New Mercedes EQA

Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is the smallest car in the brand’s all-electric EQ line-up. The EQA uses the latest GLA as its base, making it a compact crossover you can manoeuvre through the city streets in at a great pace, whilst benefiting from the efficient electric powertrain.​

The EQA borrows some of its upmarket design identity from the larger Mercedes-Benz EQC, with a similar front end with aerodynamically efficient bumpers, a black panel radiator grille and thin LED headlamps. The Mercedes-Benz EQA combines luxury and practicality making it a competitive choice for a compact crossover.​​

Performance

Mercedes tends to base its EVs on the platform of an existing traditional combustion engine powered model, and the EQA is no different, sharing the majority of its platform with the GLA. The EQA has been initially launched in the 250 spec, with others to follow (such as a dual-motor, four-wheel drive model).​

The EQA 250 sees a single motor drive the front wheels and serves up 185bhp with a top speed limited to 99mph. The all-important 0 – 62mph stint takes 8.9 seconds and you can expect 265 miles of range from the EV’s 66.5kWh battery. This ample range is the result of a number of measures put in place by Mercedes to boost efficiency, such as the waste heat produced by the powertrain being used to heat the cabin, cleverly reducing the draw on battery power. A strong selling point for the Mercedes-Benz EQA is its rapid charging capability, as it can charge from 10% - 80% in just half an hour.​​

Design

As stunning and dynamic to look at as it is to drive, the new Mercedes-Benz EQA 5-door compact crossover has some design similarities to the larger EQC; with smooth flowing surfaces, a similar front end (however more high-tech) with a closed black panel grille, air intakes underneath the number plate, LED ‘laser fibre’ bespoke headlights design front and rear, and aerodynamically efficient bumpers.

The EQA also has a distinctive ‘aero wheel’ design, with sizes reaching 20” and featuring rose gold or blue detailing for a more futuristic presence. A competitive drag coefficient of 0.28 enhances efficiency and, thus, range. What’s more, the EQA’s clever design using the GLA base with its higher roofline means more room can be used under the seats to house the powertrain’s large battery cells in the floor, without notably impacting the spacious interior or boot space.​

Inside the cabin, it emulates the basic layout of the GLA with the addition of rose gold accents on the vents, seats and key, as well as additional trim backlighting. Adding to its luxury feel, Mercedes have ensured the cabin is relaxing and tranquil in-journey with a range of noise damping measures.

Technology

The new Mercedes-Benz EQA has a huge infotainment offering with two screens and with MBUX operating system (also featuring rose gold and blue highlights), smartphone connectivity and advanced voice activation. The digital instrument cluster shows useful information specific to your EV, such as remaining range. As well as this, the sat-nav has unique features to the EQA; it factors in for you the car’s range and recommends stopping off points for charging to determine the fastest route, making light work of journey planning.

Designed to make owning an EV as easy as possible, Mercedes me Charge provides the driver with a network of over 450,000 charging points across 31 countries and also offers an integrated payment function with a simple billing process, even when charging abroad. ​

Safety

In true Mercedes-Benz fashion, there are a number of driver assistance systems to make life that much easier and driving safer. Active Lane Keeping and Active Brake Assist are included as standard, whereas the Driving Assistance Package serves up a range of additional systems to support the driver, such as a warning when pedestrians are approaching a zebra crossing. Further additional kit on the EQA 250 includes adaptive high beam and a reversing camera.​​

EQA Price

Mercedes-Benz is yet to confirm the OTR price of the Mercedes EQA however this information is expected to be released shortly. OTR prices are expected to be around £40,000, however for the latest pricing information or to register your interest enquire online today.

EQA Release Date

Mercedes-Benz has confirm the release date of the Mercedes EQA to be March 2021 with customer deliveries starting shortly after. Enquire now to register your interest today.

Verdict

Shaking up the compact crossover market, the EQA 250 offers dynamic driving, impressive range and an even more impressive charging time. Mercedes has revealed that more versions of the EQA will be brought in after its first year of sale, promising a 260bhp, dual motor, all-wheel drive model. The brand is also planning on releasing a long-range version that can achieve more than 310 miles on a single charge – all very exciting, indeed. Mercedes-Benz continues to push the electric vehicle industry forward, and it’s easy to see why the EQA is a premium in its class.

Technical Specification​