In July, Mercedes introduced the EQA in India as its most cost-effective electric vehicle, with a base price of Rs 66.5 Lakh. This model represents Mercedes’ entry into the entry-level luxury e-SUV segment, competing with the likes of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, BMW iX1, and its own counterpart, the EQB. Below is a comprehensive specification comparison of the Mercedes EQA with its potential rivals in the Indian market.
Mercedes EQA Dimension Comparison
At 4,695mm, the Kia EV6 is the longest car in this comparison, while the BMW iX1 is the widest at 2,104mm. The Mercedes EQB facelift is the tallest at 1,689mm, and the Ioniq 5 features the longest wheelbase at 3,000mm. The Hyundai EV has the largest wheels (20 inches), while the BMW iX1 has the smallest (18 inches).
However, the Mercedes EQB gets a 7-seater option, making it the only 7-seater electric SUV in India.
Powertrain & Range Comparison
The EQA has a 190 hp single front-mounted electric motor, making it the least powerful electric car in this comparison. In contrast, the Volvo C40 Recharge and the XC40 Recharge feature a dual-motor setup producing 408 hp and 660 Nm of torque and all-wheel drive capability. The C40 Recharge is the quickest e-SUV, accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.7 seconds.
The EQA’s 70.5 kWh battery provides a 560 km range per WLTP, which is higher than the EQB, XC40 Recharge, C40 Recharge, and iX1. The Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer a range of 708 km and 631 km, respectively, based on the ARAI test cycle.
Charging Time: Mercedes EQA Vs. Rivals
The BMW iX1, equipped with a 66.4 kWh battery, has the smallest battery capacity among the group. It can be fully charged from 0 to 100% in just over 6 hours using a standard AC charger. The EQA and EQB require 7 hours and 15 minutes with an 11 kW AC charger, while the Ioniq 5 achieves the same in 6 hours and 55 minutes. On the other hand, the EV6, XC40 Recharge, and C40 Recharge take approximately 8 hours to reach a full charge.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 support rapid charging of up to 350kW DC, allowing them to charge from 10 to 80% in just 18 minutes. The Volvo e-SUVs, on the other hand, support up to 150kW DC fast charging. The C40 Recharge takes about 27 minutes, while the XC40 Recharge takes around 33 minutes to reach the 80% charge level. The BMW iX1 can achieve a 10-80% charge in 29 minutes with a 130kW DC fast charger, while the Mercedes EQA and EQB take approximately 35 minutes using a 100kW unit to reach the same state of charge.
Mercedes EQA Price Vs. Rivals Price
The Mercedes EQA, priced at Rs 66.5 Lakh for the 250+ trim, is positioned at a higher price point compared to its electric SUV counterparts such as the XC40 Recharge (priced between Rs 54.95 Lakh and Rs 57.90 Lakh), the C40 Recharge (priced at Rs 62.95 Lakh), and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (priced at Rs 46.05 Lakh). The BMW iX1, priced at Rs 66.90 Lakh, is marginally more expensive than the EQA. The Kia EV6 RWD is priced lower than the EQA, but the AWD variant comes in at Rs 69.35 Lakh, making it the second most premium option in this comparison. The Mercedes EQB is the most expensive on the higher end, ranging from Rs 70.90 Lakh to Rs 77.5 Lakh.
All prices, ex-showroom India
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The Mercedes EQA seems to be a promising addition to the electric vehicle market in India, offering a decent range and competitive features. However, its higher price point compared to some of its rivals might pose a challenge in terms of market penetration. The powertrain and range comparison reveal that while the EQA may not be the most powerful, it does offer a respectable range. The charging time comparison also provides valuable insight into the practicality of these electric vehicles for daily use. The competition in the e-SUV segment in India is heating up, and consumers can expect a broader range of options with varying features and price points.ELCTRIK Speaks
