Mercedes-Benz has revealed its second electric model, the EQA 250, edging out the soon-to-be-revealed EQS sedan. The EQA is a little crossover sibling to the EQC, and it's closely related to the gas-powered GLA-Class. That relationship is clear in the styling, although the EQA gets a number of unique design changes. It also packs a powertrain that's right on par with the GLA, and arguably more impressive. Interestingly, though, is that Mercedes hasn't decided whether it will be offered in the U.S.

From the outside, you'll be able to distinguish the EQA from the GLA mainly from its different front and rear fascias. It has more tapered headlights that merge with a black grille surround that makes each of the components look like part of one larger unit. The headlights are also connected with an illuminated crossbar across the top of the grille. At the back, the taillights have an illuminated section that spans across the hatch. The EQA also gets exclusive wheels designed for aerodynamics and which feature blue or rose-gold accents. Other minor tweaks to the bumpers, spoilers and underbelly have also been made to improve the EQA's aerodynamics to a 0.28 Cd. If those changes weren't enough, there are also badges bearing the EQA name on the front fenders.
Only one battery and powertrain option will be available initially. It features a single electric motor at the front powering the front wheels. Output is 188 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, which is routed through a single-speed transmission. The floor-mounted battery pack has 66.5 kWh of usable energy, which in turn delivers a WLTP range estimate of 264 miles. On an AC charger, the charging rate is 11 kW. It can charge at 100 kW on a DC fast charger, taking 30 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. Later Mercedes will offer a higher output all-wheel-drive model making 268 horsepower with two motors. A longer-range variant is also on the way with a WLTP range of 310 miles.

The interior is also clearly derived from the GLA, but with a few unique features. There is a dashboard trim available with sections that are backlit. Blue and rose gold accents can be selected, which are unique to EQ models. There's even an EQ-specific instrument and infotainment theme using the same colors. It can be displayed on the standard dual 7-inch displays or the optional dual 10.25 screens. Another unique feature for the EQA is the navigation system, which takes into account traffic, topography and charging station locations for mapping out routes.

The EQA 250 goes on sale in Europe this year, and pricing in Germany starts at 47,540.50 euros, which comes to $57,620. Mercedes is currently considering the EQA for the U.S., but hasn't made a final decision either way.

EQA is the name of the entry into the fully electric vehicle world of Mercedes-Benz. It is a close relative of the GLA, bringing with it all the inspiring features of that vehicle and combining them with an efficient electric drive. The dynamic design of its SUV body signals that it has plenty of driving fun to offer. In 2021, the EQA was the first fully electric member of the successful Mercedes-Benz compact car family.

The seating position is high and upright as is typical for SUVs - comfortable not only for getting in and out, but also advantageous for all-around visibility. In general, utility is one of the strengths of the model series. As standard, the rear-seat backrest can be divided 40:20:40 and these sections individually folded down. The luggage compartment holds 340 to 1,320 litres.

Efficiency was the focus not only for the drivetrain but also for the thermal architecture: the waste heat from the electric drive can be used for the interior heating thanks to the standard heat pump. This significantly reduces the need for battery power for heating and increases the range. The interior of the compact electric models can also be pre-air-conditioned before starting. This function is operated directly via the MBUX infotainment system or via the Mercedes me app.

A new look and even more intelligence: EQA and EQB upgraded throughout

With their striking SUV bodies, powerful electric drive and predictive navigation with Electric Intelligence, the two all-electric members of the Mercedes-Benz compact car family have gained many fans. Now the EQA and EQB are becoming even more attractive to newcomers and those switching to electric vehicles - thanks to fresh looks, numerous efficiency updates and new, useful features. MBUX with improved voice control and driving assistance systems are updated; with Plug & Charge charging technology and optional Sound Experiences, innovations from the larger model siblings are making their way into the compact class. For the first time, a trailer hitch is available as an optional extra for the EQB with five seats.

