Read Caroline’s Mercedes-Benz EQA review for everything you need to know about the German brand’s new electric small SUV on sale in Ireland.
The EQA is the first all-electric model in the Mercedes’ compact car range. It’s a close relation of the GLA, the popular compact crossover available here for some years now.
Mercedes-Benz has been on a mission to bring a whole range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to market. We have seen a slew of plug-in hybrid models reach these shores including the GLC 300 de, the E-Class 300 e and the GLC Coupe 350 de.
Then there has been the brand’s first full battery electric vehicle, the EQC, followed by the EQV and now this, the EQA!
The new Mercedes-Benz EQAWhat’s so special about the Mercedes-Benz EQA?
The EQA was conceived as an all-electric small SUV from the brand’s EQ family of electric vehicles. Based on the GLA class, the Mercedes-Benz EQA goes on sale in Ireland priced from €56,120.
It’s a full battery electric vehicle powered by a 66.5 kWh battery with a claimed range of 426 km (WLTP) and 190 hp at its disposal.
In design, it does bear a resemblance to the GLA but with a more futuristic look around the front end in particular. Plus a striking light signature that’s become a standard of Mercedes EQ vehicles.
The EQA may be described as compact. But it does have a considerable presence when you meet it for the first time. The front end stands out for a closed black panel radiator grille with large central Mercedes star. There are also EQ blue headlamp strips and a distinctive fibre-optic strip running along the front and at the rear.
In Ireland the new EQA goes on sale in three trim lines: Progressive, Electric Art and AMG Line. The Progressive line is expected to be the most sought-after model here. All-wheel-drive models will join the range at a later date with more power, including one version with a WLTP range of over 500 km.
The EQA is on sale in Ireland from €56,120Inside the EQA
Inside the EQA, convention is at work. We get a classic Mercedes-Benz compact car interior. The brand’s new generation compacts lead the way in contemporary luxury. It’s no different here. Everything is familiar Mercedes-Benz territory.
There is no compromise to quality. Everything feels good to use. Digital technology is on-point. There’s a 10″ digital instrument panel for the driver and a 10″ touchscreen housing the MBUX infotainment system that responds to ‘Hey Mercedes’ commands.
It also feels spacious inside the EQA for a compact, with generous footwells in the rear and plenty of headroom. Boot space has taken a hit however to accommodate the EV powertrain. It’s down to 340 litres. Though a low loading sill and wide opening boost practicality. There’s also space to store charging cables under the boot floor.
Standard specification is good on the Progressive model. Features include high-performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, electrically operated tailgate, light 18-inch alloys, 64-colour ambient lighting, adjustable lumbar support, reversing camera and leather sports steering wheel.
The interior of the new EQADriving the Mercedes-Benz EQA
The new EQA is built on the GLA platform. But the combustion engine has been replaced by a 66.5 kWh battery and an electric motor that sends power to the front wheels (190 hp). Performance is fine, in line with the EQA’s relaxed and premium feel behind the wheel. It will hardly throw you back in your seat every time you touch the accelerator. But handling is quite neutral as opposed to sporty, so efficiency is key here.
Mercedes has worked to improve the efficiency of the car with aerodynamic features like front and rear aprons, smooth underbody, closed cooling air system, and wind-optimised wheels with spoilers. There is a quoted range of over 400 km with average energy consumption of 17.6 kWh. During my time with the car, my average consumption was 20.8 kWh. The heat pump uses waste heat from the electric motor to warm passengers, increase range and reduce the draw on battery power.
The new electric Mercedes moves off effortlessly in silence. Refinement is a strong point for the EQA, no matter the road or road surface. The electric motor is isolated from the chassis and body to improve comfort and reduce noise and vibration. Numerous damping measures have been designed to prevent the transmission of airborne sound so the EQA can offer a premium driving experience in the compact electric SUV space.
The new EQA is the brand’s first electric compactDid you like it?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA moves the German brand into the competition for a compact premium electric vehicle. It’s now the most affordable electric EQ model in the line-up based on the stylish and popular GLA. The EQA offers a competitive range of over 400 km, though that will depend on your driving style and other factors like the ambient temperature and the speed you are driving at.
The EQA has the advantage of an 11 kW on board charger allowing more flexibility in AC charging. While up to 100 kW DC fast charging is available, so you can get 80% battery charge in around 30 minutes at a motorway charger for example.
Mercedes trump card is the interior of the EQA. All the factors that make their compact car interiors so desirable are here with an ‘EQ’ branded twist to reflect the electric powertrain. Quality is excellent, equipment levels high.
For Mercedes fans seeking an electrified driving solution, the brand has also recently brought a GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid to market in Ireland. Priced from €48,690, the car’s 15.6 kWh battery allows owners to sample driving electric for a range of up to 61 km, with the back up of a 1.3-litre petrol engine.
The EQA is a considerable investment but it fills a gap in Mercedes’ portfolio and will be joined soon by the all-electric EQB.
The Mercedes-Benz electric charge continues in 2022 with the launch of the new EQS and EQE!
Mercedes-Benz is on a mission with a new range of EQ vehiclesCaroline Kidd
Model tested: Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive
Price: €56,120
Battery: 66.5 kWh
Power: 190 hp
Torque: 375 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.9 seconds
Top speed: 160 km/h
Motor tax: €120 per year