Electric cars are slowly but surely becoming an ever more common aspect of South Africa’s roads, helped by the introduction of a wider variety of new models from multiple manufacturers.
Among these is the newly introduced Mercedes-Benz EQ range with its most affordable model, the EQA crossover, starting at R1,169,500.
Within the same price range is Volvo with its own entry-level electric vehicle (EV), the popular XC40 P6 Recharge, asking customers for R1,075,000.
We looked at what these crossovers have in store for potential buyers who may be interested in jumping in on the “electric revolution.”
All-electric power
Mercedes’ new electric crossover is powered by a 66kWh battery which is hooked up to an electric motor up front.
This gives the EQA an output of 140kW and 375Nm, letting it accelerate to 100km/h time from a standstill in a time of 8.6 seconds.
Its range is then clocked at 429km, and it takes less than an hour to achieve 80% charge when using a 100kW DC fast-charge socket.
Volvo’s EV, meanwhile, uses a similar front motor setup as the Mercedes with a 69kWh battery, which provides it with a higher power figure of 170kW but lower torque at 330Nm.
Consequently, its acceleration is faster than the EQA, as the XC40 manages a 7.4-second sprint to 100km/h.
The Volvo also supports a more powerful maximum charging current of 150kW, taking it from 20% to 90% in 40 minutes, and it will manage a near identical range to the Mercedes of 423km.
Features
The most visually striking component of the new Mercedes may be its big 20-inch alloys, with a striking nose seeing the grille blend into the LED headlights and daytime running lights.
Inside, the list of luxury features consists of a digital driver display and a Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) media screen, reverse camera, partial cloth and artificial leather upholstery, leather multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry and start, customizable ambient lighting, climate control, cruise control, active lane-keep assist, exit-warning function, active parking assist, and a 430-litre boot.
Looking to Volvo’s electric entry, the XC40 is also equipped with 20-inch wheels along with its own set of “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlamps and daytime running lights.
As for the cabin amenities, buyers get leather seats, a digital instrument cluster and infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, all-round parking sensors, a reverse camera, keyless entry and start, climate control, and adaptive cruise control.
Its boot is able to accommodate 460 litres of luggage, too.
Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive has a starting price of R1,169,500.
Each purchase comes with a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan, an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty, a complimentary wall-box home charger, and a free 10-point battery health check every 6 months.
The Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge has a South African starting price of R1,075,000.
This includes a 5-year/100,000km warranty, a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan, an 8-year battery warranty, three years of comprehensive insurance, use of a petrol car for two weeks per year for three years, a public charge cable, and a wall-box home charger.
Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive
Keyword: Volvo XC40 vs Mercedes-Benz EQA – Cheapest electric crossovers on the market