√2024 Mercedes-Benz EQA, EQB electric SUVs updated, due in Australia next year

Mercedes-Benz’s smallest electric cars have been updated with revised styling, upgraded interior technology and increased driving range on select models.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQA and 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB electric SUVs have been given their mid-life facelifts, ahead of first Australian arrivals due in the first half of next year.

Mirroring changes to the petrol-powered GLA and GLB SUVs, the updates to the EQA and EQB include mild design changes, newer interior technology, and a longer driving range for the EQA.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says both vehicles are due in local showrooms in the second quarter of 2024 (April to June), pending any delays – after the updated GLA and GLB arrive by the end of this year.

New for 2024 is a restyled, blacked-out front grille with a star pattern – finished in black or chrome, depending on the model – plus a new lower bumper, body-coloured wheel arches on the EQA with the AMG Line package, and new LED tail-light signatures.

There are also four new alloy wheel designs in 18-, 19- and 20-inch diameters, and two new colours: Spectral Blue and High-Tech Silver.

Inside, the 10.25-inch touchscreen has been updated with newer MBUX software said to offer over-the-air updates, a revised ‘Zero Layer’ home screen with the most-used functions, a more advanced voice assistant, and graphics similar to newer Mercedes models.

The controversial infotainment touchpad controller has been ditched, with the system now run through touch inputs only.

Drivers can choose between three display styles (Classic, Sporty and Discreet) and three “modes” (navigation, assistance and service) for the “graphics of the screens.”

There is also a redesigned steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, and new brown lime open-pore wood, “Mercedes-Benz pattern” and “backlit Mercedes-Benz pattern” (with illuminated stars) dashboard inlays.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available, along with Dolby Atmos technology to improve the quality of the Burmester surround sound system’s audio.

The advanced safety systems have also been upgraded, with a new “mono-multipurpose camera” and “back-up camera” to enable faster automated parking systems, and a lane-keep assist function that now works “works more comfortably with steering intervention instead of ESP [touching the brakes using stability control].”

Features such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and an augmented-reality function for the satellite navigation system can now be purchased from the Mercedes Me store in the vehicle – and downloaded wirelessly.

It indicates the hardware powering these features will be packed into all vehicles produced, no matter if buyers tick the relevant option boxes, but customers will have to pay extra – in addition to the base vehicle’s purchase price – to unlock them.

New are ‘250+’ variants of the EQA and EQB, which claim 496-560 kilometres, and 463-536km of driving range in European WLTP testing respectively.

These figures are up from 456-528km in the regular EQA250 in Europe, and 371km in the EQB250 sold in Australia – where there are fewer specification choices, so there is one driving range claim, not a numerical range.

The EQA250+ has been added as an alternative to the EQA250 in Europe, while the EQB250+ replaces the EQB250. The Australian model line-up is yet to be outlined.

The driving range boost has been achieved with a bigger 70.5kWh battery – compared to 66.5kWh in other models – plus changes to all variants, including new low-friction tyres, and “aerodynamic optimisation” such as a “new leading edge for the rear wheel arch” and “a ridge that functions as a spoiler is now integrated into the tail-lights.”

Still available are more expensive dual-motor all-wheel-drive EQA350 and EQB350 variants, developing 168kW/390Nm and 215kW/520Nm respectively in conjunction with 66.5kWh battery packs.

Driving range claims in Europe are 396-448km for the EQB300 and EQB350, and 411-459km for the EQA300 and EQA350 in Europe.

The 350 versions of both vehicles are currently available in Australia, but the 300 models are not sold here.

Other changes include a new “range monitoring” feature with energy-saving tips, “Sound Experience” synthesised driving sounds, and – in Europe – the option of a towbar for five-seat EQB models, with a braked capacity of up to 1700kg.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB are due in Australian showrooms between April and June next year. Prices, specifications and details of the model range will be confirmed closer to launch.

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