EQB SUV

Segment
SUV

It's been a long wait for the Mercedes-Benz EQA, the brand's entry-level compact electric vehicle. The stunning EQA concept was first shown a couple of years back as a sleek hatchback. Since then, the EQA has morphed into a more conservative crossover which was spied recently with very little camo, but we have yet to see the design in full. Well, all will be revealed next week as the EQA's Digital World Premiere has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 20. As a smaller EV chasing a younger clientele, Mercedes has chosen three unnamed influencers to add some charisma to the online premiere, as they will each describe their first experience with the EQA.

Although sharing some of its DNA with the GLA, the EQA's all-electric powertrain is unique. In the EQA 250, there is a maximum output of 188 horsepower. Although this falls short of the gas-powered GLA 250's 221-hp output, the EQA's immediately available torque should make it quite nippy off the mark. Following the initial launch, a more powerful variant with "over 200 kW" (268 hp) and the availability of all-wheel drive will be on offer. This aligns with the original EQA concept, which was powered by two electric motors and developed 268 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The countdown clock to the premiere features a teaser image of the EQA's cabin in the background. In it, we can see the tasteful application of ambient lighting and a design that is clearly shared with the GLA. Mercedes says that navigation will be standard along with Electric Intelligence. The system can quickly calculate the quickest route to your inputted destination, along with identifying where charging spots can be located on the way there.

If you want to tune in to the big reveal, it takes place at 11am CET on January 20. The EQA joins larger EQ-series products like the EQC and will go on sale in Europe in spring 2021.