Mercedes-Benz has revealed the EQA, its first electric compact SUV, which displays the brand’s commitment to a future full of EVs that normal people can actually buy, well at least in developed nations.
Based on the GLA, the electric car has debuted in EQA 250 form and its prices start at 47,540.50 euros (Rs. 42 lakhs) in Germany.
Design-wise, the EV has the latest GLA’s form, for it uses the car as its base. However, it does have elements that denote it is the silent version like the Mercedes-EQ grille upfront, continuous lighting strip, and a completely new tailgate.
Full-LED lighting is the norm these days, with the EQA also featuring a full-width tail light unit. Since it is an EV, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA comes with unique alloy wheel designs, with some even featuring rose gold detailing, up to 20 inches in size.
Inside, the EQA looks like any other Mercedes, really. But look closer and different trim inserts can be spotted while there is ambient lighting and trim backlighting too.
While the fully loaded Edition 1 model comes with different leather, as standard the EV comes with a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen system, with plenty of features like MBUX, connectivity suite, among others.
Also on offer as standard are electrically operable boot lid, 18-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera, sports leather steering wheel, “luxury” seats, while a Night Package is offered apart from Electric Art and AMG Line personalisation packages.
Numerous safety features and a Driving Assistance Package are offered as well and it does not stop there either, for the car’s battery can be pre-heated or cooled while driving so that the temperature remains ideal for rapid charging.
Speaking of which, the Mercedes-Benz EQA has a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery which can be charged (10-100 percent) using a wallbox in 5.45 hours, while rapid charging (10-80 percent) takes 30 minutes to add juice to the cells.
Range is rated at 426 km (WLTP) as the Mercedes-Benz EQA consumes 15.7 kWh/100 km for it comes powered by a 188 HP (140 kW) electric motor that puts out 375 Nm of torque. The car can do the 0-100 km/hr sprint in 8.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 160 km/hr.
Mercedes says that while the EV is launched initially in EQA 250 form, more variants like one with more than 500 km range, more than 268 HP, with dual motors and also an AMG version are forthcoming.
