Review Mercedes-Benz EQA 2022: EQA 250

In terms of small SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz GLA has been at the forefront of the premium segment since the launch of its second-generation model in August 2020.

Fast forward to now, almost a year later, and an all-electric version of the GLA called the EQA has become available.

But given that the EQA is Mercedes-Benz's most affordable zero-emissions model, does its entry-level variant of the EQA 250 offer buyers enough value? Let's find out.

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class 2022: EQA 250
Safety Rating
engine's type	-
fuel type	Electric guitar
Fuel efficiency	—L / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$76,800

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

While the EQA line was launched with one variant, the front-wheel drive (FWD) EQA 250 will be joined by the all-wheel drive (AWD) EQA 350, which has yet to be priced. end of 2021.

The EQA 250 costs about $76,800 without road traffic.

We'll look at all the differences between the two later, but for now let's see what the EQA 250 looks like.

The EQA 76,800 costs about $250 pre-traffic and costs almost as much as its main competitor, the AWD Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric ($76,990), although this model has higher horsepower more closely related to EQA 350.

But when it comes to the EQA 250, it also costs about $7000 more than the equivalent GLA 250, with standard equipment including dusk-sensing LED lights, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels (with tire repair kit) , aluminum roof rails, keyless entry and hands-free power liftgate.

Inside, the central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster measure 10.25 inches. with MBUX multimedia system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and digital radio.

In addition, there's a 10-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone charger, adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, black or beige "Artico" synthetic leather upholstery, and ambient lighting.

The central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster measure 10.25 inches.

Notable options include a panoramic sunroof ($2300) and the "MBUX Innovations" package ($2500), which includes a head-up display and augmented reality (AR) satellite navigation, so the value of the EQA 250 is dubious for many reasons.

The "AMG Line" package ($2950) includes a bodykit, 20-inch alloy wheels, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, front sport seats, and unique illuminated interior trim.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

Externally, the EQA is fairly easy to distinguish from the GLA and other small SUVs thanks to its unique front and rear fascias.

At the front, the EQA LED headlights are joined by a wider, albeit closed, grille and LED strip, giving the car a futuristic look.

But on the side, the EQA can be confused with another GLA variant, only its unique alloy wheels, "EQA" badging and chrome trim help set it apart from the rest.

The EQA LED headlights are combined with a wider grille as well as an LED strip to give the car a futuristic look.

However, the rear of the EQA is unmistakable as its LED taillights stretch from side to side to create a striking impression, and the Mercedes-Benz badge and license plate have been redesigned.

However, on the inside, you will have a hard time telling the EQA from the GLA. Indeed, differentiation is only really achieved if you opt for the AMG Line package, which comes with a unique backlit trim for the dashboard.

However, the EQA is still a very pleasant car, with a premium feel enhanced by the soft-touch materials used on the dash and door shoulders, and the armrests are also comfortable.

The AMG Line package includes 20-inch alloy wheels.

Speaking of which, while Artico synthetic leather covers the armrests and seats to promote EQA's sustainability story, Nappa leather (read: real cowhide) ironically trims the steering wheel. Make whatever you want out of it.

However, the EQA makes a strong statement with its paired 10.25-inch displays, central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster powered by the already familiar Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system. Yes, it's still arguably best in class.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

At 4463mm long (with a 2729mm wheelbase), 1834mm wide and 1619mm high, the EQA 250 is bigger for a small SUV, although its battery-compromised layout.

For example, the boot capacity of the EQA 250 is below average at 340 liters, 105 liters less than the GLA. However, it can be boosted to a more respectable 1320L by folding down the 40/20/40 folding rear seat.

The trunk of the EQA 250 has a below average capacity of 340 liters.

In any case, when loading bulkier items, there is no need to contend with the loading edge, and the boot floor remains level, regardless of the storage configuration. What's more, two bag hooks, a strap and four attachment points are designed to secure loose loads.

And yes, while the EQA 250 is an all-electric vehicle, it has no tail or tail. Instead, its powertrain components take up the entire space under the hood, along with some other key mechanical parts.

Cargo capacity can be increased to a more respectable 1320 liters by folding down the 40/20/40 folding rear seat.

In the second row, the compromises of the EQA 250 again come to the fore: the raised floor position results in passengers more or less squatting while seated on the bench.

While hip support is sorely lacking, nearly 6.0cm of legroom is available behind my 184cm driver's seat, and a couple of inches of headroom is offered with the optional panoramic sunroof.

The small center tunnel also means passengers won't have to fight for precious legroom. Yes, the back seat is wide enough for three adults to sit side by side on a shorter journey.

And when it comes to small children, there are three top tethers and two ISOFIX anchorage points for installing child seats, so the EQA 250 can pretty much meet the needs of the whole family (depending on its size).

At the front of the center console, there are a pair of cup holders, a wireless smartphone charger, a USB-C port, and a 12V outlet.

In terms of amenities, the second row has a fold-down armrest with two retractable cup holders, and the door shelves can hold one bottle each. In addition, there are storage nets on the backs of the front seats, air vents, a USB-C port, and a small compartment at the rear of the center console.

Things get even better in the front row, with a pair of cupholders on the center console, a wireless smartphone charger, a USB-C port, and a 12V socket up front. In addition, the large center compartment houses two additional USB-C ports.

Other storage options include a decent-sized glove box, and three bottles can fit staggered into each of the compartments in the front door. Yes, you are unlikely to die of thirst in the EQA 250.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10

The EQA 250 is equipped with a 140 kW front electric motor and 375 Nm of torque. With a curb weight of 2040 kg, it accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in a respectable 8.9 seconds.