The updated versions of the EQA and EQB can be ordered starting in the fall of 2023 and will arrive at European dealers right at the beginning of 2024.

Updated exterior and interior design

With a newly designed black panel surface with its star pattern at the front, the EQA and EQB visually catch up with their larger model siblings. A light band connects the daytime running lights of the headlights while a new bumper emphasises the broad effect of the vehicle front. The designers have also changed the insides of the taillights. The innovations in the interior include the current-generation steering wheel with touch control panels as well as the trim in brown lime open-pore wood, Mercedes-Benz pattern and backlit Mercedes-Benz pattern.

More efficiency and range

With extensive detail, the engineers at Mercedes-Benz have been able to increase the ranges of the EQA to up to 560 kilometres according to WLTP. The measures include aerodynamic optimisation such as a new leading edge for the rear wheel arch. A ridge that functions as a spoiler is now integrated into the taillights. Rolling resistance-optimised 235/55 R 18 tyres also contribute to the improved efficiency. In many European markets, these summer tyres are standard.

The new "range monitoring" function is helpful in everyday use: if it is activated via MBUX, several options for saving energy are shown on the central display. Possible recommendations are to select the ECO driving programme and DAuto as well as to switch to the ECO+ climate control function. Depending on the situation, a maximum driving speed at which an additional charge stop can be avoided is also suggested. This speed is displayed as a red line on the speedometer. Particularly clever: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC (optional extra) and cruise control driving assistance systems follow the system's speed recommendation. The recommended speed is quickly calculated in the cloud.

Up to four Sound Experiences

Different sound worlds that allow individual acoustic setups are familiar from the larger electric models from Mercedes-Benz. Now these Sound Experiences are also available for the EQA and EQB in conjunction with the optional Burmester® surround sound system. "Silver Waves" is a sensual and clean sound. "Vivid Flux" is aimed at EV enthusiasts and is crystalline, synthetic and yet humanly warm. Both Sound Experiences can be selected in the central display and also switched off.

Two further sound worlds will be added shortly and can be unlocked online as part of the Individualisation Package (optional equipment) if the optional Burmester® Surround Sound System is on board: "Roaring Pulse" is reminiscent of powerful machines and is sonorous and extroverted. "Serene Breeze" offers a relaxed and natural sound.

The driver and passengers are greeted acoustically as soon as they approach the vehicle and get in. A corresponding Aura sound also accompanies the leaving and locking of the EQA and EQB. The driving sound, which is reproduced via the loudspeakers of the sound system in the interior, also moves within the respective sound world. It arouses emotions and inspires. At the same time, the driving sound is interactive - reacting to a good dozen different parameters such as the position of the accelerator pedal, speed or recuperation.

Plug & Charge - easier and more convenient charging

With the Mercedes me Charge Plug & Charge function, the latest EQA and EQB models can be charged even more conveniently at Plug & Charge-enabled public charging points: when the charging cable is plugged in, the charging process starts automatically; customers do not need to additionally authenticate themselves. The vehicle and the charging station communicate directly via the charging cable. The prerequisite is that the customer has activated the Plug & Charge service in the service overview.

In addition to more than 2,400 IONITY fast charging stations in Europe, Plug & Charge is also available at more than 1,400 Aral pulse charging stations in Germany. Mercedes-Benz and the operators of the charging stations are continuously working on the rollout of Plug & Charge to other charging stations. Whether a charging station is Plug & Charge-compatible can be seen by viewing the charging station details in the vehicle display and in the Mercedes me app. It is also possible to search specifically for suitable charging stations. Plug & Charge is the fourth and most convenient charging access option. The other three are the options to approve via MBUX in the vehicle's central display, in the Mercedes me app and access via the Mercedes me Charge charging card.

