Mercedes-Benz EQA (EV)

Mercedes set to launch these 5 electric cars in SA in 2022

With the new EQ range, Mercedes-Benz is taking charge of the future by harmonising the demands of a new generation of customers who seek sustainability, emotionality and innovation.

South Africa is very much a part of the strategy. In 2022, Mercedes-Benz SA will be launching a line-up of fully-electric Mercedes-EQ models on local shores. With the EQA, EQB, EQE and EQS, the Mercedes-EQ range is shaped and sized for a wide variety of customer desires.

"With Mercedes-EQ, we are sending a clear signal for sustainability and progress. We are convinced that cross-functional co-operation including with strategic partners is our key to success in order to make our guiding themes of #LeadInElectric, #LeadInCarSoftware and #SustainabilityOverall a reality,” said Mercedes-Benz Cars COO Markus Schäfer.

“A highly innovative and agile team of top experts is currently working on our technology programme EQXX. In the process, we are shifting the boundaries of what is feasible for the CO2-neutrality of tomorrow at an unprecedented rate. Because Mercedes-Benz is striving for nothing less than leadership in this field".

Here’s a brief look at the upcoming line-up.

EQA

The EQA might be the smallest member of the Mercedes-EQ family but it is packed with technology. It includes an intelligent navigation system that takes charging stops into account and the MBUX infotainment system with built-in artificial intelligence.

Depending on the model selected, the EQA will offer outputs of more than 200kW and a claimed driving range in the region of 500km.

Its comprehensive specification includes such features as LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the EASY-PACK tailgate with electrically operated opening and closing, 18-inch light-alloy wheels and ambient lighting with 64 colours.

 
Mercedes-Benz launches fully electric EQ range in SA

Mercedes-Benz launches exciting EQ range in SA, ushering in the electric age for the Stuttgart brand with five new models in 2022.

The age of all-electric vehicles is indeed here and could there possibly be a greater statement of intent from one of the world’s best-recognised brands than to launch five fully electric vehicles to the South African market in 2022?

To back this up, 36 of the brand’s dealerships or “Agent partners” have been appointed to retail and service these cutting-edge electric vehicles, with which each customer will receive a complimentary Mercedes-EQ wall charger, installed wherever they please.

As we have come to understand by now, vital to the success of electric mobility is the infrastructure to back it up and so, Grid Cars will collaborate with Mercedes-Benz with their expanding public charging network.

Mark Raine, newly appointed President of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa said, “South Africa is not without its challenges in terms of the EV landscape, however with our customer centric growth strategy curated towards the local market a significant interest has already been shown by potential customers for our EQ range in SA. This interest is aided by the growth in the public charging grid including national coverage on main routes, and the number of potential customers with existing renewable energy solutions (or considering these in the near-future). Based on these developments, we are confident that the cars we bring into the country will find many happy owners.”


EQA.jpeg
 
Mercedes-Benz SA lays out 2022 EV Strategy

As the list of automotive brands that have focused their product strategies on battery-electric vehicles grow longer, some car companies’ local subsidiaries have outlined their plans to add to the number of EV models available in the South African market. Mercedes-Benz SA recently showcased its EV strategy for 2022.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) will launch 5 electric cars in 2022; this follows the news that rival premium brands Audi and BMW will have similar launch schedules for their EV models this year.

Coming up with an EV rollout strategy for South Africa is not as simple as it might be for carmakers in developed countries, because we have some extra red tape to cut through. Suffice to say, even long-established marquee brands are not accustomed to dealing with our market’s specific barriers to entry. Let’s start with the tax issue. A 25% import duty is levied on electric vehicles, whereas that percentage is “only” 18% for fossil-fuel-fed vehicles. An electric vehicle is further subject to 17% ad valorem (luxury tax) because the cost of its battery pack pushes the overall cost of the vehicle into a luxury threshold.

