KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia finally introduces the EQ range locally with the entry of the single variant Germany import EQA 250.
The introduction of the entry level of the range is in line with Mercedes-Benz's global direction to go all-electric by 2030 where market conditions allow.
Delivery is expected to be made by April.
"Today marks an important milestone for us at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. We are committed towards our claim to lead in electric with a holistic well-rounded approach towards a sustainable tomorrow starting with the introduction of the EQA," said MBM president and chief executive officer Sagree Sardien.
Sardien said MBM would also strengthen its partnership with Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PDB) to further enhance its comprehensive EV infrastructure plans to cater to the demands and needs towards future mobility.
"It is our top priority to kickstart this journey towards an electric future by working with the right partners to achieve future mobility as we gear up to implement our EV readiness and sustainability efforts.
"Through our continuous partnership with Petronas and our CSR outreach programmes, education will play a vital role in making this future a reality," she added.
MBM signed a Memorandum or Understanding (MoU) with PDB last November to install five high speed chargers, branded as Energise by Petronas, along the entire North-South Expressway and part of the East-Coast Expressway as the first step to further enhance and encourage electric vehicle (EV) adoption amongst the Malaysian drivers.
MBM also plans to install 13 new DC fast chargers in strategic dealer locations nationwide this year where EQ customers can use at no cost until the end of 2023.
PDB managing director and chief executive officer Azrul Osman Rani said, "Sustainability is at the core of everything that we do, and we are excited to extend our expertise with our long-standing partner, Mercedes-Benz to build a holistic EV infrastructure in Malaysia.
"Both brands have a shared vision and capabilities that will complement one another in materialising future mobility in Malaysia. Fast chargers will be available at strategic locations leveraging our wide network of Petronas stations through this partnership, thus enhancing customer confidence in the adoption of EVs in Malaysia."
The EQA 250 has a combined electric consumption of 17.6 kWh/100km and total range of 429 kilometres according to WLTP.
Priced at RM278,201.25 (OTR without Insurance effective until the end of the tax incentive period, the EQA 250 comes with the standard four years unlimited Mercedes-Benz Warranty.
The high-voltage battery on the other hand has an eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first, warranty.
Customers who opt to have the wallbox installed will receive 2 years warranty by the manufacturer.
Additionally, the first 1000 EQ customers will enjoy an exclusive 1-year subscription with Jom Charge for unlimited charging at a 50 per cent discount at all JomCharge charging stations.
"We are excited to kick off our EV offensive with the introduction of the EQA, which is the entry-level model to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ," said MBM sales and marketing president Michael Jopp.
"Packed with seamless connectivity, clear design, and advanced technology, the EQA is progressive and intuitive and offers customers electrification in the compact segment. The EQA is an important vehicle, both globally and locally as we embark on our journey towards an all-electric future," he added.