Double Apex was recently presented with the opportunity to drive the opening salvo from Mercedes’ EQ range of battery powered models, the Mercedes-EQ EQA250.

Mercedes-Benz has been charging (sorry) along into the world of vehicle electrification. We have already experienced some of the models on offer by the Three-Pointed Star in the local market. Most recently we got to spend a few days in the smallest electric vehicle (EV) on offer from the brand, called the Mercedes-EQ EQA250.

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Entry Point

The EQA is the entry point to the world of Mercedes-Benz EV ownership. The smallest member of the family is based on the company’s fossil-fuel-fed GLA crossover ie it is not an all-new, ground-up creation like some of its EQ siblings. The Mercedes-EQ EQA250 may share the basics with the GLA, such as a high-up stance, but it does have an appearance of its own. An appearance that makes it feel decidedly upmarket.

The digitally shaped body has a low drag coefficient. This is an effort to extend the range of the battery. Special attention was paid to the aerodynamically efficient front and rear aprons. There are also an enclosed underbody, aero optimised wheels and specifically adapted front and rear wheel spoilers.

Click here to read our twin review of the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-EQ EQB.

Acid Jazz

The GLA theme is carried over to the interior. There are the, now familiar, dual digital screens that form the basis of the instrument cluster and the MBUX infotainment system The latter is standard with all mobile phone connectivity and navigation.

The interior feels high-end and there is plenty to keep front occupants busy, including a jazzy lighting pattern that can be altered to one’s preferred hue of 64 colour options. There are also rose-gold coloured air vents, a signature of models in the EQ range.

Standard specification of the EQA is quite high. This includes such features as LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, an electrically operated tailgate, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, luxury seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, a rear-view and a multifunction sports steering wheel in leather.

Family Fare

From the driver’s seat the EQA250 feels very much like the GLA. The high-up, somewhat upright driving position good all-round visibility give it that “mum’s wagon” kind of feel. And we suspect that is exactly who this model is aimed at, urban folks who require a family run-around.

From that perspective the EQA250 offers enough cabin space and boot volume to deal with small families that will use the car in an urban environment. It is worth noting, however, that the fitment of the battery pack has take up some rear floor space and luggage space.

FWD EV

The Mercedes-Benz EQA250 is powered by a 140 kW electric motor that is connected to the front wheels. An instantaneous 375 N.m of torque is available from pretty low down in the rev-range. The single-speed transmission allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8,6 seconds while the top speed is limited to 160 km/h.

The silent powertrain makes the EQA250 feels somewhat more upmarket than its ‘entry-level’ positioning. Near silent running, save for a bit of noise from the tyres, provides for a serene driving experience, and one that we came to really enjoy. We, for the most part, even took to switching off the audio system to relish in the silence.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA250 is not aimed at enthusiastic drivers, as expected. Grip levels are more than adequate, however the steering action is mostly lifeless. We tried out the steering-wheel-mounted paddles for a bit.

These ramp up or reduce the level of regenerative braking that the powertrain can provide. ‘Shifting down’ really slows the car dramatically as power is fed back into the battery. For the most part we left the powertrain to its own devices, as most owners are likely to do. Mercedes claims a full battery range of 429 km, we saw a more conservative 390, and that was with some really gentle driving.

Summary

This entry point to the world of Mercedes EV ownership is an good one. The EQA250 gives you a glimpse as to what you can expect from models higher up in the range. However, the term ‘entry-level’ is used very loosely here. At a shade over R1,3 million this is not a car for the masses; new tech is seldom affordable at the time of introduction.

There are also other options for buyers to look at. The one that caught our eye is the Volvo XC40 Recharge. The Swede has more power, longer quoted battery range and costs about R300 000 less than the German. That’s pretty difficult to argue with. There is also the recently launched BMW iX1, which is also notably cheaper than the Merc. We will have to reserve comment on the Volvo and BMW and how they go until such time as we get our hands on those models.

Model: Mercedes-EQ EQA250
Price: R1 328 103,81
Engine: single electric motor
Transmission: single-speed, FWD
Max power: 140 kW
Max torque: 375 N.m
0-100 km/h: 8,6 sec
Top speed: 160 km/h
Range: 429 km