The EQA: Electric athlete in compact luxury SUV form

25 August 2022: Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa this month launches its native EQ product offensive with the introduction of the all-new EQA sports activities SUV. As the entry level to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ autos, the EQA delivers Progressive Luxury, thrilling driving traits and a easy, highly effective and environment friendly electrical powertrain.

“The EQA is a dynamic sports compact SUV with an exciting, progressive electro-aesthetic,” says Mark Raine, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. “The EQA is the perfect companion for our clientele who have an active, urban lifestyle. It is the perfect entry option into the luxury electric segment.”

In temporary: The EQA 250

The EQA is being launched because the EQA 250 with 140 kW and a spread based on WLTP of as much as 429 km. The “double-decker” lithium-ion battery, which sits as a structural ingredient throughout the underbody of the automobile, has an power content material of 66.5 kWh. In order to fulfill the excessive customary of noise and vibration consolation that’s such a trademark of the Mercedes-Benz model, advanced measures have been taken to isolate the electrical powertrain from the chassis and physique. Numerous damping measures improve this impact.

The EQA 250 shall be out there in South Africa with a value of R1,169,500. This features a PremiumDrive Platinum 5-year/100,000 km upkeep plan and an 8-year battery guarantee.

In depth: The EQA 250

Progressive design and intuitive operation are two of the highlights of the EQA. With this automotive, for the primary time Mercedes-Benz is providing its prospects an all-electric Mercedes in the compact section with an in depth vary that ensures its viability in on a regular basis use. As such, the brand new EQA is a vital automobile alongside Mercedes-Benz’s path in the direction of the electrification of all its automobile segments.

Electro-aesthetics of the design sign Progressive Luxury

The EQA options the black panel radiator grille with central star that’s the hallmark of Mercedes-EQ. An extra distinctive design characteristic of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ autos is the continual gentle strip on the entrance and rear. A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime working lights of the full-LED headlamps, guaranteeing a excessive degree of recognisability each in daylight and at night time. The within the headlamps is completed to a excessive degree of high quality, element and precision. Blue color highlights throughout the headlamp reinforce the signature Mercedes-EQ look. 

The LED back lights merge seamlessly into the tapered LED gentle strip, thus underlining the impression of width in the rear view of the EQA. The licence plate has additionally been relocated to the bumper. Exclusive to this mannequin are light-alloy wheels in a bi- or tri-colour design, as much as 20 inches in dimension, in some circumstances with rosé gold-coloured or blue ornamental trim.

An indication of the electrical character in the inside of the EQA is offered, relying on the design and gear line, by a new-style back-lit trim ingredient and rosé gold-coloured ornamental trim on the air flow shops, seats and the automobile key. The devices, with their electrical car-specific shows, decide up on the identical color scheme with rosé gold-coloured and blue highlights. 

The seating place is excessive and upright, as is typical for an SUV, making it not solely comfy for getting in and out, but additionally good in phrases of all-round visibility. Utility worth was one of many normal focuses throughout growth. The rear seat backrest is 40:20:40 split-folding.

Efficiency is the important thing issue

With a Cd worth from 0.28, the EQA is notably aerodynamically environment friendly. Among a very powerful aerodynamic measures are the utterly closed cooling air-control system in the higher part, aerodynamically optimised entrance and rear aprons, a really easy, nearly utterly enclosed underbody, specifically designed Aero wheels and particularly tailored entrance and rear wheel spoilers.

The customary warmth pump kinds a part of the delicate thermal administration system. With its quite a few progressive particulars, such because the reuse of the waste warmth from the electrical drive system, the system is configured for distinctive effectivity and thus most vary. It can also be potential to set the pre-entry local weather management for the inside of the EQA earlier than beginning. This operate is managed instantly from the MBUX infotainment system or through the Mercedes me App.

Fuss-free charging

The Combined Charging System (CCS) with Combo-2 plug allows versatile charging with direct present (DC) at fast charging stations at as much as 100 kW, plus with alternating present (AC) at a home socket or at as much as 11 kW through the Wallbox. (Times will range based on charger specs.) 

Charging with alternating present (AC) at public charging stations or at a (11 kW) Wallbox from 10 to 100% takes roughly six hours. Meanwhile, charging with direct present (DC) at fast charging stations (as much as 100 kW) from 10 to 80% takes solely half-hour. (Times will range based on charger specs.)

Intelligent driving help methods with cooperative assist from the motive force, distinctive crash security 

Included as customary are Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist. In many conditions, the aim of the latter is to stop a collision by autonomous braking, or to mitigate its penalties. The system can also be in a position to brake for stationary autos and crossing pedestrians at typical metropolis speeds. The enhanced features of the Driving Assistance Package embrace, for instance, the turning manoeuvre operate, the emergency hall operate, the exit warning operate alerting the motive force to approaching cyclists or autos, and a warning when pedestrians are detected close to zebra crossings. 

The EQA can also be a real Mercedes-Benz relating to passive security. On the idea of the sturdy construction of the GLA, the physique of the EQA was tailored to fulfill the actual calls for that face an electrical automotive. The battery sits inside a body made out of extruded sections. This takes on a structural operate which till now was dealt with by the cross members in the underfloor. A battery guard in the entrance space of the battery is ready to stop the power storage unit from being pierced by overseas objects. Naturally, the EQA additionally needed to undergo the model’s regular and really thorough crash check programme. Stringent necessities for the battery and all parts carrying electrical present additionally apply. 

Superior degree of kit, devices with shows particular to Mercedes-EQ

Included as customary is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). MBUX will be individually configured with the assistance of varied choices. Key benefits of the system: the highly effective pc, good screens and graphics, customisable presentation, full-colour head-up show (optionally available gear), navigation with augmented actuality (optionally available gear), studying software program and voice management activated by the key phrase “Hey Mercedes”.

The Mercedes-EQ tile in the media show can be utilized to name up menus referring to charging choices, electrical consumption and power circulate. The show throughout the instrument cluster is a wattmeter relatively than a rev counter. The higher part exhibits the proportion of energy used, the decrease part the recuperation. The instrument can be utilized to point out whether or not the vacation spot will be reached with out an interim charging cease. The colors change based on the driving state of affairs: During a lift course of, for instance, the show adjustments to white. Depending on temper, or to match the actual inside, the consumer has a selection of 4 completely different types.

The complete customary specification of the EQA contains such options because the Progressive Package, LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the EASY-PACK tailgate with electrically operated opening and shutting, KEYLESS-GO, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, ambient lighting with 64 colors, luxury seats with four-way adjustable lumbar assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a reversing digital camera for added comfort and a greater overview when manoeuvring, and a multifunction sports activities steering wheel in leather-based. The new mannequin will be personalised with the AMG Line gear bundle, in addition to the MBUX Innovation Package, Advanced Plus Package, Night Package and eventually, Electric Art. 

Trailer coupling with fast and simple unlocking 

A trailer coupling with ESP® trailer stabilisation is out there as an possibility for the EQA. A very handy characteristic is the electrical unlocking system for the ball coupling. The unlocking swap and indicator lamp are positioned throughout the tailgate. Once the ball coupling has been unlocked it will possibly both be pivoted out or, when not in use, pivoted again behind the bumper trim. The towing capability (unbraked/braked) of the EQA 250 is 750 kg; the tongue weight is 80 kg. The trailer coupling has been authorised to be used with a bicycle rack. The all-wheel-drive fashions will supply a fair greater towing capability. 

Technical knowledge: The EQA 250

Posted by Mercedes-Benz South Africa on Motorpress

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