The German marque will also strengthen its partnership with PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) to further enhance its comprehensive EV infrastructure plans to cater to the demands and needs towards Future Mobility. Last November, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia signed an MoU with Petronas Dagangan Berhad PDB to install five high speed chargers, branded as ENERGISE by PETRONAS, along the entire North-South Expressway and part of the East- Coast Expressway as the first step to further enhance and encourage EV adoption amongst the Malaysian drivers. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also plans to install 13 new DC fast chargers in strategic dealer locations nationwide this year where EQ customers can use at no cost until the end of 2023.
Azrul Osman Rani, PDB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer said, “Sustainability is at the core of everything that we do, and we are excited to extend our expertise with our long-standing partner, Mercedes-Benz to build a holistic EV infrastructure in Malaysia. Both brands have a shared vision and capabilities that will complement one another in materialising future mobility in Malaysia. Through this partnership, fast chargers will be available at strategic locations leveraging our wide network of PETRONAS stations, thus enhancing customer confidence in the adoption of EVs in Malaysia.”
The new EQA: A new era of electric mobility.
The EQA is the entry level to the all-electric world of Mercedes-Benz EQ. As such, it is an important vehicle along the path towards the electrification of all vehicle. As a sole variant, the EQA 250 has a combined electric consumption of 17.6 kWh/100km and total range of 429 kilometres according to WLTP.
Michael Jopp, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, said, “We are excited to kick off our EV offensive with the introduction of the EQA, which is the entry-level model to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ. Packed with seamless connectivity, clear design, and advanced technology, the EQA is progressive and intuitive and offers customers electrification in the compact segment. The EQA is an important vehicle, both globally and locally as we embark on our journey towards an all-electric future.”
(From L-R) Mr Azrul Osman Rani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Petronas Dagangan Berhad, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Mr Michael Jopp, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Ms Sagree Sardien and Chief Executive Officer Petrosains Sdn Bhd, Mr Ezarisma Azni Mohamad at the launch of the new EQA 250, at Petrosains The Discovery Centre.
Progressive luxury in a sporty form.
The EQA features the black panel radiator grille with central star that is the hallmark of Mercedes-EQ. A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at front and rear. A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night. The inside of the headlamps is finished to a high level of quality, detail and precision. Blue colour highlights within the headlamp reinforce the signature appearance. The LED tail lamps merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip, thus underlining the impression of width in the rear view of the EQA.
The AMG Line carries the sporty genes of the Mercedes-AMG brand over into electric mobility. It reinterprets the twin-blade design of the grille and features a diffuser-look AMG rear apron.
The seating position is high and upright, as is typical for an SUV – making it not only comfortable for getting in and out, but also good in terms of all-round visibility. Utility value was one of the general focuses during development. The rear seat backrest is 40:20:40 split-folding.
With a Cd value from 0.28, the EQA achieves an excellent result. Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons, a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underbody, specially optimised Aero wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.
The standard heat pump forms part of the sophisticated thermal management system. With its numerous innovative details, such as the reuse of the waste heat from the electric drive system, the system is configured for exceptional efficiency and thus maximum range. It is also possible to set the pre-entry climate control for the interior of the EQA before starting. This function is controlled directly from the MBUX infotainment system or via the Mercedes me App.
The EQA is also a true Mercedes when it comes to passive safety. Unique to EQ, the vehicle features Acoustic ambient protection alert pedestrians and cyclists when driving virtually silently. The acoustic presence indicator generates specific Mercedes-Benz sounds outside of the vehicle up to a speed of 20 km/h. As part of this it differentiates between driving forwards and reversing.
On the basis of the robust structure of the GLA, the body of the EQA was adapted to meet the particular demands that face an electric car. The battery sits within a frame made out of extruded sections. This takes on a structural function which until now was handled by the cross members in the underfloor.
A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects. Naturally the EQA also had to go through the brand's normal and very thorough crash test programme. Stringent requirements for the battery and all components carrying electrical current also apply.
(From L-R) Chief Executive Officer Petrosains Sdn Bhd, Mr Ezarisma Azni Mohamad along with President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Ms Sagree Sardien and the grand prize winners from the secondary school category, Team Vitality from SMK Putrajaya Precinct 18(1) at the launch of the new EQA 250, at Petrosains The Discovery Centre.
Superior level of equipment, instruments with displays specific to Mercedes-EQ
The Mercedes-EQ tile in the media display can be used to call up menus relating to charging options, electrical consumption and energy flow. The right-hand display within the instrument cluster is a wattmeter rather than a rev counter. The upper section shows the percentage of power used, the lower section the recuperation. The left-hand instrument can be used to show whether the destination can be reached without an interim charging stop. The colours change according to the driving situation: During a boost process, for example, the display changes to white. Depending on mood, or to match the particular interior, the user has a choice of four different styles.
The comprehensive standard specification of the EQA includes such features as LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the EASY-PACK tailgate with electrically operated opening and closing, 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, ambient lighting with 64 colours, a double cup holder, luxury seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, a reversing camera for added convenience and a better overview when manoeuvring, and a multifunction sports steering wheel in leather. The new model is personalised with designs from the AMG Line.
