German carmaker Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled its latest electric offering, the EQA compact SUV.
In an online event on Wednesday (Europe time), the auto mainstay revealed official specifications of the GLA-based electric vehicle ahead of a launch later in 2021.
The first variant to be launched in 2021 will have a 66.5kWh battery with a driving range of 426km (WLTP) and a second 500km range variant will follow, the carmaker said in the online event.
With a top fast charging rate of 100kW the EQA will be able to charge from 10 to 80 per cent with 30 minutes at a DC fast charger, Mercedes says. On an AC charger, it can charge in under six hours at its maximum rate of 11kW.
The EQA will be available for order in Europe from February 4, adding another electric car to the Mercedes-Benz stable as it takes aim at meeting tightening vehicle emissions standards imposed by the European Union to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Describing the EQA as combining “sustainable lifestyle and contemporary luxury”, VP for marketing Bettina Fetzer said the new EV gives a glimpse into upcoming models planned for the company’s EQ line, in particular the EQS sedan.
“Progressive design and intuitive operation are two of the highlights of the EQA. 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,” she said.
Aimed at the “young, dynamic, successful, urban and progressive with respect to mobility”, the EQA is a compact SUV that delivers 140kW of power and 375Nm torque from a single motor in its initial format, that the more powerful 200kW variant will follow.
Energy consumption is rated at 15.7kWh per 100 kilometres driven for this first model.
A length of 4,463mm on a 2,729 wheelbase, a width of 1,834mm and height of 1,620mm sees the EQA sitting at about the same height as its upper-end stablemate, the EQC while being slightly narrower and about 30cm shorter.
Safety features include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist and AEB, as well as other driver-assist inclusions such as exit warnings that detect cyclists and other vehicles, and pedestrian warnings for crossings. LED headlights, an automatic tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting and luxury seating completes the picture.
In Europe, the Mercedes-Benz EQA will be priced starting at 47,450 euros ($A74,163 converted) in Germany. Australian pricing has not yet been announced, but expect a local launch by mid-2021.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.