The German Luxury Automaker Aims to Boost Sales with New Variant in the Growing Electric SUV Market
Mercedes-Benz has officially introduced the EQA 260 model to the Chinese market, setting a price of RMB 321,800 ($49,100). This new variant is strategically priced to compete against popular electric SUVs like Tesla's entry-level Model Y.
Mercedes-Benz first showcased the EQA and EQB all-electric SUVs at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 19 last year. Despite the initial excitement, these models have struggled to gain traction in the competitive Chinese electric vehicle market. In response, Mercedes-Benz is hoping that the more affordably priced EQA 260 will stimulate consumer interest.
The EQA 260 features a single electric motor delivering 140 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. It is equipped with a 73.5 kWh battery pack, providing a CLTC range of 619 kilometers. The vehicle can charge up to 70 percent in just 45 minutes, making it a practical option for daily use.
In contrast, the EQA 300 4MATIC, launched last November, is priced at RMB 365,800 ($54,000). This model also has a 73.5 kWh battery but offers a slightly shorter range of 537 kilometers and takes 45 minutes to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent.
The EQA 260's dimensions are 4,463 mm in length, 1,834 mm in width, and 1,624 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,829 mm. It is smaller compared to the Nio ES6, which is 4,850 mm long with a 2,900 mm wheelbase. The EQA 260 is priced lower than the Nio ES6's least expensive model, which starts at RMB 358,000, but it remains more expensive than Tesla's entry-level Model Y priced at RMB 316,900.
Tesla's Model Y has seen impressive sales in China, with 39,730 units sold in March alone, marking a 291.4 percent increase from the previous year. This sales performance has positioned the Model Y as the top-selling SUV in China. In comparison, Mercedes-Benz's electric models have not made it onto the China Passenger Car Association's (CPCA) sales list due to low sales figures.
By offering the EQA 260 at a lower price point, Mercedes-Benz aims to enhance its appeal in China's rapidly expanding electric vehicle market and challenge dominant players like Tesla and Nio.
