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Mercedes-Benz Shows Off its new EV, the EQA 250

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EQA is the name of the new entry-level model to the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles. The electro-aesthetics of its design are indicative of the Progressive Luxury of the Mercedes-EQ brand. Smart assistants support the driver in many areas: for example with respect to accident avoidance, the anticipatory and therefore particularly efficient operating strategy, and Navigation with Electric Intelligence.

In addition, the car features various exceptional Mercedes-Benz functions, such as MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The EQA is a member of the successful compact car family from Mercedes-Benz. A close relation of the GLA, it delivers all the thrilling characteristics of that vehicle, combined in this case with an efficient electric powertrain. The new EQA is being built in Rastatt (Germany) and Beijing (China). The battery systems for the EQA are supplied by the Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Accumotive in Kamenz. The battery factory in Jawor, Poland, is also preparing to produce battery systems for the compact Mercedes-EQ models.

“Mercedes-EQ aspires to take the lead in the field of electric drive systems and vehicle software. To this end, we have defined some ambitious product development goals and resolved to push forward with the accelerated market introduction of new technologies”, says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG; responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO. “The new EQA allows us to show the way we envisage e-mobility as tailored to the needs of our customers. The EQA proves that, by using a tried and tested architecture, it is possible to achieve an excellent compromise between performance, costs and time to market.”

The EQA is being launched as the EQA 250 (combined electric consumption: 15.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)[1] with 140 kW and a range according to NEDC of 486 kilometres[2]. The “double-decker” lithium-ion battery, which sits as a structural element within the underbody of the vehicle, has an energy content of 66.5 kWh. In order to meet the high standard of noise and vibration comfort that is such a hallmark of the brand, complex measures have been taken to isolate the electric powertrain from the chassis and body. Numerous damping measures enhance this effect.

“Progressive design and intuitive operation are two of the highlights of the EQA. With this car, for the first time we are offering our customers an all-electric Mercedes in the compact segment with an extensive range that ensures its viability in everyday use. As such, the new EQA is an important vehicle along our path towards the electrification of all our vehicle segments”, says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales.

“Thanks to MBUX, our vehicles these days have become mobile assistants. With the EQA we take things a step further: clever support functions such as Navigation with Electric Intelligence are integrated here into MBUX, making it even easier to use”, emphasises Sajjad Khan, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, CASE. “Furthermore, the EQA shows how we have been able to reconcile a state-of-the-art and sustainable electric drive system with the Mercedes-Benz core value of Safety.”

Electro-aesthetics of the design signalise Progressive Luxury
The EQA features the black panel radiator grille with central star that is the hallmark of Mercedes-EQ. A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at front and rear. A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night.

The inside of the headlamps is finished to a high level of quality, detail and precision. Blue colour highlights within the headlamp reinforce the signature Mercedes-EQ appearance. The LED tail lamps merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip, thus underlining the impression of width in the rear view of the EQA. The licence plate has also been relocated to the bumper. Exclusive to this model are light-alloy wheels in a bi- or tri-colour design, up to 20 inches in size, in some cases with rosé gold-coloured or blue decorative trim.

“Progressive Luxury in its sportiest form. An all-electric SUV designed for the sustainable mobility of the future has been born, in the shape of the compact, modern EQA,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG. “The perfect proportions of the exterior and a spectacular interior set new standards.”

An indication of the electric character in the interior of the EQA is provided, depending on the design and equipment line, by a new-style back-lit trim element and rosé gold-coloured decorative trim on the ventilation outlets, seats and the vehicle key. The Edition 1 special model additionally features perforated leather seats, through which blue fabric can be seen. The instruments, with their electric car-specific displays, pick up on the same colour scheme with rosé gold-coloured and blue highlights.

The seating position is high and upright, as is typical for an SUV – making it not only comfortable for getting in and out, but also good in terms of all-round visibility. Utility value was one of the general focuses during development. The rear seat backrest is 40:20:40 split-folding.

Efficiency is the key factor, from the aerodynamics through to Navigation with Electric Intelligence
With a Cd value from 0.28, the EQA achieves an excellent result. The frontal area A totals 2.47 m2. Among the most important aerodynamic measures are the completely closed cooling air control system in the upper section, the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons, a very smooth, almost completely enclosed underbody, specially optimised Aero wheels, and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.

