Stereotypically Mercedes traits are well represented in the EQA – think comfort, quality materials and thoughtful design. It juggles these characteristics whilst also being the most affordable electric vehicle in the German automaker’s catalogue.
Its origins perhaps goes some way into explaining why the EQA is priced as such. This is no bespoke EV, but one that was built off of existing ICE architecture. Save for alterations in the front and rear fascias, most of the bodyshell and the panels are shared with the GLA.
There are, of course, minor EV-centric external aerodynamic alterations, done to optimise its range.
Double-Edged Sword
Whilst EV adoption is on the up, there really isn’t enough global demand yet to warrant building a bespoke compact electric crossover. As a stop-gap measure, many other automakers have based their more wallet-friendly electrified offerings on existing petrol cars.
“In an era of increasingly bloated and needlessly overpowered vehicles, isn’t the EQA a refreshing change of pace?”
Not having to develop a dedicated platform means less R&D costs incurred, which means that the savings are then passed on to the clients. When done properly, these converted cars are no less capable than their native counterparts, and you can do so at a lower price point without sacrificing the very quality that Mercedes has built a name for.
How Is It Like To Live With?
From a comfort standpoint, you’d struggle to find another compact crossover that offers the same overall experience. The same could be said of the GLA which it shares its body with – being one of the larger offerings in its class, space on the inside is actually decent, meaning you’ll find ample room regardless of where you’re seated. Headroom also isn’t an issue, unless you happen to shoot hoops for a living.
Whilst the massive MBUX screen does have a certain wow factor about it, it isn’t as well equipped as you’d expect the car to be. It does not have wirelss Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, which, whilst annoying, isn’t a huge bugbear.
What does annoy you, especially considering the price you’re paying for the EQA, is the car’s lack of active driving assists. Another thing worth pointing out is that the rear view camera is built into the rear Mercedes emblem, and its actuator makes a right racket when it deploys. The sound is also undoubtedly exaggerated by the car’s very competent sound insulation.
The Visuals
Some cars can look disjointed and awkward after they’ve been converted to run on electricity. Thankfully, the EQA-specific add-ons play nicely with the smooth muscular curves present in the GLA. The front fascia, with its redesigned aerodynamic “grille”, looks especially smart against the cues present in the profile of the vehicle.
Behind The Wheel
You’ll know this is a converted EV and not a native one when you actually drive it. Weight distribution isn’t as optimised as it would have otherwise been, which means the car can feel cumbersome and heavy whilst on the move.
When testing cars, we do tend to keep driving aids switched off, as they can be employed to mask dodgy suspension setups and overall balance. In the case of the EQA, mass management seems to be better if you left the computer to its own devices.
The EV Punch
In keeping with that relaxed, luxurious family car theme, the EQA doesn’t have the same punch off-the-line as you’d find in other similarly powered EVs – response certainly isn’t as dramatic as in a MINI Electric with roughly the same peak power output.
We all like a rapid car, but the less punchy motor lower down actually suits the character of the EQA. Don’t get us wrong – it still has the grunt to outdrag most commuter saloons a la most EVs. This is a car that doesn’t encourage you to push it hard. It can, and will still absolutely put a smile on your face as you silently zip into gaps in traffic. It’s just that that really isn’t its strong suit.
Rapid charging capabilities, 320 kilometres of realistic range, coupled with the whisper quiet powertrain, excellent sound insulation and ease of car placement means you’ll never struggle to manouever the car in any situation. In an era of increasingly bloated and needlessly overpowered vehicles, isn’t the EQA a refreshing change of pace?
Want to experience the EQA for yourself? Do visit Cycle and Carriage’s website to register your interest!
Specs
| Price: |
S$ 279,888 (inclusive of COE) VES Banding: A1 |
| Performance: |
Motor: Asynchronous Motor Power: 188 bhp Torque: 375 Nm Energy Consumption: 6.2 km/kWh Battery Capacity: 66.5 kWh 0-100km/h: 8.9 Seconds Top Speed: 160 km/h Drivetrain: 1-speed, Front-Wheel Drive |
| Measurements: |
Wheelbase: 2,729 mm Dimensions (LxWxH): 4,463mm x 1,834mm x 1,620mm) Boot Capacity: 340L |
| Features: |
Parking Assistant Cruise Control Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Lane Departure Warning Automatic Headlights Automatic Wipers Ambient Lighting |
Prices are accurate at the time of writing.
Photo Credit: ACube Creative (@weareacube)
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Keyword: mReview: Mercedes EQA 250 Edition 1 - EVolved & GLAmped Up!