After launching the rather expensive EQC, Mercedes has now come up with a slightly more affordable EV that could be a game-changer for the brand. Called the EQA, it is essentially a GLA that comes with some cosmetic changes and of course, a heart transplant. Interestingly, Mercedes has used a different approach for this car.

The EQA isn’t a wild-looking electric vehicle with radical styling cues and neither is it a rocket off the line, which seems to be the norm in the segment. Not everyone likes to take off the moment you press the A-pedal, after all. So, if the quick, push-you-back-in-the-seat cars are not your thing, here’s a refreshing electric vehicle that will make you smile and let you drive it calmly.

Mercedes EQA Exterior Design

While the overall shape is that of the GLA’s, the styling cues are unique and complement the EQ series of vehicles. It looks like a mini EQC when viewed from the front, thanks to the closed, black panel grille with the Mercedes logo on it. A horizontal fiber optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps with Adaptive High Beam, thus giving a full-width look when in action. Yes, they feature the signature blue strips in the headlamps that Mercedes EQ models are equipped with.

From the side it looks just like a GLA, barring the new wheel design. The EQA comes with 18-inch light-alloy ‘aero wheels’ as standard. The rear comes with LED taillights and an LED strip that, just like the face, gives a full-width taillight appeal. Other than this, the tailgate features the automaker’s logo and the “EQA250” branding. The bumper features some chrome elements at the bottom where you’d expect exhaust pipes to be. Overall, the EQA is a clean-looking car with a ‘please all, offend none’ styling.

The automaker has paid special attention to aerodynamics to extract the maximum range possible. The cooling air control system in the upper section is completely closed, while the underbody is also enclosed to a large extent. The front and rear aprons are said to be aerodynamically efficient, too. Thanks to all these measures, the EQA coefficient of drag is rated at an impressive 0.28. Mercedes also offers up to 20-inch wheels that can be had in two-tone or three-tone shades, but they aren’t all aero wheels.

Mercedes EQA Interior Design

As expected from a Mercedes, the cabin is plush and exquisite. Multiple themes will be offered, and depending on the trim you choose, you could get one with a back-lit treatment, rosé gold-colored decorative elements on the ventilation outlets and seats, and so on. The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split ratio. There will be an ‘Edition 1’ model that will come with perforated leather seats with the signature Mercedes-EQ pure blue color. Even the instrument panel here will follow the same theme.

As standard, you get two seven-inch screens; one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the center console. The former shows up the drive and battery-related info, whereas the latter is for media purposes. These can be upgraded to bigger 10.25-inch screens as well. Extra moolah can even get you stuff like a full-color head-up display and navigation with augmented reality.

The standard set of features includes:

-* Ambient lighting with 64 colors

-* Leather-wrapped steering wheel

-* Seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support

-* Touchscreen with MBUX infotainment system

-* Navigation with Electric Intelligence system

-* Rear camera

Mercedes EQA Powertrain and Battery

The EQA takes 8.9 seconds to 60 mph from a standstill and has a top speed of 100 mph. Power is drawn from a 66.5 kWh ‘usable’ battery pack, consuming 15.7 kWh for every 62 miles. There’s no mention of it, but assuming 80-percent is usable, then the EQA actually comes with an 83 kWh battery pack. According to the lenient NEDC cycle, it offers a range of 302 miles, and as per the WLTP cycle, it is rated at 265 miles. Expect the EPA-estimated range to be even lower. The towing capacity is rated at 1,653 pounds.

When connected to a wallbox or AC charging station, the EQC takes 5 hours and 45 minutes to recharge from 10 to 100-percent. When plugged into a rapid-charging DC station, it takes just 30 minutes to charge from 10 to 80-percent. To maximize efficiency, the EQA comes with a heat pump as standard.

A dual-motor setup will be available in the future that will produce up to 268 horses. The range on that model is expected to be around 310 miles according to the WLTP cycle.

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA specifications

Mercedes EQA Pricing

Mercedes-Benz has priced the EQA at €47,540.50 in Germany, which is approximately $57,625 as per the current exchange rates.

Mercedes EQA Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The EQA is rich on this front, too, as the EQA is offered with niceties like:

-* Active Lane Keeping Assist

-* Active Brake Assist

-* Turning Maneuver Function

-* Emergency Corridor Function

-* Exit Warning Function

-* Driver and Front Passenger Airbags

-* Driver Knee Airbag

-* Window Airbags

Final Thoughts

The EQA is the entry-level electric car in the lineup and is the one that will bring volumes for Mercedes. It seems to be packed to the brim in terms of creature comforts and tech features. However, the powertrain specs are not very impressive. On paper, the car seems lousy as per EV standards, but let’s not forget that this the entry-level electric model, and there are a lot of people out there who are not accustomed to the instantaneous torque and perhaps fear how fast EVs go. Parents looking to get their teenager his/her first car might appreciate this, and so will the older folks who prefer driving sedately.

Mercedes says two design and equipment lines – Electric Art and AMG Line – along with a Night Package that blackens all the bling will be offered. The car will be built in Rastatt, Germany and Beijing, China, and will be exported from there to other countries.