This is, the Mercedes-Benz EQA

The entry-level EV from the German marque is here, and it’s based on the A-Class, as well as the GLA. That’s what we think. And most of the world, too. But not Mercedes.

Set to go on sale from spring this year, and with its price hovering around the 39,000GBP mark, the EQA arrives in the EQA 250 form and is Mercedes’ entry-level EV with also being one of the six EQ models in line to be launched by 2022.

Exterior & Interior

With the current-gen of GLA as its base, the EQA 250 features a host of updates to differentiate it from its ICE-powered sibling such as the signature black panel EQ radiator grille and the ‘unbroken’ light strips at the front and rear.

The front has the standard full-LED headlights connected via a fiber-optic strip across the front fascia. The situation at the rear has a completely different tailgate design from the GLA, moving the number-plate down to the bumper, enabling the taillights to merge as a single-piece light bar. Mercedes claims these features ensure a “high level of recognizability both in daylight and at night”. Always an eye for attention-to-detail, Mercedes.

New wheel designs also make their debut with the EQA 250 as they are available in even 20inches of size! They can be had with either a bi-color or tri-color design, with some boasting a rose-gold color scheme, too. They are lovely but are going to be very difficult to clean.

On the inside, changes are less extensive than on the outside. The basic layout remains the same but there are now rose-gold-colored trim inserts on the vents, seats, and key (perfection), plus additional trim backlighting. The Edition 1 spec brings special leather along with blue fabric perforations. Truly, “The Best or Nothing”.

As with every other Merc EV, the digital instrument cluster is redesigned for EV-specific display functions, and now also features rose gold and blue highlights. Stop making us drool, Mercedes!

How does the tech look like

“Sophisticated thermal management system” has a heat pump that reuses the waste heat from the electric drivetrain, while the climate pre-conditioning functions are controlled via the MBUX infotainment system or the multi-function Mercedes Me app.

The EQA 250 boasts a standard ‘navigation with electric intelligence’ function. It is also able to calculate the fastest route, uses range simulations to allow for necessary charging stops. The EQA is also capable of pre-heating or cooling the battery while it’s being driven to ensure ideal temp and allow rapid charging. Techier than a Tesla?

Standard safety includes Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist, with the enhanced Driving Assistance Package bringing several active alert functions and assist features, including a warning that detects when pedestrians are near a zebra crossing. Mind-boggling!

The entry-level EV is launched in the 250 form before further variants, including a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive AMG variant, are brought in after the first year of sale. Mercedes claims power outputs of up to 268bhp, although that does not include the AMG-variant.

Powertrain & Battery

188bhp and 277lb-ft from its front-mounted asynchronous motor will be available when it reaches the floors, while the front-wheel-drive EV will be capable of reaching 0-62mph in 8.9sec and a top speed limited to just under 100mph.

Battery capacity is 66.5kWh (usable), with a WLTP range of 265 miles promised (a longer-range variant with claimed 311-miles will arrive later). A maximum DC charging rate of 100kW is quoted, allowing for an 80% charge in roughly 30 minutes. An 11kW AC charge can take it from empty to full in just under six hours, too.