Mercedes-Benz India has been on a product offensive for the past few years, launching more cars
than its rivals consistently. There’s also been a steady influx of electric cars from the German luxury car maker’s stables, as part of the brand’s global strategy to reduce its carbon footprint. Of course, Mercedes-Benz has also been performing very well on the EV front in India, ever since it launched EQC, back in 2020. Four years later, Mercedes sells four different EVs in India – the EQS and its AMG version, the EQE and the EQB, besides the new EQA you see here, which is now its fifth fully-electric offering. What’s also worth noting is that the EQA is its smallest EV and also the most affordable one from Mercedes-Benz, priced at Rs 66 lakh ex-showroom (for the EQA 250+, the only version launched in India).
This is interesting, because the segment the EQA sits in has been gaining momentum steadily. That also means the EQA 250+ is a direct rival to the BMW iX1 and Volvo XC40 Recharge, both of which have been received well. It’s also important to note that the EQA will be adding crucial volumes to Mercedes-Benz India’s sales numbers. This should help the brand strengthen its positioning as India’s leading luxury car brand even further. So can the EQA 250+ carve its own niche in the compact luxury EV space? I spent a day behind its wheel to find out!
First things first, unlike the EQE and EQS which don’t quite resemble the GLE and S-Class respectively, the EQA looks a lot like the GLA. That being said, there are some big differences in the cosmetic department. Being an EV the EQA gets a solid grille, as there is no need for a radiator. The grille is styled with numerous three-pointed stars from end to end, which makes for a very chic appearance. Just like the other EVs from Mercedes-Benz, the EQA gets the connected LED DRL strip too that runs across the width of the front end, accentuating its width. The side profile is similar to the GLA’s, though the EQA gets 19-inch aero wheels to reduce the overall drag coefficient to 0.28. At the rear, it gets the same connected LED treatment as seen in the front. Overall, the EQA has a butch appeal that helps it look larger than it is and very appealing.
Interiors are as luxurious as you would expect of a car wearing the three pointed star. The plush dark theme oozes premiumness and just like the GLA, this one also gets a two-spoked steering wheel with touch panels. I am not a fan of the touch sensitive panels though, as they lacks precision. Ambient lighting on the dashboard, with the illuminated three pointed stars helps the cabin feel rich. AC vents get a rose gold treatment while the panoramic sunroof offers a roomy feel. Mercedes has used recycled plastic PET bottles to craft the EQA’s seats, which come finished in titanium grey Artico leather. Seat comfort is good for short distances but I am an inch over six feet in height, so finding a comfortable position was a bit of a challenge. One of my favourite features in the EQA is its music system, as it is equipped with a 710W, Burmester unit with 12 speakers.
With the battery pack sitting in the floorboard the EQA’s floor is higher than the GLA’s but this doesn’t affect occupant comfort. That said, given my height, I did find myself sitting knees-up at the back besides which, given the EQA’s compact dimensions, kneeroom was at a premium too. The battery pack also means the EQA has also had to trade some of the boot volume, which stands at 340 litres, as compared to the GLA’s 425 litres. But the EQA does not come with a spare wheel unlike the GLA, which means you get a good amount of boot space here. The EQA uses the same, dual 10.25-inch displays as other Mercedes cars in the form of a widescreen, which enhances the cockpit experience. The infotainment screen uses new MBUX augmented reality features that are really immersive when using the inbuilt navigation system. The screen also supports gesture controls which can be customised. Overall, the EQA’s interiors feel very premium and welcoming and offer an immersive audio experience.
Now let’s address the elephant in the room, the EQA’s range performance and range. Mercedes-Benz has only launched front wheel drive version in India, the 250+, which uses a 70.5kWh battery pack. The electric motor is good for 190PS and 385Nm. Claimed 0-100kmph time is 8.9 seconds and top speed is a modest 160kmph. That said, the electric motor’s instant response and linear power delivery, especially in Sport mode is smile-inducing and addictive. The instant torque delivery is in fact one of the best bits about driving EVs, and the wheelspin along with a hint of torque steer in the EQA 250+ made me smile. The power delivery also remains progressive for a while, before flattening out. This helps in making the EQA a good driver’s car and it ensures you have fun even on your daily drives. Claimed range is very impressive too at 560km (WLTP).
This is higher than the BMW iX1 and Volvo XC40 Recharge both, and also good enough to negate range anxiety, as you can expect upwards of 400km per charge in the real world. You also have three levels of regenerative braking, making energy recuperation very efficient. Throttle response is progressive too which adds to the ease of driving in traffic. I was expecting the suspension to be very firm, as is the case with most German cars, but the EQA soaks up potholes pretty well and offers a comfortable ride quality. However, this means there is a bit of body roll when going fast around corners, though the SUV feels very confident and planted. The steering offers decent feedback too, and while it isn’t exactly a driver’s car, the EQA will not disappoint you either.
To sum it up, the EQA 250+ is an interesting addition to Mercedes-Benz India’s EV line-up. In fact somewhere, it could perhaps turn out to one of the most important launches from the brand this year, given its potential to do well in a segment that’s gaining popularity. It also feels like a strong rival to the BMW iX1 and Volvo XC40 Recharge, given its feature list, excellent range per charge and above all else, the brand value of the three-pointed star on its hood. And besides its packaging, the fact that it is a Mercedes-Benz is a big enough reason to consider the EQA 250+ if looking to add a luxury EV to your garage.