The standard heat pump forms part of the sophisticated thermal management system. With its numerous innovative details, such as the reuse of the waste heat from the electric drive system, the system is configured for exceptional efficiency and thus maximum range. It is also possible to set the pre-entry climate control for the interior of the EQA before starting. This function is controlled directly from the MBUX infotainment system or via the Mercedes me App.

Adding to the general ease of using the EQA on a day-to-day basis is the standard feature of Navigation with Electric Intelligence. This calculates the fastest route to the given destination. On the basis of continual range simulations, the system makes allowance for any necessary charging stops as well as for numerous other factors, such as the topography and the weather. It is also able to react dynamically to changes, for instance in the traffic situation or personal driving style.

Included as standard on board are Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist. In many situations the purpose of the latter is to prevent a collision by autonomous braking, or to mitigate its consequences. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds. The enhanced functions of the Driving Assistance Package include, for example, the turning manoeuvre function, the emergency corridor function, the exit warning function alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles, and a warning when pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings.

The EQA is also a true Mercedes when it comes to passive safety. On the basis of the robust structure of the GLA, the body of the EQA was adapted to meet the particular demands that face an electric car. The battery sits within a frame made out of extruded sections. This takes on a structural function which until now was handled by the cross members in the underfloor. A battery guard in the front area of the battery is able to prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects. Naturally the EQA also had to go through the brand’s normal and very thorough crash test programme. Stringent requirements for the battery and all components carrying electrical current also apply.

Superior level of equipment, instruments with displays specific to Mercedes-EQ
Included as standard is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). MBUX can be individually configured with the help of various options. Key advantages of the system: the powerful computer, brilliant screens and graphics, customisable presentation, full-colour head-up display (optional equipment), navigation with augmented reality (optional equipment), learning software, and voice control activated by the keyword “Hey Mercedes”.

The Mercedes-EQ tile in the media display can be used to call up menus relating to charging options, electrical consumption and energy flow. The right-hand display within the instrument cluster is a wattmeter rather than a rev counter. The upper section shows the percentage of power used, the lower section the recuperation. The left-hand instrument can be used to show whether the destination can be reached without an interim charging stop. The colours change according to the driving situation: During a boost process, for example, the display changes to white. Depending on mood, or to match the particular interior, the user has a choice of four different styles. The Progressive variant includes a special Mercedes-EQ colour scheme

The comprehensive standard specification of the EQA includes such features as LED High-Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the EASY-PACK tailgate with electrically operated opening and closing, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, ambient lighting with 64 colours, a double cup holder, luxury seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, a reversing camera for added convenience and a better overview when maneuvering, and a multifunction sports steering wheel in leather. The new model can be personalised with either of the two design and equipment lines AMG Line and Electric Art, as well as with the Night Package.

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The BMW Group Shows Off New Innovations of Future Vehicle Generations at Auto Shanghai 2025

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On the road to Neue Klasse, the BMW Group will be showcasing the outstanding innovations of future vehicle generations at Auto Shanghai 2025. “Innovative strength, a pioneering spirit and sheer driving pleasure – these characteristics are deeply rooted in BMW’s DNA,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In the Neue Klasse, they can be experienced by our customers on a whole new level: the user interface is even more intuitive, the design even more progressive and the driving experience even more precise and dynamic. By the end of this year, we will be putting the mobility of the future on the road”.

The smart display and operating concept BMW Panoramic iDrive and the lightning-fast Heart of Joy central computer take centre stage at the auto show.

  1. The BMW Group presents the BMW Panoramic iDrive in a version specially developed for the Chinese market.
  2. The Heart of Joy centrally calculates all driving dynamics functions and raises the hallmark BMW driving pleasure to a new level with ten times faster information processing. BMW presents the Heart of Joy in the specially developed high-performance test vehicle BMW Vision Driving Experience, which shines in a spectacular, luminescent paint finish.

By the end of the year, the iX3 will be the first Neue Klasse model to roll off the production line at the new plant in Debrecen (Hungary). The BMW Vision Driving Experience is presented to the public for the first time in Shanghai: It is a high-performance test vehicle with no connection to series production, which BMW has designed as a rolling laboratory for optimising the Heart of Joy drive and driving dynamics control system.

“The BMW Vision Driving Experience is equipped with the “Heart of Joy” – one of four super brains specifically developed for our software-defined Neue Klasse models,” says Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customers, Brands and Sales. “The Heart of Joy takes every aspect of sheer driving pleasure to the next level. Starting with the launch of the first Neue Klasse model, the “Heart of Joy” will beat in every all-electric BMW model”.

