2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line H243 EU-spec first drive

If the launch of the EQC was a groud-breaking moment, namely for being Mercedes- Benz’s first full-production EV, then the EQA is, at the very least, an important part of the famed German marque’s future. And that’s because while the Wheels Car of the Year-winning EQC is excellent, a volume seller it is not. Therefore, getting the EQA right is vital.

MERC TAKES SECOND BITE OF THE EV APPLE MERCEDES-BENZ EQA 250

Decent range, well-equipped, non-insane price tag. So what’s the catch?

Yet, with a starting price of $76,800, it begs the question – does spending about $10,000 more than the already established Koreans (think Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro) actually result in a more premium product? Or, on the flip side, are you just paying for a badge? Short answers – yes and no. From the outset, the German carmaker’s second all-electric model in Australia represents good value. It’s closely related to the GLA crossover and comes with a price tag that’s just $7000 more than the GLA 250. Aesthetically, the main differences between the EQA and GLA are subtle, with the EV displaying a fake black grille that’s split along the middle to provide some visual interest. A fibre-optic light strip runs atop the grille and links the daytime running lights. The rear end also features a light strip between the tail-lights, while an spoiler claims to increase aero efficiency.

The GLA and EQA are about the same size and they share a 2729mm wheelbase, but the EQA 250’s 340-litre boot space is 95 litres smaller due to the location of the battery pack.

Step inside the cabin and there’s very little to differentiate the EV from its ICE sibling. The 10.25-inch digital gauge panel and 10.25-inch centre touchscreen that controls the MBUX infotainment system carries over, as does the Artico upholstered electric seats (in beige or black), ambient lighting, wireless phone charging pad, and climate control air conditioning. Of course, there are a few option packs to tempt you, such as the $2950 AMG-Line Package that brings more athletic exterior and interior features including sports leather seats, while the Edition 1 pack that includes a host of luxury extras adds an additional $7300.

However, it’s time to drive. Stepoff acceleration is prompt, yet eerily silent. The whisper-quiet powertrain means you tend to notice road and wind noise more, but even at speed NVH levels are well suppressed.

While acceleration is immediate, the response does feels a little tamer than some EVs, with the vital figures coming in at 140kW/375Nm. To help driveability and limit torque steer, the electronics don’t allow the full 375Nm to be dumped to the front treads the moment you crack open the throttle. So the softer take-off does result in a relatively modest 0-100km/h time of 8.9sec, which isn’t helped by its hefty 2040kg kerb weight. That’s some 300kg more than the 1.3-second quicker Kona Electric. But on the move the EQA still feels livelier than any comparative SUV burning fossil fuels.

It has several ‘Dynamic Select’ driving modes including Eco, Comfort and Sport. The latter sharpens throttle responses, adds extra weight to the steering and firms the (standard-equipment) adaptive dampers. The steering could offer more feedback, but it’s well weighted for city use, where most EQA 250s will reside. The regenerative braking, with four settings controlled via the paddle shifters, does requires an adjustment period. But once familiar it allows for one-pedal driving given that lifting off the throttle slows the car so effectively. A clever Auto setting also uses the active-safety radar to choose the appropriate regenerative-braking setting based on traffic conditions.

The ride quality is comfortable (with multi-link rear suspension), even when the dampers are stiffened in Dynamic mode, while the soft ride doesn’t induce excessive bodyroll.

At its heart, the EQA 250 has a ‘double-decker’ 420-volt, 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery with 200 cells. Those cells are either cooled or heated when required to maintain the optimal temperature both during operation and while recharging.

The battery can be charged from both AC and faster DC chargers via the Type-2 CC2 port. Charging from 10-80 percent, which provides 380km range, takes about 25 hours through a standard 240-volt socket, however, if you install an 11kW single-phase AC charger, which you can buy from Mercedes-Benz for $1450, that time is dramatically reduced to four hours and 15 minutes.

Use a DC charger capable of delivering 100kW and the same charge will take about 30 minutes. This has the potential to be free, with the EQA coming with a complimentary Chargefox subscription with unlimited access to selected chargers for the first three years. Fully charged, the EQA 250 has a range of up 480km, with its combined electrical consumption rated at 16.2kWh/100km.

Safety-wise, the EQA 250 comes standard with AEB, lane-keeping assist, steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition and nine airbags. It also has active cruise control with route-based speed adaption that works with satellite navigation to automatically adjust the speed for various road conditions.

The EQA 250 is infused with traditional traits you expect from a Mercedes-Benz. It looks sharp, has decent dynamics and a healthy driving range. With the high-end EQS and seven-seat EQB to come, the EQA stands with the EQC as an important part of Merc’s EV future. And from what we’ve experienced, the Three Pointed Star is off to a solid start.

You can now purchase a new EQA via Merc’s online store, or traditionally through 41 authorised EQ retailers in Australia.

TECHNICAL DATA FILE

Model Mercedes-Benz EQA 250Motor Single (front axle)Max power 140kWMax torque 375NmBattery 66.5kWhTransmission Single-speed reduction gearWeight 2040kg0-100km/h 8.9sec (claimed)Economy 16.2kWh/100kmPrice $76,800On sale NowPLUS + Relative pricing; ride comfort; response and driveability; equipment levels; 480km rangeMINUS - Hefty kerb weight; small boot space due to battery pack; 750kg towing capacity