Mercedes-Benz PH launches three new EQ electric-powered vehicles

The official distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines, IC Star Automotive Inc., has officially entered the luxury electric vehicle (EV) market by launching three of its fully electric models locally. These are the 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan, and the EQA and EQB crossovers.

The EQ lineup officially enters the local market

This is a huge step for the German marque’s local arm as the entry of the EQ line represents its aim to balance luxurious mobility with sustainability mobility. So how do the new EQ models meet that goal exactly? Let’s find out by getting to know these EVs a bit better.

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Electric Art

The EQA 250 Electric Art is the smallest crossover offering within the local EQ lineup. Appearance-wise, it bears the quintessential EQ design with its closed-off, black-colored hexagonal grille, and a mostly curvy body. Providing more style on this crossover are a pair of LED headlamps, a set of 19-inch 5-spoke Electric Art-branded wheels, and an LED taillight bar.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Electric Art

Cargo loading convenience for the EQA is ensured by a hands-free power trunk door and a pair of roof rails for even more cargo space.

Inside the EQA is a space enough for up to five occupants. All of its seats are clad in synthetic Artico leather, while the front seats are electronically adjustable. The rear seats meanwhile, come with a 40:20:40 split-folding function.

The dash-in turn gets plenty of eye candy via its rosé gold accented air vents. Even more pizzaz is provided by a 64-color ambient lighting system. Entertainment is handled by the MBUX infotainment system which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

EQA's cockpit

Safety aboard the EQA 250 includes active lane keep assist, active brake assist, blind spot assist, a reverse camera, and a detection and warning system collectively known as the Driving Assistance Package. The latter is capable of alerting the driver of approaching cyclists or pedestrians whenever the door is ajar, apart from other features.

Propelling the EQA is a single electric motor capable of sending up to 187 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque to its front wheels. The motor is paired with a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which provides a range of up to 496 km according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) test cycle. Charging is done via a Type 2 connector that’s able to handle a rate of 11kW

EQA's electric powertrain

For pricing, the EQA 250 retails at Php 3,990,000.

Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 Electric Art

The EQB 250 is a larger sibling of the EQA. It carries mostly the same amenities and safety technologies as its smaller counterpart, but it gets a more spacious three-row interior layout that can accommodate up to seven occupants.

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250 Electric Art

As mentioned, it gets the same standard safety kit as the EQA, but a 360-degree camera was added for easier maneuvering during parking. All of its rear-row seats also come with ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Inside the EQB

The EQB also gets the same EV powertrain outputting 187 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque. It is likewise front-wheel drive, and it also uses a Type 2 charging port and a 66.5 kWh battery. It does, however, get a range of 474 km (WLTP cycle) which is a smidge shorter compared to the smaller EV crossover.

Price-wise, the EQB goes for Php 4,190,000.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 300 Electric Art and EQE 350+ AMG Line

The brand likewise rolled out the EQE EV mid-size sedan. It comes in two forms: the EQE 300 and the EQE 350+ AMG Line. These are priced at Php 5,590,000 and Php 6,290,000 respectively.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line

Design-wise, the EQE assumes a sleek and aerodynamic form with a closed-off grille, a tapering roofline, and virtually no straight lines. It then rides on a set of 20-inch wheels, with the one on the 350+ receiving an AMG-specific design.

Inside the EQE is a wealth of technologies designed to provide a driver peace of mind. This includes an active steering assist which centers the car on a lane, and an attention assist which warns a driver if he or she is getting drowsy. Also present is an active lane keep assist, a 360-degree view camera, and a robust security system.

Tied to the active safety bits of the car is an active ambient lighting system. Not only does it give the interior more flavor, but it also functions as a visual cue for the on-board alerts.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 300

Behind the wheel, the car sports a 12.8-inch digital gauge display and a heads-up display. Entertainment for everyone on-board in turn, is handled by a 12.3-inch display. The latter gets wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging.

Powering the EQE 300 is an 89 kWh battery pack providing 621 km of range (WLTP). At the most, this system can deliver up to 245 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque.

The EQE 350+ AMG Line, in turn, uses a more powerful 90.56 kWh battery. It outputs  292 horsepower and 565 Nm of torque, and it has a WLTP-indicated range of 682 km.

Inside the EQE

For those interested in the EQ lineup, note that they are all available for viewing at Mercedes-Benz showrooms nationwide. Those who want to give them a spin may then be able to do so at Mercedes-Benz Alabang, Mercedes-Benz Bonifacio Global City, and Mercedes-Benz Greenhills from September 21-24, 2023. A similar test drive event for the EQ line will also be available at Mercedes-Benz Cebu from September 28 to October 1, 2023.

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