Mercedes achieves price parity for EQA
The Mercedes-benz EQA is set for a June arrival, and it will be cheaper than its nearest petrol equivalent, writes
Mercedes-benz New Zealand has priced its small electric SUV, the EQA. Set to be launched in June, the EQA will first arrive in 250 form, priced at $85,500, two grand cheaper than the roughly-equivalent petrol-powered 165kw/350nm GLA 250 4Matic, an odd (butwelcome) change.
The EQA uses a single electric motor on the front axle to generate 140kw and 375Nm, powered by a 66.5kwh battery pack. Range is a claimed 426km and charging times come in at just under six hours on an 11kw AC wallbox, or 30 minutes on a DC rapid-charge station at 100kw.
These specs and pricing put the EQA 250 roughly where a theoretical front-wheel-drive GLA 250 might be.
Range anxiety should be helped thanks to the new ‘‘Navigation with Electric Intelligence’’ software, which plans a route that takes into account any necessary charge stops along the way.
On the basis of continual range simulations, the systemmakes allowance for any necessary charging stops as well as for numerous other factors, such as the topography and the weather.
It is also able to react dynamically to changes, for instance in the traffic situation or personal driving style.
Other onboard tech includes active lane keep assist and autonomous braking and the Driving Assistance Package adds awarning if the driver is opening the door into the path of a cyclist or vehicle. It also has detection for pedestrians near zebra crossings.
The adaptive cruise control system also works in conjunction with the navigation to slow the car for upcoming corners.
The design of the EQA is largely similar to that of the EQC. It has a continuous light strip at both ends, full-led headlights and tail lights with blue accents and an aerodynamically slippery body shape.
It also gets standard kit like heat pumps, which use waste heat from the electric powertrain to heat the cabin, Amg-designed wheels and ‘‘specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers’’.
Finally, a limited ‘‘Edition 1’’ package will be available, which adds the multi-spoke 20-inch rims from the EQC in a copper finish, AMGLINE interior and exterior trim, black details, Neva grey leather with blue upholstery and stitching, a sports steering wheel and a special vehicle key. It will set you back an extra $7300 though.
The next question will be how Tesla prices its forthcoming Model Y. The Model 3 is a great EV, so it stands to reason that its SUV twin should also sell like hotcakes.