Mercedes-Benz EQA: the new entry-level SUV in Mercedes's electric range

With the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz EQA, the star brand is stepping up its efforts to offer more options to those who want to enter the world of electric mobility. Because, let’s be honest, the 78,600 euros starting price of its first electric car, the Mercedes EQC, is not within everyone’s reach. You can read our road test of the Mercedes EQC here.

Now, the new Mercedes EQA 2021 opens the doors to electric driving in Mercedes with a more compact and affordable model, which will compete with, among others, the Volkswagen ID.4, the Skoda Enya iV, the Lexus UX 300e and the upcoming Audi Q4 e-tron. It will reach the market in 2021. Its price? A good reference is the current Mercedes GLA 250 e: the compact plug-in hybrid SUV is available from just under 49,000 euros.

Up to 426 km of range and 190 CV for the Mercedes EQA 250

As the launch version, Mercedes presents the EQA 250, with front-wheel drive, a 140 kW (190 CV) motor and 375 Nm of torque, and a range of 426 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. This version’s homologated consumption is very good, at 15.7 kWh/100 km. The battery, liquid-cooled and located under the floor, has a capacity of 66.5 kWh.

To continue with the key figures, the Mercedes EQA 250 claims a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 8.9 seconds, and its top speed is limited to 160 km/h. Recharging the battery using a wallbox or a public charging station with alternating current and a minimum power of 11 kW (the capacity of the standard charger) takes 5 hours and 45 minutes to go from 10 to 100%. At a fast-charging point with direct current at 400 volts and at least 300 amps, the recharging time to go from 10 to 80% battery capacity is claimed to be 30 minutes.

Mercedes has already announced that the range will be completed months after launch with more versions. These include all-wheel drive thanks to a second motor on the rear axle, outputs of more than 200 kW (272 CV) and variants with more than 500 km of range.

Mercedes EQA: the fully electric version of the Mercedes GLA

Although they are distinct ranges, the new Mercedes EQA can be considered the fully electric version of the Mercedes GLA, with which it shares many elements. In fact, apart from details such as backlit trim or decorative elements on the ventilation outlets, the interiors are practically identical, sharing the dashboard design, with digital displays for the instrumentation (with four display styles) and the multimedia system (seven inches as standard, 10.2 inches optionally) and the MBUX system. The brand announces a navigation system with “Electric Intelligence”, which calculates the fastest route to the destination considering not only traffic and topography, but also any stops needed to recharge the battery.

Externally, the main differences between the EQA and the GLA are the enclosed grille and the light strip above the grille that joins the headlights at the front. At the rear there is a larger spoiler and a newly designed rear bumper that houses the number plate. There are also differences in the light clusters in this area, which on the EQA are joined. In both cases a drag coefficient (Cx) of 0.28 is claimed. The Mercedes EQA measures 4.46 metres long, 1.83 metres wide and 1.62 metres high, with a wheelbase of 2.73 metres.

One of the main practical differences from the GLA is the boot capacity, which on the Mercedes EQA reaches 340 litres, compared with 435 litres in the Mercedes GLA or 385 litres in the plug-in hybrid version. The rear seats are split as standard into three individually folding modules in a 40:20:40 ratio.

Standard equipment on the Mercedes EQA

The new Mercedes EQA, in its base versions, is based on the Progressive trim of the Mercedes GLA. Standard equipment includes a rear camera, LED headlights with automatic high beam, lane-keeping assist and emergency braking system in the city. The heat pump system, which allows the cabin to be pre-conditioned before starting the engine, using the Mercedes me app or directly from the MBUX system, is also standard to improve efficiency.

Driver assistance systems such as active lane change detection, active brake assist and the ECO assist for improved efficiency are also standard. The latter gives the driver recommendations while driving to improve energy consumption and increase range. Apart from the fully automatic mode, paddles on the steering wheel allow the intensity of regenerative braking to be adjusted across four levels.

One of the many available options is the towbar, which includes an ESP with stabilisation function. The Mercedes EQA can tow a maximum weight of 750 kg, and the towbar is approved for mounting a bicycle carrier. A head-up display, active cruise control or a navigation system with augmented reality can also be optionally fitted.

In addition, Mercedes offers the option of personalising the EQA through the Electric Art or AMG Line trim lines, along with the Night package. For one year from market launch, the Edition 1 will be offered, with a specific grille and AMG styling kit, 20-inch wheels and an interior with grey leather upholstery and contrasting blue stitching.

Mercedes-Benz EQA image gallery