Mercedes EQA - electric sportsman in a compact format

EQA is the name of the new entry-level model in the world of all-electric Mercedes-EQ vehicles. Its "electric design" symbolizes the progressive luxury of the new sub-brand. Intelligent assistants help the driver in many areas - not only in preventing accidents, but also in predicting traffic situations.

Mercedes-Benz ECA

This also applies to the efficient operation strategy of the propulsion system and the dedicated electric navigation system. In addition, the new model offers various solutions typical of Mercedes, such as the ENERGIZING comfort control and the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system. The EQA joins the well-known family of compact cars with a star. Thanks to its close relationship to the GLA, it has all the advantages of this model, in this case combined with an economical electric drive. The new EQA will be built in Rastatt (Germany) and Beijing (China). Batteries will be supplied by the Mercedes-Benz Accumotive branch in Kamenets. The battery plant in Jawor is also preparing to produce battery systems for compact Mercedes-EQ models. The stellar electric SUV will be available at European dealerships from spring 2021.

“Mercedes-EQ aims to be a leader in electric powertrains and automotive software. To achieve this, we have set ambitious product development targets coupled with accelerated implementation of new solutions,” said Markus Schäfer, Board Member of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Daimler Group Researcher and Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars. . “The new EQA demonstrates how we envision electromobility tailored to the needs of our customers. We will be offering the entire family of EQA variants from 140kW to over 200kW, in both front- and all-wheel drive. And for those who are particularly concerned about range, a special EQA variant with a WLTP range of more than 500 km will soon be available in our range. EQA proves that with a proven architecture, an ideal trade-off between efficiency, cost and time to market can be achieved.”

The EQA debuts with the EQA 250 (combined energy consumption: 15.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) with 140 kW (190 hp) and a range of 486 km (NEDC). The lithium-ion "stack" battery, which is part of the chassis of the car, has a capacity of 66.5 kWh. In order to ensure the high standards of comfort typical of Mercedes in eliminating unwanted noise and vibrations, extensive measures have been implemented to isolate the electric drive from the chassis and bodywork. The effect of these works is enhanced by numerous suppressive agents.

Electrodesign signals progressive luxury

At the front, the EQA has a black grille with a central star, a hallmark of Mercedes-EQ models. Another distinguishing feature of the 100% electric Mercedes-EQ is the solid strip of front and rear lights. A horizontal light bar connects the daytime running lights of the full LED headlights, providing a high level of visibility both day and night. The striking finishes of the taillights draw attention to a high level of quality and precision, while their blue accents underline the distinctive Mercedes-EQ design. The LED taillights fit seamlessly into the light strip, emphasizing the optical width of the EQA. The license plate has been moved to the bumper. Exclusively reserved for the new model are two- or three-color alloy wheels up to 20 inches in diameter - in some cases with decorative elements in rose gold or blue.

The EQA also highlights its electric nature in the cabin – depending on the design line and equipment, a newly developed illuminated trim element and rose gold accents (vents, seats and key) catch the eye. A special Edition 1 will also be available, with perforated leather seats that show blue fabric. Instruments with rose gold and blue motifs have the same colors.

Typical of SUVs, the EQA seats are positioned relatively high, providing not only easy entry and exit, but also good all-round visibility. There are also functional solutions in the interior, for example, the rear seat backrest, divided in a ratio of 40:20:40.

Key efficiency: from aerodynamics to navigation

The new EQA has improved aerodynamics - its drag coefficient Cd is from 0.28. The area of the frontal part A is 2.47 m2. The most important aerodynamic measures include: fully enclosed cooling air management at the top, aerodynamically efficient bumpers, an almost completely enclosed chassis, specially optimized Aero wheels and specially adapted front and rear spoilers.

The advanced heat management system includes a standard heat pump. This system uses a number of solutions to improve efficiency (and therefore range) such as reusing waste heat from the electric drive. EQA also offers interior pre-ventilation before starting the car, activated directly via the MBUX infotainment system or via the Mercedes me app.

An additional convenience in everyday use of the EQA is the standard navigation with the so-called. Electric intelligence that calculates the shortest route to your destination, taking into account the necessary stops for recharging and many other factors such as terrain or weather. Navigation can also react dynamically to changes in traffic or driving style, for example.

With Mercedes me Charge, customers have access to the largest network of charging stations in the world today, with over 450,000 AC and DC outlets in 31 countries. Mercedes me Charge allows users of Mercedes-EQ vehicles to conveniently use multi-vendor charging stations using the built-in payment feature with intuitive billing.

Thanks to high-quality certificates of origin, Mercedes-Benz guarantees that the charging current for the Mercedes me Charge is compensated with energy from renewable sources. In Europe, Mercedes me Charge allows customers to charge at more than 175,000 public charging points, combined with the subsequent compensation of the so-called green energy.

Technical data Mercedes EQA 250

• Drive - front wheels
• Electric motor (front axle) - asynchronous
• Maximum power (kW) - 140
• Torque (Nm) - 375
• Acceleration 0-100 km / h (s) - 8.9
• Maximum speed (km / h) - 160
• Battery capacity, useful (NEDC) (kWh) - 66.5
• Combined electricity consumption (NEDC) (kWh/100 km) -15.7
• Range (NEDC) (km) -486
• Charging time from wall box/AC station (11 kW) (h) -5:45
• Charging time at DC station (100 kW) (min) - 30

Intelligent, collaborative assistance systems, a high level of safety in the event of a collision

The EQA comes standard with Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist. The aim of the latter is, depending on the situation, to avoid or mitigate the consequences of collisions by autonomous braking. At normal city speeds, this system is also capable of braking when it detects standing vehicles or passing pedestrians. The advanced features of the Driving Assistance Package include: turn control, emergency lane creation, exit warning, and pedestrian warning near crosswalks.

The EQA is also a true Mercedes when it comes to passive safety. Its bodywork is based on the robust design of the GLA but adapted to the specific requirements of electric vehicles. The battery is housed in an extruded profile frame that takes over the structural function previously provided by the cross members in the chassis. The battery cover on the front panel prevents the battery module from being pierced by other parts. Of course, the EQA had to "go through" Mercedes' extensive crash test program. There are also stringent requirements for the battery and all conductive components.

Extensive technical data, instruments with typical Mercedes-EQ graphics

As standard, EQA offers an intuitive, self-learning, high-performance MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with stunning screens and graphics, as well as a customizable interface and voice control with the slogan "Hey Mercedes". The list of options includes, among other things, a color head-up display and augmented reality navigation.

In addition, EQA's comprehensive standard equipment includes components such as High Performance LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist, power EASY-PACK tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, decorative lighting in 64 colors to choose from, seats. with 4-way adjustable lumbar support, reversing camera and leather-wrapped multifunction sports steering wheel. The new model can be personalized with one of two design and equipment lines: AMG Line and Electric Art, as well as by ordering the Night package.

Towbar with quick and easy release

An ESP® stabilized towbar is available as an option for the EQA. A particularly handy feature is the electrical release of the firing pin; for this purpose, the unlocking switch, which, together with the indicator lamp, is located in the rear cover. The pulling force of the EQA 250 (trailer without brake/brake) is 750 kg and the permissible hook load is 80 kg. The hitch can be used with a bike rack. 4×4 options will provide even more traction.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz