Mercedes-Benz EQA detailed: GLA-based EV to deliver 426km range

Mercedes-Benz has a new and smaller EV in its stable, with the covers officially pulled from the EQA compact SUV.

Mercedes-Benz describes the EQA as a “close relation” of the GLA, in much the same way the EQC is a close relation of the GLC – in short, an electrified take on an existing vehicle.

But if the EQC is any guide, that’s no bad thing, with the instant familiarity on offer immediate shrinking the scary-feeling jump into your first electric vehicle.

“Progressive design and intuitive operation are two of the highlights of the EQA. With this car, for the first time we are offering our customers an all-electric Mercedes in the compact segment with an extensive range that ensures its viability in everyday use,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG.

“As such, the new EQA is an important vehicle along our path towards the electrification of all our vehicle segments.”

So what do you need to know?

Mercedes-Benz EQA detailed: pricing

While local pricing is yet to be revealed, we do know the EQA will start at 47,450 Euros in Germany, which as a direct conversion, is around $75k – which is exactly where we expect the EQA to land.

And given the EQC starts at around 71,000 Euro – or $110,000, which is a fair way below the $139,000 asking price of the vehicle in Australia – that’s a pretty good deal for EQA shoppers.

EQA powertrain

What will you get for the money? Initially, the EQA will launch in EQA 250 guise, which is equipped with a single electric motor that will produce 140kW and 375Nm. Mercedes says that’s enough for a sprint to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds, with the EQA pushing on to a clearly limited top speed of 160km/h.

Battery and charging the EQA

It’s also equipped with a 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, designed as a “double-decker” battery, which doubles as a structural element of the vehicle itself, but is protected from scrapes and stone chips despite its position beneath the passenger footwell. 

Mercedes says recharging will take five hours and 45 minutes using an AC charger, while an appropriate DC fast-charger will drop the time to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent to 30 minutes, provided the vehicle is being charged at its full 100kW capacity.

426km range for Mercedes-Benz EQA

The EQA 250 carries a WLTP range of 426km.

And that, says Mercedes, is just the beginning, with the 250 to be followed by new EQA models that focus on a longer driving range (up to 500kms) and “more athletic” twin-motor AWD models that promised to produce more than 200kW – which seems to suggest an AMG-badged version isn’t entirely off the table.

Mercedes-Benz EQA detailed: dimensions

The EQA spans 4463mm in length, 1834mm in width, and 1620mm in height, and rides on a 2729mm wheelbase. Mercedes says it will also deliver some 200mm in ground clearance.

Mercedes EQA equipment

Expect Merc’s full suite of safety equipment, which will include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist and AEB, as well as a Driving Assistance Package that includes things like exit warning (with cyclist and vehicle detection), and a pedestrian warning system for zebra crossings. You’ll also get LED headlights, an auto tailgate, 18-inch alloys, ambient interior lighting and “luxury” seats. 

On tech front, you can expect Australian cars to be equipped with Benz’ twin-screen setup, which makes use of two 10.25-inch displays running the brand’s MBUX infotainment software. 

Launch timing for Australia

Expect to see the EQA in Australia around the middle of 2021.