Mercedes-Benz EQA

Concept

The EQA was previewed by the EQA Concept which was revealed in September 2017. The Concept EQA is not a crossover but a small family hatchback that is 4285 mm long, 1810 mm wide, and 1428 mm tall. The EQA concept features dual electric motors for all-wheel drive that produces a combined system output of 268 hp and 368 lbft.[5]

Development and launch

Internally designated H243,[6] the EQA is based on the MFA2 (second-generation Modular Front-Drive Architecture) platform which it shares with the ICE-powered second-generation GLA that debuted in 2020. The vehicle was revealed with the larger EQB in January 2021, and later went on sale in April of that year.[7] At 4463 mm long, it is just slightly longer than its ICE counterpart. The vehicle was designed by a team under the direction of Balázs Filczer who designed the GLS and the G-Class.[8]

At launch, the only version available was the front-wheel drive EQA 250 (EQA 260 in China).[9] It has a 190 hp electric motor powering the front wheels.[1] Later, Mercedes had announced a more powerful version, using two motors for all-wheel drive and putting out over 260 hp.[10] A longer-range version was also announced.[11]

The EQA 250+ was unveiled in March 2022 with a longer range (540 km WLTP), bigger battery (70.5 kwh), improved aerodynamics and a 140 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) more efficient than the asynchronous motor of other versions.[12][13] In May 2022, the EQA 250's range has been increased to 490 km WLTP, probably by using the same motor as the new EQA 250+.[14][15][16]

Front-wheel drive comes standard on EQA 250 models, but all-wheel drive on the 300 and the 350 models using the 4matic system. All models use a single-speed transmission. The vehicle is 52 mm longer and 9 mm taller than the GLA, however its width and wheelbase remain the same. Weight ranges from 1965 kg to 2105 kg primarily because of battery size and weight. The variant tested by Euro NCAP was an all-wheel drive 2040 kg variant.

Electric motors are supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen.[17][18] Batteries are placed below the floor. The EQA features "one-pedal driving", which essentially collects kinetic energy and puts it into the battery, which boosts the vehicle's range. All EQA models feature Mercedes' comfort suspension system, which gives a high level of comfort while driving long distances. The Premium package features adaptive dampers which give a more dynamic ride.[19] Safety systems include: Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keep Assist and Active Brake Assist.

The EQA adds a trim called the "Edition 1" trim, which adds 20-inch alloys, leather seats and AMG trimming compared to the normal 250. A limited number of them will be available.

Design

The full-width strip lamps which are placed on both front and rear were inspired by the EQC, which was the first vehicle to be a part of the EQ Series.[20] The vehicle features the brand's characteristic "Black Panel" radiator grille introduced on all EQ models. The AMG-Line model adds a twin-blade design to the grille.[21] The front features standard full-LED headlights which are connected seamlessly by a fibre optic strip. The license plate is placed on the bumper, which lets the full-LED taillights to give a full effect.[22]

Its drag coefficient of 0.28 improves aerodynamics which helps to expand range. Compared to the GLA, the EQA's interior is almost indistinguishable, if not for the rose gold trim inserts on the vents, key, and seats. It also features slight trim backlighting. Mercedes states the EQA offers the desired ride height, combined with versatility. The EQA retains the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats from the GLA.[22]

Its boot space stands at 340 litres, approximately 100 L less than the GLA. Folding the rear seats makes boot space stand at 1320 litres, which is about 110 L less than its ICE-powered equivalent. The dual-screen setup includes a pair of 10.0-inch screens that run the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system.

Charging

Charging via a Type 2 connector (AC) supports a capacity of up to 11 kilowatts takes a time of 6 hours and 30 minutes (390 minutes). DC fast charging through a CCS port supports a capacity of up to 100 kilowatts and takes a time of 33 minutes for a 10-80% charge.[23] Charging using a basic wallbox socket supports a capacity of up to 7.4 kilowatts takes about 10 hours using a large battery. Charging using a smaller battery will take 9 hours.[20]

China

The EQA started production in China in November 2021, assembled locally in the Beijing Benz factory. The EQA 300 4MATIC and EQB 350 4MATIC were the first models released, with the EQA 260 variant added in April 2022.[24]

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the EQA launched in late January 2022.[25] Available packages begin with the "Premium Lite", which comes with a 360° camera and 18-inch wheels. The "Premium Lite+" package adds the MBUX Innovation package, MBUX Interior Assist, and a head-up display. The "Dynamic Lite" package adds 19-inch, AMG twin-spoke alloy wheels, and the Dynamic Lite+ package also adds the MBUX integration and a head-up display. The "Elite Lite" package includes 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, and the "Elite Lite+" adds the MBUX integration to that.[26]

Australia

The EQA was released in Australia in April 2021. Versions include the "Progressive" trim, which comes with 19-inch AMG twin-spoke alloy wheels, painted in high-gloss black. The AMG Line model adds AMG-type front and rear aprons with chrome trim, the "Black Panel" radiator grille, side trims in black, and upgraded 20-inch wheels of a different design.[27]

Europe

The vehicle launched in its home market in February 2021. Prices start at €37,970. 18-inch wheels are available on the unmodified 250 model, but the AMG Line adds 20-inch wheels, Artico leather and Dinamica upholstery, door sill illumination, AMG floor mats and aluminum pedals. The Premium package features 19-inch AMG-type wheels, a panoramic glass roof, the KEYLESS-GO system, augmented reality navigation system, wireless charging and a premium audio system. MBUX system and a digital instrument cluster are both available.[28] The Advanced Package, Advanced Plus Package and Premium Package are available as extra packages.

Powertrain

The specifications include:[31][32][33][34][16]