All-electric Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 breaks cover
Mercedes-Benz has premiered its entry level all-electric SUV — the Mercedes-Benz EQA which is based on the GLA platform that has been tweaked for the electric drivetrain. The EQA is part of Mercedes-Benz’ electrification strategy for 2021 and it joins the likes of the EQC (based on the GLC) and the upcoming EQS (based on S-Class) EVs.
The EQA 250 gets a 66.5kWh battery pack and a front-axle mounted electric motor that churns 188bhp and 375Nm. The EQA will do the 0-100kmph dash in 8.9 seconds and has a limited top speed of 160kmph. What’s worth noting is that the EQA has a WLTP certified range of 426km on a single charge. Speaking of charging, you can top up the battery in under 30 minutes using the 100kW DC fast charger while the AC wallbox can do the job in just under six hours.
The EQA even anticipates the range depending on various factors like topography, weather and so on. It even provides information regarding coasting and allows regeneration to kick in depending on bumps, crests, junctions, traffic signals and slopes that lie ahead. The system also allows various levels of brake energy recuperation. In the near future, the EQA will get a variant with 500km+ range, all-wheel-drive system and power output of around 270bhp.
When it comes to design, at a quick glance, we can immediately see the connection it has with the GLA. However, the EQA sports a closed-out grille which reminds you of the flagship EQC. It gets standard adaptive LED headlights and taillamps that stretch across the width of the car. The EQA also gets 18-inch alloys in three new designs with blue inserts on it.
The EQA is well-equipped right from its base model. It gets electrically operated boot, ambient lighting with 64 colours, a double cup holder, seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support and a reversing camera. Additional equipment can be found in either of the Electric Art or AMG Line trims. The AMG Line gets sports seats, a sportier look and aluminium trim. A limited-run Edition 1 model, which will be available for the first year of EQA sales, features 20-inch alloy wheels in a gold colour, alongside grey leather seats and special floor mats. On the inside, the EQA also gets MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system that features a smart navigation system and picks the route for you based on charging stations on the route.
The EQA will go on sale in Europe from February 4 and prices in Germany start from EUR 47,540 (Rs 42.05 lakh, without Indian taxes and duties). Although the EQA 250 does not have a direct rival like the EQC, it will pave the way for other manufacturers to follow suit. If Mercedes-Benz manages to localise the EQA for India, it can certainly be a sensible, zero-emissions alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs like the GLA and X1, given that adequate charging infrastructure also gets established simultaneously.
