Mercedes-Benz is seeking to its least costly electrical automobile, the EQA, to assist gradual the Tesla juggernaut. The newborn crossover, which works on sale in Europe this spring, will begin at €47,541($57,562) in Germany, earlier than incentives.

The EQA is being thought-about for the U.S., Mercedes-Benz USA gross sales chief Adam Chamberlain advised Automotive Information final week. “There’s a chance for the [crossover] within the U.S.,” he stated. “If a model is severe about taking a maintain available in the market … then you definitely want each top-end automobiles and one thing on the extra inexpensive finish.”

The EV, based mostly on the gasoline-powered GLA, could have a driving vary of 265 miles underneath the WLTP check normal. The EQA 250 is rated at 140 kilowatts, or 190 hp, and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds. Variants with all-wheel drive, greater output and longer ranges will comply with.

As an entry-level electrical crossover, the EQA would have restricted enchantment within the U.S., Mercedes-Benz Vendor Board member Jeff Aiosa stated. “The higher-selling sport-utility is the larger one, not the smaller one,” stated Aiosa, proprietor of Mercedes-Benz of New London in Connecticut. “That is what this market needs.”

The GLA and GLB mixed accounted for greater than 25 p.c of Mercedes’ U.S. light-truck gross sales final yr.

A bigger crossover is also prone to ship higher vary than an entry-level mannequin, a requirement within the U.S. the place charging infrastructure lags and vary nervousness is a priority for EV patrons.

The subcompact EQA, nevertheless, would supply an inexpensive entry to the Mercedes EQ line of automobiles. “It is a chance for folks to transition from combustion engine to electrical energy at a lower cost level,” Aiosa stated.

GLA underpinnings have been used to scale back upfront investments and save time in contrast with constructing the EV from scratch.

The EQA is predicted to go up towards Tesla’s Mannequin Y crossover. However the EQA is smaller, much less succesful and would probably be costlier within the U.S. than the Mannequin Y, stated Sam Fiorani, vp at AutoForecast Options.

The EQA joins Mercedes’ different EVs — the EQC midsize crossover and the EQV minivan.

The EQ subbrand is the cornerstone of Mercedes’ marketing campaign to embrace electrification to fulfill stringent emissions targets, primarily in Europe and China. Within the U.S., Mercedes will launch the subbrand with a battery-powered model of its flagship S-Class sedan within the fall. The U.S. launch of the EQC has been delayed.

Christiaan Hetzner contributed to this report.