5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE... MERCEDES EQA
A handful of essential facts on Merc’s new baby EV
IT’LL DO 265 MILES ON A CHARGE
It’s an impressively aerodynamic design, with a drag coefficient of just 0.28Cd. Combined with a 66.5kWh battery, the EQA 250 (the only one available at launch) has 265 miles of range. It also accepts 100kW rapid charging, which means a 10–80 per cent top-up takes just 30 minutes.
IT’S BASED ON THE GLA
This is essentially a revised and electrified version of Merc’s crossover’d A-Class. Looks fairly similar to the GLA too, doesn’t it? Of course, there are plenty of EQA-specific styling details, the most prominent being that blacked-out grille and the front and rear lightbars – something Merc wants to make a signature of on its EQ models.
THERE’LL BE QUICKER VERSIONS
The 250 uses a single electric motor to drive its front wheels with 185bhp and 277lb ft of torque. Top speed is limited to just 99mph and 0–62mph takes 8.9 seconds. Mercedes describes that as the sweet spot for battery size and range, but there’ll soon be a 260+bhp twin-motor, all-wheel-drive version, as well as an EQA with over 310 miles of range.
THE INTERIOR IS SIMILAR TO THE GLA’S
Very similar. The familiar MBUX infotainment system is here; the only major difference being the ‘Electric Intelligence’ that’s now incorporated into the nav. Not only does that allow the EQA to calculate its most efficient route, it also preconditions the battery to its optimum charging temperature when you get near to your designated stop. Nerd.
THERE’S MUCH ROSE GOLD
There are three trim levels. Base spec Progressive models get decent tech and full LED lights. AMG Line get sports seats and a small rear diffuser, while the Electric Art pack gets rose gold air vents and interior trim. The shiny stuff is everywhere – there are even optional 20in rose gold wheels for added bling.