Mercedes-Benz decided to remove various gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains from the GLA engine compartment and replace them with electric motors to create a new EQA. The logic is easy to understand. If there is no dedicated EV platform to support the most affordable models of its EQ brand models, then the German manufacturer really has too many choices, and can only rely on existing hardware. committed to. To compete with BMW i3 and Volkswagen ID 3. To create a unique structure, as used by its main competitors, will take years and cost billions of dollars.
This is not an ideal situation. GLA's MFA platform is designed to support electrification, but only in the form of plug-in hybrid power, rather than an all-electric powertrain. Therefore, its high-strength steel and aluminum structure requires a lot of redesign, especially to accommodate the 66kWh lithium-ion battery installed on the rear of the raised floor, including under the rear seats. However, the use of GLA as a basis does allow Mercedes to produce popular compact crossovers at its plant in Rastatt,
Germany and other plants including Beijing, China, in order to achieve some economies of scale. It also paves the way for a second model-a purely electric version of the slightly larger GLB, for the upcoming extended version of the same structure in the form of EQB. Together, they become one of six new electric models that Mercedes plans to launch before 2023.
Before that, we had been invited to drive EQA in certain cold and winter conditions in Germany. Our understated example belongs to a batch of pre-production prototypes that are undergoing durability testing before they begin UK delivery in mid-2021. It is described as "ready for customers" and comes with an AMG Line style package, which is the three in the plan. A keen observer will immediately realize the similarities between the EQA and ICE brothers; they share the same steel body and bumper.
The electric model does at least have its own unique, covered grille and some other slightly modified details, although overall the connections are clear. Inside, the GLA interior has been carefully modified, albeit equipped with EQ-themed musical instruments and infotainment graphics. It is of high quality here and provides a comfortable driving position and all the modern conveniences and safety features that any car would like to have.
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