The new Mercedes-Benz EQA turns out to be one of the most important models of the star brand's electric offensive and it's impossible to “hide” its proximity to the GLA, from which it derives.
It's true that it has its own visual identity (at least on the outside), however, the platform it uses is exactly the same as the model with a combustion engine (MFA-II) and the dimensions are virtually identical to the smallest SUV of the German brand.
That said, is the new EQA a viable alternative to the GLA? After all, the asking price for the plug-in hybrid version and the more powerful diesel-engined version of the GLA end up not being much different from the price of this EQA.
cut and sew
As I said, the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz EQA takes on a personality of its own and I must admit that my opinion about its lines is divided precisely in the “middle” of the car.
If I like the application of the already typical Mercedes-EQ grille (even more than the solution adopted by the GLA), I can't say the same for the rear, where the luminous strip also common to other Mercedes-Benz 100s stands out. % electrical.
As for the interior, it is difficult to find differences compared to the GLA, GLB or even the A-Class. With a remarkable strength and materials that are pleasant to the touch and to the eye, it is distinguished by the adoption of the hitherto unprecedented backlit panel in front of the passenger.
Taking into account these similarities, the infotainment system continues to prove to be quite complete and ergonomics even benefit from the countless ways we have to navigate this system (we have steering wheel controls, a kind of touchpad, the touchscreen, shortcut keys and we can even “talk” to him with “Hey, Mercedes”).
In the field of space, the installation of the 66.5 kWh battery under the car's floor made the second row of seats a little taller than in the GLA. Despite this, you travel in the back in comfort, although it is inevitable that the legs and feet will be in a slightly higher position.
The trunk, despite losing 95 liters for the GLA 220 d and losing 45 liters for the GLA 250 e, is still more than enough for a family trip, with 340 liters of capacity.
The sound of silence
Once behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz EQA, we are “gifted” to a driving position identical to that of the GLA. Differences only start to appear when we start the engine and, as expected, nothing is heard.
We are presented with a pleasant silence that proves the care taken by Mercedes-Benz in sound insulation and in the assembly of the passenger compartment of its tram.
The instrument panel is quite complete, however it requires some getting used to as the amount of information it provides.
As you would expect, the 190 hp and, above all, the 375 Nm of instantaneous torque allow us to enjoy more than acceptable performances for a proposal in this segment and, above all, in the initial starts, capable of putting the combustion GLA to shame and hybrids.
In the dynamic chapter, the EQA can't disguise the considerable increase in mass (more 370 kg than a GLA 220 d 4MATIC with equal power) that the batteries brought.
That said, the steering is direct and precise and the behavior is always safe and stable. However, the EQA is far from offering the levels of sharpness and control of body movements that the GLA is capable of, preferring a smoother ride to more dynamic shots.
In this way, the best thing is to enjoy the comfort offered by the Mercedes-Benz SUV and, above all, the efficiency of its electric drivetrain. Aided by four energy regeneration modes (selectable via paddles placed behind the steering wheel), the EQA seems to multiply autonomy (424 km according to the WLTP cycle) allowing us to face long journeys on the highway without fear.
By the way, the efficient management of the battery is so well achieved that I found myself driving the EQA without any “anxiety for autonomy” and with the same feeling free to face a longer journey that would have been behind the wheel of the GLA. I found myself recording consumption in its vast majority between 15.6 kWh and 16.5 kWh per 100 km, values below the official 17.9 kWh (WLTP combined cycle).
Finally, to allow the EQA to adjust to the most diverse types of drivers, we have four driving modes — Eco, Sport, Comfort and Individual — the latter of which allows us to “create” our driving mode.
Is it the right car for you?
Available from €53,750, the new Mercedes-Benz EQA is not an affordable car. However, when we take into account the savings that this allows and the fact of being eligible for incentives to purchase electric cars, the value becomes a little more “nice”.
Furthermore, the GLA 220 d of similar power starts at 55 399 euros and the GLA 250 e (plug-in hybrid) starts at 51 699 euros and none of them allow the savings that the EQA allows or enjoy the same tax exemptions.
That said, despite not being based on a dedicated platform — with consequent spatial limitations — the truth is that the Mercedes-Benz EQA convinces as an electric proposal. And, truth be told, after a few days at the wheel I must admit that it's even a good proposal for anyone looking for an SUV in that segment, regardless of engine.