Due to hit the UK market in February 2021, the brand new Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 is set to be an impressive entry-level electric crossover vehicle that’s ready and raring to compete with the likes of the BMW i3 and the Volkswagen ID 3. This is one of the first in an upcoming lineup of electric vehicles from the manufacturer, each set to cement Mercedes as a brand to watch in the Electric Vehicle market. The EQA is the first premium electric crossover officially on the market, with direct competitors from the likes of BMW and Audi still quite some time away from even making it to production.
At launch, Mercedes will only be offering a single version of this model – the 250 – which features a single powertrain and battery combination, utilising a 66.5kWh battery pack and a single electric motor on the front axle. In total, the vehicle will have a combined output of 188bhp and 375Nm of torque, making for impressive for an entry-level electric vehicle.
Drivers can also expect to see speeds of up to 99mpg, with a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds, with a maximum range of roughly 302 miles before needing a charge. While it doesn’t boast the top performance stats of other Mercedes vehicles, the upcoming two-motor, all-wheel drive variant currently in the works should bridge that gap.
The design of the EQA 250 will look strikingly familiar to Mercedes-Benz fans – in fact, it’s almost identical to the A-Class and GLA crossover. The chassis, despite being originally used for combustion engine vehicles, has been gutted and adapted to not only house the electric components, but to enhance the overall performance and style.
The previously sharp lines of the A-class and GLA models have been smoothed out for the EQA in an effort to reduce air resistance while driving, and ultimately improve the total possible range from the battery. Similar, the GLA platform has been strengthened to withstand the weight of the battery, with new cross-members and guards around the battery to ensure it’s safety in the case of an accident.
On the interior, the specifications haven’t been confirmed for the UK just yet, however, the European market has seen the announcement of a Progressive, Electric Art and AMG trim-levels. As standard, the EQA is set to see faux-leather upholstery, a leather sports steering wheel, electric seats, electrically-operated tailgate and a 64-colour ambient lighting system.
The Electric Art level will also see a back-lit trim for the dashboard, as well as a nappa leather sports steering wheel and rose-gold piping throughout. Owners of this level will also see the 18-inch alloys replaced by two-tone ten-spoke alternatives, and the treadplates illuminated with ‘EQA’ lettering.
The AMG line, the most likely to hit the UK market, will also include upgrades for the radiator grille, an AMG-specific diffuser and 18-inch, ten-spoke alloy wheels. It’s also suspected that the AMG variation will include the typical AMG-branded floor mats, sports seats and stainless steel pedals.
These design changes and the overall theme is expected to be maintained throughout the rest of the upcoming electric vehicle range, though final designs are yet to be seen.
Design chief at Mercedes, Gordon Wagner, said that “The EQ brand obviously needs a purpose-made language. We showed that with the EQS concept car. That shows our language and, when it comes to EQA and EQB, of course, they will share that language and they will share a family resemblance within EQ. They will carry the EQ form identity with a similar face and integration of the grille and headlights we have shown on many cars already.”
For more information about the upcoming Mercedes vehicles or to book your existing Mercedes in for a service, feel free to get in touch with a member of our team, today.
