Mercedes-Benz EQA, Updated EQB Launched in India; Price Starts at Rs 66 Lakh

Mercedes-Benz India had previously announced that it would be introducing several new electric cars in the Indian market this year. In keeping with its commitment towards electrification, the brand has finally launched its entry-level EQA electric SUV with a price tag of Rs 66 lakh (ex-showroom). While the global-spec EQA is available in four versions – EQA 250, EQA 250+, EQA 300 4Matic, and EQA 350 4Matic, the India-spec model only comes in a single long-range 250+ variant. When it comes to market rivalry, the new EQA 250+ will take on the likes of the BMW iX1, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Along with the entry-level EQA compact crossover, Mercedes-Benz has also rolled out the facelifted EQB in India. It is available in two variants: EQB 350 4M (5-seater) and EQB 250+ (7-seater). The price of the EQB 250+ variant is Rs 70.9 lakh, while the 350 4M variant retails for Rs 77.5 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom. Let's take a detailed look at what these new Mercedes-Benz products in the market have to offer.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz EQA First Drive Review: Electrifying Finesse!

Mercedes-Benz EQA: Design Cues

The EQA SUV sports the same overall shape as its ICE counterpart, with minor front and back design updates such as all-black headlamps, an enclosed grille with three-pointed star components, connected taillights, revamped bumpers, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Prospective customers can choose from eight distinct paint jobs: Manufaktur Patagonia Red Metallic, Spectral Blue, Mountain Grey, High-tech Silver, Night Black, Mountain Grey, and Manufaktur Mountain Grey Magno.

Mercedes-Benz EQA: Battery Details

The EQA 250+ comes equipped with a 70.5kWh battery and a front-axle-mounted electric motor delivering 188bhp of maximum power and 385Nm of peak torque. With this setup, the SUV is said to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 160km/h. The electric vehicle boasts a WLTP-certified range of 560 km. 

The German automaker claims that an 11kW AC charger can fully charge the EQA 250+ in 7 hours and 15 minutes. With a 100kW DC fast charger, the car can also be charged from 10% to 80% in roughly 35 minutes. On top of that, an 11kW charger will come standard with the SUV.

Mercedes-Benz EQA: Interior Layout and Feature List

The EQA 250+'s cabin is similar to that of the GLA, with a few EV-specific design elements like copper-finished illuminated AC vents and trims as well as illuminated stars on the dashboard. The model has an extensive list of features, including a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Burmester sound system, gesture controls, twin displays (for the infotainment and instrumentation), a head-up display, voice commands, connected car tech, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable memory seats.

As far as the safety equipment is concerned, the new EQA offers seven airbags, hill-descent and hill-start assist, stability control, ABS with EBD, hill-hold, traction control, a 360-degree surround view camera with front and rear parking sensors, and parking assist. The safety suite further boasts more ADAS features like blind spot detection, emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. 

Also Read: Upcoming Cars in India in July 2024: BMW 5 Series LWB, Mercedes-Benz EQA and More

Updated Mercedes-Benz EQB: Key Details

For the uninitiated, the EQB is an all-electric variant of the GLB. The redesigned model arrives with fresh features, a new 5-seat arrangement, and subtle stylistic changes. On the design front, the 2024 model has a black panel, updated LED lights at the back, a light bar connecting the DRLs, and a reworked bumper.

The interior has a backlit star-patterned design on the dashboard and door trim pieces. Additionally, it includes the option of open-pore wood trim and the brand's innovative three-spoke touch-capacitive steering wheel. Among its many features, the EQB facelift has the most recent MBUX infotainment system, a Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 360-degree camera, ADAS Level 2 capabilities, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, and seven airbags. 

The carmaker is offering two versions of the EQB facelift. The first is the EQB 250+, which has a single electric motor located at the front and a 70.5kWh battery, producing 187bhp and 385Nm of torque. The second one comes in the form of the EQB 350 4Matic, which has two motors coupled with an all-wheel drive and a combined output of 288bhp and 520Nm. The larger battery pack can go up to 535 km on a single charge, while the smaller battery pack has a WLTP-certified range of up to 447 km.