Mercedes-Benz EQA

The EQA is the latest addition to the Mercedes EQ range of electric vehicles and you can think of it as the electrified equivalent of, you guessed it, the GLA judging by the theory it's similarly sized to the said baby Mercedes crossover. So, what's it all about? Let's find out.

Priced at 47,541 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Mercedes EQA is the least expensive electric crossover of the Mercedes EQ range, and although it struggles to compete against the dominant Tesla Model Y, this baby electric luxury crossover showcases its common sense to those who are taking advantage of its compact sizing, civilized dynamics, and its zero-emission promise.

Starting with the design, it's almost easy to call the EQA controversial in every way because those speedo boys who wish that the production version will be the same as the 2017 concept car are in for an utter disappointment. Contrary to the concept it draws inspiration from, the EQA is basically a five-door compact crossover bearing similar sizing as the GLA. Despite being controversial by its looks, the EQA did manage to fulfill the carmaker's vision of an EQ model in the compact segment.

Because the EQA belongs to the same bloodline as the A-Class, the interior bears resemblance to the current A-Class as well, which is questionable for an electric crossover of such size, meaning the EQA's got ample spacing for five people, good boot space, the MBUX, colorful ambient lighting, and so on. Although it's nearly as spacious as the GLA, the EQA is fit for all walks of life, whichever you would like to do with it.

The EQA is front-wheel-drive by default and the EM0021 electric motor that powers it generates 140kw of power and 375Nm of torque, capable of hitting 100kph in less than nine seconds, and it is electronically limited to 160kph. 20kph less than a typical Japanese-made car. The 4MATIC variant adds another electric motor to the rear axle, providing up to an additional 75kW of power, up to 145Nm of torque, and less than three seconds quicker than the front-wheel-drive variant but still electronically limited to 160kph. This German compact electric crossover becomes bento waiting to be eaten alive by the Japanese opposition. Ouch.

Anyway, because both the FF and 4WD variants of the EQA are powered by a 66.5kWh battery pack, it delivers a driving range of almost 430km based on WLTP standards and when charged at a public charging station, it will take half an hour to have its batteries charged from 10% to 80%. Enough to watch one episode of your favorite show while sitting inside the EQA. Nice.

Weighing over two tons, the EQA is not what you call sporty at first feel but it feels surprisingly mild on normal roads, even with the Adaptive Damping System online. In 4MATIC variants, meanwhile, it feels even milder and more accessible than its FF equivalent, giving you plenty of reasons to experience the EQA's sophisticated dynamics that is all about balancing various scenarios.

In terms of safety, the EQA features a wide array of ADAS such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist. When equipped with the Driving Assistance Package, the EQA boasts the highest levels of vehicular safety on the road. Speedo boys will feel irritated by these features but who cares? They'll just have it on anyway.

Despite its controversial looks that bear almost no resemblance to the concept, the first-ever Mercedes-Benz EQA is an electric city crossover that is capable of getting the job done from the beginning to the end of the day. Whether you use it for work or for leisure, the EQA is common sense for almost everybody willing to get their hands on it.

Photo: Daimler