Mercedes has announced pricing and specification for its 2023 EQA range which expands beyond the launch 250 variant to now also include a high-spec dual-motor 350.
Since its launch in 2021, the EQA 250 has quietly established itself as one of the most popular new electric cars on sale in Australia, falling just behind headline-grabbing rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2.
Mercedes says it is building on that popularity with the launch of the new EQA 350 which offers significantly more power from its dual-motor all-wheel drive setup, as opposed to the single-motor front-wheel drive EQA 250.
Total power outputs for the 350 variant are 215kW/520Nm, significantly up from the 250ās 140kW/375Nm, allowing the GLA-based small SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6 seconds. Its 66.5kWh battery pack allows a driving range of around 400km according to the WLTP standard, a slight decrease on the 250 variant, which offers 426km.
The EQA 350 can charge at a rate of 100kW on a DC fast charger, or 11kW on a slower AC plug.
Standard equipment for the EQA 350 includes the AMG Line Sports exterior package (normally a cost-option on the EQA 250), extended gloss finishes with AMG-style diffusers front and rear, enlarged 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG-themed interior trim with synthetic leather and suede seat trim, real leather sports steering wheel, and brushed aluminium pedals.
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It also scores the otherwise-optional Vision Package, including a surround parking camera and panoramic sunroof. As well as the standard dual 10.25-inch screens for the multimedia touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, built-in navigation, 10-speaker audio system, as well as full LED headlights, tail-lights, and ambient interior lighting.
The EQA 350 starts from $96,900 before on-road costs, with a limited āEdition 1ā package which adds a unique set of trims priced at $100,800. It adds to the existing EQA 250 variant, which wears a before on-roads price-tag of $78,513.
The expanded EQA range builds on serious electric momentum for Mercedes-Benz, which has just added the EQS 53 to its lineup, which will soon be followed by the smaller EQE and the EQAās seven-seat sister car, the EQB toward 2023.
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The EQB will arrive with both a front-drive 250 and all-wheel drive 350 variant imminently in Australia.
Mercedes is facing increased competition in this space, both from the likes of its traditional rivals, Audi and BMW, as well as newcomers specific to the electric space, which include Tesla and Polestar.
Regardless, the brand says it is experiencing high levels of demand for its electric variants, and expects there will be ongoing supply issues for much of its range. Mercedesā Australian PR boss told CarsGuide late in 2021 that āevery EQA that lands is being soldā.
At last count, the EQA was outselling cars like the Hyundai Kona electric, falling just behind the cost-leading MG ZS EV in the sales charts. No doubt the new 350 version and incoming GLB will add to Mercedesā fortunes in the EV space.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQA price
Ā | FWD | AWD |
EQA 250 | $78,513 | -- |
EQA 350 | -- | $96,900 |
Edition 1 | -- | $100,800 |