Fresh look and tech for updated Mercedes EQA and EQB electric SUVs, with up to 348 miles on a charge
Follow on from updated Mercedes GLA and GLB
The Mercedes EQA and EQB electric SUVs have been given a mid-life update by the German firm in an effort to keep them competitive against rivals from BMW, Audi and Volvo. There’s a tweaked exterior look, the on-board tech has been updated and there’s a longer range on a charge, too.
Both models now feature a ‘star pattern’ gloss-black nose that’s inspired by the black-panel front ends seen on models such as the Mercedes EQS and EQE, giving the fronts of the EQA and EQB more presence, while an LED light band now stretches across the nose to connect the daytime running lights. The front end has also been aerodynamically enhanced to reduce drag and boost range, while at the rear the LED lights have been mildly tweaked. New alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches in diameter are on offer, while two new metallic paints have been added to the colour palette.
Inside, open-pore wood is an optional addition to the dashboard, while new dash panels – including one that features a backlit star pattern – are on offer, depending on which trim level is chosen. A new design of steering wheel featuring touch control panels has been added, too.
Up to 348 miles of range
As before, the EQA is a five-seater, but the EQB will once again be offered with five or seven seats. A new addition to the five-seat EQB is the option of a trailer hitch for the first time. This model will be able to tow up to 1,400kg – or 1,700kg for twin-motor EQBs that feature 4Matic four-wheel drive.
In the new EQA, there’s a 66.5kWh battery for the EQA 250, EQA 300 4Matic and EQA 350 4Matic, while the EQA 250+ features a 70.5kWh pack. This latter model has the longest range of all, with an official maximum of up to 348 miles under WLTP test conditions, while the EQA 250 can travel up to 328 miles and the two 4Matic versions have a maximum WLTP range of 285 miles.
The EQA 250 models feature a single electric motor making 188bhp, whereas the EQA 300 has 225bhp from its twin electric motors, and the EQA 350 makes 288bhp. No performance figures have been quoted, though as the motors are unchanged from the original EQA’s, the 0-62mph time should range from 8.6 seconds in the front-drive EQA 250 to as low as 6.0 seconds in the all-wheel-drive EQA 350.
There’s no 250 variant of the EQB, with only 250+, 300 4Matic and 350 4Matic versions carried over. Power outputs are the same as for the EQA models, and there are WLTP ranges of 333 miles for the 250+ and 278 miles for the four-wheel-drive versions.
Updated infotainment includes games
All EQA and EQB models feature a ‘range monitoring’ function, which offers suggestions on how to optimise energy efficiency. Tips include suggesting a switch to the Eco or Eco+ drive modes or recommending a top speed that will help avoid having to recharge en route.
Both models feature the latest incarnation of the MBUX infotainment system, and all trim levels now feature a 10.25-inch central touchscreen display as standard. Over-the-air updates are also on offer, and owners will be able to upgrade their cars using the on-board wifi to connect to the Mercedes Me Store.
Additional functions that can be unlocked via the store include Distronic adaptive cruise control, Traffic Sign Assist and Augmented Reality navigation instructions. These will be available on a subscription basis or can be bought outright. And taking a leaf out of Tesla’s book, games such as sudoku, pairs and quizzes will also be available to while away time when charging.
On the subject of charging, the EQA and EQB now come with a system called Plug & Charge, which is designed to make connecting to public charge points easier. It theoretically means that owners no longer need to perform any additional authentication when connecting to a compatible charge point, because the Mercedes Me app will authenticate them automatically. Mercedes quotes a maximum DC charge rate of 100kW but charging times have yet to be announced.
Full UK specs and pricing for the new EQA and EQB models will be confirmed when orders open in the autumn, while first deliveries are expected in the new year. For reference, the outgoing EQA starts at £49,750, while the EQB is priced from £55,310.
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