Mercedes renews EQA and EQB for show debut IAA Münich

raMercedes has updated its most compact electric cars, with the new versions prepared for a public premiere at the IAA Mobility in Münich. The minor revisions aim primarily at improving the range. First deliveries are scheduled for the beginning of 2024.

The new star-clad black panel grille, borrowed from the bigger EQ models, makes the upgraded versions immediately recognizable. Further design adjustments, apart from two new available colors, remain modest.

Of peculiar interest is the inserted bar at the back of the cars, which must improve aerodynamics, while the EQB can be equipped with a towing hook for the first time – but not on the seven-seater version.

Less resistance

Those enhanced aerodynamics aim at optimizing range and come on top of some additional refining with the result that the new EQA 250+ makes 560 kilometers between charging sessions, according to WLTP. That’s 20 kilometers more compared to the outgoing version.

The models also benefit from lower-resistance tires, giving them more ‘sailing’ capacity. So, it’s about little things adding up to more control over electricity consumption.

One of those new things is the Range Monitoring function, which hints to the driver about energy-saving measures – like cutting the airconditioning or shutting down the central display, which now comes standard on all versions – to boost range when necessary.

Talking about the inside, both EQ models now feature Mercedes’s latest steering wheel, the most recent version of the infotainment system MBUX, and four different sound experiences adopted from the brand’s higher-end models.

Automatic billing

Charging has been made more convenient as well, thanks to the Plug&Charge function, making it possible to start the procedure without additional authentification of the driver. Billing happens automatically.

As for powertrain and battery pack options, Mercedes maintains the status quo. The + versions get a slightly larger energy content of 70.5 kWh, while the other models rely on 66.5 kWh. All-wheel drive models with two electric models are also still on offer.

Lastly, Mercedes points out that it has improved the sensors of its driving aids (the more comprehensive packages are optional), making active corrections more subtle and comfortable.