All told, the government taxes battery electric vehicles and hybrids by 42%, which explains why such vehicles remain prohibitively expensive for the overwhelming majority of South African new-car buyers. Many local car companies and the industry body, Naamsa, are lobbying to have this ad Valorem tax removed and it’s widely believed that it could happen early in 2022. Nevertheless, premium brands such as Mercedes-Benz are less affected by excessive taxation because it has less of an impact on a model’s price at a higher price point. Still, right now, the cheapest electric vehicle on sale in SA costs R700k.

New EVs from Mercedes-Benz in 2022

Mercedes-Benz SA plans a staggered launch of its range in 2022 because the semi-conductor shortage is still constricting the supply of vehicles to our market, but it does believe that there will be some improvement in availability as early as the second quarter of the year. The East London-based manufacturer expects that production allocations will return to normal by the end of 2022.

Mercedes-Benz EQA (May 2022)

Mercedes-Benz EQB (July/August 2022)

Mercedes-Benz EQS (July/August 2022)

Mercedes-Benz EQE (October 2022)


 
Mercedes to launch these five electric cars in South Africa this year

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has released more details of its electric car plan for 2022, and like its rivals Audi and BMW, the German carmaker is going all in with a comprehensive range of battery cars.

The new Mercedes-EQ division will launch the EQA, EQB and EQC SUVs around April this year, as well as the EQE and EQS luxury sedans. The range will be sold and serviced through 36 specially appointed dealerships.

In terms of charging infrastructure, Mercedes-EQ is teaming up with Grid Cars to provide public charging facilities, and the company will also offer its customers a complementary EQ wall charger, installed at a location of their choice.

Mercedes EQA

Mercedes EQB

Mercedes EQC

Mercedes EQE

Mercedes EQS


https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/late...his-year-e209aec5-d4b7-4e11-91e3-c0029bdf2a6f
 
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 (2022) Specs & Price

Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric offensive in South Africa finally looks set to kick off! Here’s how much the least expensive model – the EQA 250 – will cost you…

If you’ve been waiting patiently for Mercedes-Benz’s range of EQ-badged electric vehicles (EVs) to touch down in South Africa, we have some exciting news for you: the EQA appears to be just around the corner, and we have unearthed local pricing.

As a reminder, the Mercedes-Benz EQA was revealed in January 2021, billed as the “new entry-level model to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles”. The Stuttgart-based firm describes the EQA as a “close relation of the GLA”, saying it shares that model’s “robust structure”. The EQA is expected to be the first of as many as 5 battery-powered Mercedes-Benz models launching in SA in the relatively near future.

The variant set to arrive in South Africa first is the same one detailed at the global reveal: the EQA 250. This derivative employs an asynchronous electric motor mounted on the front axle – rendering it front-wheel drive (unlike more powerful versions offered overseas with a second electric motor at the rear) – and generating peak outputs of 140 kW and 370 Nm. It uses a fixed-ratio transmission with a differential.

The high-voltage lithium-ion battery doubles as a structural element within the underbody of the vehicle and has a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh, while the on-board AC charger is rated at 11 kW. Though Mercedes-Benz lists a claimed range of 486 km in its international release (along with a 0-100 kph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 160 kph), the German firm’s local division claims a range of between 402 km and 429 km.

So, how much cash will you have to part with to drive one out of your local Mercedes-Benz dealership? Well, EQA 250 pricing will start at R1 169 500, though Mercedes-Benz SA says this “includes the price of a 5-year/100 000 km service and maintenance plan, which you shall be entitled to exclude from the purchase of your vehicle”. For reference, the GLA line-up runs from R773 376 to R838 768.

At the time of writing, this makes the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 the second most affordable EV in South Africa, slotting in between the Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door (R723 000) and Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge AWD (R1 260 000).

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 price in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive – R1 169 500

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line – R1 222 500

The EQA comes with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, though Mercedes-Benz SA says buyers have the option of excluding the price of this from their purchase.

 
Mercedes launching four electric models in SA soon: here’s how much they cost

Those visiting the Mercedes-Benz stand at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami over the weekend got an early taste of the four new electric vehicles that will be launched locally later this year.

