The EQA brings Mercedes EVs into the mainstream. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This is what the Mercedes of compact electric cars looks like. The EQA isn't the most sophisticated or longest-running small EV out there, but the Stuttgart maker is hoping that when it comes down to it, this will be the one that customers in search of a premium alternative would rather have.

Background

Mercedes has long needed a relatively affordable all-electric family hatchback. BMW has its iX1. Audi has the Q4 e-tron, Volkswagen has the ID.3 and ID.4. Plus there's the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Skoda Enyaq and the CUPRA Born. So Mercedes has pulled out all the stops to bring us this EQA. There wasn't time for the Stuttgart brand to construct a bespoke electric platform for this model of the kind that features on its competitors. So it must sit on the same MFA underpinnings as the compact GLA crossover it's based upon, a chassis not originally designed for full electrification. Quite a lot of work's had to go in then, to revise this platform to take the weight of this EQA's 70.5kWh drive battery. The pay-off though for Mercedes is that it means that this BEV can roll down the same German Rastatt production line as its GLA combustion engine counterparts. Let's take a look at what this car can offer.

Driving Experience

Setting off in this Mercedes feels all very normal. There's the same kind of starter button and column-mounted auto gear lever that you'd find in any normal combustion engine model in the Stuttgart maker's range. Mainstream versions of the EQA are based around a single powertrain and battery package, dubbed the 'EQA 250+'. Here, a 70.5kWh battery pack and a single asynchronous electric motor sit on the front axle and produce a combined output of 188bhp and 375Nm of torque. Drive is through the usual fixed-ratio auto gearbox common to full-battery models. Like all EVs, the EQA shoots away from rest like a scalded cat as all the torque is developed all at once. And, like all EVs, it runs out of puff a little once the 62mph mark is passed (in 8.9s), eventually topping out at just 99mph. If you want to go faster in an EQA, you'll need to talk to your dealer about the two 4MATIC models, the EQA 300 (with 228hp) and the EQA 350 (with 292hp), the latter capable of 0-62mph in around 6 seconds. These also use the 70.5kWh battery. Our focus here though, is on the volume EQA 250 derivative and the stat you'll be most interested in with that particular variant is driving range, rated at up to 346 miles from a single charge (the 4MATIC models deliver a max of 280 miles). To give you some segment perspective, a rival Volkswagen ID.3 with a 77kWh battery also manages up to 346 miles. Expect longer range EQAs in the future. To maximise the range you do have, you'll need to make proactive use of the various brake regenerative energy harvesting modes on offer. The most aggressive setting is 'D - -', in which you feel sharp retardation whenever you come off the throttle. That's useful in town, meaning you hardly ever need to use the brakes, except when coming to a complete stop. The least aggressive setting is 'D+', in which the car coasts without any perceptible off-throttle braking, maintaining momentum.

Design and Build

As is intentional, there's a clear visual connection between this EQA and its combustion-engined GLA conventional showroom stablemates. The two cars share the same steel bodyshell and bumpers, but the electric variant gets its own unique blanked-off front grille and some other lightly altered details. A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night. Exclusive to this model are light-alloy wheels in a bi- or tri-colour design, up to 20 inches in size, in some cases with rose gold-coloured or blue decorative trim. The interior's very recognisable from the GLA too, though there are EQA-themed instrument and infotainment graphics across the distinctive bonded twin screens that dominate the front of the cabin. The rear seat's a bit different though, mainly because the floor level's had to be raised to accommodate the battery pack that's been inserted beneath, there's also a transmission tunnel-like ridge running down the cabin centre. At least legroom isn't compromised over a normal GLA. Out back, the usual 481-litre boot you get in a combustion-engined GLA has been compromised in size a little here (to 340-litres), but the useful 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat of the conventional car has been retained.

Market and Model

OK: what'll you pay for an EQA? All the models available in this line-up now use the same 70.5kWh battery and nearly all sales are of the EQA 250+ variant we tried, which uses a front-mounted 190hp electric motor and is priced from around £50,000 in entry-level 'Sport Executive' form. Beyond that, there are 'Urban Edition', 'AMG Line Executive', 'AMG Line Premium' and 'AMG Line Premium Plus' trim levels available, the plushest and most powerful options taking the price up towards £60,000. The two more sophisticated EQA variants, the EQA 300 4MATIC and the EQA 350 4MATIC, add an extra electric motor on the rear axle to increase traction - and power, the '300' variant offering 228hp and the '350' version boosting that to 292hp. For these faster models, prices start from around £53,000 for the '300' and from around £54,500 for the '350'. If you like the idea of an EQA of some sort but need a bit of extra versatility, bear in mind that Mercedes also has its mechanically almost identical EQB SUV for relatively little more.

Cost of Ownership

Mercedes has improved the driving range of the base EQA 250+ with a larger 70.5kWh battery which will take up up to 346 miles. Mind you, you're going to need to make pretty proactive use of the brake regenerative settings to achieve that. The 300 4MATIC and 350 4MATIC AWD models can only go up to 280 miles. Either way, all EQAs will support both 11kW AC and 100kW DC charging. The 100 kW DC on-board charger allows the car to charge the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 32 minutes, and from 10 to 100 per cent in seven hours and 15 minutes using an 11kW wall box (it's 10 hours 45 minutes with a 7.4kW wallbox). Navigation with Electric Intelligence - included as standard on both trim levels - calculates the route that will get the driver to their destination fastest, taking into account charging times, and taking the stress out of route planning. A three-year subscription to the Mercedes me Charge public charging service is also available as standard. With Mercedes me Charge, customers have access to what is currently the world's biggest charging network: this currently comprises more than 450,000 AC and DC charging points across 3 countries. Mercedes me Charge allows customers convenient use of the charging stations of various providers, even when travelling abroad. By registering just once, they can benefit from an integrated payment function with a simple billing process. Mercedes me Charge enables customers to charge at more than 175,000 public charging points throughout Europe; Mercedes-Benz ensures a subsequent offset with green power.

