Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 launched in Malaysia – RM 278k, 190 PS/370 Nm, 429 km range

• First EV by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
• Only one variant available - EQA 250
• Cheapest Mercedes in Malaysia with full ADAS (level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability)

This is Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s first EV model, the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA, launched with a sole variant – EQA 250, priced at RM 278,201 - on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of SST discount, valid until 30-June 2022.

Since this is a battery EV (BEV), import and excise duties as well as road tax have been waived - valid until 31-December 2023 for imported (CBU) BEVs.

Also read: Tax-free EVs? MAA clarifies condition of Sales Tax exemption for EVs in Malaysia

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is the entry level to the all-electric world of Mercedes-Benz EQ and is based on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. It's imported (CBU) from the Rastatt plant in Germany, which also makes the GLA.

The EQA 250 has a 190 PS/370 Nm electric propulsion system that drives the front wheels, allowing for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.9 seconds and tops out at 160 km/h. The 66.5 kWh battery gives a WLTP range of around 402 – 429 km.

Also read: Confused by EV terms? Here's everything you need to know

It has a CCS (Combine Charging System) Combo 2 connector to support AC and DC charging. Maximum AC charging rate is up to 11 kW, which takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes to charge from 10 – 100 percent. Meanwhile, DC fast charging is rated at up to 100 kW, which takes just over 30 minutes to juice up the battery from 10 – 80 percent.

The battery is made up of five modules and is located underneath the passenger compartment in the middle of the vehicle. The lowest point of the vehicle is the lower edge of the side skirts, giving the EQA more than 200 mm of ground clearance.

Also read: What is CHAdeMO and CCS? Everything you need to know about charging EVs

The EQA features the black panel radiator grille with central star that is the hallmark of Mercedes-EQ. Another distinctive design feature of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at front and rear. 

A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps with blue colour highlights within. The LED tail lamps merge into the tapered LED light strip for a full-length lightbar.

It wears the AMG Line kit with twin-blade design of the grille and features a diffuser-look AMG rear apron.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA also boasts a Cd (drag coefficient) value from 0.28 in terms of aerodynamics.

To achieve such a figure, it has a completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, an almost completely enclosed underbody, specially optimised Aero wheels measuring 19-inch in size (with Tirefit puncture repair kit, not run-flat tyres), and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.

Because EVs are generally near-silent on the move, the EQA features acoustic ambient protection to alert pedestrians and cyclists. The acoustic presence indicator generates specific Mercedes-Benz sounds outside of the vehicle up to a speed of 20 km/h.

Inside, it’s largely similar to the GLA in its design and layout. Standard features include ambient lighting with 64 colours, sports seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, reverse camera, hands-free tailgate access, head-up display, and wireless charger.

As with all current Mercedes-Benzes, the infotainment system runs on the MBUX and supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

In terms of advanced safety systems, the Mercedes-Benz EQA gets the full complement of ADAS with level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability, courtesy of:

• Active Distance Assist Distronic (ACC)
• Extended automatic re-start in traffic jams
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Steering Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Brake Assist (AEB)
• Parking Assist Parktronic

The Mercedes-Benz EQA comes with the standard 4 years unlimited Mercedes-Benz Warranty. While for the high-voltage battery, the warranty is 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. 

Customers can also opt to book a wallbox installation service with the brand’s installation partner (EVC) upon purchase of the vehicle. The wallbox will be covered by a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Additionally, EQ customers on the go will get a 1-year subscription with JomCharge, where they will enjoy unlimited charging at a 50 percent discount at all JomCharge charging stations with 50 kW DC fast chargers, limited to the first 1,000 customers.

The brand will also have 13 new DC fast chargers installed in strategic dealer locations this year where EQ customers can use at no cost until the end of 2023.