Priced between R1 169 500 and R3 410 100, the new Mercedes EQA, EQB, EQC and EQS models will significantly expand the range of premium options available in South Africa’s electric car market.

Before we delve into the specifics of each vehicle, let’s take a look at how the new line-up is priced:

EQA 250 Progressive – R1 169 500
EQA 250 AMG Line – R1 222 500
EQB 350 4Matic Progressive – R1 374 500
EQB 350 4Matic AMG Line – R1 427 500
EQB 350 4Matic Edition 1 – R1 518 900
EQC 400 4Matic AMG Line – R1 679 000
EQS 450+ sedan – R2 615 100
EQS 450+ sedan AMG Line – R2 755 100
EQS AMG 53 4Matic+ sedan – R3 410 100

 
Mercedes EQA 250 – local specification and pricing

Coming in at just under R1,2 million, the Mercedes EQA 250 serves as an entry level offering for buyers in the premium electric compact SUV segment. Here is local pricing and specification for the new model.

As part of the flurry of electric vehicles introduced to our local market at the Festival of Motoring by Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa is the EQA 250. The compact SUV offers an entry point to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles with the characteristic luxury affiliated to the brand.

Akin to its similarly sized fossil-fuel powered compatriot, the GLA, the EQA 250 offers compact proportions, moderate ground clearance and a front-wheel drive layout. This makes it the first and only one in the lineup not to power the rear wheels but that shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for its intended use.


Mercedes EQA 250

Powertrain: Electric motor

Power: 140 kW

Torque: 375 N.m

Driven wheels: Front

0-100 km/h: 8,6 seconds

Top speed: 160 km/h

Usable battery capacity: 66,5 kWh

Combined fuel consumption (WLTP): 18.9-17.6 kWh/100 km

Range: Up to 429 km

Price: R1 169 500

The EQB 350 4MATIC will be available in South Africa with a PremiumDrive Platinum 5 year/100 000 km maintenance plan and an 8-year battery warranty.

 
EVs are here to stay: learning to live with the all-electric Mercedes EQA – part 1

The times are surely changing and electric cars are here to stay; it doesn't matter whether you like them or not. Now, being in the lucky position that I am, I have indeed sampled a fair amount of electric cars. I prefer the smaller, more attainable offerings over the hyper fast, really expensive ones.

Mercedes-Benz recently introduced a bunch of all-electric cars and among the uber luxury offerings is this, the Mercedes-Benz EQA.

We asked Mercedes-Benz South Africa if we could live with one for a few months and they agreed. They don’t usually do long-term test vehicles but I think it is time that we get a realistic take on what it is like living with an electric car for longer than a week.

So let me add some structure to this article. I’m going to tell you about the EQA and then I’m going to tell you why I decided to request it and then I’m going to tell you what I have done and am going to do with it. I will also come up with a name for this series that is

 
Long-term test: Living with the electric Mercedes EQA during Stage 6 load shedding – Part 2

Stage 6 load shedding – it sucks, I know. We’ve had load shedding for 16 years now and it has just got worse. I could get into how load shedding has caused devastation to our economy which will have lasting negative effects. I could talk about how it has prevented an upward trajectory for many businesses and individuals, but this article is about a car, an electric car.

How has electric mobility been affected by a lack of electricity? Let me expand.

In IOL’s first update, introducing our Mercedes-Benz EQA long-term test car, I touched on the negative effects of load shedding. However, after spending a full month and a half behind the wheel I have been exposed to a few more aspects of electric car ownership. Most of which are not what you think.

Let’s talk about stage 6. I have, over the past month and a bit, made good use of apps such as Eskom se Push as well as the GridCars website. These apps tell me which areas have electricity and which chargers are working.

As mentioned in Part 1, I have only been using public charging and it has been going rather well thanks to the use of the abovementioned apps. My two preferred charges can be found at Menlyn Maine and Irene Village Mall. The latter offers free parking in the basement where the charger can be found. It is a 60 kilowatt-hour (kWh) charger and seems to run at that inflow relatively well.

 
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