Mercedes suggests no need for low-cost EQA

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has indicated there was little point in offering an additional cut-price version of their new entry-level EQA battery electric vehicle.

The EQA 250, based on the GLA small SUV, starts its pricing at $85,500 – just $5500 more than the cut off for the government’s clean car rebate of a little over $8000. And its impressive specification suggests there could be room to move.

Not so suggests MBNZ general manager Lance Bennett, noting they are aware of the threshold, but noting that even without the rebate, “We have a healthy order bank for new vehicles – we are selling as many as we can get.”

“The key thing for us is that the car meats the expectations of a car that has a star on the front,” a spokesperson says. “We believe the EQA does that.”

Besides that, the brand notes early orders are heavily leaning to a more highly specified, and $7300 more expensive Edition 1.

At that price, 480kM range, 65.5kW temperature managed battery, 140kW and 365Nm motor powering the front wheels, the EQC clearly targets the Hyundai Kona EV elite. Where it is clearly ahead is in its more modern design, comfort features and up-to-date technology.

An all-wheel drive, 221kW EQA 350 is due next year.

The EQA can charge on AC at up to 11kW, and on DC at up to 100kW. The vehicle is capable of pre-conditioning the battery for better fast charging speeds when navigating to a unit. Mercedes throws in a generously-long 8-metre home charger and 5-metre type-2 cable as part of the deal.

Charging and pre-conditioning the interior can also be scheduled within the car or through the Mercedes Me app. The system is also compatible with Apple Homekit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa systems.

Echoing the EQC in design, 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. Blue colour highlights within the headlight reinforce the EQ appearance.

It looks great on the white cars we drove on test, but a little odd on the black entry-level unit also available.

The rear-end is also unique, with the EQ-specific trims and the numberplate relocated into the bumper. The boot is not class-leading at 340-litres, but still entirely functional for a vehicle of this size.

The EQA has adjustable damping suspension with multi-link rear, a direct steer system and Dynamic Select driving mode selection, and rides on 19-inch AMG 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels.

Inside, the EQA is equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, including voice control 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 AutoTM 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, synthetic-leather upholstery and a leather multi-function sports steering wheel.

Standard safety equipment 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.

The Edition 1 package includes an upgrade to 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels finished exclusively in matt copper, 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.

So what is it like to drive? On our relatively short launch drive, the EQA proved itself to be a comfortable, and somewhat sporty, little unit.

The ride soaks up most imperfections well, yet felt flat and composed through open road corners. There is some feel of the battery weight wanting to push wide in corners – it is hard to hide the physics of a battery just short of 500kg hanging under a smaller vehicle – but not to a point where the chassis setup couldn’t cover it.

Seat comfort is excellent in the front, and unlike some in this size range, rear seat space remains healthy.

Expect a full drive report and video from EVsandBeyond.co.nz next week.