Mercedes-Benz EQA Compact Electric SUV With Over 400km Of Range Makes Global Debut

• Powered by a 190PS/ 375Nm front-wheel-drive electric motor with a 8.9 second 0-100kmph sprint time and 160kmph top speed.

• Achieves a WLTP claimed range of 426km thanks to a 66.5kWh battery pack.

• Design highlights include a closed-off front grille, LED headlights, connected DRLs, connected LED tail lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

• Feature highlights include 64-colour ambient lighting, MBUX infotainment system, powered tailgate, and Electric Intelligence navigation system.

• It will go on sale in European markets on February 4, with more powerful all-wheel-drive and long-range variants to be introduced at a later stage.

, the EQA has plenty of distinguishing factors over its internal combustion-engined counterpart.

The most glaringly distinct bit in the EQA lies under the bonnet. Dubbed the EQA 250, this trim is powered by a front-wheel-drive electric motor that makes 190PS or grunt and 375Nm of twist. All this helps the electric SUV hit 0-100kmph in 8.9 seconds and top out at 100kmph. For those concerned about these performance figures, thankfully, Mercedes-Benz will be bringing over more powerful trims exceeding 268PS as well as an all-wheel-drive variant.

Thanks to a 66.5 kWh battery pack, the EQA boasts a WTLP claimed range of 426km. As for charging capabilities, a home/public 11kW AC charger can juice the EQA from 10 percent to full charge in 5 hours and 45 minutes. A 100 kW DC fast charger can charge from 10 to 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Mercedes-Benz has also confirmed a longer-range variant that'll be capable of going over 500km (WTLP claimed).

At a glance, the EQA and GLA's overall silhouettes are pretty identical. But there are plenty of tweaks such as a closed-off grille and a revised pair of LED headlights with EQ-themed blue strips. This is complemented by a horizontal fibre-optic strip across the grille that connects the DRLs. The seamless merger continues at the rear with LED tail lamps blending with a tapered LED light strip. Aside from a new pair of 18-inch wheels, the EQA's design is pretty aero efficient with a drag coefficient of 0.28. The AMG Line trim adds a bespoke diffuser and different 18-inch alloy wheels.

Heading inside, the EQA is nearly identical to its internal combustion-engined counterpart with a 7-inch twin-screen that can be upgraded to a 10.25-inch setup and turbine HVAC vents. There are some other key differences such as new upholstery configurations and EV-themed displays. The AMG Line also adds in sports seats, illuminated door sills, a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, and stainless steel pedals.

The EQA is fairly feature loaded with equipment like the MBUX infotainment system, adaptive high beam assist, 64-colour ambient lighting, a powered tailgate, four-way adjustable lumbar support, a reversing camera, and the nifty Electric Intelligence navigation system. This system calculates the fastest route to a destination taking in factors such as range simulations, necessary charging stops, traffic situation, topography, and weather.

Safety equipment consists of driver and front passenger airbags, a driver knee bag, window bags for the first and second row, and thorax-pelvis side airbags. It also gets a suite of assists in the form of active lane keeping assist, active brake assist, evasive steering assist, and active speed limit assist.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA will go on sale in Europe on February 4 with a limited Edition 1 trim adding in AMG exterior bits, 20-inch alloy wheels in rosandeacute; gold colours, neva grey leather seats, and special floor mats. The EQA could be on the cards for a late-2021 or early-2022 launch in India considering Mercedes-Benz has lined up.