Mercedes me Charge offers access to one of the largest charging networks in the world: it currently has over 1.3 million AC and DC charging points including over 500,000 in Europe. Mercedes me Charge enables its customers to use Green Charging at any public charging station throughout Europe, the U.S. and Canada. In this process, a charging process is subsequently offset by energy from renewable resources. This ensures that third-party providers feed the corresponding amounts of green energy into the grid after the charging process. High-quality certificates of origin verifiably certify where the energy comes from.

The green electricity is defined by the EKOenergy eco-label. It is provided by certified energy production plants. In addition, incentives are created to invest in renewable energy generation plants. Mercedes me Charge also includes over 1,800 charging points that are powered exclusively by green electricity. These have been set up by the IONITY fast-charging network, co-founded by Mercedes-Benz in 2017, on highways in Europe.

More connectivity, entertainment and active safety

EQA and EQB feature an updated generation of MBUX. The appearance of the displays can be customised with three display styles (subtle/sporty/classic) and three modes (navigation/assistance/service). In combination with the 10 colour worlds of the ambient lighting, there are numerous individualisation options. All previous functions such as media, phone, vehicle, etc. are still available. They can be conveniently operated via the touchscreen or the touch control buttons on the steering wheel.

In the course of the slightly changed offer logic, the central display is now part of the standard equipment. The redesign of the infotainment system focused on a new design and improved performance. This includes the zero-layer interface: the user does not have to scroll through submenus or give voice commands. Situationally and contextually, applications are offered on the top layer in the field of view. Smartphones can now connect wirelessly to the vehicle via Apple® CarPlay or Android Auto Wireless. The display of the charging features in MBUX has been improved: for example, the charging flap can be unlocked on the central display via a softkey in the charging menu. Furthermore, the currently available DC charging power, which depends on the pre-conditioning of the high-voltage battery, is displayed. Other useful information: during the charging process, the recharged range is indicated in kilometres.

By activating online services in the Mercedes me app, the intelligent voice assistant becomes even more capable of dialogue and learning. The system gets to know the driver and remembers familiar settings or usual driving routes. It then suggests personalised infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions to suit the respective driving situation. Of course, if the suggestion is unnecessary, the driver can reject it with the function "Do not suggest now" or deactivate it permanently with "Do not suggest again". The vehicle will remember these requests. Certain actions can also be triggered without saying "Hey Mercedes". The voice assistant can also explain vehicle functions.

The optional Burmester® surround sound system now features the immersive Dolby Atmos® audio experience in conjunction with the current MBUX generation. This feature gives music more space, clarity and depth. In addition, Dolby Atmos® adapts to the playback environment. Listeners can therefore hear music almost as clearly as it corresponds to the original vision of the artists in the studio.

Individualisation via the Mercedes me Store

The EQA and EQB offer the possibility to activate additional vehicle functions via over-the-air (OTA) technology in a number of functional areas. This means that after purchase and the original configuration of the new car, some equipment can be adjusted according to personal preferences. Systems and additional functions can be activated via OTA technology. These include Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Traffic Sign Assist, MBUX Augmented Reality for navigation and smartphone integration. The OTA functions are available in the Mercedes me Store as a one-off purchase option or also as a subscription model, and the range will be successively expanded.

With the optional individualisation package for Mercedes me connect services, mini-games such as Sudoku, Shuffle Puck, Pairs, Match 3 and a quiz are also available on request. These games have been specially developed for the touchscreens and the touch control buttons on the steering wheel. In combination with the Burmester® Surround Sound System, the Individualisation Package includes additional Sound Experiences.

Driving assistance systems with improved sensor technology

Improved sensor technology includes a new mono-multipurpose camera and a new backup camera. The Driving Assistance package contains improved functions in detail. For example, Active Lane Keeping Assist now works more comfortably with steering intervention instead of ESP.

Thanks to more powerful environment sensors, the parking systems can better support the driver when manoeuvring. Integrated into MBUX, they can be operated more intuitively and more quickly. The Parking Package with 360-degree camera supports the driver when parking in and out of longitudinal and transverse parking spaces.