After a long wait, Mercedes-Benz has finally introduced its EQ range to South Africa. 2022 will see the EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE, and EQS all arriving in local showrooms. Currently, the range mirrors the brand's petrol and diesel-powered range.
The EQA and EQB are essentially the battery-powered versions of the GLA and GLB. The EQC, based on the GLC, will rival the Audi e-Tron and BMW iX3. Lastly, the EQE and EQS are electrified versions of the E-Class and S-Class.
While electric vehicles aren't as popular in SA as they are in other parts of the world, Mercedes is the latest to introduce their EVs to the local market. BMW has offered the i3 for quite some time and has now added the iX luxury SUV. Audi has also bolstered their electric offerings.
In the next two decades, Mercedes aims to have a carbon-neutral passenger car fleet, with more than 50% of their sales made up of all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
As for the cars, the EQA 250 will have a power output of 140 kW, with a maximum range of 412 km. A combined electrical consumption of 17.7 kWh/100 km is achievable. The EQB will be available as the 350, with 4Matic all-wheel drive. 215 kW gives it plenty of punch, with a slightly higher range (419 km) and a combined electrical consumption of 17.4 kWh/100 km.
The largest SUV offering of the bunch is the EQC. This derivative has 300 kW and a very impressive range of 300 kW. Lastly, the combined electrical consumption is 21.3 kWh/100 km.
Using a more traditional body style, the EQE and EQS are truly bringing the sedan into the future. Mercedes says the EQE offers all "the essential functions" of the top-of-the-range EQS, but in a smaller body shell. The EQE's interior is bigger than the regular E-Class.
The elegant luxury EQS has an incredible 780 km of range and 385 kW, depending on the model. For now, SA will receive the 245 kW EQS 450+, with a combined electrical consumption of 18.9-16.2 kWh/100 km.
