Is the Mercedes-Benz EQA an Electric Car Turning Point?
The front-wheel-drive EQA 250 gets a 188 bhp 277 lb ft front-mounted asynchronous motor. Where you’d otherwise find the GLA’s petrol or diesel lump. Benz promises 0-62 mph in 8.9 seconds and a top speed limited to just below 100 mph. They also insist the Mercedes-Benz EQA will deliver a 265 mile WLTP range on a full charge.
EQA has a 100 kW maximum DC charging rate, which will allow an 80% charge in around 30 minutes. It will also fully charge from empty in just under six hours on and 11kW AC charger.
A thermal management system heat pump additionally reuses residue electric drivetrain heat. ‘MBUX Navigation with electric intelligence’ will calculate EQA’s fastest route. It considers topography, weather, traffic and driving style to to and plan charging stops en route. It will even pre-heat or cool the battery while driving to ensure the ideal temperature for rapid charging.
The rest of the EQA’s MBUX infotainment system is as you know it. It and the multi-function Mercedes Me app now control cabin climate preconditioning. It will pack in Active Lane Keeping and Active Brake Assistants. The Driving Assistance Package adds active functions and features, including one to warn of pedestrians near to a pedestrian crossing. Also expect adaptive high beam a reversing camera.
A version with with a 311-mile range and additional models will follow soon. Including a 268 bhp dual-motor all-wheel drive performance EQA AMG .
All in all, Mercedes’s first compact EV is a step in the right direction in many ways. While it appears unique at first sight, it is actually just an electric version of the GLA. It still offers all that car’s many advantages. But now with electric drive too. It’s still different enough to make a statement, but it’s also common enough to make fine business — and commercial sense.
And talking sense, the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 will go some way to normalise electric driving. Especially in the minds of Benz fans keen to hold on to many of those other traditions so often ditched on previous, oddball electric cars.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz