Mercedes-Benz will soon add two new members to its EQ all-electric family to join the existing EQC.
We’re talking about the Mercedes EQA and EQB compact electric SUVs, which our photographers spotted testing together in northern Sweden with less camouflage than ever. As you can see, only the front and rear ends of the EQA and EQB are covered with tape, with the rest of the bodywork left exposed.
This allows us to see very clearly that these models use the same bodyworks of the new GLA and GLB, with the only modifications expected at the front and rear.
See Also: Mercedes Confirms EQA And S-Class For 2020, But Will Cut Jobs And “Streamline” Lineup
At the front, the electric compact SUVs will feature different lights and closed up grilles, with the front bumpers also redesigned for increased aerodynamic efficiency and a distinctive appearance. At the back, the LED strip uniting the taillights will be the most noticeable change over their ICE counterparts, while the license plate will be moved on the bumper. The package will also include aero-style wheels.
Both the Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB are based on the same Modular Electric Architecture (MEA) EVA II platform, known internally as EVA II. Reports from Germany suggest Mercedes will offer a choice of battery packs with capacities ranging from 60 kWh to 110 kWh and three electric motors delivering 150 kW (204 PS / 201 HP), 200 kW (272 PS / 268 HP) and 250 kW (340 PS / 335 HP), respectively. The minimum driving range is estimated at around 400 km (248 miles).
There’s no word on the availability of electric all-wheel-drive but we assume it will be offered as an option, at least on the EQB. Besides the powertrains, the EQA and EQB will also feature similar technology, including the MBUX infotainment system and the latest driver assistance systems delivering semi-autonomous driving capability.
Judging by the thin camouflage on these prototypes, the new EQA and EQB should debut rather sooner than later. Mercedes has already announced that the EQA will debut this fall, likely at the Paris Motor Show. The EQB is expected to arrive in 2021.