Summary

There's lots you might like about the EQA. It is, after all, a very Mercedes-style package, with a feeling of cabin elegance, sophistication and quality that many competitors struggle to match. And the compromises the battery system requires in terms of rear seat accommodation and boot space aren't too great. The brake regeneration system is excellent. The extensive 'Mercedes me' charging network and the easy way you can pay to use it is an obvious attraction. And residual values will probably be very competitive. If you can use all of these attributes to justify a car that costs slightly more than its most obvious rivals and goes a slightly lower distance than them between charges, then all well and good. If you can't, then lots of alternatives in this segment await your evaluation. Once you've tried them though, you might end up feeling that none have quite the class and appeal of an EQA. Such is the draw of the Three Pointed Star. We're a little disappointed that Mercedes chose to patch together an electric family car from the engineering of a combustion-powered one. But not everyone cares about design semantics of this sort and for the kind of people an EQA is aimed at, what's delivered here will probably be sufficient to satisfy. We always thought though, that the Mercedes mantra was 'The best or nothing'. Which means that in this case, the best is clearly yet to come.

Body Glass

Electric front windows

Electric rear windows

Rear wiper

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Brakes

Radar-based recuperation

Anti-lock brake system

Electric parking brake

Electronic Stability Programme

Carpets/Rugs

AMG floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Comfort suspension ride height lowering with electically adjustable damping suspension

Communication

Wireless charging system for mobile devices

Driver Aids

DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes (max range, ECO, comfort and sport)

Speed sensitive power steering

Driver Convenience

Finger print scanner

Easy-pack tailgate

Driver Information

Acoustic ambient protection

EQ navigation services - map (range display), display charging stations, programming of charging settings and pre entry climate control

Head up Display

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android auto

Mercedes Benz emergency call system

MBUX augmented reality for navigation

Mercedes me connect

Hard-disk navigation

Service indicator

MBUX Interior Assistant (gesture control)

Trip computer

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable door mirrors

Heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Light longitudinal grain aluminium trim painted

Entertainment

Sound personalisation

MBUX multimedia system with widescreen cockpit (2X10" displays with touchpad)

Burmester surround sound system with 12 speakers and a total system output of 590 watts

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

AMG Line bodystyling including AMG front apron with integrated air curtain and AMG rear apron with diffusor optics

Body colour bumpers

Rear side wing doors

Electrically operated panoramic glass sunroof

Wheel arch liners in the colour of the vehicle

Grille with star pattern in chrome

Exterior Lights

Front and rear LED light band

Front fog lights

Daytime running lights

LED High performance headlamps with adaptive highbeam assist

3rd brake light

Surround lighting with projection of brand logo

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control

Interior Features

Illuminated door sills with EQA lettering

3 spoke AMG multifunction sports flat bottom steering wheel in nappa leather with galvanised shift paddles

Double Cupholder

Leather upholstery

Stowage compartment with retractable cover

AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals with aluminium rubber studs

Roof lining - Black fabric

Reach and rake adjustable steering column

Rear armrest with storage + through load

Fluorescent jacket

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting with choice of 64 colour settings

Packs

Winter pack - EQA

Memory pack - EQA

Mirror package without dimming interior and drivers exterior mirrors- EQA

Night Package - EQA

Stowage package - EQA

Seat comfort pack - EQA

Keyless go comfort package - EQA

Interior light package - EQA

Parking package with 360 degree camera - EQA

Safety

6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side airbags

3 rear seatbelts

Child locks on rear doors

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Knee bags

Isofix child seat anchor points on outer rear seats

Seats

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

Front and rear head restraints

AMG sports seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

Heated front seats

Security

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection

Remote central locking

Hands free access

Vehicle Charging

Charging cable for wall box and public charging station - Type 2(mode 3) 5m

Combined charging system CCS-2 connector

100KW DC onboard charger

11KW onboard charger

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Alloy

20" AMG 10 spoke light alloy wheels aerodynamically optimised painted in high gloss black with high sheen finish

Wheels - Spare

Tirefit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 645

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 435

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 62000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 70.5

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 505

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 505

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 505

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.1

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 16.1

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 16.3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 314

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 314

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 314

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 70.5

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 11

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 67

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: AMG Line Prem Plus

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 2

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 40E

Service Interval Mileage: 15500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 97

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 90

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 81

NCAP Safety Assist %: 75

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 190

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: 0

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.6

Top Speed: 99

Engine Power - BHP: 190

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 140

Engine Power - RPM: 7000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 284

Engine Torque - NM: 385

Engine Torque - MKG: 39.3

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG 10 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4463

Width: 1834

Wheelbase: 2729

Width (including mirrors): 2020

Height: 1608

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2050

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2475

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 425

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 340

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1320

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Manufaktur metallic paint

Manufaktur magno paint

Packs

Driving assistance pack - EQA

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cosmos black

Metallic - Mountain grey

Metallic - High tech silver

Paint - Solid

Solid - Polar white

Paint - Special

Manufaktur metallic - Patagonia red

Manufaktur magno - Mountain grey

Towing

Trailer coupling with ESP trailer stabilisation

Trim - Leather

Leather - Black