Mercedes-Benz EQA 250.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the EQA, its all-electric SUV.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA is the electric sibling of the popular GLA sports utility vehicle (SUV) model. It is Mercedes’ entry-level electric vehicle, and its smallest one to date.
Mercedes claims that this initial variant, the EQA 250, can have a maximum range (WLTP) of over 500km. The EQA is expected to arrive in Singapore in the second or third quarter of 2021.
MERCEDES-BENZ EQA: ELECTRO-AESTHETICS
Designers gave the EQA a unique design to highlight that it is distinct from the GLA. Apart from the Progressive and AMG Line specifications, the EQA can also be specified with the Electric Art line.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA has a blanked-out “Black Panel” radiator grille. Its LED headlights, which have blue strips, are linked by an illuminated fibre-optic strip.
The tail-lights are also linked in the same manner, with a strip across the tailgate adding to the EQA’s distinct visual signature. Bi- and tri-colour wheels, up to 20 inches in size, can also be specified.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA interior has also been given EQ-specific design touches. In conjunction with the chosen design and equipment line, the EQA’s air vents, seats and vehicle key can have rose gold decorative trim.
The instrument panel, which is part of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, also has EV-specific displays. Instead of a tachometer, the driver has a wattmeter. Power and recuperation gauges are also shown.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-EQ tile in the media display can be used to browse menus related to electrical consumption, energy flow and charging options.
In the Edition 1 special model, the seats are upholstered in leather with “cyber cut” perforations that show the shimmering blue fabric beneath. Edition 1 models will be available in the first year after the EQA’s launch.
MERCEDES-BENZ EQA: POWERTRAIN, RANGE AND CHARGING
The Mercedes-Benz EQA is initially available as the front-wheel-drive EQA 250. It features an asynchronous motor on the front axle, a 66.5kWh battery, and a single-speed gearbox.
The motor develops 188hp (140kW, 190PS) and 375Nm, which lets the EQA sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds, or 0.2 of a second off the GLA 200’s time.
According to the WLTP cycle, the EQA 250 has a maximum range of 426km and an average consumption of 17.7kWh per 100km.
An AC charger (wallbox) can recharge the EQA 250’s batteries from 10% to 100% in under six hours. A DC charger (fast charging) can recharge the batteries from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes.
EQ-SPECIFIC ADAPTATIONS
Mercedes says that it made major changes to the GLA’s platform to ensure that the EQA’s overall refinement would meet the carmaker’s standards.
Since electric motors do not produce low-frequency sounds, engineers had to find ways to mitigate or eliminate high-frequency noises, which would become more apparent.
These sound-dampening measures include air-conditioning pipes that are modified to follow the rigid elements of the bodyshell, and isolating bearing points as far as possible.
Adaptations to the suspension components include a redesigned front axle subframe, which allows for greater connection rigidity f0r the suspension strut and brake.
At the rear, the bearing concept for the multi-link axle enables greater longitudinal vibration damping, while the dynamic transmission in a vertical direction is limited.
FUTURE VARIANTS
The Mercedes-Benz EQA will also be available as a more powerful all-wheel-drive variant with 268hp (200kW). This model will have a rear axle-mounted motor in addition to the one in front.
A version said to have a WLTP range of over 500km will also arrive at a later date.
In Singapore, the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 is expected to arrive in the second or third quarter of 2021.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 (A)
MOTOR Asynchronous motor
MAX POWER 188hp (140kW, 190PS)
MAX TORQUE 375Nm
POWER TO WEIGHT 92.2hp per tonne
GEARBOX Single-speed spur gear set
0-100KM/H 8.9 seconds
TOP SPEED 160km/h
CONSUMPTION 17.7kWh per 100km (combined)
MAX RANGE 426km (WLTP)
What is WLTP?
Click here for our review of the Mercedes-Benz GLA
Head here for our review of the Mercedes-Benz GLB 200
