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Mercedes EQA 250+ Review: A Slightly Compromised Introduction To The EQ Life
The electric revolution is rapidly building in international markets around the world for German luxury carmaker Mercedes Benz. However, the electric storm has turned into a trickle here in India, as Mercedes has only brought three of its EVs to us in the form of the EQS, EQE SUV and the EQB.
Now, the Stuttgart-based luxury firm has brought its fourth electric offering to the country in the form of the recently facelifted Mercedes EQA. First previewed in the form of the Concept EQA in 2017, the production-spec EQA crossover made its way to the streets in early 2021 and the current facelifted version arrived in August 2023 alongside the revised EQB.
So now nearly a year after it first arrived in Europe, the facelifted EQA has made its way to our shores and we recently got the chance to get behind its wheel in the Pink City, Jaipur.
Mercedes EQA Review: Design & Features - The EQ Effect Minituarized
The facelifted Mercedes EQA has been given a mild refresh but it retains quite a few design features that have become common among the EQ program. The front end sports the blocked-off piano black grille which features a large three-pointed Mercedes logo at its centre as well as a star pattern made of smaller logos. Also seen are chrome elements in the front apron.
Flanking either side of the grille are the adaptive LED headlights with integrated DRLs and a striking blue-coloured element that is common to EQ models. Also connecting the headlights is a small lightbar that stretches across the top of the grille.
Move to the sides and the EQA 250+ for India sports 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. The window sills are finished in chrome as are certain sections of the side sills.
At the rear, you find the connected LED taillight that features some rather intricate detailing. The Mercedes badge at the rear also plays host to the rear-view camera, which pops out when you need it and there are chrome elements on the rear bumper as well.
Step inside the new EQA and you're greeted by the usual array of luxurious elements you've come to expect from modern-day Mercs. The centre and right sections of the dash are dominated by the twin displays, while the left section features a star pattern trim that lights up when you switch on the ambient lighting.
There are other highlights as well, including the sports steering wheel, and the rose gold finish on the turbine blades of the AC vents which is mirrored by the contrast fabric (made from recycled plastic bottles) used on the mostly grey and man-made leather draped seats.
Other highlights of the interior include the illuminated stainless steel door sill plates, head-up display the activated charcoal filters for the two-zone automatic climate control system, a wireless phone charger, five USB charging ports and more.
The twin displays run the latest MBUX Gen 2 software which allows for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity with the infotainment screen that also features gesture controls. The infotainment screen can also allow for augmented reality turn-by-turn navigation, which is quite a cool trick to show off on a long drive. The infotainment setup is completed by a 710-watt Burmester sound system that supports Dolby Atmos and features 12 speakers.
In terms of safety kit, the Mercedes EQA comes packed with multiple airbags including one for the driver's knees, run-flat tyres, and a host of other safety aids including ADAS features like blind spot monitoring, active brake assist, live traffic monitoring and 360-degree camera system.
Mercedes EQA Review: Specs, Range & Charging Times - The Baby EQ
The Mercedes EQA is the smallest of the all-electric EQ lineup to hit India but it isn't a small car. The EQA measures 4,463mm long, 1,834mm wide and 1,624mm tall and features a 2,729mm long wheelbase.
The Mercedes EQA 250+ is powered by a single electric motor that is fitted to the front axle of the vehicle. This motor produces 190bhp and 385Nm of peak torque which Mercedes claims is enough to push the EQA from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds and onward to a top speed of 160km/h.
The motor draws power from a 70.5kWh(usable) lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a claimed range of 560km (WLTP testing) on a single charge. The battery pack supports 100kW fast charging which raises the charge level from 10 to 80 per cent in just 35 minutes. A full charge on an 11kW AC home charger takes seven hours and 15 minutes.
Mercedes EQA Review: Driving Impressions & Practicality - Smooth & A Bit Too Compact
On the move, the Mercedes EQA like every other electric car functions rather well in both the urban jungle and on open roads. The power output from the motor is buttery smooth and the performance is brisk enough for most use cases.
In comfort mode, it does feel a bit floaty when going around the bends but while switching over to sport mode does tame this, it also makes the suspension setup on the EQA feel a bit too firm when going over the bumps and ruts.
The brakes on the EQA work rather well when you try to bring the German electric crossover to a stop but do feel grabby at times. The regen braking on the EQA is adjustable and in its highest setting almost allows you to drive around using just the accelerator. However, if you want to come to a complete halt, you'll need to press the brakes as the regen only slows you down.
In terms of practicality, the front seats are the place to be on the EQA as they can be electrically adjusted and offer multiple levels of lumbar support and the high driving position allows you a commanding view of the road ahead.
The rear of the EQA feels a little bit cramped though as the battery has been mounted beneath these seats and the boot which meant that the seats have been lowered when compared to the ICE-powered GLA.
The seating position isn't what you call comfortable though it does allow for decent headroom despite the presence of the sunroof. The boot space too is not up to the mark as it can only store around 340 litres of luggage (the GLA offers 435 litres).
Mercedes EQA Review: Final Thoughts & Verdict - A New Entry Point To Three-Pointed EQ Story
The new Mercedes EQA 250+ is a quiet electric crossover that in the typical Merc fashion comes packed to the gills with tech and features though the space at the back seems a bit compromised compared to its ICE sibling.
It is nippy enough to deal with most situations and while we were not able to drain the battery fully during our time with it, we do expect it to give a real-world range of around 450km on a single charge if you drive it like a civilized human being.
So if you're looking for an introduction to Merc's EQ lineup, the EQA may just be the car for you, but you will have to live with the practicality compromises that come from it not being built on a pure EV platform.
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