But if you need more performance, the EQA 350 will add a rear electric motor for a combined output of 215kW and 520Nm. It will be able to move its 2105kg frame to triple digits in just six seconds, just like a hot hatch.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

The EQA 250 is equipped with a 66.5 kWh battery that provides a WLTP range of 426 km. Energy consumption is 17.7 kWh/100 km.

On the other hand, the EQA 350 will use the same battery but run 6 km longer between charges while consuming 0.2 kWh/100 km less energy while on the road.

In my actual testing with the EQA 250, I averaged 19.8kWh/100km over 176km of driving, which was mostly country roads, although I spent some time in the urban jungle.

The EQA 250 is equipped with a 66.5 kWh battery that provides a WLTP range of 426 km.

That way, I would be able to drive 336 km on a single charge, which is a good return for a city-oriented car. And keep in mind, you could get even better results without my heavy right leg.

However, when it comes to charging, there is no difference between the EQA 250 and EQA 350, as their combined battery is able to increase its capacity from 10 to 80 percent in a commendable half an hour when using a 100kW DC fast charger with battery. KSS port.

Alternatively, a built-in 11 kW AC charger with type 2 port will do the job in 4.1 hours, which means charging at home or in the office will be an easy task no matter the time of day.

The battery is able to increase its capacity from 10 to 80 percent in a commendable half an hour when using a 100kW DC fast charger with a CCS port.

Conveniently, the EQA comes with a three-year subscription to the Chargefox public electric vehicle charging network, which is the largest in Australia.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

Neither ANCAP nor its European counterpart, Euro NCAP, has given the EQA, let alone the corresponding GLA, a safety rating, so its crash performance has yet to be independently assessed.

However, the advanced driver assistance systems in the EQA 250 extend to autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping and steering assistance (including emergency assistance functions), adaptive cruise control and speed sign recognition.

In addition, there's high-beam assist, active blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, park assist, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, "Safe Exit Assist" and tire pressure monitoring.

While this list is pretty impressive, it's worth noting that the surround view cameras are part of the optional "Vision Package" ($2900), along with the aforementioned panoramic sunroof and Burmester's 590W 12-speaker surround sound system.

Other standard safety equipment includes seven airbags (dual front, side and curtain airbags plus a driver's knee), anti-lock brakes, and conventional electronic traction and stability control systems.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10

Like all Mercedes-Benz models, the EQA 250 comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and five years of technical roadside assistance, which currently sets the standard for the premium segment.

However, the battery is covered by a separate eight-year or 160,000 km warranty for added peace of mind.

What's more, the EQA 250 service intervals are relatively long: every year or 25,000 km, whichever comes first.

A five-year/125,000 km limited-price service plan is available, with a total cost of $2200, or an average of $440 per visit, which is pretty reasonable all things considered.

What is it like to drive? 7/10

Driving the EQA 250 is truly relaxing. Of course, much credit for this belongs to the transmission, which works excellently within the city.

The torque of the front-mounted electric motor is 375 Nm, and its instant delivery helps the EQA 250 reach 60 km/h faster than most internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, including some sports cars.

However, the smooth acceleration of the EQA 250 gets more leisurely as you get in and out of highway speed. It works well enough, but if you want something with more bandwidth, consider waiting for the more powerful EQA 350.

Driving the EQA 250 is truly relaxing.

Either way, the EQA 250 does a great job with regenerative braking, and Mercedes-Benz offers owners a choice. Simply put, if you want to drive it like a "regular car" you can, and if you want to fully exploit zero emission driving, you can too.

There are five modes to choose from: D Auto uses road data to determine the best approach, while the remaining four (D+, D, D- and D-) can be selected using the paddles.

D offers a natural approach with a bit of regenerative braking happening when the accelerator is released, while D- (my favorite) turns up the aggressiveness to (almost) enable single-pedal control.

Yes, the EQA 250 can unfortunately only decelerate to a slow pace and not to a complete stop due to the annoying lack of an auto-hold feature for the electric parking brake.

The smooth acceleration of the EQA 250 becomes more leisurely as you approach and exceed highway speeds.

When you have to use friction brakes, as with other all-electric vehicles, the transition to them isn't the smoothest. In fact, they are quite whimsical initially.

Most drivers can probably fine-tune their inputs over time to counteract this, but it's still relevant nonetheless.

In terms of handling, the EQA 250 doesn't roll as much considering it's an SUV, although the battery's underfloor placement helps lower the center of gravity.

Speaking of which, the EQA 250's two-plus-ton curb weight is undeniable in hard cornering, often causing understeer and therefore working against the driver.

Another factor to consider is traction, the EQA 250's front tires can be overwhelmed when you hit a heavy right foot off-piste or out of a corner. The upcoming all-wheel drive EQA 350 is unlikely to suffer from the same problem.

What feels sportier is the EQA 250's electric power steering, which is surprisingly straight forward when attacking in a sweltering corner. It's also noticeably light in the hand, unless the sport driving mode is used, in which case a decent amount of weight is added.

The EQA 250 doesn't roll as much considering it's an SUV.

While the stiffer springs handle the battery's extra weight, the EQA 250's ride is also quite comfortable, although our test car was fitted with the AMG Line package, with its 20-inch alloy wheels catching bumps in the road too easily.

Of course, the suspension setup (independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear axle) comes with adaptive dampers, but those are best left at Comfort settings, as Sport mode reduces ride quality without improving it much. ability to handle.

As for noise levels, with the engine off, wind and tire noise became quite noticeable in the EQA 250, although turning on the sound system does help muffle them. In any case, it would be nice to improve the noise isolation.

Verdict

The EQA is certainly a big step forward for Mercedes-Benz and the premium segment in general, as the EQA 250 offers a convincing real range in an attractive package, albeit a relatively expensive one.

And for those buyers who like a little more power, it's worth waiting for the EQA 350, which delivers much more lively straight-line performance. In any case, EQA should be taken seriously.