Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric offensive in South Africa finally looks set to kick off! Here’s how much the least expensive model – the EQA 250 – will cost you…

If you’ve been waiting patiently for Mercedes-Benz’s range of EQ-badged electric vehicles (EVs) to touch down in South Africa, we have some exciting news for you: the EQA appears to be just around the corner, and we have unearthed local pricing.

As a reminder, the Mercedes-Benz EQA was revealed in January 2021, billed as the “new entry-level model to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles”. The Stuttgart-based firm describes the EQA as a “close relation of the GLA”, saying it shares that model’s “robust structure”. The EQA is expected to be the first of as many as 5 battery-powered Mercedes-Benz models launchingin SA in the relativelynear future.

The variant set to arrive in South Africa first is the same one detailed at the global reveal: the EQA 250. This derivative employs an asynchronous electric motor mounted on the front axle – rendering it front-wheel drive (unlike more powerful versions offered overseas with a second electric motor at the rear)– and generating peak outputs of 140 kW and 370 Nm. It uses a fixed-ratio transmission with a differential.

The high-voltage lithium-ion battery doubles as a structural element within the underbody of the vehicle and has a usable energy content of 66.5 kWh, while the on-board AC charger is rated at 11 kW. Though Mercedes-Benz lists a claimed range of 486 km in its international release (along with a 0-100 kph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 160 kph), the German firm’s local division claims a range of between 402 km and 429 km.

So, how much cash will you have to part with to drive one out of your local Mercedes-Benz dealership? Well, EQA 250 pricing will start at R1 169 500, though Mercedes-Benz SA says this “includes the price of a 5-year/100 000 km service and maintenance plan, which you shall be entitled to exclude from the purchase of your vehicle”. For reference, the GLA line-up runs from R773 376 to R838 768.

At the time of writing, this makes the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 the second most affordable EV in South Africa, slotting in between the Mini Cooper SE Hatch 3-door (R723 000) and Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge AWD (R1 260 000).

Options aplenty for the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250

This is the EQA 250 in AMG Line form, whereas the model pictured in the gallery additionally boasts the Edition 1 package.

The EQA 250 will be available in the Progressive trim level (which includes synthetic leather upholstery, aluminium roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels) as well as the popular AMG Line configuration, which adds sportier styling and R53 000 to the price (taking it to R1 222 500). The lengthy list of options will include various packages, such as the R12 900 Night package, R40 400 Advanced Plus package and R14 000 Electric Art package. As many as 10 exterior paint colour choices will be available.

Of course, there are plenty of individual extras available as well, including heated front seats (R5 700), a panoramic sliding sunroof (R16 400), adjustable damping (R17 600) and various alloy wheel choices measuring up to 19 inches in diameter. Interestingly, two charging cables also find themselves on the list of options, with the 8-metre cable for a wallbox and public charging station priced at R1 300 and a second 8-metre versionfor use with domestic sockets coming in at R4 800. From what we can tell, 5-metre versions ship standard. It’s unclear whether a wallbox unit is included in the vehicle’s purchase price.

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 price in South Africa

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive – R1 169 500

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line – R1 222 500

The EQA comes with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, though Mercedes-Benz SA says buyers have the option of excluding the price of this from their purchase.