential to drag sales interest away from the traditional luxury players as they launch.
The front-wheel drive EQA 250 is powered by a 140kW/375Nm asynchronous electric motor that’s fed by a ‘double decker’ 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Combined electrical consumption is rated at 16.2kWh per 100km according to Australian Design Rules (ADR) testing, while claimed range between recharges is up to 480km, also based on ADR. WLTP is rated at 426km.
Via the inbuilt Type 2 CCS plug and supplied charging cables (one x Australian domestic socket, 8m cable; one x public charging stations, 5m cable), Benz claims the EQA can achieve from 10-80 per cent charge via an optional installed Mercedes-Benz Wallbox in around four hours and 15 minutes (AC connection with at least 11kW), and from 10-80 per cent charge with a rapid charger in 30 min (DC connection with a 100kW supply).
Standard EQA equipment in Australia includes driving mode selection with adjustable suspension damping and 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 dual 10.25-inch screens on the dashboard that acts as an instrument panel and touchscreen for functions such as navigation, media playback, telephony and vehicle functionality.
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 (fake leather), a leather multi-function sports steering wheel, and a DAB+ digital radio tuner.
The standard safety fitment includes 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, a parking package a reversing camera and nine airbags are also included.
Key highlights of the Edition 1 package include 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels finished exclusively in matt copper, AMG Line exterior trim and further gloss-black details, upholstery and trim updates inside, a 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.
