While Mercedes already sells its EQC and EQV electric models, this German brand is undergoing a major transformation as it looks to launch a whole range of new EVs.
And next up is the EQA, which kicks off the range as the brand’s most affordable battery-powered model. Set to arrive in showrooms this spring, it’s looking to be a particularly appealing new electric car.
Here are five things you need to know about it.
It will be based on the brand’s GLA crossover
Crossovers and SUVs are a huge market these days, not least for Mercedes, which has had huge success with its ‘GL’ models in recent years.
So, rather than the EQA being based on the standard A-Class hatchback, its basis is instead the firm’s GLA crossover – a model that delivers a great mix of style, practicality and affordability.
That said, it gains many styling cues to separate it from the regular GLA, most notably with its ‘EQ’-specific front end, while full-width lighting appears at the front and rear.
Strong electric range
The EQA is debuting initially in a ‘250’ guise, and for this it gets a 66.5kWh battery combined with a 185bhp electric motor.
While it doesn’t have the longest range of any EV, Mercedes still claims it can travel an impressive 263 miles on a single charge, while should you need to stop, 100kW charging capability means the battery can be topped up from flat to 80 per cent in just 40 minutes.
It gets Mercedes’ fantastic infotainment system
Mercedes’ ‘MBUX’ infotainment system is one of the best around, and thankfully it’s included across the EQA range.
It sees numerous screens and high-quality displays working in tandem, while for this new EV, it gets a new EV-specific navigation system, which can take charging times and locations into account when devising a route, and subsequently speeding up journey times – particularly on longer trips.
Attractive pricing and loads of standard kit
You might expect the new Mercedes EQA to command a premium price tag, but surprisingly it doesn’t, with models not actually costing much more than the equivalent option from Hyundai or Kia.
Prices for the EQA 250 Sport start from £40,495, and there’s certainly no shortage of kit, with adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats and a suite of driver assistance technology included. An AMG Line model is also available for £41,995, with this adding sportier styling, 20-inch alloy wheels, and leather and Alcantara seats.
Further derivatives are on the way
While the EQA range might seem quite small at the moment, Mercedes has promised that plenty more derivatives are on the way.
These will include longer-range options to rival the likes of the top-spec Volkswagen ID.3, which can travel more than 300 miles on a charge, along with even hot ‘AMG’ models. So, if the EQA 250 isn’t quite up your street, it won’t be long before further options are available.
The new Mercedes EQA is on sale now, with first deliveries expected in the spring.
Enquire on a new Mercedes-Benz EQA
