Mercedes-Benz NZ adds entry-level electric EQA to line-up
The Mercedes-Benz EQA can charge via a wallbox in four hours. Photos: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz New Zealand’s electric fleet is increasing with the addition of the EQA 250 SUV in the next few months.
Based on the A-Class, the EQA is set to create a new entry point to Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle ownership in New Zealand, as the latest addition to the popular and increasingly diverse compact passenger vehicle family.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 will arrive in New Zealand in June and priced from $85,500. The exclusive Edition 1 package costs an additional $7300.
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.
The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 has a range of up to 480km.
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.
The EQA 250 can be recharged at home via a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox or standard 240-volt wall plug, while New Zealand’s growing network of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers adds the option of fast top-ups on the go.
“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.”
The compact SUV segment is very popular globally for Mercedes.
The EQA 250 SUV is powered by an asynchronous electric motor at the front axle with a rated output of 140 kW and 375 Nm, 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 66.5 kWh and combined electrical consumption of 16.2 kWh per 100 km (ADR). 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 New Zealand domestic socket, 8m cable; 1 x public charging stations, 5m cable), the EQA can achieve from 10-80% charge via an optional installed Mercedes-Benz Wallbox in around 4 hr 15 min (AC connection with at least 11 kW), and from 10-80% charge with a rapid charger in 30 min (DC connection with a 100kW supply).
The EQA 250 has the latest infotainment system.
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.
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 rearview 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.
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.
The EQA stands out due to the rose gold alloys.
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 hands-free 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 Mercedes-Benz EQA is priced from $85,500.
