First was the EQC and now Mercedes-Benz is writing another file in its all-electric history with the GLAbased EQA. At some point in the future, the Germans will release an EV version of the S-Class, dubbed EQS. Until that happens, let’s take a closer look at the EQA.

Mercedes-Benz EQA - Design

If it wasn’t for a handful of exclusive features, you could mistake the EQA for a GLA. Mercedes-Benz made sure that won’t happen via revised headlights that now sport a blue signature and an LED strip that goes all the way across the width of the rear end. Also, there’s no way you can miss those neat new wheels, which arguably have one of the best designs we’ve seen lately. Also worthy of a mention is the drag coefficient of just 0.28, equal to the GLA’s.

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA exterior dimensions

Step inside and the cabin looks familiar, too. Just like in the A-Class and GLA, the cockpit is brimming with tech bits. Obviously, la piece de resistance must be the two 10.25-inch displays that support the MBUX interface. Mind you, those are optional as you get two seven-inch screens as standard. As a particularity, the rev counter (irrelevant in any EV) has been replaced by a wattmeter, while the upper section of the screen shows the percentage of power. The lower section displays energy recuperation data.

What’s more, the EQA is expected to offer a decent level of practicality, which Mercedes says it attained by offering a 40-20-40 split-folding backseat.

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA interior dimensions

Mercedes-Benz EQA - Powertrain

An asynchronous electric motor powers the EQA from the front axle. Power goes to the front wheels through a fixed-ratio transmission and a differential, which are integrated into a single unit together with the e-motor itself, the cooling system and other electronics.

The motor produces 140 kilowatts (201 horsepower, 204 PS) and 375 Newton-meters of torque, allowing the EQA to go from zero to 100 kph in 8.9 seconds. Top speed is 160 kph.

Power comes from a 66.5 kWh battery pack and Mercedes says average energy consumption should not go over 15.7 kWh/100 km. Range is estimated at 486 kilometers (miles), according to the NEDC method. Charging the battery at a rapid-charging outlet (DC power) takes just 30 minutes, while AC charging will see the battery replenished in less than six hours.

Mercedes-Benz also plans to roll out an all-wheel-drive EQA which will feature a second electric motor positioned on the rear axle. It will still be badged as 4MATIC, but the system will use Torque Shift – essentially a fancy way of saying torque vectoring, where torque distribution between the two axles is adjusted 100 times per second.

Mercedes-Benz EQA – Availability and price

Production of the EQA kicks off this year and for now, the EV is staying in Europe. There’s no word on U.S. availability just yet, although Mercedes-Benz is currently analyzing that possibility. Prices for the new EQA start at €39,950 in Germany, or about $48,400 at current exchange rates.