Mercedes EQA Review.

Baby Benz with electric power at its heart.

EQA INTRODUCTION

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is the company’s smallest electric vehicle and is based on the GLA-Class compact SUV. Launched in early 2021, this battery-powered Benz competes against the Audi Q4 e-Tron, VW ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Skoda Enyaq, and Volvo XC40 Recharge.

If you’re looking for an EV with stacks of badge appeal, then it’s hard to beat the handsome Mercedes EQA. Its cabin is crammed full of jaw-dropping features that rivals struggle to match.

EQA SPECIFICATIONS

All three EQA Mercedes have the same 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery that lies flat underneath the passenger compartment. The entry-level EQA250 model is a front-wheel drive, while the EQA300 4Matic and range-topping EQA350 4Matic offer four-wheel drive capability.

Both the EQA300 and EQA350 can achieve 255 to 264 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, while the EQA250 hits 250 to 263 miles. Naturally, all-electric EQA Mercedes offer zero-emissions driving, and you won’t need to worry about changing gear thanks to the single-speed automatic transmission, which is operated like a regular auto.

The EQA250’s electric drive system provides the equivalent of 190hp and 375Nm of torque, which is enough for an 8.9-second 0-62mph time. The EQA300 4Matic boasts 228hp and 390Nm of twisting force, which drops the 0-62mph time to 7.7 seconds. The EQA350 4Matic, meanwhile, is hot hatch-rapid, capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in just 6.0 seconds thanks to its 292hp and 520Nm of torque. As for top speeds, all EQAs max out at 99mph.

All-new Mercedes EQAs come with a 5m-long Mode 2 cable for plugging into domestic plug sockets, as well as a 5m Mode 3 (11kW) cable for hooking up to wall boxes and public charging stations; the EQA is equipped with an 11AC/100DC on-board charger for rapid recharging.

Beginning with a 10% battery level, Mercedes’ 2021-on electric car will hit 100% charge in 30 hours using a domestic plug socket (AC, 230V). A 400V wall box will replenish the same amount of charge in 5 hours 45 minutes. A rapid public charger (DC, 100kW) will send 10% battery charge level shooting up to 80% in just 30 minutes.

EQA HIGHLIGHTS

The EQA’s interior is truly special. The widescreen cockpit comprises two 10-inch displays linked to the MBUX multimedia system, and there are 64 colours of ambient lighting to enjoy. Not forgetting four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual.

The fully adjustable seat and steering wheel cater to drivers of all shapes and sizes. And although taller adults may find the rear seats short on legroom (the floor is quite high), they’re perfectly fine for children. The EQA’s boot, meanwhile, swallows 340 to 1,320 litres.

On the road, the EQA250’s laid-back pace is perfectly adequate for most drivers, and the EQA350 will satisfy those after an adrenaline fix thanks to its eye-widening turn of speed. The middling EQA300 strikes a great balance between its siblings and could be the pick of the bunch.

The EQA’s steering is pleasantly light in feel and allows the electric SUV to shrug off B-road bends without fuss, although a two-tonne kerb weight means the EQA is no sports star. Special mention must go to the EQA’s recuperation system and its five levels, which capture energy during braking to recharge the battery. Clever stuff!

The EQA250 Sport rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, while AMG Line and AMG Line Premium cars have 19-inch wheels (and generally sharper looks). The larger alloys create more road noise and bring an extra edge to the ride quality, but you could never accuse the EQA of feeling harsh thanks to the standard Comfort suspension.

EQA PRICING

The EQA’s price kicks off at £45,645 OTR for the EQA250 Sport, which is a fair chunk if you’re buying outright, or financing through a Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreement. A better option is to lease the car through Mint EV and make the asking price more manageable.

If you want the more dynamic styling of AMG Line spec, an extra £1,500 will be added to the EQA250 model’s bill. Above this trim sits AMG Line Premium (+£3,000). Both the EQA300 4Matic (from £49,645) and EQA350 4Matic (£51,145) are not available in Sport spec – they’re offered only in AMG Line and AMG Line Premium configurations.

Good news for company car drivers is the EQA range’s Benefit in Kind tax rating of 1%, rising to 2% from 2022/23 through to at least 2024/25.

CONCLUSION

If you’re looking for a high riding, high-status electric car with good range on a single charge and class-leading cabin appointments, then this star-badged SUV could be the answer. The Mercedes EQA’s price is higher than that of most rivals, but you’ll never tire of using the MBUX infotainment system or playing with the impressive number of driving modes to eke out every precious mile from the battery.

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