Mercedes-Benz EQA Unveiled as Pocket-sized Electric SUV
Mercedes-Benz today unveiled the all-new EQA electric crossover, a model that is closely related to the GLA we already know and will slot below the EQC which we are still awaiting in Canada.
The German automaker promises a dynamic driving experience behind the wheel of this agile and spirited little SUV, which adapts the basic structure of the new GLA while incorporating a special compartment for the battery under the floor.
- Also: Confirmed: Mercedes-Benz EQC to Land in Canada After EQS Sedan
- Also: Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Could Beat Tesla at its Own Game
Sales will start with the EQA 250 model, which features a single electric motor rated at 140 kilowatts (188 horsepower). Other variants will follow, adding a second electric motor and offering all-wheel drive with a total of 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower) or more.
As for range, the numbers provided by Mercedes-Benz are based on the NEDC and WLTP standards used in Europe but not in North America. We’re talking about up to 500 kilometres or more. The Mercedes-Benz EQA has not been confirmed for Canada, but if it comes here, expect a more reasonable figure.
A so-called intelligent navigation system will help drivers identify the most efficient route to get to their destination, taking into account topography, weather conditions, real-time traffic, driving style and charging times along the way.
Similar to the Volkswagen ID.4, a heat pump is fitted as standard so the waste heat from the electric powertrain can be used to heat the passenger compartment. This drastically reduces the draw on battery power for the heating system, thus increasing the range. The EQA also features Eco Assist along with a wide array of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies to prevent collisions or a loss of control.
When it comes to the design, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is first EQ model from Mercedes whose aerodynamic development has been undertaken entirely digitally. The smooth silhouette, with a coupe-like roofline and almost completely enclosed underbody, results in a drag coefficient of just 0.28, which is remarkable for a utility vehicle. Just like they did with the EQC, designers have retained the look of a conventional grille up front, though the latter is in reality sealed off by a black panel. The 18-inch wheels also have an aerodynamic design.
An LED light strip connects the daytime running lamps and another one does the same with the taillamps. Blue accents can be found in the headlamp clusters. Inside, available rosé gold trim, illuminated accents and ambient lighting make for a colourful layout. The MBUX-powered instruments, with their EV-specific displays, pick up on the same colour scheme with rosé gold-coloured and blue highlights.
Again, don’t hold your breath as Mercedes-Benz Canada won’t make an announcement on the availability of the EQA here anytime soon. As reported in a previous story, the company will first launch the EQS full-size sedan (even though the production model’s debut is still weeks away) to directly rival the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan. After that, we should finally see the EQC compact SUV on our roads.