It is rare that a manufacturer as famous as Mercedes disappoints. However, this was the case in 2019, during the first test of the EQC, too heavy, too expensive and just acceptable in terms of autonomy. The star firm then gave the feeling of having produced a first electric SUV constrained by regulations. Once is not customary, it is first in terms of price that this new Mercedes EQA scores points, the basic version starting at € 37,900, bonus deducted. A tidy sum, of course, but to be put into perspective with regard to the € 32,500 claimed by a “basic” Renault Zoe. The other side of the coin: at this price, the EQA is not encumbered with any options, and the first arrivals will be the first served, since only 300 copies of the EQA Limited Edition will be offered. Displayed € 44,900, this version benefits from the maximum bonus of € 7,000, its price being less than € 45,000. So, at less than 40,000 € turnkey, is the game worth the candle?
As the name suggests, the EQA derives closely from the GLA SUV. But it is distinguished by its specific rims and grille, a luminous rear strip, and a length 5 cm greater than that of its “donor”, from whom it takes over the platform; a modular base which also allows the battery to be integrated into the floor. Manufactured by Deutsche Accumotive, a subsidiary of Daimler, it comprises 5 modules and 200 cells, offers a capacity of 66.5 kWh for a weight of… 480 kg; which bears that ofEQA at 2,040 kg, which is between 370 and 555 kg more than a 100% thermal GLA. By integrating its battery under the passenger compartment, the EQA therefore sees its floor raised, requiring the rear passengers to travel with their knees close to the gums. As for the volume of the trunk, it loses 100 liters to display 340 under the luggage cover. A bit tight for family use.
VIDEO – Our test of the Mercedes EQA
But the Mercedes makes other arguments. Powerful, but not exaggeratedly, like a Volvo XC40 Recharge, it develops 190 hp and 375 Nm of torque sent to the single engine front axle, which turns out to be slightly destabilized on wet or degraded roads. Linear and straightforward, the accelerations allow you to easily fit into the road flow and overtake without a second thought.. Without being sporty, the road behavior is very reassuring, the roll taking proving relatively contained. Steering short (11.40 m) and taking advantage of flexible damping, it is at ease in the city, its favorite terrain, where, like any electric car, it offers the greatest range. Unlike its consumption at high speeds on the motorway.
On paper, Mercedes announces between 471 and 496 km in the city, and 399 to 426 km in the WLTP combined cycle. During our test combining road, motorway and a little town in the Annecy region, we traveled 310 km, the remaining range indicated on the dashboard on our arrival being displayed at 22 km. And this, without putting too much strain on the 190 hp of the electric machine, and using the very practical paddles on the steering wheel to manage the force of the deceleration (D – and D – -), and, consequently, the regeneration of the battery. . We were thus able to gain 43 km of autonomy in 26 km of descent of the pass. Not bad. On the other hand, we were hardly convinced by the auto mode (activated by a long press on the right paddle +) of the battery regeneration system, which sometimes slows down the car considerably, to the detriment of a little wheel -free. Finally, autonomy remains too low to take advantage of real versatility.
For home charging, a 7.4 kW Wallbox socket can recover from 10 to 100% of the battery in 8:30 a.m., 5:45 a.m. on an 11 kW public outlet and only 30 minutes on a fast charging station of the Ionity type of 100 kW. A network that currently has 75 stations, to which are added five under construction, totaling 353 stations.
Notice
Pleasant to drive, efficient and very comfortable, this EQA lacks a little autonomy compared to its rivals. But it shows the real desire of the Daimler group to offer convincing electric cars.
WE love :
- Launch price
- Comfort / finish / presentation
- Driving performance / enjoyment
- Efficient battery regeneration
We like less:
- Autonomy a little tight
- Weight
- Trunk volume
- Wet traction
Technical sheet
Buy
Mercedes EQA Progressive Line
Tested version: € 47,900 (excluding bonus)
From € 44,900 (excluding bonus, 300 ex)
Average manufacturer consumption / during the test (kWh / 100 km) 17,7-19,1/20,5
CO2 (g) / bonus-malus: 0/3,000 €
Fiscal power: 6 CV
Country of manufacture: Germany
Proposed range
Electric 190 hp, € 44,900 to € 49,900 (excluding bonus)
Drive
Motor: front, electric, asynchronous
Transmission: front wheels, one gear
Power (hp): 190
Couple (Nm) : 375
Weight (kg): 2,040
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,46×1,85×1,62
Wheelbase (m): 2.73
Batterie : lithium-ion, 5 modules, 200 cellules
Capacity: 66.5 kWh
Weight (kg): 480
Dimensions batterie Lxlxh (cm) : 190x138x30
Max speed (km / h): 160
0 to 100 km / h / 1,000 m DA (s): 8.9 / nc
Standard tires: 235/55 R 18
Test tires: Bridestone Turanza
Live
Elbow width AV / AR (cm): 147/146
Rear legroom (cm): 76
Chest at 5 / at 2 (l): 340 to 1320
Recommended options
Pack Premium 1 400 €
Driving assistance package € 1,700
Sunroof € 1,450
Main competitors
BMW i3s, 184 hp, from € 42,500
Kia e-Niro, 204 ch, starting at 41 100 €
Volkswagen ID. 4, 204 hp, from € 48,360
Volvo XC40 Recharge, 408 hp, from 56,150 €
Also read on www.auto-moto.com:
Mercedes EQB (new)
Kia e-Niro (essai)
Volvo XC40 Recharge (test)
