Mercedes-Benz prices new EQA250 from $76,800 + ORCs

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia has revealed the local pricing and specification highlights of its new EQA electric SUV, with the compact high-rider set to arrive Down Under from June carrying a pricetag of $76,800 plus on-road costs.

At this stage only the single EQA250 variant will be offered here however a limited run ‘Edition 1’ package will be offered for an extra $7300 which adds a few extra features and plenty of enhanced styling cues.

Resembling what we imagine the love-child of a GLA and EQC to look like, the EQA rides on a modified version of the former’s compact platform and draws its power from a 66.5kWh (useable) lithium-ion battery pack.

Mercedes is claiming an effective range of up to 480km for the EQA, some 46km more than the bigger EQC (according to the ADR standard).

Drive comes courtesy of a 140kW/375Nm electric motor mounted directly to the front axle, resulting in an 8.9-second sprint from 0-100km/h however more performance-oriented variants (200kW+) have been promised.

When it comes time to recharge the battery, Mercedes says the EQA’s battery can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 30 minutes when hooked up to a DC fast charger whereas a dedicated Mercedes AC wallbox will take around four hours and 15 minutes.

Despite its electric powertrain, the EQA250 is still first and foremost an SUV which means practicality will be high on the priority list of prospective customers.

Compared to the equivalent petrol-powered GLA200, the EQA250 offers 95 litres less boot space (435L vs 340L), despite being 53mm longer overall on account of its underfloor packaging of the battery.

Standard equipment on the Australian EQA250 is predictably generous with highlights including adaptive suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, MBUX infotainment system accessed via the familiar dual 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, a 10.25-inch digital drivers display, wireless phone charging, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, Artico upholstery, a leather sports steering wheel, automatic climate control and satellite navigation.

For those wanting a sportier theme to their EQA, the Edition 1 pack adds a heap of extra visual flair including matte copper colour 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, AMG Line exterior trim and gloss-black details.

The interior gets stepped up too with Neva grey leather and ‘Cyber Cut’ blue upholstery, backlit spiral-look trim elements, blue door panels and centre console stitching, chrome silver and blue air vents, flat-bottom sports multifunction steering wheel, AMG pedals, illuminated door sill panels, Edition 1 floor mats, and a unique vehicle key with copper-coloured surround.

According to Mercedes-Benz AG management board member for marketing and sales Britta Seeger, the EQA is an important vehicle for the brand as it makes its way towards electrifying at least one model within every segment.

“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.

Local Mercedes-Benz sales are up 16 per cent so far this year ending February (5285 units total) with the GLA proving to be the third-most popular model in the line-up, contributing 737 sales.