Mercedes-Benz has presented the EQA. The electric crossover will initially only come as EQA 250, has a WLTP range of 426 kilometers and a starting price of € 49,995. More variants will follow at a later stage.
The EQA is the second EQ model after the EQC. It is clearly derived from the GLA, but differs in appearance on a number of points. In terms of shape, the EQA’s headlamps are more like the viewers of the A-class and they run seamlessly into the closed grille. A continuous LED strip is present at the top of the ‘grille’ – comparable to the EQC. The rear lights of the EQA are also optically connected to each other via an LED bar. In addition, the number plate moved to the rear bumper. Furthermore, the EQA can be recognized by blue accents and a diffuser, of course the exhausts shine through absence. The EQA has 18-inch wheels as standard, the striking 20-inch rose gold models are optional.
The interior of the EQA is already more similar to that of the GLA. For example, the layout of the screens for the MBUX interface and the design of the dashboard have remained exactly the same, except for a new rear-lit trim. In addition to the AMG Line, there is, however, an additional personalization option for the interior: Electric Art. This includes rose gold accents on the ventilation grilles, the seats and the key. Also nice: the mood lighting can be set in 64 different colors as standard.
A good start …
In the first instance, the EQA is only available as EQA 250. Mercedes-Benz indicates that the 250 also functions as a base model, so there will be no EQA with a smaller battery pack and less power. The EQA stands on a modified variant of the MFA2 platform of the GLA, with the battery pack located in a steel frame under the car. The eventual successor to the EQA will receive an EV base specifically developed for the EQ line. As a starter, the EQA 250 is not exactly scanty: it has a battery capacity of 66.5 kWh and the electric motor releases 190 hp and 375 Nm of torque on the front wheels. It sprints to 100 km / h in 8.9 seconds and the top speed is 160 km / h. More relevant is the range, which is a very useful 426 kilometers (WLTP). More variants are on the way: an EQA with 4Matic is in the pipeline, as is a version with more than 500 kilometers of range. There is also a version with 272 hp. Whether there will also be an AMG version is not yet clear.
The EQA charges at a fast charger with a maximum charging power of 100 kW. This means that the battery pack can be fully charged from 10 to 80 percent of its capacity in half an hour. The maximum charging speed on a wallbox is 11 kW. With these values, the EQA is more or less at the same level as the almost equally priced Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. The two models are also close to each other with regard to the theoretical range. However, the Tesla manages to squeeze out a WLTP range of 448 kilometers from its smaller battery pack of 50 kWh.
Limited additional cost
With the EQA, Mercedes-Benz wants to appeal to a young target group and encourage the switch to an EV. To range anxiety In this group as much as possible, they opted for a relatively large battery. The additional cost of the EQA compared to the regular GLA, which is in the price list from € 46,973, remains relatively limited with a starting price of € 49,995. For just under 50 grand, the EQA buyer will get access to MBUX with Electric Intelligence, a heat pump, LED headlights, comfort seats, an electric tailgate, a reversing camera and an active track and brake assistant as standard.
For people who regularly have to pull heavier equipment, there is less good news, because although the EQA is optionally available with a tow bar, it can only tow 750 kg. According to Mercedes-Benz, the four-wheel drive variants will have a higher towing capacity. From this spring, the EQA will be available from European dealers.
EQ for later
In total, Mercedes-Benz wants to launch an offensive of six new EVs before 2022, with the EQA as the starting shot. In addition to the EQA, an electric variant of the GLB will be placed in the form of the EQB. One step higher are the EQE and EQS, the electrical equivalents of the E and S class respectively. A variant of the EQE will soon also be higher on its legs, the EQE SUV and the electric EQS will also receive such a derivative. In the field of commercial vehicles, an EQ variant of the new Citan is planned.
Of course it doesn’t stop with these models: Mercedes-Benz is also working on a new EQC. In addition, Smart is also breeding on completely new electric models. All in all, so much more news from Stuttgart can be expected in the near future.