Nearly two years after the front-wheel-drive EQA went on sale, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a dual-motor AWD version of its full-electric small SUV in Australia
Mercedes-Benz has revealed Australian pricing for its EQA350 fully-electric small SUV which brings a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system to the model for the first time.
The EQA350 will be priced from $96,900 before on-road costs, or about $18,000 more than the entry-level front-wheel drive EQA250 ($78,513).
Going some way to justify the increased cost is a substantial leap in performance, AWD traction, and a higher level of standard equipment for the EQA350 variant.
As the selection of electric vehicles in Australia broadens, available AWD is becoming an expected option and is already available locally on rivals such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Tesla Model Y, and the Polestar 2.
The EQA350 arms itself with an electric motor on the front and rear axle that make a combined 215kW of power and 520Nm of torque, enough to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds.
That’s up significantly from the EQA250 which is fitted with a 140kW/375Nm electric motor on the front axle and takes 8.9 seconds to complete the same feat.
Like its more affordable variant, the EQA350 uses a 66.5kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery which Mercedes-Benz Australia says is capable of providing “around 400km” according to the WLTP standard. Though overseas, a WLTP-tested distance of up to 432km has been quoted.
Once the battery pack is flat, drivers can recharge their Mercedes using a 100kW DC fast charger, enough to top up the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes.
Alternatively, drivers can plug their EQA350 into an AC wallbox at home and charge at speeds of up to 11kW, quick enough to charge the battery from flat to full in around seven hours.
The EQA350 features a pair of 10.25-inch displays in the cabin with one acting as the multimedia screen and the other as a digital driver’s display.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fitted as standard, along with a wireless phone charger, heated front seats, DAB digital radio, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof and a power tailgate.
Mercedes-Benz has equipped the Australian-specific EQA350 with the AMG Line Sports package which adds a Nappa leather steering wheel and black synthetic leather sports seats with red stitching.
The AMG Line Sports package also dresses the exterior in AMG-specific 20-inch wheels, a black grille and a diffuser on the rear bumper – meaning the EQA350 looks more aggressive than its EQA250 sibling, which wears 19-inch wheels by default.
Mercedes-Benz has further bolstered the standard equipment over the EQA250 by adding adaptive dampers to the EQA350, technology that typically provides a better balance between better road holding and a comfortable ride depending on the conditions.
Buyers looking for a higher level of specification can opt for the Edition 1 package for the EQA350, with Mercedes-Benz suggesting the $3900 option will only be available for a limited time – as it was for the EQA250 before it.
This package includes unique 20-inch AMG wheels finished in a share of matte copper matched with black roof rails and a rose gold base colour.
Inside, the interior features Neva grey leather and blue stitching on the door panels and centre console, with silver trimming dotted around the cabin.
The EQA350 is available to order now with existing customer orders commencing delivery today.
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
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