The entry-level model in Mercedes-Benz’s fledgling EQ range of electric vehicles has been delayed.
The GLA-based Mercedes-Benz EQA was set to be revealed this year, with sales beginning in Europe by year’s end.
Autocar reports there’s now been a delay of around six months, with deliveries set to begin in Europe in the second half of next year. A reveal date has yet to be announced.
As with many delays experienced by automakers this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the EQA’s launch timetable. It’s not the only contributing factor, however, with production locations of the EQA and the upcoming GLB-based EQB also shuffled around.
Previously, one of these vehicles was going to be produced at the Smart factory in Hambach, France, until Daimler entered into talks with off-roader start-up Ineos to sell the factory.
That means both the EQA and EQB will now be produced at the same factory in Rastatt, Germany.
The EQA is set to offer a choice of a single electric motor and front-wheel drive set-up or a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant. Autocar reports an AMG-fettled EQA is also a possibility, which could match the performance of the new GLA45 S.
Spy photos have already revealed the EQA looks much like the GLA upon which it’s based. There’ll be a new front grille, while the rear licence plate has been moved to the bumper to allow for an EQC-style full-width tail light assembly.
The EQA and EQB will both begin production next year, as will the new EQS that debuts Mercedes’ new Modular Electric Architecture (MEA). The EQ range will grow with the EQE sedan in 2022, which will also use MEA.
Current members of the EQ family include the EQC SUV, introduced here this year, and the V-Class-based EQV electric van.
