Second all-electric Benz introduced to Korea

Industry

Published: 10 Jun. 2021, 19:03 Updated: 10 Jun. 2021, 19:08

Second all-electric Benz introduced to Korea

The New EQA, Mercedes-Benz's second all-electric vehicle (EV) for Korea. [MERCEDES-BENZ KOREA]

Mercedes-Benz Korea unveiled its second all-electric vehicle (EV) for Korea Thursday.

The EQA 250 follows in the treads of the EQC, which was introduced to the Korean market in late 2019. Mercedes-Benz's EV brand is called EQ.

The EQA, based on the carmaker’s GLA compact SUV model, is expected to be officially launched in Korea in July and sell for 59.9 million won ($53,700), the carmaker said Thursday.

With its 66.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, the EQA can travel about 426 kilometers (264.7 miles) on a single charge based on WLTP standards. It takes some 30 minutes to charge it 80 percent.

"With a close relation to the GLA, the EQA delivers all the thrilling characteristics of a versatile compact vehicle, combined in this case with a pure electric powertrain," said Thomas Klein, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea during the event. "The car features various exceptional Mercedes-Benz functions, as well as digitalized features such as the intelligent infotainment system MBUX."

Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Hyperscreen [MERCEDES-BENZ KOREA]

The Korean unit of the German automaker on Thursday also revealed the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Hyperscreen, a 56-inch curved-screen below the windshield made of three seamless displays.

The second-generation infotainment system allows everything to be controlled via a touch screen, according to the company.

The Hyperscreen, which was first shown at the 2021 CES in January, is set to debut as an option on the upcoming EQS, an EV that will be launched in Korea in the later part of the year.

Mercedes was the best-selling imported auto brand last year, selling 76,879 vehicles in Korea. Mercedes-Benz Korea has been the No.1 imported car company in the Korean market for five consecutive years.

BY CHEA SARAH [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]