Mercedes’ happy to keep new baby electric hatchback sitting just above Clean Car rebate cut-off.

THE German premium brand with an electric car closest priced to the Government’s $80,000 ceiling for a Clean Car rebate is withstanding temptation to take advantage of that incentive.

As of July 1 new car buyers can achieve a rebate of $8625 on any electric vehicle under $80,000 including GST and on-road costs – a measure that has fired up consumer interest in cars that meet eligibility.

Three cars that could conceivably be considered rivals to Benz’s EQA 250 compact crossover – the Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro and Tesla Model 3 - achieve the benefit, the Korean models re-pricing to suit.

However, Mercedes Benz New Zealand has signalled it is comfortable with the just released EQA keeping the recommended retail of $85,500, a price set prior to the rebate being revealed.

This might outwardly appear an interesting strategy, given this smaller sister model to its only other EV here, the $142,000 EQC, has been strongly signalled as a volume model by its maker and is also the sole EV from a German premium brand selling for less than $100,000.

The national distributor has also signalled the car, which apes the EQC in being on a platform shared with a fossil-fuelled car – in this instance, the GLA (whereas EQC is off the GLC underpinning) – as having potential to fill a particularly sweet spot.

Globally, SUVs account for one in every three Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles sold, compact models comprise one-in-four and interest in the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand and its expanding portfolio of all-electric and mild hybrid models is at an all-time high around the world.

When asked whether there was temptation to realise that potential all the more by realigning the car’s price, a spokesman today said:

“We’re certainly aware of the cost threshold for the Clean Car rebate, but the most important thing for us is that the EQA delivers the experience and equipment levels that our customers expect of a vehicle with the three-pointed star on the front.

“We firmly believe the EQA 250 succeeds at that and remains a competitive offering at the current price.”

With a driving range of up to 480km, as measured under Australian Design Rules, the EQA 250 will adequately cover not just the daily commute for most customers, but adds the flexibility to plan extra-urban road trips and weekends away, the brand suggests.

The EQA 250 can be recharged at home via a Mercedes-Benz wallbox or standard 240-volt wall plug, while the growing network of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers adds the option of fast top-ups on the go.

The EQA 250 is powered by an asynchronous electric motor at the front axle with a rated output of 140kW and 375Nm, via a single-speed spur gear set. The transmission ratio and gear wheels have been configured for the requirements of the front-wheel drive system.

Beneath the floor as part of the integral vehicle structure is a ‘double-decker’ 420-volt lithium-ion battery with five modules and 200 cells, creating usable energy content of 66.5 kWh and combined electrical consumption of 16.2 kWh per 100km.

EQA can achieve from 10-80 percent charge on the wallbox in around four hours and 15 minutes (AC connection with at least 11 kW), and from 10-80 percent charge with a rapid charger in 30 minutes (DC connection with a 100kW supply).

The car steps away from the GLA styling in much the same way that the EQC easily differentiates from an GLC.

Styling signatures include a black panel grille, divided into two by a louvre, highlighting the central star that is a hallmark of the brand. A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlights, ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night. Blue colour elements reinforce the signature EQ appearance.

The rear end also includes characteristic EQ features. The LED tail lights merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip, underlining the impression of width in the rear view of the EQA.

Additionally, the EQA is distinguished by front and rear aprons in chrome, while the roof rails and waistline and window-line trim strips are polished aluminium.

The EQA has adjustable damping suspension with multi-link rear, a direct steer system and Dynamic Select driving mode selection, and rides on 19-inch AMG 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels.

It achieves the MBUX infotainment system, including voice control (‘Hey Mercedes’) and 10.25-inch centre touchscreen that is the hub for functions such as navigation, media playback, telephony and vehicle functionality. A second 10.25-inch screen forms a customisable digital instrument cluster for the driver.

Other convenience functions include keyless entry and start, a powered tailgate with handsfree access, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, plus wireless charging for selected mobile devices, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, automatic climate control including remotely actuated pre-entry climate control, Artico artificial leather upholstery and a leather multi-function sports steering wheel, and a DAB+ digital radio tuner.

The standard safety fitment includes active distance assist cruise control with automatic restart, route-based speed adaptation, and a range of active assists including steering, braking, lane keeping and blind-spot monitoring. Traffic sign assist and a parking package including parking assist and reversing camera, feature. It has nine airbags.

The launch schedule includes availability of an Edition 1 package, which costs an additional $7300. The brand has not said how many Edition 1 cars are designated for NZ.