The four super brains combine the computing power for the most important customer functions: infotainment, automated driving, basic functions and driving dynamics. In this new, zonal electronics architecture, the Heart of Joy is responsible for drive, braking, charging, recuperation and partial steering functions. In conjunction with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, the system, which was developed entirely in-house, calculates all driving dynamics functions. It processes information ten times faster than previous systems and achieves latencies in the millisecond range. There will be control units with comparable functions for combustion engines and hybrids.

As the “world’s fastest test rig”, the BMW Vision Driving Experience takes the Heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control to their absolute limits. With a maximum torque of 18,000 Newton metres and active aerodynamics, it generates 1.2 tonnes of downforce and lateral forces of up to 3G – a dimension on par with Formula 1 and far beyond the requirements of conventional vehicles in road traffic. The logic behind this: If the hardware and software can tame the brute forces of this test rig, they can easily cope with the demands of everyday use.

In Shanghai, the BMW Vision Driving Experience shines in an innovative, fluorescent paint finish. The paint’s special light-sensitive pigments recharge in daylight, with even the smallest amount of ambient light sufficient. In the dark, the colour varies from a whitish yellow to an expressive neon yellow, depending on the state of charge. In addition, the rear of the car has been fitted with a “magic film” which, when stimulated by UV light, creates an expressive gradient from yellow to orange to pink from the rear to the front of the car. These special looks underline the uniqueness and innovative power of the car. Like the vision vehicle, they are not intended for series production.

The Auto Shanghai at the National Exhibition and Convention Center has become the largest auto show in the world. More than one million visitors are expected from April 23 to May 2, 2025. Across almost 5,000 square meters, the BMW Group presents the latest products of the BMW and MINI brands. An oversized installation of the complete BMW Panoramic iDrive display and control system is the focus of the exhibition space. The road to Neue Klasse leads guests along a “road” across the exhibition. On display will be a BMW 1500, the historical model of the Neue Klasse from the 1960s, as well as the visionary vehicles BMW Vision Neue Klasse and BMW Vision Neue Klasse X. The BMW Group will showcase a total of 42 vehicles at its largest exhibition booth in the world.

BMW M celebrates more than 25 years of cooperation with the Nürburgring with the exclusive special edition BMW M4 Edition Nürburgring. This special edition vehicle, which is only available in China, is limited to just 53 units to mark the 53rd anniversary of BMW M. Specific design elements make reference to the world’s most famous racetrack. The BMW Individual Frozen Deep Green metallic paint finish is a nod to the “Green Hell”.

The red Nürburgring Nordschleife logo is embroidered on the headrests and the frameless radiator grille is also framed in this striking red. The uniform “nürburgring 1/53” lettering in the door sills symbolises that the vehicle is part of an exclusive special edition. The edition based on the BMW M4 Competition with M xDrive has the familiar in-line six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and generates 390 kW/530 hp. This not only enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (60 mph) in 3.5 seconds or 3.2 seconds according to the “1-foot rollout” method, but also highly dynamic driving on the racetrack – tried and tested on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, of course.

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EXEED by Al Ghurair Launches Electric and Hybrid Model Range

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EXEED by Al Ghurair celebrated the unveiling of its electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid models in the UAE, with an exclusive launch event at Skydive Dubai on 9 April 2025. The premium automotive brand is reshaping the region’s sustainable mobility landscape, combining innovative technologies and performance to offer superior driving experiences.

EXEED is redefining the future of mobility with the launch of its fully electric models: the EXLANTIX ET SUV and the ELANTIX ES – EXEED’s first sedan. Equipped with the Super Hybrid Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology, both models deliver an exceptional driving range of over 1,000 km. At the heart of this line-up is the Qualcomm-powered technology. Prioritising safety, the models have received a 5-star C-NCAP & CIASI rating, 88% high-strength steel, and advanced airbags, alongside cutting-edge driver assistance technologies for effortless control.

Designed for those who demand versatility and endurance, the EXLANTIX ET SUV offers both pure electric and range-extended powertrain options, featuring EXEED’s pioneering Golden Range Extender Technology to eliminate charging anxiety. A high-performance adaptive air suspension system ensures a premium, smooth ride, rivalling luxury SUVs. With a drag coefficient of 0.266Cd and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds, the ET seamlessly blends efficiency with power, while offering passengers exuding comfort in zero gravity seats. Furthermore, it offers Arabic voice command, and an intelligent cockpit that puts drivers in control with minimal effort.

