First drive Mercedes-Benz EQA
Mercedes updates its smallest electric SUV. Sean Keywood
EVs conjure up an image of swift technological progress, and that’s something Mercedes-Benz is following with its electric EQ cars. Only three years after its debut, a facelifted version of the smallest model in this range, the EQA, is already here. Exterior design features of the facelift include a new star pattern for the ‘front grille’ area of this EV, with an LED light band connecting redesigned headlights, as well as aerodynamically-optimised bumpers, a new rear diffuser element, redesigned tail lights, and new alloy wheel designs.
Inside, alongside new trim options the centre console has been revised, with a former touchpad controller (redundant since a touchscreen is provided) replaced with a storage tray. The range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus spec of our test car features some nice brushed aluminium trim, adding to a generally premium-feeling interior in the typically bling modern Mercedes style, with big shiny air vents and a redesigned chunky leather steering wheel, although surprisingly flimsy electric window switches hurt the overall impression slightly. The interior also features impressive-looking
twin 10.25in screens, handling infotainment and instrument functions, running the latest- generation Mercedes MBUX system with wireless smartphone connectivity. This spec also features a large and informative head- up display, although given the presence of the aforementioned twin screens this almost feels like overkill.
Rear legroom is good on first appearance, but the footwell is fairly shallow, so adults are forced to sit with their knees quite high, which we imagine would not be comfortable for long trips, although headroom is good. A 340-litre boot sounds
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+ AMG Line Premium Plus
P11D £57,955 On sale Now Residual value 34.6% Depreciation £37,350 Fuel £3,684 Service, maintenance and repair £2,269 Cost per mile 72.17p Range 314 miles CO2 (BIK %) 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month £19/£39 Luggage capacity 340 litres Battery size/power 70.5kWh/190hp
7/10
on the small side for an SUV, but it doesn’t look all that pokey in the metal, and benefits from a flat loading lip. As before, the EQA comes with a choice of 190hp single motor, and 228hp and 292hp dual-motor powertrains. We tried the most modest of these but the acceleration on offer was still brisk enough. Mercedes says efficiency improvements to the EQA mean a range increase of around three to four miles compared with equivalent specs from before the facelift (although the new entry- level Sport Executive equipment grade has a WLTP range of up to 346 miles, an increase of 27 miles on the previous best). The EQA comes with a sound generator designed to replace the noise made by an engine, but we found the option selected when we began our test drive, which sounded like distant thunder when we touched the accelerator pedal, rather annoying, and switched it off.
The EQA has a well-resolved chassis for an electric SUV. There’s a welcome feeling of tautness and agility to the handling, and it was unfazed on our drive by having to swerve around a pheasant which wandered into the road ahead when we were doing about 50mph. The ride has a nice supple
Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, powered tailgate, LED headlights with adaptive high beam, electrically folding door mirrors, roof rails, heated front seats, automatic climate control, 10.25in driver display, 10.25in infotainment touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, sat-nav, reversing camera, lane keep assist, blind spot assist, exit warning function, speed limit assist.
Engines: Electric: 190hp, 228hp, 292hp
Equipment grades: Sport Executive, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus
Transmissions: Single-speed automatic
quality too, which is further helped by comfortable seats, though a little more underlying firmness is noticeable around town than at A-road speeds.
The updates made to the EQA may not be enough to beat the competition in the eyes of fleet buyers, since in comparison with premium rivals, this Mercedes doesn’t look good value. Equivalent (in fact, more powerful) versions of the Audi Q4 E-Tron and BMW iX1 are cheaper both on P11D and on a cost-per-mile basis, with stronger expected residual values.
Positive
Good balance between comfort and handling, stylish interior
Negative Pricier than rivals,
compromised rear seat space
www.businesscar.co.uk | March 2024 | 33
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