Driven | Mercedes-Benz EQA
We have been sampling the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 over the last week and we are happy with the model. The small SUV provides a gateway into the Mercedes-EQ world of all-electric cars with the distinct elegance associated with the brand. Similar to its comparable-sized fossil-fuel-powered neighbour, the GLA, the EQA 250 has small dimensions, modest ground clearance, and a front-wheel drive configuration. The fact that it is the first and only vehicle in the range without rear-wheel drive shouldn't matter for the purpose for which it is intended.
The EQA has unique visual cues like the black sealed grille, and a light bar in front as well as rear, to differentiate it from the ICE counterpart. Other subtle hints are the blue EQA badges as well as the blue elements inside the headlights. The multi-spoke alloys on our test unit also did it justice.
Inside, a typical Merc-style affair, however, dedicated EQ displays will show you your KwH consumption, your range, and places where you can charge around your location. The seats were extremely comfortable, however, as with the EQB, we found ourselves having to manually operate the seats which was a bit of a letdown. The sound system was also somewhat a bit low, however, we think that a dig into the sound settings will help.
The model is powered by an asynchronous motor at the front axle that delivers 140kW/375Nm and will spring from a standstill to 100 in under nine seconds, respectable. It also has a 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery that will give you over 400kms. In fact, during our time, we had 405 km of range upon full charge. Most of our charging stations were functioning well and once we started charging (always from 50 to 100%) we did not spend over 45 minutes at charging stations. It is important to note that we used the DC fast chargers (100kW) at the Mall of Africa and on the R21. Quick and painless exercises.
An 11 kW Wallbox connected to a household outlet that Mercedes-Benz will give you, will charge from 10% to full using the urban usage core of the EQA 250 in around six hours. Rapid charging stations of up to 100 KW with direct current may recharge the model from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes if you need something faster as mentioned above.
Another thing that impressed, was just how nimble the car was. Yes, it shares the same battery size as the EQB, however, in the EQA it has one motor as opposed to the EQB’s two which make it heavier. Sure, the EQA is not any lighter car, coming in at over 2000kgs, but in this application, we enjoyed the acceleration. The drive is to the front wheels.
Other equipment included is an electrically operated boot, keyless entry, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, electronically adjustable seats, and Active Parking Assist with a reversing camera. Standard safety features include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist. The AMG Line equipment package, the MBUX Innovation Package, the Advanced Plus Package, the Night Package, and lastly, the Electric Art equipment package may all be added to the new model to make it uniquely yours.
Overall, a serene drive (as it should be in electric vehicles). The compact electric offering from the German company is impressive and comes in at also a decent price - R1 169 500
