For the uninitiated, the EQ range from Mercedes-Benz is their electrified wing. Meaning if the name has 'EQ' in it, it's a fully electric version of that model, in this case, the EQA is the electric variant of the A-Class. So, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 and what it’s like to live with an electric car as a Joburger.
Range
Firstly, we have to address the issue of range and how far you can drive, but to do that we need to talk about how the EQA gets its power. The first way is through charging, you can do this at any EV charging station. Surprisingly, there are more of these than you might think, scattered all over Joburg at shopping malls, centres and car dealerships. To give you an idea, there are four different public charging stations within a 10km radius of my home, the closest being just 2km away. These charging sites each have multiple charging 'ports', so no need to worry about not finding space. If you download the GridCars app, it tells you which stations are occupied. The Mercedes-Benz EQA can also pull up a list of EV charging stations near you on demand, so regardless of where you are, you can find a place to charge.
Alternatively, and probably your wisest option, you can charge your EQA overnight as you would your mobile device. Simply plug it in when you get home and unplug it in the morning. Although, with a range of up to 429km (our test unit arrived with 390km) you may be able to go for extended periods without needing to charge. During my 6-day stint with the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250, the car was driven daily and didn't require charging during the full test period. It returned to its custodians with 180km of positive range in the battery cell. Being able to go that long without charging is largely thanks to its regenerative braking, which harvests braking energy as you drive, converting and storing it as electric energy in the battery cell.
Road manners
Like all EVs, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is as silent as a summer breeze, which is refreshing although confusing to those around you. At 140 kW and 385 Nm, it's very quick by car standards but as an EV there are stupendously quicker cars. The rapidness under acceleration is due to an instant delivery of torque and power. Remember, as intoxicating as the acceleration is in an electric car, it draws a lot more battery power whenever you plant your right foot. Handling is good and the car feels planted thanks to the weight of that battery cell anchoring it down. There are shift paddles behind the steering wheel, whose function is to change the intensity of the regenerative braking, if you flick the negative pedal the car brakes hard when you lift off the accelerator, bringing you to a stop a lot quicker and harvesting energy at a larger rate.
Interior & Tech
Have you been inside a spaceship yet? Well, neither have I, but the Mercedes-Benz EQA's cabin comes very close. A combination of radiant interior ambient lighting and large dual screens on the dashboard gives you the feeling of something from the future. Even the air vents glow at night and switch from blue to red as you increase the cabin temperature. Mercedes-Benz vehicles (depending on the model) either come with a media screen merged with the digital instrument cluster, as seen in the EQA, or a separate iPad-style media screen that sits tilted where your radio and AC would traditionally be. The latter of the two screens is the one you want - it's an uncluttered touch screen within reach and is easy to operate. Items such as the panoramic glass roof give the cabin a delightful airiness by allowing as much light as you want in, but this is an optional feature. What you get as standard are LED headlamps, which turn the darkest nights into daytime, as well as premium leather all around.
How much is the Mercedes-Benz EQA?
As you may have suspected, electric vehicles are not yet cheap being fairly new to the market. Fortunately, the EQA isn't absurdly priced like other EVs that have come in with a price tag of over R2 million. With a starting price of R1 176 350 the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 comes with a 5-year 100 000km maintenance plan and an 8-year battery warranty.
Mercedes-Benz EQA250 Progressive
R1 176 350
Mercedes-Benz EQA250 AMG
R1 229 350
Gugu Masuku – Proudly CHANGECARS
