By Otsile Kadiege

Meet the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQA, an all-electric compact SUV that is based on the GLA.

Exterior design

The EQA joins the EQC in the Mercedes-EQ SUV portfolio. Much of the GLA design remains the same though there are a few notable changes to the exterior design. The EQA features a front-end design similar to other EQ models. Depending on package, the EQA features a black panel with various slat designs which replaces the vented grille on the GLA. Atop the panel is a continuous LED light strip connecting with the High Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist and blue decorative accents.

The side profile remains unchanged though customers have a range of EQ specific Aero wheels to choose from, like the 20-inch rose gold wheels. Prominent changes to the rear-end include a light bar and a three-pointed star which now sits beneath the rear-lights.

Interior design

Much of the interior design remains unchanged. Notable additions include the Electric Intelligence system to the MBUX infotainment system, which calculates the fastest route to the given destination. Consumers can specify their EQAs with rose gold coloured decorative elements on the vents, seats and key.

Electric powertrain

The new Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 is powered by a 66.5 kWh “double-decker” lithium-ion battery producing 140kW and 375Nm sent to the front wheels. It takes 8.9 seconds to accelerate to 100km/h and has a top speed of 160km/h. Charging at a wallbox or public charging stations takes 5:45 hours. Charging time at rapid-charging stations takes a mere 30 minutes. It has a range of 486km (NEDC).

Mercedes-Benz said there will be a more powerful (200+kW) all-wheel drive EQA with more than 500km range.

Mercedes-Benz claims the EQA is an ideal access to urban electric mobility. It will use be built in Rostatt (Germany) and Beijing (China). Sales will start on the 4th of February 2021. The EQA is one several SUVs joining the Mercedes-EQ portfolio this year.