KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has kicked started its electric mobility journey with its first electric vehicle (EV) - the EQA 250 AMG Line - with deliveries to begin next month.
Fully-imported from Germany, the EQA 250 in AMG Line trim, comes with on-the-road without insurance price of RM 278,201.
Jopp (left) and Sagree at the launch.
The EQA 250 compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) is powered by an electric motor delivering 190hp and 370Nm of torque to the front wheels.
The EQA 250 can accelerate from 0-100kph in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 160kph.
Its high voltage lithium ion battery comes with an usable content of 66.5kWh and promises a driving range from 402km to 429km.
Energy consumption is rated at 17.6kWh/100km.
The battery, which is located under the floor of the vehicle, can be charged through a CCS port from 10% to 100% with 11kW AC in 5 hours 45 minutes, while fast charging with 100kW DC completes the task in 32 minutes.
Sharing key underpinnings and styling with the conventional GLA model, the EQA 250 features a black panel radiator grille with central star that is the identity of Mercedes-EQ sub-brand.
Another distinctive design feature of the Mercedes-Benz's EV line-up is the continuous light strip at front and rear.
Featuring full-LED head and tail lights, the EQA 250 which had a Cd values of 0.28, also gets specially optimised 19-inch Aero wheels and adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.
The EQA 250 also comes with a standard heat pump as part of its sophisticated thermal management system to maximise battery efficiency by keeping the temperature at optimal range.
The EQA 250 also features an acoustic presence indicator that generates specific Mercedes-Benz sounds outside of the vehicle up to a speed of 20kph to warn pedestrians and cyclists.
Features include MBUX multimedia system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, widescreen cockpit display, Touchpad without Controller, Driving Assistance Package, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Dynamic Select, sports seats and comfort suspension among others.
The EQA 250 comes with the standard four years unlimited Mercedes-Benz Warranty, while the high-voltage battery gets an eight years or 160,000km warranty, whichever comes first.
Customers who opt to have the wallbox installed will receive a two-year warranty by the manufacturer.
To further encourage the adoption of EVs, MBM signed an MoU with Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PDB) last November to install five high speed chargers, branded as ENERGISE by PETRONAS, along the entire North-South Expressway and part of the East- Coast Expressway as the first step.
MBM also plans to install 13 new DC fast chargers in strategic dealer locations nationwide this year where EQ customers can use at no cost until the end of 2023.
MBM president and CEO Sagree Sardien said the launch of the EQA is an important milestone as it showed the company's commitment to “lead in electric” while utilising a holistic well-rounded approach towards a sustainable tomorrow.
She said the company would be introducing more EV models and variants, while exploring the possibility of assembling EVs locally.
“As we gear up to implement our EV readiness and sustainability efforts, it is our top priority to kickstart this journey towards an electric future by working with the right partners to achieve future mobility.
Through our continuous partnership with Petronas and our CSR outreach programmes, education will play a vital role in making this future a reality,” Sagree said.
PDB managing director and CEO Azrul Osman Rani: “Sustainability is at the core of everything that we do, and we are excited to extend our expertise with our long-standing partner, Mercedes-Benz to build a holistic EV infrastructure in Malaysia.”
Meanwhile, MBM vice-president of sales and marketing Michael Jopp said the entry-level EQA 250 is still packed with seamless connectivity, clear design and advanced technology.
EQA 250 powertrain.
“The EQA is progressive and intuitive and offers customers electrification in the compact segment. The EQA is an important vehicle, both globally and locally as we embark on our journey towards an all-electric future,” he said.
Jopp also said MBM service centres were fully equipped to service EVs.
He said MBM technicians are prepared for servicing EVs since they had familiarised themselves with the high voltage system of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and had undergone upgrading training.
