2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA First Look I The GLA-Class of EVs
9Mercedes-Benz expands its EQ line of electric vehicles with the new EQA subcompact SUV. Due to hit European dealerships in spring 2021, the EQA follows the formula of its larger EQC stablemate: Take one standard Mercedes SUV and modify it for EV duty, giving it special styling in the process.
Much as the EQC shares much of its mechanical bits (minus its powertrain, of course) with the Mercedes GLC-Class compact SUV, the EQA stems off the same branch as the smaller, subcompact GLA-Class. No surprise, the two subcompact Mercedes models—EQA and GLA-Class—share many of the same body panels.
Still, passersby are sure to notice the EQA's many exterior differences relative to that of its internal combustion-powered kin. Notably, the EQA wears specific fascias and lights. A faux grille that merges with a distinct set of LED headlights (replete with decorative blue strips within the lamp housings) gives the EQA a familial resemblance to the larger EQC. At the rear, Mercedes fits a tailgate with a full-width light strip and a new rear bumper cover that incorporates the license plate housing. Other changes to the EQA relative to the GLA-Class include the likes of model-specific fender-mounted badges and standard aero-enhanced wheels that range in size from as little as 18 inches and as big as 20.
Inside, much of the GLA-Class's cabin carries over to the EQA. Still, available rose gold interior trim pieces and EV-specific digital gauges add some distinction to the EQA's innards. As in the GLA-Class, the EQA relies on Mercedes-Benz's MBUX infotainment system. Standard items include a 7.0-inch center touchscreen display with an in-dash navigation system and a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster; however, a pair of 10.3-inch displays are optionally available.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA: EQ Power
While Mercedes plans to offer the EQA with all-wheel-drive by way of an electric motor at each axle, the German brand will initially sell the electric SUV strictly in front-wheel-drive form with a single motor. With that approximately 188-hp front-mounted motor, the EQA250 scoots to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 99 mph, per Mercedes. (The all-wheel-drive EQA ought to perform even better thanks to an estimated peak of 268 hp from its two motors. )
Supplying electricity to the drive motor is a 67-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that Mercedes mounts to the EQA's underbody, and—along with various aerodynamic tweaks—helps the SUV achieve a driving range of more than 300 miles on the New European Driving Cycle. Mercedes remains mum on the EQA's U.S. prospects, though a company spokesperson wrote the model "is still being considered the U.S. market at this time." Nevertheless, we predict a sub-300-mile EPA-rated range from the EQA250 if it ultimately reaches our shores.
mercedes,mercedes-benz,eqa,mercedes eqa,mercedes-benz eqa,electric vehicle,suv,2021,review,price,interior,exterior,mercedes benz eqc,mercedes benz eqc 2020,mercedes benz eqc 4x4,eqa mercedes,mercedes benz,mercedes benz eqa,2021 mercedes eqa,electric cars,mercedes ev,mercedes eq,mercedes eqa 2021,new mercedes eqa,electric gla,electric suv,small suv electric,small electric suv,best electric suv,best ev suv,new electric suv,new electric suv review