Mercedes-Benz EQA 250: impressions & experiences

It should be mentioned in advance that my impressions are completely subjective and therefore only reflect my own opinion. But think that the information, impressions and photos in this article can do their part to get a first impression of the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250.

As always; If you still have questions after reading the test and driving report of the EQA 250 from Mercedes-Benz, just let me know and I will try to answer them. You are welcome to send me your personal experiences with the e-car from Mercedes-Benz so that we can share them with the other readers. You can find out more about electric cars in general on this page.

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250: compromise solution or successful entry into e-mobility?

Production of the EQA at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant started in 2020. As with the already available models EQC from Bremen and Beijing and EQV from Vitoria (Spain), the EQA is built on the same line as cars with conventional or hybrid drives. Which shouldn’t come as a surprise since the EQA is based on the MFA 2 platform. This is a hybrid architecture for all drive types. This leads to corresponding compromises, partly also advantages for the purely electrical variant of the A-Class, which still appear in the course of this test report.

The electric athlete Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 in the footsteps of the GLA, as Mercedes-Benz describes the Stromer itself, is currently starting in Germany from April 47.540.50 euros according to the price list as of November 2021. This means that the environmental bonus and innovation bonus can be fully deducted.

Mercedes-Benz EQA takes combustion engine drivers into the world of e-mobility…

The already mentioned proximity to the burner A-Class, makes it easy to pick up drivers from the “old world” in the world of electromobility. On the one hand, the different types of drive only differ a little in terms of appearance, on the other hand, the EQA 250 does not rotate the entire interior concept by 180°, as is known from other streamers. Because instead of relying on well-known operating concepts, many touch elements, oversized displays and voice control are often used at the same time as the drive type is changed. This is also partly the case in the Mercedes-Benz EQA. Nevertheless, there are buttons and switches for all control functions.

Whether they want to or not, the Stuttgart-based company is thus able to create a connection between the two worlds, which can make the switch to e-mobility easier. Instead of the tank nozzle at the back right, there is access for the charging plug, which allows the Stromer to be charged at a corresponding column with a maximum output of up to 100 kW. The charging time is then about 30 minutes from 10 to 80 percent Status of Charge (SoC). Getting used to zero for combustion engine drivers. The placement does not seem so ideal for e-car drivers who have already gained more experience.

There are also other disadvantages that come with building on a hybrid platform. There is only 340 liters of storage space in the trunk (1st floor).320 liters with rear seat folded down). The charging cable must be under the floor. There is no space for it in the front. Furthermore, the EQA 250 waits with a rather high weight of 2.040 kilograms, which first of all want to be set in motion. With 140 kW (190 hp) not a problem in itself, but you notice that the traction control is often used when you really give it power.

Despite the criticisms already mentioned – which you bring with you from the world of combustion engines, the EQA is a decent electric car. This can be seen by looking at the charging curve, which is at 100 to 110 kW charging power with a view to this up to almost 60% SoC. From 60 to 80 percent, the charging power drops to a constant 75 kW. Nevertheless, this charging curve is sufficient to charge the Stromer from 10 to 80% within 30 minutes – provided the charging station has the appropriate capacity. Below you will find the charging curve of the Mercedes-Benz EQA embedded.

Beside me could electric car news.net author Dirk Kunde also collect his (charging) experiences with the entry-level electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. He summed it up as follows: “The loading speed is also a positive aspect. 11 kW on the AC and 100 kW on the DC connection. With Ionity, I can go from 13 to 90 percent in 34 minutes on a warm summer day (28 degrees). At the top, the display of the charging station shows 113 kW charging power. It stays in three digits up to 61 percent SoC. This is how long distances with the e-car are fun.”

The way the EQA deals with the topic of recuperation is positive. As is well known, energy recovery when coasting and braking (recuperation) ensures optimized and efficient driving. The intensity of the recuperation can be set individually using the shift paddles behind the steering wheel. There are five recuperation levels to choose from. With D+ (no recuperation) you switch to coasting mode of the Stromer, which was very welcome when driving on the motorway. With the highest recuperation level D-, on the other hand, you get pretty close to the one-pedal feeling. Was used by me mainly in everyday urban life and has contributed to the fact that the brake rarely had to be used.

However, it should definitely be mentioned that the braking power of the EQA is strong and should therefore not be underestimated, especially when used for the first time. Level “D Auto” is therefore recommended for newcomers to the world of e-mobility. In this, the electric compact SUV decides for itself, depending on the driving situation, about the degree of recuperation.

Fully electric through everyday life with the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250

In the previous sections, I have already dealt with some aspects of fully electric driving with the EQA 250 from Mercedes-Benz. The fact that the EQA does justice to the premium aspect in terms of appearance, design and fulfillment of the expectations that one has of a “Benz” is beyond question. We’ll go into more detail on that later.