The battery: Part of the intelligent thermal management system
The EQA is fitted with a lithium-ion battery with a high energy density. The battery is made up of five modules and is located underneath the passenger compartment in the middle of the vehicle. The lowest point of the vehicle, however, is the lower edge of the side skirts, giving the EQA more than 200 mm of ground clearance.
The battery features a "double-decker" design, making it another example of the intelligent use of space: The "nose" of the battery, which accommodates the battery management system, is situated towards the front, behind the centre console. An aluminium housing as well as the body structure of the vehicle itself protect the component from potentially touching the ground and against loose chippings. The battery housing is part of the vehicle structure and thus an integral part of the crash concept (see section on "Passive safety").The powerful high-voltage battery has a maximum voltage of 420 V and a nominal capacity of 190 Ah, giving it an energy content of 66.5 kWh.
The battery is part of the intelligent thermal management system of the EQA. To ensure that it is always kept within the optimum temperature range, it can be cooled or heated as required via a coolant-fed plate underneath the battery.
Safety concept for the high-voltage system: automatic shut-off in a crash situation possible
The extensive experience of Mercedes-Benz with high-voltage drive systems has led to a multi-stage safety concept. The high-voltage system can be automatically switched off in a crash, reversibly or irreversibly depending on the accident severity. Another feature of this comprehensive safety concept is that the charging process is automatically curtailed if an impact is detected when the car is stationary at a rapid-charging station (DC charging).
In addition to this independently functioning monitoring system, the EQA is fitted with a special disconnection point which can be used by the rescue services to switch off the high-voltage system.
Charging management: CCS charging socket for alternating current as well as direct current
At home or at public charging points, the on-board charger provides a convenient way of charging the EQA with up to 11 kW using alternating current (AC).
And it is of course even faster at direct current (DC) rapid charging stations. Depending on the SoC (state of charge) and the temperature of the high-voltage battery, the EQA can be charged with a maximum output of up to 100 kW at an appropriate charging station. The battery can be charged in this case from 10 - 80 percent SoC in around 30 minutes. For AC and DC charging, the EQA is equipped as standard with a CCS connector (Combined Charging System) in the right-hand side wall.
Charging the EQA: At home or on the go
With impressive range and extensive charging infrastructure, the EQA opens up new possibilities for sustainable and stylish mobility. The EQA comes equipped with fast charging cable for wallbox and public charging stations. Customers can also opt to book a wallbox installation service with the brand’s installation partner (EVC) upon purchase of the vehicle.
Additionally, EQ customers on the go will enjoy an exclusive 1-year subscription with JomCharge, where they will enjoy unlimited charging at a 50% discount at all JomCharge charging stations for the first 1000 customers. The brand will also have 13 new DC fast chargers installed in strategic dealer locations this year where EQ customers can use at no cost until the end of 2023.
Warranty and additional benefits
The EQA comes with the standard 4 years unlimited Mercedes-Benz Warranty. While for the high-voltage battery, the warranty is 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. Customers who opt to have the wallbox installed will receive 2 years warranty by the manufacturer.
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The new EQA at a glance:
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Model
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EQA 250
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Rated Output
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140 kW [190 hp]
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Rated Torque
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370 Nm
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Acceleration 0-100 km/h
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8.9 sec
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Top speed
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160 km/h
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HV battery - usable energy content
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66.5 kWh
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Electr. Range (WLTP)
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402 - 429 km
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AC charging time 10%-100% SOC (11kW)
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5 hours 45 minutes
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DC charging time 10%-80% SOC (100kW)
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32 min
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Kerb weight/payload
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2.040 kg/430 kg
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Recommended Retail Price (OTR w/o Insurance)
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RM 278,201.25
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*Recommended retail price is effective until the end of the tax incentive period.
MBM x Petrosains Virtual STEM Series
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has also partnered with Petrosains to host a Virtual STEM Series educational programme - The Vision of an Electric Future and Sustainable Mobility for Tomorrow with the goal to inspire secondary level and tertiary students to proactively think about responsible energy planning towards sustainable and safer living.
At the event, the winners of the Virtual STEM Series co-sponsored by MBM and Petrosains were announced where five students from University Teknologi Petronas won internship spots with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia in their chosen fields.
The Virtual STEM Series was launched on February 15 with a Kick-Off & Meet the Expert session on the vision of an electric future, covering future technology, efforts in combating climate change and sustainable living. This was followed by an onboarding session to Petrosains e-Design Thinking Process (PeDTP). Student were evaluated on Problem Understanding (30%); Clarity of the Proposed Solution (30%), Validation of the Proposed Solution with Users (10%), Lean Prototype (10%) and Storytelling (20%).
About Ambition 2039
Through its global Ambition 2039, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will pursue a sustainable and integrated business strategy, with sustainability as its guiding principle. This will also translate to a customer centric approach for seamless and sustainable luxury retail experience. The brand will also enhance its business digital offerings and lead transformation with data driven strategy while highlighting education through CSR programmes.
