Mercedes-Benz has officially taken the wraps off the EQA, the first of two all-electric compact crossovers it’s adding to its lineup. Think of the EQA as an all-electric version of the GLA-Class but you can distinguish it with unique design cues like a closed-off grille, full-width taillights, unique 18-inch wheels, additional underbody panels, a rear spoiler, and sealed headlight surrounds. In terms of dimensions, the EQA is 175.7 inches long, 72.2 inches wide, and 63.7 inches tall, putting it right in the middle of the subcompact crossover class. The EQA is also pretty good at cheating the wind thanks to its 0.28 coefficient of drag.
Initially, Mercedes-Benz will launch the EQA 250, which is powered by a 140-kW electric motor (188 hp and 276 lb-ft of torque). A 66.5-kWh lithium-ion battery should allow the EQA 250 to travel up to 480 km or 298 miles per charge on the NEDC cycle. A more powerful 200-kW motor (268 hp) with AWD and 500 km or 300-mile range on the WLTP cycle will join the lineup later on. Using a level 2 or 240-volt charger, you can fully replenish the battery in under six hours. High-speed chargers cut charging time down to 30 minutes to get to 80 percent. Mercedes says the EQA 250 will be able to sprint to 100 km/h or 62 mph in 8.9 seconds.
The EQA features a four-link suspension layout for improved ride and handling. Adaptive dampers are available as an option. More powerful versions of the Mercedes-Benz EQA will be available with AWD via the addition of a second electric motor. The torque distribution between the two electric motors will be adjusted 100 times per second depending on traction requirements. If the driving situation doesn’t require traction at all four wheels, the powertrain will switch off one electric motor to maximize efficiency.
Much of the Mercedes-Benz EQA’s interior is similar to the GLA’s, featuring the same dual-display layout. Two 7.0- or 10.25-inch screens house the slick MBUX interface, which has its specific tools for EQ models to help maximize range and schedule charging times. Mercedes’ full helping of driver assistance features will be offered on the EQA including full-speed adaptive cruise control, steering assist, lane-keeping assist, front emergency braking, and evasion assist.
To commemorate the arrival of the EQA, Mercedes-Benz will launch the Edition 1 variant for Europe as a one-year special model. This version gets special design cues like Silver Shadow air vents with blue highlights, Neva Gray leather upholstery with blue accents embedded into the seats, 20-inch alloy wheels in black and rose gold and Edition 1 floor mats. You’ll also be able to choose multiple themes, including the AMG and Black Lines, the former of which also adds sport seats with additional support.
GALLERY: Comprehensive photo gallery of Mercedes EQA
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t announced whether it plans to sell the EQA to the U.S. market. However, we think that it will eventually bring the car here as the entry-level EQ model alongside the upcoming EQB. This could expand Mercedes’ reach with its electric vehicles, giving consumers more options for EV motoring. The addition of the EQA would create a full range of Mercedes EQ vehicles ranging from sedans to SUVs of all sizes. In total, Mercedes-Benz will grow its all-electric lineup to eight models by 2022.
