EQA releasing in June, for $85,500

 Mercedes’ baby electric aiming for models popular with Kiwis

MERCEDES’ second all-electric car, the EQA 250 compact crossover, will launch in New Zealand in June for $85,500 – a price comparable with the petrol model it derives as well as three key established sub-$100,000 electrics: The Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro and Tesla Model 3.

Benz says the smaller sister model to its $142,000 EQC model, which is the current holder of the New Zealand Car of the Year, is expected to create a new entry point to Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle ownership here, “as the latest addition to the popular and increasingly diverse compact passenger vehicle family.” 

It says the model, 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) - should fill a particularly sweet spot.

Globally, SUVs account for one in every three Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles sold, compact models comprise one-in-four. It also notes that customer 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.

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. The battery is part of an intelligent thermal management system, which can be cooled or heated as required via a coolant-fed plate underneath the battery, ensuring it can be kept within optimal temperature range for operation and charging.

Via the Type 2 CCS plug and supplied charging cables (one for a domestic socket, with an eight metre cable; the other a five metre fixture for public charging stations), the 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 highlights within the headlight reinforce the signature EQ appearance. The front wing features a badge in high-gloss black with EQA lettering in blue. 

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.

For a limited time, the EQA 250 can be specified with an exclusive Edition 1 package, which costs an additional $7300.

This includes a comprehensive selection of additional features and distinctive interior and exterior cosmetic enhancements. The brand has not said how many Edition 1 cars are designated for NZ.

Key highlights of the package include 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels finished exclusively in matt copper, an AMG Line exterior trim and further gloss-black details, Neva grey leather and blue upholstery, backlit trim elements, blue stitching for the door panels and centre console, air vents in silver chrome and energy blue, sports multifunction steering wheel with flat bottom and perforated grips, AMG pedals, illuminated door sill panels, Edition 1 floor mats, and a unique vehicle key with copper-coloured surround.

EQA on fast boat to NZ

Mercedes’ second electric car has been unveiled – and it’s coming here soon.

 KIWIS keen to express their electric car enthusiasm from behind a three-pointed star won’t have too long to wait for the EQA unveiled to the world overnight.

Mercedes Benz New Zealand says it expects the wholly battery-compelled small sports utility will be here in mid-2021, with a front-drive, single motor EQA 250 derivative leading the introduction.  

The Auckland-based operation says information about pricing and specification of what will stand as the first compact premium electric crossover on the market will become available closer to the car’s release.

Effectively an all-electric version of the GLA small SUV – it’s based on a modified version of the platform currently used by that car and the A Class - the introductory edition presents with a single electric motor located on the front axle and feeding from a 66.5kWh battery pack.

The powertrain develops 140kW of power and 375Nm of torque and promises 426km range on the New Zealand-recognised WLTP scale (or 486km on the outmoded NEDC rating). 

The maker vouches a 0-100kmh sprint time of 8.9 seconds and cites an electronically-limited top speed of 160kmh.

The slightly slovenly step-off seems a repercussion of the podgy kerb weight, an unavoidable with battery inclusion.

At 2040kg the model weighs some 555kg more than a front-drive, petrol-powered GLA 200, which runs a 120kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbo petrol and achieves the legal open road limit from a standing start in 8.6 seconds. 

The EQA line-up is set to expand with a twin-motor, all-wheel drive variant that will much snappier: Some are saying 0-100kmh in five seconds. The company has told media in Europe it’ll generate “more than 200kW” and also have 500Nm of torque.

Meantime, Benz says the EQA 250 will take 30 minutes to reach 80 percent capacity using a 100kW fast-charging station.

EQA is the second full electric for Mercedes here, following the much larger $142,900 EQC that holds status as the 2020 New Zealand car of the year, as awarded by the New Zealand motoring Writers’ Guild, and is the first of six new EQ-branded electric vehicles to arrive before the end of 2022.

EQC also shares DNA with a combustion-engined model, the GLE sports utility, but that convenience isn’t a long-term pitch; other incoming Benz electrics are going to be on a bespoke platform.

Mercedes assures that using the GLA/A-Class underpinning for EQA has not required any particular compromise. It says adapting the chassis to make space for an electric motor and a battery pack under the vehicle’s floor was straightforward, as it was always designed for an electric application.

The GLA’s platform was, however, extensively strengthened to support the added weight of the battery pack. Also, new under-floor cross members were implemented under the floor and the car achieves a guard for the front of the battery pack to prevent it from being punctured in the event of an accident.

In an effort to squeeze the maximum possible amount of range out of the car’s battery pack, Mercedes’s engineers paid particular attention to the EQA’s shape when it was on the drawing board.

Hence, while it obviously has strong familial association with the GLA and A-Class, the electric model’s association with EQC is probably equally if not more patent. As with the larger model, the lines have been softened and the  frontal area has been made as smooth as possible, to improve the aero. This is also why the car’s underside is also completely enclosed by an undertray. The end result is a drag coefficient of just 0.28Cd.

Mercedes’ next electric models seem set to be the EQB, a seven-seater sports utility, and the EQS, a high-end all-electric luxury alternate the marque’s traditional flagship, the S-class. Mercedes recently showed off a full-width digital dashboard, it calls the hyperscreen, that will go into the EQS.

BMW iX here in 2021

BMW has revealed the iX, an electric sports utility to rival models Audi and Mercedes Benz already have on the road, and says it’ll be here in 2021.

MEMO to Audi and Mercedes – don’t get too cosy; BMW will by this time next year have a car to rival your premium EV zone products in style and sophistication and outgun on range. 

That’s the message from Munich’s local distributor today with the global unveiling of the iX, the much-anticipated long-awaited all electric sports utility that BMW has developed as a technological flagship.

The production version of the Vision iNext concept that was revealed back in 2018 is still a year away from rolling down the assembly line in Dingolfing, Germany, from the second half of 2021… yet intention is to fast-track this five-seater straight to this part of the world.

BMW New Zealand says it will have the car on sale in the second half of 2021 and while intending buyers have yet to be given any idea about local market cost and specifications, they can be assured the car which has been revealed internationally today is accurately representative of what will ultimately hit our roads.  

So, in a nutshell, an utterly futuristic model that accounts for similar road space as the BMW X5 (but has similar interior room as the next size-up X7) with very high specification and plush appointments in two levels of bodywork, a standard look and a sport enhancement with more rakish styling elements.  

What’s promised is a big step forward over the brand’s sole all-electric offering of the moment, the i3 – as well it should be, given the landmark city car is in its seventh year. 

In respect to the core elements of sustainability, connectivity, automated driving and design, it also reaches a lot further than the iX3 – the electrified X3 coming on sale in early 2021.

BMW hasn't finalised the figures that surround the iX's electric powertrain, but we are told that the car will be powered by two electric motors (with no rare earth elements), producing 'more than' 370kW, which comprehensively beats the 300kW EQC and e-tron 50 and 55 (respectively 230kW and 300kW).  

Apparently the iX will do 0-100kmh in under five seconds, but of greater importance is the efficiency and range between charges. BMW expects the car will average 21kWh per 100km on the WLTP cycle, resulting in a range of more than 600km from its 100kWh battery pack.

 Recharging times are also impressive … when the right hardware is in place. The iX3 can be DC fast-charged at up to 200kW, allowing 10-80 percent charging in under 40 minutes, or 120km range for 10 minutes of charge.

That mightn’t be quite that sharp on NZ’s national subscription infrastructure, which still heavily bases on 50kWh replenishment points, though change is occurring, with 150kWh chargers starting to proliferate and 300kWh devices planned for introduction next year. On a 11kW wallbox, the 0-100 percent charge takes nearly 11 hours.

The iX diverts from the previously announced brand plan to base future BMW electric models around the same platforms as the existing petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models. 

The car premiers a new aluminium space frame that supports an inner carbon cage fabricated from CFRP – for composite plastic and carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic – covered with a body made out of a combination of aluminium and CFRP. The latter is a material BMW has become accustomed to working with as it features intensively in the i3 and now discontinued i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.

BMW says the architecture is highly compatible with the chassis used by the 3 Series through to the 8 Series, as well as the X3 through to the X7. In an interview with German media, high-ups hint key elements of its engineering will be used by other new BMW i sub-brand models in the future.

The Vision iNext’s styling influence is obvious. The large blanked-off grille, heavily chamfered wheel arches, largely unadorned flanks, frameless doors, fixed B-pillars, prominent rear hunches and a tapered glasshouse are straight from the design study. 

For the first time in a modern-day BMW model, the iX will feature a fixed clamshell style bonnet. 

“Without a traditional engine or frunk (front trunk), there is no need for customers to open the bonnet,” BMW design boss, Domagoj Dukec explained.

Full LED main beams are standard, though buyers will also be able to specify BMW’s Laser lights as an option. At the rear, the iX’s narrow tail lamps receive LED functionality as standard.

A series of aerodynamic developments, including the blanked-off grille, minimal air ducting within the front bumper, flat underbody panelling, integrated door handles with an electronic opening mechanism and the tapered glasshouse, contribute to a claimed drag coefficient of 0.25.

EQC shaking strife as sister ships announced

A slower local start than expected for Benz’s electric division pathfinder model hasn’t diminished distributor belief in this broadening power play.

Yet to be unwrapped but all almost certainly due to present in New Zealand - here are three future EQ models under test.

MORE electric cars are coming from Mercedes – and, once supply constraints are lifted, more effort is going to be put into achieving additional market involvement for the one already here.

 In acknowledging interest in the six additional EQ models that the parent brand has confirmed, Mercedes Benz New Zealand has also confirmed it would love to have seen more than 23 registrations to date for the EQC that has been available since January and presently is the sole standard bearer for the brand’s electric mobility division.

The modest count – which places the model at level pegging with the Tesla Model S and Kia Niro as the country’s 11th most popular brand-new electric cars represented by distributors – is not down to consumer disinterest, the local operator insists. 

Quite the opposite. Definite buy-in is perceived for the NZ edition, provisioned as a EQC 400 4matic, costing $142,900.

