Major automobile companies from Bentley to Mercedes move towards alternative energy sources and eco-friendly manufacturing processes and materials. The latest addition to the Mercedes EQ line-up is an all-electric compact car for everyday use- the Mercedes EQA. Being launched as the EQA 250 with 140 kW and a range of 486 kilometers (310 miles) on a single charge. A close relative of the GLA delivers all the thrilling characteristics of that vehicle, combined in this case with an efficient electric powertrain. The new EQA is currently being built in Rastatt (Germany) and Beijing (China).
“Mercedes-EQ aspires to take the lead in the field of electric drive systems and vehicle software. To this end, we have defined some ambitious product development goals and resolved to push forward with the accelerated market introduction of new technologies. The new EQA allows us to show how we envisage e-mobility as tailored to our customers’ needs. We will offer a whole family of EQA models, with output ranging from 140 through to more than 200 kW, and with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. And for those for whom the issue of range is crucial, our portfolio will, in due course, also include a special version of the EQA with a radius of more than 500 kilometers, according to WLTP. The EQA proves that, by using a tried and tested architecture, it is possible to achieve an excellent compromise between performance, costs and time to market”, said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG; responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO.
Electro-aesthetics
The EQA, similar to the EQC, is a minimalist beauty. With classic contours, the EV also features the black panel radiator grille with a central Mercedes star. An added distinctive feature for the Mercedes-EQ line is the continuous light strip at the front and rear. A horizontal fiber-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring a high level of recognizability both in daylight and at night. The blue color highlight within the headlamp reinforces the signature Mercedes-EQ appearance – and we absolutely love it! The LED tail lamps merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip, thus preventing any distortion of the car’s rearview. Exclusive to this model are light-alloy wheels in a bi- or tri-color design, up to 20 inches in size, in some cases with rosé gold-colored or blue decorative trim.
Intelligent driving assistance systems
Just like Siri and Alexa, “Hey Mercedes” would activate the completely digital MBUX infotainment system. The Mercedes me App is a great way for the user to pre-adjust the climate settings before starting the car. There is an option of choosing two 7-inch displays or a widescreen variant with two 10.25-inch displays. The infotainment system also controls the ambient lighting in over 64 colors and a parking camera. The Mercedes EQA has the luxe leather interior with two designs to choose from, a new-style back-lit trim element and rosé gold-colored decorative trim on the ventilation outlets, seats, and the vehicle key. The Edition 1 special model additionally features perforated leather seats, through which blue fabric can be seen. With their electric car-specific displays, the instruments pick up on the same color scheme with rosé gold-colored and blue highlights.
The EQA is also a true Mercedes when it comes to passive safety. Based on the robust structure of the GLA, the body of the EQA was adapted to meet the particular demands that face an electric car. The battery sits within a frame made out of extruded sections, while a battery guard in the front area of the battery can prevent the energy storage unit from being pierced by foreign objects. To make the most of the user’s time, the car’s rapid DC charging would have the battery recharged in just 30 minutes!
EQA will be equipped with a single-motor electric powertrain that offers 187 hp and 277 ft-lbs of torque from the initial ignition. The EV has a top speed of 100 mph and allows it to climb from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, about 2 seconds longer than the GLA. Priced at a much lower cost than its predecessor, the EQA will be introduced in the spring of 2021 for the European market from 47,540.50 euros. The brand hasn’t confirmed when it would launch the car in the USA, but we wish it would be soon!
