• Mercedes-Benz has launched a four-model electric vehicle range in South Africa. • The EQ range features three SUVs and a luxury sedan. • Pricing for the EQA starts at R1 169 500.

Mercedes-Benz utilised the recent Festival of Motoring at Kyalami to officially launch their EQ electric vehicle range. The four-model range consists of the EQA, EQB, EQC, and EQS. It gives Mercedes good coverage of various price points and market segments and an electric vehicle offering that caters to their broad spectrum of customers.

The German brand had EQA and EQC models ready in the pit lane for us to get a quick taste with a few laps around Kyalami. The compact contender

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is based on the GLA, the brand's successful compact SUV, but is powered by a fully electric powertrain. The EQA offers progressive luxury, thrilling driving characteristics and a smooth, powerful and efficient electric powertrain.

The EQA has launched in South Africa in EQA 250 guise, which is fitted with an asynchronous motor on the front axle that offers 140kW and 375Nm as well as a range of 429km, thanks to a double stacked 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. The EQA can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 160km/h.

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In terms of design, the EQA looks very similar to the GLA but features a black panel grille and a central star. A further distinctive feature is the continuous light strip at the front and rear, with a fibre optic strip connecting the daytime running lights of the full LED headlights and ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night. LED tail lights merge seamlessly into the tapered LED strip, underlining the impression of width. The number plate has also been relocated to the bumper. Alloy wheels in a bi or tri-colour design, up to 20-inches in size and available in colours such as rose gold or blue decorative trim, complete the exterior differentiating touches.

Inside elements such as a new-style backlit trim and rose gold coloured decorative trim on the ventilation outlets, seats, and key set it apart. The instrumentation, with its electric-car-specific displays, picks up on the same colour scheme with rose gold or blue coloured highlights.

The EQA is extremely aerodynamically efficient with a Cd value of 0.28, wind-cheating measures such as a completely closed cooling air-control system in the upper section, aerodynamically optimised front and rear aprons, a smooth, wholly enclosed underbody, specially designed aero wheels and specially adapted front and rear wheel spoilers, ensure that no energy is wasted when cutting through the air.

The Combined Charging System with a Combo-2 plug enables flexible charging with direct current at rapid charging stations up to 100kW, with alternating current at a domestic socket or up to 11kW via the wall box.

Charging with alternating current at public charging stations or an 11kW wall box from 10 to 100% takes approximately six hours. Charging with direct current at rapid charging stations (up to 100kW) from 10 to 80% will take only 30 minutes.

Included as standard is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system that can be individually configured to help with various options. The Mercedes-EQ tile displays charging options, electrical consumption, and energy flow menus. A wattmeter with the upper section showcasing the percentage of power used and the lower section the recuperation has replaced the rev counter in the instrument cluster. The display can also show whether the destination can be reached without an interim charging stop.

The comprehensive standard specification includes the progressive package, LED high-performance headlights with adaptive high beam assist, the Easy Pack tailgate, 18-inch light alloy wheels, ambient lighting with 64 colours, luxury seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, and active parking assist with Parktronic. The EQA can be further personalised with the AMG Line equipment package, the MBUX Innovation Package, Advanced Plus Package, Night Package and Electric Art.

Closely mimicking the Mercedes-Benz GLC in size is the fully electric EQC. The EQC has been launched with the EQC 400 4MATIC derivative. The muscular proportions of the EQC mean that it is an obvious SUV, but the extended roofline and window layout with a low waistline and coupe-like roof recess at the rear means that it blurs the lines between an SUV and an SUV coupe.

The front end is dominated by a large black panel that encloses the headlights and grille and is bordered at the top by an optical fibre that links the torch-like daytime running lights, creating an unmistakable look at night. Contrasting colour highlights such as blue stripes on a black background and blue Multibeam lettering confirm the model's membership of the EQ family.

The high-quality interior further compliments the avant-garde electro look, with touches like the instrument panel's ribbed edge that resemble a hi-fi's cooling fins. The typical Mercedes dashboard wing profile is asymmetrical with a cut-out in the driver area, which houses a high gloss cassette that features flat air vents with key-shaped, rose gold coloured louvres.

The EQC features an all-new drive system that comprises compact electric drivetrains on each axle, giving it the characteristics of an all-wheel drive vehicle in terms of grip and driving dynamics.

The front electric motor is optimised for efficiency in the low to medium load range, while the rear motor adds performance. Together they generate a maximum output of 300kW and 760Nm. This allows the EQC to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 160km/h. The double-decker lithium-ion battery allows for a range of up to 437km.

The EQC features various driving programmes, including Comfort, Eco, Max Range and Sport. In the Max Range driving mode, the haptic accelerator pedal prompts the driver to conserve power. Drivers can also influence the recuperation level using the paddles behind the steering wheel.

An Eco Assist system gives the driver comprehensive support by prompting the driver when to come off the accelerator due to factors like approaching the speed limit, among others. Navigation data, traffic sign recognition and information from the intelligent safety systems work together in this regard.

The EQC is equipped with a water-cooled onboard charger with a capacity of 7.4kW, making AC charging at home or at public charging stations possible. Charging with a Mercedes-Benz wall box is up to three times quicker than at a domestic power socket. DC charging is faster still; depending on the charge status, the EQC can be charged with a maximum output of up to 110kW, equating to a 10-80% charge in just 40 minutes.

Mercedes me provides functions such as pre-entry climate control, EQC optimised navigation and Mercedes me Charge.

The EQC is fitted with the latest generation of driving assistance systems, including predictive speed adjustment technology. The EQC also meets the highest requirements concerning passive safety. In addition to the usual extensive crash testing programme, Mercedes applies further stringent safety standards to the battery and all components carrying electrical current.

Lapping Kyalami in an electric car

I never thought that lapping Kyalami in an electric car would be something that gets me excited, but you have to admit it is a pretty novel idea. While a racetrack is probably the last place that electric SUVs like the EQA and EQC will be used, it did give us a chance to get a quick feel for the cars. The strangest thing about driving them around the track is they were so quiet, there was no engine noise at all. Still, Mercedes-Benz engineers also went to great lengths to insulate the cabin from components like the battery and electric motor, resulting in an eerily quiet cabin.

When pushing these cars to the limit through Crowthorne, Sunset and Leeukop, the only sound heard was the tyre squeal caused by overzealous journalists behind the wheel. As with most electric cars, power delivery is instant and abrupt from the get-go and then tapers off into a linear acceleration that is on par with the mid-to-performance SUVs. These models compete with the extra weight that was evident around the track, and the vastly different brake pedal feel, caused by the varying levels of regenerative braking, did take some getting used to.

What I do like about the Mercedes EQ range is that the cars have remained true Mercedes-Benz models. Sure, they have a couple of differentiating touches. Still, they don't scream, "Look at me, I am an electric car, " which will go a long way in smoothing the transition between traditionally powered cars and fully electric cars like the EQ range. Ultimately, they are genuine Mercedes-Benz products; they are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and feature the latest technology. The only difference is that they utilise an electric motor or two.

The four model range comprises the aforementioned EQA and EQC. The seven-seater EQB will go on sale in October. The Mercedes-AMG EQS450+ and Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic represent the highest levels of luxury, performance and range and will go on sale in November for R2 615 700 and R3 410 100, respectively.

Mercedes-Benz EQA             - R1 169 500

Mercedes-Benz EQC 4Matic   - R1 679 000

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