Updated Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB launched in Singapore

Facelifted iterations of the entry points to Mercedes-Benz's fully electric range - the EQA and EQB - have been launched in Singapore. 

The compact-SUV duo was unveiled for the first time at the The Car Expo, which took place over the weekend of 13 and 14 April 2024. At market launch, both cars are being offered in the same variant, and same trims - as the EQA250+ Electric Art and EQA250+ Progressive, and the EQB250+ Electric Art and EQB250+ Progressive.

Both the Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB now come with a star-studded front grille, and get an updated MBUX system in their cabins

As a result of them receiving a host of styling tweaks, Mercedes-Benz states that the EQA and EQB have caught up visually with their larger electric siblings.

Notably, 'Electric Art' cars get a newly designed black panel surface with a chrome-star pattern at the front (the stars are in black instead on the Progressive). Other changes up front include a new bumper and trim elements in high gloss black, while the taillight signatures of both cars have also been revised. 

Step in to the cars, and one will also find the current-generation steering wheel - with touch control panels - newly fitted (seen on recent cars like the facelifted CLA and GLB). The Electric Art trim now gets brown lime open-pore wood in its cabin, while the Progressive trim gets a dashboard with the Mercedes-Benz star pattern instead.

Powering both the EQA250+ and EQB250+ is a 70.5kWh battery

All EQAs and EQBs coming to Singapore continue to feature a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, and now come with the USB package.

Speaking of this, the infotainment in both cars now runs an updated generation of Merc's MBUX system, with displays customisable in three display styles and three modes. The new system also boasts Merc's latest 'zero-layer interface', which aims to reduce the need for menu diving.

This new system also contains up four different Sound Experiences - including Silver Waves (described to be "sensual and clean"), and Vivid Flux (described as "crystalline, synthetic and yet humanly warm"). On the note of sound, drivers will also be greeted and bade farewell with different new sounds either as they approach the vehicle, or leave and lock it. The feature applies for both the EQA and EQB. 

The Mercedes-Benz EQA250+ gets a total power output of 188bhp

The changes are, however, more than skin (or ear) deep. 

Offered in the sole 250+ variant now - with the larger 70.5kWh battery pack (compared to just 66.5kWh on the EQA250) Mercedes-Benz states that the EQA and EQB offer greater all-electric range than before. The EQA250+, in particular, can now travel up to 569km on a full charge (WLTP-rated). 

Beyond sheer battery capacity, however, the firm's engineers have managed to squeeze extra efficiency out with this update, thanks to aerodynamic optimisations including a new leading edge for the rear wheel arch, a new ridge integrated into the taillights that functions as a spoiler, and finally, rolling resistance-optimised tyres. 

The taillights of the all-electric crossover have been redesigned in this latest update

On the road drivers, can also benefit from an enhanced Driving Assistance package, whose functions - including Active Lane Keeping Assist - have been enhanced thanks to a new mono-multipurpose camera and a new backup camera. 

As was the case previously, the EQA and EQB both come with a Category B COE at launch. In the 250+ variant, a single motor sends 140kW (188bhp) and 385Nm of torque to the cars' front wheels. The EQA250+ should already be quite the practical family crossover, thanks to its 340-litre boot, but larger families will want the EQB250+ instead, which offers seating for up to seven.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA250+ and EQB250+ are now on sale in Singapore. Prices start at $289,888 for the EQA250+ Progressive.