Mercedes EQA -

DR

Need we remind you that EQ is Mercedes' electrified label.

It's stamped on anything that is a bit (or a lot) of hybrid in the lineup, and is even an integral part of the model name if it's completely electric.

There was already the EQC, launched over a year ago.

But also the EQV, battery version on "minibus" Class V, in the starting blocks and here is now the smallest of the bunch (for the moment at least), the compact SUV EQA.

Mercedes EQA - DR

The middle way

In terms of electric cars, there are those who offer a battery version of an existing model, without affecting its look (Peugeot e-208 for example), and there are those who opt for a completely independent model (Renault Zoe or Nissan Leaf).

At Mercedes, we choose the middle lane, by modifying in a very perceptible way the look of the base model, while maintaining an obvious aesthetic link.

We are therefore dealing with a GLA which wants to be more "original", and above all smoother, as if polished by the wind, in order to optimize the aerodynamics, of course.

Mercedes EQA - DR

However inside, not the slightest transformation.

We find the well-known interior of the GLA, which did not in fact need to be refreshed.

With its two huge screens, the atmosphere on board already had the technological side that befits an electric car.

A "normal" power

How is the EQA more reasonable?

In the fact that it displays "normal" technical characteristics, unlike the launch version of the EQC, or its direct competitor Volvo XC40, whose electric version claims some ... 400 hp!

The EQA announces "only" 190 hp, drawn from an electric motor which drives only the front wheels.

It is already a serious power, but ultimately quite normal for a Mercedes.

As for the 66.5 kWh batteries (housed under the floor), they offer an official range of 426 km WLTP and above all make it possible to contain the weight to a reasonable level, at just over 2 tonnes.

OK, that's 400kg more than a normal GLA, but short.

Mercedes EQA - DR

Finally, the price is also normal, even if everything is relative.

The launch version EQA 250 will start at just under € 50,000, or little more than a plug-in GLA.

And at this price, we have all the equipment one expects from a Mercedes, from the multimedia system with artificial intelligence, to a nice list of driving aids, including air conditioning, leatherette seats, the power-opening tailgate, etc.

In a star car, you can always want more, and more, but then, no surprise, the bill can explode.

400 real km?

To be honest, we only got behind the wheel of the EQA very briefly, a few days before its officialization.

It is therefore difficult to form an "in extenso" opinion, especially in terms of autonomy.

As far as we can judge, an actual 400km city range is playable.

However, there is one definitive conclusion that we can already draw: the EQA achieves a particularly high level of comfort.

Because since it is based on the new GLA, it takes a pleasantly soft configuration of the damping.

Moreover, it is not impossible that the weight of the batteries plays a favorable role in driving, by "resting" the car harder on the road.

And to this is added a characteristic characteristic of electricity: silence, which Mercedes has additionally taken care of with additional sound insulation.

Mercedes EQA - DR

Sorry if we have to use a word associated with things not fun at the moment, but driving the EQA we're in a… bubble.

A cozy, reassuring, soothing bubble.

This second electric Mercedes model is therefore all we know for the moment.

But that we know.

We can't wait to try it out for a longer period of time to learn more about its recharging and its real autonomy.

The prices of the Mercedes EQA are not yet known, but it is announced less than 50,000 € for the entry level.

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The Mercedes EQA in a few figures

  • Motor: Electric;

    190hp;

    375Nm

  • Transmission: to the front wheels.

  • Gearbox: 1 speed auto

  • L / w / h (mm): 4.463 / 1.834 / 1.620

  • Empty weight (kg): 2.040

  • Boot space (l): 340 - 1.320

  • Batteries (kWh): 66.5

  • 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 8.9

  • Max speed (km / h): 160

  • WLTP range (km): 426

  • Price (€): less than 50,000 €

  • Electric car

  • Car

  • Mercedes

  • SUV

  • Automotive