Mercedes EQA: entry-level EV
Mercedes’ entry-level EV is calm, hushed and not very rapid
Park all thoughts of potential future AMGtuned hot versions of EQ models. This new entry-level electric crossover is very much from the other Mercedes tradition, the non-AMG one, that prioritises comfort, refinement, safety and serenity above performance.
Outside, it’s a lot like a GLA with a blanked-off grille. Inside, a GLA with different information on the digital instruments. Under the skin it’s a straightforward EV set-up. And to drive, it’s a fine anti-aggression tool, comfortable and cosseting.
This is based on a very brief drive in a pre-production test car, although I’m assured that it is representative of the real thing. Sitting in the range under the EQC, it follows the same template, by being as close to a non-EV SUV as you can reasonably get, thus easing the transition from combustion ownership to battery. There will be plenty more EQAs – some more powerful, some with longer range, some with all-wheel drive – but the first one is the 250. It has a 66.5kW battery built into the floor, powering a single electric motor, positioned under the bonnet and delivering 188bhp to the front wheels through a single-speed transmission.
Hitting the starter button, flicking the column-mounted gearlever up to Reverse and checking the rear camera when backing out of the parking lot is no different from the usual take-off routine. Then snap the lever down into Drive and you’re conscious that the throttle is ready to deliver all 277lb ft of torque at once, and at the first junction you spot that the brake pedal feels a little softer than expected.
The main aural sensation up to 20mph is the subdued pedestrian-warning chime, which later turns into a subdued hum. Sometimes you’ll hear the underfloor heat pump, which uses excess heat from the powertrain to warm the cabin. Under full throttle, the murmur swells to a discreet growl, and you make pleasingly swift progress, but then hit the buffers at 99mph.
The EQA lets the driver select the level of energy recuperation. If you want the most engaging driving experience, go for the D+
setting, which gives you coasting when you take your foot off the accelerator. Or choose between Mild, Medium and Strong regeneration. In the most extreme of these, lifting off gives a strong deceleration that’s intended to provide a boost for the battery, but will be counter-productive if you need to speed up again immediately.
If you compare the EQA with rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW iX3, Polestar 2 and VW ID.4, it’s not among the front-runners in the 0-62mph sprint. But if you instead value ride quality and refinement, the Merc is much more impressive. It glides, it floats, it cocoons you in splendid isolation, and every so often – whenever you ask it and the state of charge allows – it provides a burst of casual dynamism.
The cabin plays a big role in the EQA’s appeal. Some spec levels are very ritzy – there’s a lot of internal lighting and rose-gold accents available – but it’s fundamentally well equipped, well made and well thought through. And it’s certainly more characterful than its key rivals.
It may not innovate or break any records, but it’s 100 per cent Mercedes.
First verdict
On first acquaintance the EQA is impressively calm and well packaged, but a longer drive in the UK will be the acid test #### #
Under full throttle the murmur swells to a discreet growl, but then you hit the bu ers at 99mph