As soon as you enter the EQA, it becomes apparent that modern approaches dominate both in design and software. Aluminum, high-quality fabrics and smooth surfaces complemented by LED design elements dominate the interior. As already mentioned, modern, large displays are used. But only in combination with lots of switches and buttons. There are enough of these on the steering wheel alone, supplemented by touch elements and rotary wheels whose functions you have to learn step by step.

Personally, all of this was a little too much for me, especially when randomly touching a touch element – dark squares – causes the display behind the steering wheel to change. Instead of speed, consumption and a small map, a full-screen map with navigation suddenly appears. With a little practice and trial and error, you can get the hang of it. However, it is not particularly intuitive in all respects.

Keyword navigation, here Mercedes is based on the Here Maps maps, which have reached a quality that makes consulting Google Maps superfluous. Display of free charging stations, traffic jams, etc… included. Of course, if you still want to integrate your smartphone – whether iOS or Android – you can do so. In this case, the navigation information from Google Maps is even shown in the dashboard display.

When driving itself, it is noticeable that the front-wheel drive has its challenges if you want to give too much power. In theory, the EQA 250 should accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds. In practice, this isn’t quite so simple, as traction control and braking interventions prevent the wheels from spinning if you step on the power pedal too vigorously. The limit for the maximum speed was set at 160 km/h. From our experience, it is more than sufficient for everyday use and the purpose of the compact electric SUV.

Range, consumption and charging options at a glance

The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 should be able to cover a range of up to 426 kilometers (WLTP cycle combined). This had to be proven. Before we turn to the everyday range or consumption, however, first a few facts about our test car, clearly summarized.

• Front-wheel drive with 140 kW/190 hp and 375 Nm of torque

• Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds

• Top speed of 160 km/h

• 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery (net usable)

• Energy consumption per 100 km (weighted) 19-17.7 kWh/100 km

• Range (combined) 426 km according to WLTP

• 0 g/km CO2 emissions, combined

Everything was included, from pure city trips to intercity and motorway trips. This gave me the opportunity to map a very good cross-section of the routes that the Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle would probably have to master under “normal conditions”. In the end, the speedometer showed around 770 kilometers that I had covered. Sufficient enough to get a first picture of the Stromer.

Based on a platform that is used for both combustion engines and e-cars, the EQA struggles with the problem of the weight of around 2 tons mentioned at the beginning. This combined with a comparatively large frontal area and correspondingly large wheels means that the consumption values from the technical data sheet of the EQA, at least in the test by Elektroauto-News.Net could not be achieved.

Looking at the consumption over the approximately 770 kilometers, which we have covered with the Stromer, it shows that this stops at 24 kWh. If one now consider that a third of the route on the highway – at an average speed of 120 km / h – has been covered, it shows that the consumption in everyday life can be little. This is also the case in fact. With regard to the consumption values in urban everyday life, the EQA was more than 22.4-20.1 kWh. Still higher than the factory information, but no longer far away from it.

The Stromer itself has dimensions of: 1.624mm height, 2.020mm width – with mirror unfolded and a length of 4.463mm. The wheelbase is 2.729 mm stated. Turning is possible within a turning circle of 11.4 meters.

Dirk had already stated in his report: “Opening the front hood causes a moment of shock. While you usually look at plastic covers and storage compartments in e-cars, with the EQA you get to see the entire range of front engines, inverters and rectifiers, cooling and high-voltage cables.One can only agree with that and at the same time shows how a little more attention to detail could make a difference. But back to the obvious exterior design.

According to Mercedes-Benz, “True greatness can be seen in the small details.The Stuttgart-based company is referring here to the exclusive vehicle keys: one in black with a chrome frame and one in black with a rose gold frame. The typical EQ color accents are then set in modern rose gold in the interior. Also striking is the backlit decorative element in the area of the passenger side, which changes, for example, when the temperature is raised or lowered. Just a small but fine detail.

The EQA is always suitable for everyday trips and weekly routes of around 300 to 350 kilometers. If you have the possibility to charge at home, of course also for longer distances. Or if you like to drive to public charging stations more often. In addition to the MBUX system, I noticed positively the high-quality workmanship and the high level of driving comfort of the entry-level electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz.

Whereby “beginner e-bikes” definitely have to be put into perspective. Do market competitors offer their alternatives with comparable space and services at a lower price. In the end, taste and personal preference are the deciding factors here. From my point of view, the EQA is the next step in the right direction, after the EQC was obviously not quite as successful. Well, I still have to convince myself of that.

The Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 was provided to me by Mercedes-Benz free of charge for this test report for a period of two weeks. However, this does not affect my honest opinion written here.