Mercedes-Benz will soon add two new
members to its EQ all-electric family to join the existing EQC. We’re talking
about the Mercedes EQA and EQB compact electric SUVs, which our photographers
spotted testing together in northern Sweden with less camouflage than ever. As
you can see, only the front and rear ends of the EQA and EQB are covered with
tape, with the rest of the bodywork left exposed.
This allows us to see very clearly that
these models use the same bodyworks of the new GLA and GLB, with the only
modifications expected at the front and rear. At the front, the electric
compact SUVs will feature different lights and closed up grilles, with the
front bumpers also redesigned for increased aerodynamic efficiency and a distinctive
appearance. At the back, the LED strip uniting the taillights will be the most
noticeable change over their ICE counterparts, while the license plate will be
moved on the bumper. The package will also include aero-style wheels.
Both the Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB are
based on the same Modular Electric Architecture (MEA) EVA II platform, known
internally as EVA II. Reports from Germany suggest Mercedes will offer a choice
of battery packs with capacities ranging from 60 kWh to 110 kWh and three
electric motors delivering 204 PS, 272 PS and 340 PS, respectively. The minimum driving range is
estimated at around 400 km.
There’s no word on the availability of
electric all-wheel-drive but we assume it will be offered as an option, at
least on the EQB. Besides the powertrains, the EQA and EQB will also feature
similar technology, including the MBUX infotainment system and the latest
driver assistance systems delivering semi-autonomous driving capability.
Judging by the thin camouflage on these
prototypes, the new EQA and EQB should debut rather sooner than later. Mercedes
has already announced that the EQA will debut this fall, likely at the Paris
Motor Show. The EQB is expected to arrive in 2021.
