Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the all-wheel-drive EQA 350 small SUV will be delayed until early next year.
The EQA 350 was originally slated to arrive in November or December 2021 to join the entry-level EQA 250 that went on sale in July this year.
Mercedes-Benz told Chasing Cars the EQA 350 would arrive in showrooms in the first quarter of 2022, with customer deliveries taking place in the second quarter of the year.
The EQA is based off the petrol-powered GLA.
The delay has likely been caused by the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting shortages of critical components.
The EQA functions as a fully-electric version of the GLA small SUV and joins a broad lineup of electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz that also includes the EQB and EQC midsize SUVs as well as the EQE and EQS large sedans.
The EQA 350 is likely to go up against competitors such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the Lexus UX 300e, however the Lexus will be at a disadvantage with a lower 310km range.
Pricing is yet to be announced for the EQA 350 but will likely demand a notable premium over the front-wheel drive EQA 250 that starts from $76,800 (before on-road costs).
The GLA will have an equally stylish interior with plenty of useful features.
Based on this figure, Chasing Cars has previously estimated pricing to be around $85,000 to $90,000 (before-on roads), depending on the level of specification.
Power will come from a dual motor setup, producing 215kW of power and 520Nm of torque – certainly a punchy package for a small car.
It’ll be able to travel 432km on a single charge according to the more conservative WLTP standard, and can be recharged from 10-80 percent in 30 minutes using a 100kW fast charger.
Further detail on specification and pricing for the EQA 350 will be announced closer to launch.