Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 is a sleek, everyday electric SUV
Murali Naidu
EVs are on the rise, and each automaker has unequivocally raced into the electric future, from Volvo to BMW, Volkswagen, Audi and some newcomers like the ORA, which is aimed to be an affordable entry point into an electric vehicle. We recently had the silent pleasure of sampling the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250.
The EQA is part of the Mercedes-Benz EQ sub-brand, an entry-level electric vehicle based on the GLA with an electric powertrain.
To decipher it from the GLA, the EQA has a sleek plastic front end with a small air intake, similar to the EQC. It features full-width LED daytime running lights, sports chrome strips, side skirts, and redesigned alloy wheels for better aerodynamics.
The EQA has a simple and minimalistic interior setup. Regarding tech, the EQA features a dual-screen with two 10-inch displays operated via Mercedes’s MBUX system, including voice recognition, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and navigation. It also has augmented reality navigation, displaying arrows and directions on a live video feed of the road ahead.
While it exudes style, its practicality is limited. Boot space is not one to write home about due to battery placement, offering only 340 litres.
Despite its practical drawbacks, the EQA excels in interior aesthetics. The dashboard design is tasteful, with a top-notch fit and finish, and I like the user-friendly twin-screen infotainment system. However, touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons may only be some people’s cup of tea; some prefer the old-school solid icons.
The EQA 250 range has a 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery, ensuring optimal performance and range. It produces 140kw /375 NM, sending power to the two front wheels. It’s also brisk and can do 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds and reach a maximum top speed of 160km/h
Range offerings are relatively decent, boasting up to 426 kilometres. Charging times vary, but using an 11kW charger takes just over six hours for the larger battery and slightly less for the smaller one. Fast charging from 10% to 80% at a 100kW charger takes just over half an hour.
The EQA also offers adjustable regenerative braking, allowing you to control the level of energy regeneration when you lift off the accelerator. This feature can help maximise range and reduce wear on the physical brakes.
Although long distances might be a hassle, it’s a comfortable commute and perfect for city driving. One would have to plan long trips rather strategically.
Regarding safety, the EQA includes advanced features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping alert, and pedestrian detection. Euro NCAP rated it highly in various safety categories, earning a five-star rating.
Priced at R1,169,500, it competes with other electric SUVs like the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the BMW iX1.
The Mercedes EQA offers a quiet, elegant, and comfortable ride but needs more practicality, and overall, range-wise, it’s efficient when one drives with a light foot.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Celebrates 140 Years with an Epic Glob and the Mercedes-Benz Gla.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 cost in South Africa?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 starts from around R899,000 in South Africa, positioning it as a premium entry point into the luxury electric SUV market.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 worth buying?
The EQA 250 is worth buying if you prioritise luxury, tech, and brand prestige over boot space, offering excellent build quality and a decent 426km range for R899,000.
Q: How long does it take to charge the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250?
The EQA 250's 66.5kWh battery takes approximately 6 hours to charge from 10% to 100% using an 11kW AC charger, or around 30 minutes to 80% with DC fast charging.
Q: What is the range of the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250?
The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 offers up to 426 kilometres of range on a single charge, making it suitable for daily commuting and weekend trips around South Africa.
Q: How does the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 compare to other electric SUVs?
The EQA 250 competes well against rivals like the BMW iX3 and Audi Q4 e-tron with superior interior quality and tech, though it sacrifices some practicality for style at its R899,000 price point.
Should You Buy It?
The best luxury electric SUV under R950,000 in South Africa is the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 at R899,000. If you can live with the modest 340-litre boot space and want a premium electric SUV that delivers on style, tech, and the three-pointed star badge, then yes, buy it. The 426km range covers most South African road trips, the 140kW motor provides adequate performance, and the twin 10-inch MBUX screens with augmented reality navigation feel genuinely futuristic. However, if you need maximum practicality or want better value for money, consider waiting for more affordable electric alternatives or stick with a conventional GLA for now.