The ELANTIX ES is a bold expression of avant-garde design, blending aerodynamics with artistry for a striking yet efficient silhouette. With a 0.205Cd drag coefficient, it enhances energy efficiency while ensuring a smooth, whisper-quiet ride. Engineered for precision handling and optimised weight distribution, the ES delivers an exhilarating 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.7 seconds. Its sleek aesthetics coupled with dynamic performance, offers an unmatched fusion of innovation, elegance, and driving excitement. Inside the sporty frameless door design encompasses a D-shaped steering wheel ready to give drivers a racing feeling of handling and grip.

EXEED has also introduced the RX Plug-in Hybrid SUV that balances power and efficiency. Powered by the Super Hybrid REEV System, it delivers a total range of over 1,300 km and maintains real-world fuel efficiency as low as 1.2L/100 km of a full charge. The model is equipped with a Three-Speed Super Hybrid Transmission generating 445KW of power through 11 gear combinations, ensuring a responsive yet smooth ride. The safety is reinforced by a high-performance CATL battery, enhanced with EXEED’s M3P material system, which delivers real-time diagnostics and can cut power within just 2 milliseconds in the event of a collision. Also, designed for extreme conditions, it operates reliably across a wide temperature range of -35°C to 60°C – ideal for the UAE’s harsh climate.

With its Smart Hybrid REEV technology system, advanced safety measures, and long-range capabilities, the RX PHEV stands as a strong addition to EXEED’s new energy line-up. EXEED also opened its flagship showroom on 9 April 2025, located on Corniche Street in Abu Dhabi. This state-of-the-art facility will offer customers an immersive introduction to the brand’s electric future, with futuristic art installations, interactive digital advisors and EXLANTIX merchandise and products.

“This launch is about more than just new models, it’s about EXEED defining the future of electric mobility in the region. With our industry-leading new technology, full EV and hybrid range of vehicles, and the introduction of the UAE’s first dedicated EXEED EV showroom, we are taking a major step forward in delivering intelligent, high-performance electric vehicles. The future of driving is here, and EXEED is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Oscar Rivoli, Chief Executive Officer of Motors, an Al Ghurair Mobility business.

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DONGFENG 007 to be Showcased at EVIS Abu Dhabi 2025

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MAHY Khoory Automotive, the exclusive distributor of Dongfeng Motor Corporation in the UAE, proudly announces the upcoming launch of the DONGFENG 007, at EVIS Abu Dhabi 2025, the Middle East’s premier electric vehicle innovation summit, taking place from April 21 to 23 at the ADNEC Centre. This highly anticipated electric vehicle combines futuristic design, cutting-edge performance, and long-range sustainability, marking a breakthrough moment for the UAE’s growing EV market. With an exceptional driving range of up to 1,200 kilometres on a single charge, the DONGFENG 007 is engineered for forward-thinkers who demand power and innovation without compromise.

Beneath its sleek exterior, the DONGFENG 007 is powered by an advanced electric motor capable of delivering 160 kW of maximum power and 310 Nm of torque. The launch reflects the vision of MAHY Khoory Automotive to bring world-class, sustainable mobility solutions to the UAE, and reinforces the brand’s commitment to redefining the future of driving through technology and performance. Visitors at EVIS 2025 will have the opportunity to experience this electric marvel firsthand and learn more about the advanced features that make the DONGFENG 007 a standout in its segment.

As part of the wider MAHY Khoory Group, which boasts nearly a century of excellence across industries such as automotive, green energy, recycling, and manufacturing, MAHY Khoory Automotive plays a key role in shaping the UAE’s transition to a more eco-conscious transportation ecosystem. The Group also represents OMODA JAECOO in Abu Dhabi and is recognised for its leadership in sustainable innovation. At EVIS 2025, MAHY Khoory Automotive’s presence will spotlight not only the DONGFENG 007 but also the company’s broader dedication to high-performance EV solutions.

“We’re proud to debut the DONGFENG 007 in the UAE, a car that represents a perfect fusion of performance, innovation and environmental responsibility, and we strongly believe this is the perfect electric vehicle for the region,” said Saj Jabbar, General Manager, MAHY Khoory Automotive. “This launch is more than just an exciting product announcement; it’s a commitment to shaping the mobility landscape in a way that aligns with the UAE’s clean energy goals. EVIS Abu Dhabi is the ideal stage to introduce this vision, and we look forward to welcoming media, partners, and EV enthusiasts to witness it up close.”

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