Frankfurt show: Mercedes Concept EQA breaks cover

MERCEDES-BENZ has unveiled the second concept from its EQ electric sub-brand in the form of the Concept EQA small hatch, featuring a pair of electric motors mounted on an axle each for a combined output of over 200kW.

Combined with a maximum torque output of over 500Nm, the Concept EQA can sprint from zero to 100km/h in around five seconds, and boasts a driving range of roughly 400km from its 60kWh battery system.

Charging options include either at home or inductively, as well as via fast-charging stations where 100km of driving range can be charged in less than 10 minutes.

The electric all-wheel-drive system allows for axle-variable torque distribution, which can be tweaked by selecting either Sport or Sport Plus mode.

Measuring 4285mm long, 1810mm wide and 1428mm high, the three-door hatch is slightly shorter, wider and taller than the A-Class, with short overhangs and a smoother design thanks to Mercedes’ Sensual Purity design language.

Sharp lines and edges have been eschewed in favour of contours and smooth lines, with the exception of the headlights, which bear a striking similarity to the Concept A Sedan revealed at the Shanghai motor show earlier this year.

As is becoming popular with electric car concepts, the EQA sports a black panel with integrated LEDs in place of a traditional grille that can change in appearance depending on drive mode selection.

In Sport mode the grille depicts a flaming wing in horizontal format, while selecting Sport Plus changes the design to mimic the Panamerica grille from the Mercedes-AMG GT family.

The laser-fibre headlights with spiral-shaped signature are integrated into the front grille, and together with the EQC mid-size SUV concept from last year’s Paris motor show form the signature front fascia of the Mercedes-Benz EQ range.

Blue daytime running lights continue in the lower bumper, side sills and rear bumper, which also employ the same laser-fibre technology found in the headlights.

Tail-light design consists of a light strip spanning the width of the vehicle, interrupted in the middle by the Mercedes star.

The production version of the EQC is expected to go on sale globally by 2019, with the EQA to follow shortly after.

Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche said that Mercedes hopes to expand the EQ brand to include 10 all-electric vehicles in production by the year 2022.