Concept The EQA was previewed by the EQA Concept which was revealed in September 2017. The Concept EQA is not a
crossover but a
small family hatchback that is long, wide, and tall. The EQA concept features dual electric motors for
all-wheel drive that produces a combined system output of and . File:Mercedes EQ A Concept IMG 0609.jpg|Mercedes-Benz EQA Concept File:Mercedes-Benz EQ A Concept Retro Classics 2020 IMG 0086.jpg|Mercedes-Benz EQA Concept
Development and launch Internally designated
H243, the EQA is based on the
MFA2 (second-generation Modular Front-Drive Architecture)
platform which it shares with the
ICE-powered
second-generation GLA that debuted in 2020. At long, it is just slightly longer than its ICE counterpart. The vehicle was designed by a team under the direction of Balázs Filczer who designed the
GLS and the
G-Class. At launch, the only version available was the front-wheel drive EQA 250 (EQA 260 in China). It has a electric motor powering the front wheels. A longer-range version was also announced. The EQA 250+ was unveiled in March 2022 with a longer range (540 km WLTP), bigger battery (70.5 kwh), improved aerodynamics and a 140 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) more efficient than the asynchronous motor of other versions. In May 2022, the EQA 250's range has been increased to 490 km WLTP, probably by using the same motor as the new EQA 250+.
Front-wheel drive comes standard on EQA 250 models, but
all-wheel drive on the 300 and the 350 models using the
4matic system. All models use a single-speed transmission. The vehicle is longer and taller than the GLA, however its width and wheelbase remain the same. Weight ranges from to primarily because of battery size and weight. The variant tested by
Euro NCAP was an all-wheel drive variant. Electric motors are supplied by
ZF Friedrichshafen. Batteries are placed below the floor. The EQA features "one-pedal driving", which essentially collects kinetic energy and puts it into the battery, which boosts the vehicle's range. All EQA models feature Mercedes' comfort suspension system, which gives a high level of comfort while driving long distances. The Premium package features adaptive dampers which give a more dynamic ride. Safety systems include: Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keep Assist and Active Brake Assist. The EQA adds a trim called the "Edition 1" trim, which adds 20-inch alloys, leather seats and AMG trimming compared to the normal 250. A limited number of them will be available. File:Mercedes-Benz H243 IMG 0006.jpg|Rear view (pre-facelift) File:Mercedes-Benz H243 IMG 5231.jpg|Interior
Design The full-width strip lamps which are placed on both front and rear were inspired by the
EQC, which was the first vehicle to be a part of the EQ Series. The vehicle features the brand's characteristic "Black Panel" radiator grille introduced on all EQ models. The AMG-Line model adds a twin-blade design to the grille. The front features standard full-LED headlights which are connected seamlessly by a fibre optic strip. The license plate is placed on the bumper, which lets the full-LED taillights to give a full effect. Its drag coefficient of 0.28 improves aerodynamics which helps to expand range. Compared to the GLA, the EQA's interior is almost indistinguishable, if not for the rose gold trim inserts on the vents, key, and seats. It also features slight trim backlighting. Mercedes states the EQA offers the desired ride height, combined with versatility. The EQA retains the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats from the GLA. Charging using a basic wallbox socket supports a capacity of up to 7.4 kilowatts takes about 10 hours using a large battery. Charging using a smaller battery will take 9 hours. == Markets ==