Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd, expanding the current electric portfolio, just launched their entry level SUV, EQA 250+ ranging at a price tag of Rs 66.0 lakh (ex-showroom) Pan-India. Just a week later, its global debut the most affordable, entry-level E-Mercedes is here. The German Luxury Automaker, aims to lead the way of Indian youth’s mindset towards electrification, with the introduction of this smallest yet compact SUV in EV range.
The EQA is the fourth offering in Mercedes-Benz India’s electric line-up, followed by the EQS, EQB and EQE. Engineered on same architecture as the combustible GLA, the EQA 250+, available with a single-trim underpins the Mercedes-Benz Modular Front (MFA2) platform. Not just the underpinning, these two siblings share a lot in common, which has a major contribution of technology.
In this article, we will uncover on what the Germans bring to the table with their most affordable, entry – level SUV in the next-big nation for the global electric transition.
Design:
Measuring, 4,463 mm in length, holding a width of 1,834 mm, with a carried height upto 1,624 mm the GLA’s electric counterpart, the front fascia of EQA, endorse the EQB, housing an enclosed 3D star pattern silhouette, sporting a connected thin day-time-running LED (DRL) bar beneath the bonnet line, connecting the adaptable matrix all- LED headlamps, which features high-beam assist, allowing the lights to automatically switch between low and high beam depending over the ongoing traffic and outdoor visibility.
As GLA and EQA 250+ shares utmost parts in common, the flush-door handles equips no electronically pop-up functionality and comes conventional. The rear profile ends a bi-sectional slanted LED tail-light frame, accompanied by an elongated thick LED connecting bar, all-the-way on the centre of the tail-gate. Ensuring a bump-free comfortable journeys, this front-wheel (FWD) SUV drives on an aerodynamic running-flat 19-inch diamond-cut alloys wheels. Mercedes offers several dual and single tone exterior shades on the EQA 250+ allowing, the consumer to choose amongst personas of their choice.
Feature:
EQA’s cabin experience simply elevates the Mercedes’s commitment to a sustainable future, boasting an upholstery crafted from PET bottles. The single-tone dashboard layout hoists a similar latest MBUX generation 2 operating-software (OS) based, connected 10.25-inch panel for the fully-digital instrument cluster and all-touch sensitive infotainment screen, supporting a host of features such as wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple Car-play and Connected car-technology.
This soft-touch dashboard, retains Mercedes-Benz’s signature turbine air-con vents, which is been operated by an automated dual-zone climate control system. The dashboard also options variety of 64 ambient lights, incorporated in backlit star-pattern.
Talking on both the front seats (driver as well as co-passenger) gets the electronic adjustment for both reach and height, along-with memory settings, however lacks ventilation function. The addition of wireless-charging boosts overall practicality in the cabin.
The smallest Mercedes EV utilizes an eight-speaker Burmester surround-sound system, upgradable to twelve-speakers, for amplifying the music experience inside the cabin. Driver’s cockpit sports a feather-light multi-functional three-spoke steering.
This area also access a heads-up-display, highlighting the on-the-go navigation alongside speed limit and four drive modes, Comfort being the default, Eco, Sport and Individual, preferrable as per one’s driving and changing road conditions. Despite the EQA being the smallest in its line-up, it can accommodate three passengers very easily at the rear space, sitting on an impressive wheelbase of 2,729 mm.
EQA’s rear space is also provided with self-operated climate-controlled air-con vents, affirming the passenger’s convenience in every situation. Mercedes Benz’s safety standards have been renowned to set the benchmark across the world and the tradition continues with the EQA 250+. For more airiness and a better viewing experience while passing by sceneries, Mercedes has fixed the EQA with a dual-pane glass roof. Taking care of convenience, the EQA’s uncompromised 340 litres boot-space gets a gesture controlled powered-tail shut.
As for starters, the EQA’s Euro-NCAP’s five-star safety rating speaks the most, where a commendable score of 97.0% for adult and 90.0% for a child occupant safety was achieved, continued by the highly advanced features such as the 360 degree bird view camera, making sure a safe reverse and parking, with an eyesight being everywhere.
In a step towards keeping the EQA’s price in check, it does not equip a full-fledged ADAS, although the crucial ones like, blind spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking remains the part of the package.
Powertrain:
The Mercedes-Benz EQA stands out with its single motor and a 70.5 kwh battery pack, delivering an impressive range figures of 500-560 on a single charge (WLTP). being an electric SUV, it offers robust performance, generating the power output of 188hp and 385 Nm of peak-torque, accelerating 0-100 kmph in just 8.5 second and could reach upto a top-speed of 160 kmph, enabling a dynamic and powerful driving experience.
After the EQA 250+ the company eyes up on
another two launches in EV portfolio for the Indian auto-market in 2025. The possible names slated for introductions in India , for the next-fiscal year could be the EQS EV, followed by the recently unveiled electric G-Wagon, the G580.
