Another day, another Gumtree EV review. We really are intrigued by how these will fare in South Africa, given our predicament. Let's look at Merc's latest...
Mercedes-Benz has been on a roll recently, launching several electric offerings in South Africa. Their entry point to the EV range is the EQA – a model based on its internal combustion counterpart, the GLA.
One of the biggest snags concerning EVs is that they aren't cheap (we won't talk about the whole loadshedding debacle here). The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 that we had on test is more than a million rand – R1.1-million to be exact. Two trims are on offer – Progressive and AMG line – differentiated only by aesthetics like bigger wheels, redesigned front grille and AMG badging.
As mentioned, the EQA is based on the GLA with a similar compact body shape. The EQ version is made visually distinctive with a continuous horizontal rear light and a strip connecting the LED headlights and daytime running lights. The licence plate has also been relocated to the bumper. Exclusive to this model are light-alloy wheels in a bi- or tri-colour design, up to 20 inches in size. In addition, Mercedes-Benz also offers a wide range of optional extras and packages to add more functionality or design features at a price.
Electric goodness
This particular test unit came fitted with the AMG line package. It is available in EQA 250 guise that features an asynchronous motor on the front axle with outputs of 140kW and 375Nm. Its 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery allows a maximum driving range of up to 429km.
In terms of performance, the EQA makes the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds and runs to a top speed of 160km/h. When using a Direct Current (DC) charger, the battery charges to full in just over an hour – however, this varies according to how high or low the range is.
Inside is pretty much Mercedes-like, with the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) offered as standard. Drivers can customise and toggle between features like navigation with augmented reality (optional equipment), learning software and voice control activated by the keyword "Hey Mercedes". Functionality can be controlled via the touchscreen or the sports steering wheel touch buttons.
The standard specification includes LED High-Performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, an electrically operated boot, KEYLESS-GO, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, ambient lighting with 64 colours, luxury seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic and reversing camera. It also comes with a PremiumDrive Platinum five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan and an eight-year battery warranty.
How does it drive?
It really is a different dynamic, not hearing anything but a slight buzz of the electric motors and tyre noise when driving. Much like their piston-driven engines that are sublime, the electric motors are without blemish. No matter the driving mode you select, you can physically feel how it adjusts accordingly – much like the difference between a blocked and clear nose.
We set the EQA up with a charge and regeneration gauge to monitor how much power is being used and the level of regeneration when the throttle is not depressed. The Mercedes-EQ tile in the media display can call up menus relating to charging options, electrical consumption and energy flow. The display within the instrument cluster includes a wattmeter rather than a rev counter. The upper section shows the percentage of power used, and the lower section shows the recuperation.
In Sport mode, the EQA comes alive with immediate torque availability when you mash the throttle. The traction control system mitigates any wheelspin, though there is some torque steering and requires steering correction to keep everything in a straight line. The only downside of driving fast and in modes other than Eco is that the range will drop considerably. Still, the excitement that comes with the speed really is worth it.
Worth buying one?
If you've got pockets that reach deep and have another set of wheels, then by all means! EVs, in general, are expensive, not just the EQA. The cheapest options on the market are from Mini and Volvo, and even then, most South Africans can't afford one – let alone any brand-new vehicle – because prices always seem to be going up.
Other than buying the vehicle, consumers must also top up the Mercedes EQ card with credits to be able to charge at a DC charger. Not to mention the adverse effects of loadshedding (we had to mention it eventually, right?). The problem is not the car; it's the infrastructure in the country. If that can be improved, EVs have a better chance at life.
People who chat with us about these cars are always intrigued about EVs; one of the first things they ask is the price. Their face either changes expression, or they'll say, 'Are you serious'? It comes back to the point about pricing.
The motoring landscape is currently undergoing a massive shift. Automakers are gradually phasing in more electric and hybrid offerings, while ICE (internal combustion engines) are getting smaller in displacement and slowly becoming defunct.
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