Mercedes-Benz EQA electric SUV here mid-year

MERCEDES-BENZ officially opened the next chapter of its EQ electric vehicle (EV) portfolio this week, revealing the new EQA compact SUV at a virtual media event with the green high-rider set to arrive in Australia around the middle of this year.

While local pricing and specifications are yet to be confirmed, Mercedes has announced the first EQA to come to market will be the mid-spec 250 variant developing 140kW of power and 375Nm of torque courtesy of a 66.5kWh (usable) battery with a claimed range of up to 486km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

No other variants have been detailed as yet however the brand is promising more to come, including “a series” of 200kW-plus all-wheel-drive offerings featuring a dual-motor set-up as well as at least one long-range version capable of more than 500km on a single charge.

Visually, the EQA closely resembles the basic styling and proportions of its petrol-powered GLA cousin, measuring 4463mm long, 1834mm wide and 1620mm tall with a 2729mm wheelbase.

While maintaining the same basic form, it is the finer details that set the EV apart from the fuel-burner by its EQC-inspired front fascia – all EQ models will follow this design language – featuring a full-width fibre-optic strip connecting the daytime running lights, a feature replicated between the tail-lights at the rear.

18-inch aerodynamically optimised multi-spoke alloy wheels are the other obvious giveaways, as is the low-mounted rear badging underneath the tail-light strip.

Being an EV, the EQA is inevitably heavier than the GLA some margin with the EQA250 tipping the scales at 2040kg, almost half a tonne more than the base GLA200 (1580kg).

Boot space is also lacking compared to the GLA (340L vs 435L) due to the packaging of the battery pack beneath the floor, even with an extra 53mm in overall length.

Not a dedicated performance model, Mercedes claims the EQA250 will go from 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds and top out at 160km/h with its battery able to be charged back up again from 10 per cent to full in five hours and 45 minutes when using an 11kW wall box or public charging station.

Using a DC fast charger on the other hand will charge the battery from 10-80 per cent in 30 minutes.

Like the exterior, the EQA’s cabin has been given a subtle EV-flavoured workover to help make it stand out from the regular GLA range with rose gold trim elements and highlights complementing the finish of the unique alloy wheels.

All of the usual Mercedes features are present within the interior including the signature twin-screen – either 7.0-inch or 10.25-inch – set-up with the MBUX infotainment system and unique blue/rose-gold EV displays which now sit within a dedicated cut out within the dash.

Other global standard equipment highlights include a leather multifunction sports steering wheel, LED headlights with adaptive high beam, power tailgate, 64-colour ambient lighting, luxury seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, reversing camera and satellite navigation with an ‘electric intelligence system’ which essentially optimises the route guidance in relation to the battery’s residual charge levels and factors in charging locations if needed.

Range-wide safety features consist of active brake assist (advanced emergency autonomous braking) and active lane keeping assist while the compact platform has been specially modified and strengthened to cater for the electric powertrain and all of the relevant safety requirements.

According to Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG member of the board of management for sales Britta Seeger, the EQA’s position as the brand’s first compact EV made it an important vehicle for the brand.

“Progressive design and intuitive operation are two of the highlights of the EQA,” she said.

“With this car, for the first time we are offering our customers an all-electric Mercedes in the compact segment with an extensive range that ensures its viability in everyday use.

“As such, the new EQA is an important vehicle along our path towards the electrification of all our vehicle segments.”

Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific sold 29,455 new vehicles last year, 3173 of which were GLAs and while the electric EQC contributed 194 deliveries.