However, emergent constraints on the medium-sized sports utility’s production and availability has hindered local distribution and been a blow given that New Zealand was among the first countries in the world to receive the EQC.

Even though the production rate of this car (and others) has picked up in recent months, the supply chain has yet to recover.

restricted supply has pegged back the EQC sales expectation - but more cars are coming.

Interestingly, Benz refuses to specifically cite the coronavirus pandemic as being the big issue; though it obviously has been for all car makers.

Nonetheless, the Auckland-based outfit has seen few cars arrive since securing an initial shipment to time with national release at the start of the year. 

“The EQC has been a success for us so far in New Zealand, selling out all available units,” a local spokesman said.

“We knew that the supply ramp up would take time due to the global demand for the vehicle, and we look forward to fulfilling more of the current customer demand in the near future.”

 The car will be subject to more intense push soon; a shipment of additional stock is reportedly already en route. A fresh push seems set to be timed for the start of 2021.

 The renewed campaign will ultimately potentially time with the emergent availability of more EQ family members, confirmed by head office just this week. 

Germany has cited six new full-electrics as being incoming for production, four of which will be underpinned by a new modular platform still under development.

The NZ office has shied from saying when the cars might avail here.

EV uptake in New Zealand is still modest.

“We’re optimistic and excited about the growth of the EV portfolio and we hope to bring these new variants to the New Zealand market in the next few years. For the moment it is too early to confirm when the next EQ variant will arrive on our shores.” 

As a sign of the how far the programme surrounding the EVA2 common scalable architecture has progressed, Benz released images of disguised cars undergoing trials in public. These have since been identified as the EQE and EQS luxury sedans and EQS sports utility.

The EQS sedan – which can be called an electric S-Class – is set to be in build next year, the others in 2022. 

Before all that happens, the brand will launch two electrified versions of vehicles that provision now in fossil-fuelled form – the EQA, which spins off the GLA, and the EQB, derived from the GLB.

Also on the electric release roster are a fully battery-reliant version of the rugged G-Class as well as a EQS in Maybach format. The uber-plush ultra-premium brand has not really represented in NZ to date; the closest market for Maybach being Australia. However, it seems possible that might change now that it has electric and also with the GLS large SUV also provisioning as a Maybach model.

In addition to all this, the make has unfolded plans for a new fully electric architect designed for compact and medium-sized vehicles, called MMA, arriving in 2025, and has used the Beijing motor show to display a concept, the EQXX prototype, which promises the world’s longest electric car range.

That’s a bold statement, given the maker has already cited expectation of the

EQS achieving 700 kilometres’ range, based on the European WLTP testing standards, when provisioned with a 100kWh battery. It's likely that a range of smaller battery options will also be made available.

The production centre for the luxury electrics is the brand’s Sindelfingen ‘Factory 56,’ which is one of the world’s most technically advanced manufacturing facilities. Factory 56 is also home to the new S-Class, incoming here soon, in standard and hybrid forms. 

Mercedes ideas about EQ styling has been expressed by concepts, such as the 2019 Vision EQ Silver Arrow.

As much as EQS is considered part of the S-Class family, Ola Kallenius – chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG, and head of Mercedes-Benz – has assured it will have its own distinct entity: “It’s not our goal to say here’s another S-Class that looks exactly the same, it’s just a powertrain difference. It will be a different luxury tech proposition.”

The Benz push aligns with a public pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and is another reminder about how serious this and other makes are about divesting from fossil fuels. The world’s oldest make is going hard; it claims all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will account for more than 50 percent of its sales before the end of this decade.

 It’s a shift that New Zealand could conceivably find relatively unchallenging to accept, in that our electricity production infrastructure is so obviously Green-minded, far more so than in most countries thanks to our high reliance on hydro, wind and geothermal generation.

The lack of Government incentive to help consumers buy into brand-new EVs, plus the market being open to used and grey import electrics that are often perceived – usually wrongly - to be better value, and even the relatively low price of petrol and diesel is patently inhibiting any serious swing toward plug-ins.

To date this year, just 1084 brand-new electric passenger vehicles have found homes; a fraction of the total count of new cars registered this year, in a market condition that is down almost 25 percent on the same period of 2019.

The model with the highest count of registrations is the Tesla Model3, with 414 plated-up to date. That’s not necessarily down to a rush on the car now; it’s effectively Tesla making good on orders that might be placed at least a year.

The Hyundai Kona comes second, with 171 units, then the Nissan Leaf, with 116 – though many of these might have been parallel imports. The VW Golf has achieved 69 placements, the Jaguar i-Pace and Tesla Model X 47 each and the Audi e-tron 38, a count also accrued by the Hyundai Ioniq. Next come the Mini hatch, on 31 and BMW i3, with 24.

Under-performing the EQC, Model S and Niro are the Renault Zoe (six), LDV EV80 (four), Porsche Taycan (three, though availability has just begun), Renault Kangoo (two), the list rounding out with three models the general public is likely to be unfamiliar with taking one registration apiece. These being the Factory Built EV10, the Factory Built Souzhou and the Polaris Groupil.