Mercedes-Benz releases EQA350 4matic pricing and specs

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has released specifications and pricing for the more powerful version of its EQA compact SUV.

The EQA 350 4matic joins a growing fleet of electric cars from Mercedes. It will be priced from $96,900 before on-road costs, a $17,600 premium on its EQA 250 stablemate.

Although it has the same size 66.5kWh battery (usable capacity) as its EQA 250 sibling, it sports two motors on the front and rear axle.

The combined output of the two electric motors is a generous 215kW compared to the 250’s 140kW, and the EQA 350 4matic will also pack a more powerful punch at the traffic lights with its 520Nm torque.

This means acceleration is not put at 6 seconds from a standing start to 100km/hr, but the trade-off is slightly less range.

Instead of the EQA 250’s 426km (WLTP) range in combined highway and city driving – about 380km in real world conditions – the EQA 350 4matic delivers around 400km (WLTP) – about 357km in real world conditions.

In addition to the premium specs of the EQA 250, the EQA 350 4matic will come with AMG Line Sports interior as standard. This treatment encompasses red stitching on the dashboard and beltline, silver chrome air vents and black sports seats (also with red stitching).

A flat-bottom Nappa leather steering wheel and AMG-style brushed pedals finish the picture.

Also differentiating the EQA 350 from the EQA 250 are a range of external elements from an AMG-specific apron with functional “air curtains”, and a high-gloss black panel with twin blade design in front of the (non-existent) radiator.

The wheels are 20-inch AMG multi-spokes, also in a high-gloss black finish. Adjustable dampening and multi-link rear suspension complement the direct steering system and dynamic drive selection.

On infotainment and connectivity, the EQA 350 4matic comes with voice control for the MBUX system, which is also accessible via the 10.25 inch touchscreen. Next to this is a second screen that functions as the digital instrument cluster.

As with other Mercedes-Benz EQ vehicles, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. There is also wireless smartphone charging, automatic climate control, DAB+ digital radio and a suite of safety features. For passenger comfort, there are heated front seats.

Standard safety features include “active distance assist cruise control” with automatic restart in traffic, route-based speed adaptation, and a range of active assists including steering, braking, lane keeping and blind-spot monitoring. Also on offer are speed sign recognition, parking assist and nine airbags.

An additional $3,900 will get drivers a limited number of first edition EQA 350 4matics. Inclusions range from “aerodynamically optimised” high-sheen copper alloys, grey and blue upholster, backlit trims and other blue elements such as stitching on door panels amd centre console, and chrome/blue air vents. Roof rails, edition one floor mats and illuminated door sills are also included, as is an extra key in rose gold colouring.