The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA 350 4MATIC has arrived on Aussie soil, priced from $96,900 plus on-road costs and doubling the small electric luxury SUV model range.
The pricier, faster and more lavish stablemate for the existing Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 commands a sizeable $18,387 price premium over what’s now the entry-level EQA, but you obviously get a fair bit more for your money.
Starting with the powertrain, the EQA 350 4MATIC features a dual-motor all-wheel drive arrangement yielding total outputs of 215kW/520Nm (75kW/195Nm more than the single-motor 250), resulting in an even six-second sprint to 100km/h.
That catch is the motors draw current from the same 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack as the 250, meaning the effective driving range has been trimmed from 426km (WLTP) to “around” 400km on account of the extra mechanical drag.
Beyond the ubiquitous ‘350 4MATIC’ badge on the tailgate, punters will be able to spot the newest EQA by its standard AMG Line Sports body kit and black 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.
The sportier theme is continued within the cabin by red stitching, contrasting chrome and black air-vents, heated sports front seats, black ARTICO and DINAMICA microfiber seat trim, a flat-bottom steering wheel and AMG pedals.
Other standard equipment highlights include adaptive dampers, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit, 10.25-inch MBUX infotainment system, keyless entry, powered tailgate, smartphone integration, wireless charging, automatic climate control, DAB+ digital radio and Vision Package (panoramic sunroof and 360-degree camera).
As usual for a Mercedes-Benz, headline safety features comprise autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, route-based speed adaptation, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign assist and parking assist.
“Mercedes-Benz continues to strengthen its rollout of electric vehicles by offering an enticing new option in the popular compact SUV segment, the Mercedes-Benz EQA 350 4MATIC,” said Mercedes-Benz.
“The EQA 350 further extends the strong appeal of the existing all-electric EQA 250 model by offering significantly more power and torque, all-wheel grip via the renowned 4MATIC system, and a beefed-up specification that includes sports-themed visual differentiation as well as extra sporty and luxury equipment.”
Customers wanting a bit more drama for their small Benz electric SUV will likely be tempted by the limited-run EQA 350 4MATIC Edition 1, which throws in aerodynamically optimised 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, Neva grey leather and ‘CYBER CUT’ blue upholstery, backlit spiral-look trim elements, blue interior stitching, blue and silver air-vents, illuminated door panels, black roof rails, Edition 1 floor mats and a rose-gold coloured key fob.
How much does the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA cost?
250 (a) – $78,513
350 4MATIC (a) – $96,900
350 4MATIC Edition 1 (a) – $100,800
* Prices exclude on-road costs