The latest member of the Mercedes-Benz New Zealand’s all-electric SUV lineup, the EQA, could be called a fraternity twin of the GLA petrol compact SUV or the EQCs younger sibling – yes family dynamics can be complicated.

As all European brands bolster their EV lineups due to EU emission regulations, here all brands are scrambling to add more electric vehicles to their model range to make the most of the Clean Car Rebate of up to $8625.

The EQA is a small SUV based on its petrol-powered GLA but is designed to offer a more affordable alternative to the mid-sized EQC EV. Mercedes-Benz NZ says the EQA “delivers an experience that is expected by the customers of three-pointed star”.

The wheelbase for EQA and GLA is identical, at 2729mm, while the doors, roof, glazed portions and interior architecture are also shared.

The EQC and EQA will be joined next year with the EQS and EQB seven-seater, with a luxury electric SUV to follow.

Mercedes-Benz NZ said they needed a compact EV model to attract new customers to the brand with potential buyers “living in an urban environment”. 

Like the EQC, the EQA is based upon existing architecture, so it shares plenty of its looks, specifications, and equipment with the Mercedes-Benz GLA compact SUV.

But Mercedes has made its own identity with the exterior design.

The EQA 250 has a price tag of $85,500, just over the rebate threshold, with the exclusive Edition 1 package costing an additional $7300.

It will be joined later this year with the EQA 350 4Matic.

Our test model was specced up to $93,850 and included the Vision Package ($2900) that includes a 12 speaker system and 360-degree parking camera, the AMG Line Sports Package ($2950) that gives such AMG features as 20in alloys, and the $2500 MBUX Innovation Package that included a Head-up display and augmented reality for navigation.

The EQA 250 SUV is powered by an asynchronous electric motor at the front axle with a rated output of 140kW and 375Nm, via a single-speed gear set. The EQA has a 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds, so not that dynamic. The transmission ratio and gear wheels have been configured for the requirements of the front-wheel-drive system.

It also has an auto mode or manual recuperation via steering wheel paddles. In D auto the car used a radar based system to recoup energy and add range to battery. In the D+ is a gliding mode, where you coast, while D- recouped and D-- is a single pedal driving mode. If you switch between modes, it will stay in D auto.

Beneath the floor as part of the integral vehicle structure is a ‘double-decker’ 420-volt lithium-ion battery  with five modules and 200 cells, creating usable energy content of 66.5 kWh and combined electrical  consumption of 16.2 kWh per 100 km (ADR).

With a driving range of up to 480km, the EQA 250 adequately covers not just the daily commute for most customers but also heading out of town. But the reality is that the average driving range of the EQA is 440km but that’s still a fair distance.

The EQA 250 can be recharged at home via a Mercedes-Benz Wallbox or standard 240-volt wall plug, while the nation’s growing network of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers adds the option of fast top-ups on the go.  

To make an impact, the EQA features a black panel grille, divided into two by a louvre, highlighting the central star that is a hallmark of the brand. 

A horizontal fibre-optic strip connects the daytime running lights of the full-LED headlights, ensuring a high level of recognisability both in daylight and at night. Blue colour highlights within the headlight reinforce the signature EQ appearance. The front wing features a badge in high-gloss black with EQA lettering in blue.  

The rear end also includes characteristic EQ features. The LED taillights merge seamlessly into the tapered LED light strip, underlining the impression of width in the rearview of the EQA.  Additionally, the EQA is distinguished by front and rear aprons in chrome, while the roof rails and waistline and window-line trim strips are polished aluminium. 

The EQA has adjustable damping suspension with multi-link rear, a direct steer system and DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode selection, and rides on 19-inch AMG 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels. 

The exterior design is head-turning, as we found out at the launch of the EQA in Auckland’s fancy Britomart area, with dog walkers and workers all checking out the compact EV on their way for their morning coffee at the myriad of nearby cafes.

Inside, the EQA gets a “fresh high tech design”, says Mercedes-Benz NZ. The EQA is equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, including voice control (‘Hey Mercedes’) and a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen that is the hub for functions such as navigation, media playback, telephony and vehicle functionality. A second 10.25-inch screen forms a customisable digital instrument cluster for the driver.

The “Hey Mercedes’ system has improved and is more responsive to the Kiwi accent. I used it whenever I drove, from changing radio stations to setting navigation.

The EQA is suited for urban environments especially if you add the D-- regenerative braking mode, which creates single-pedal driving, with it coming to a near stop when you take your foot off the accelerator. 

On the motorway, the EQA isn’t as nippy as the likes of the Tesla Model 3, but the Mercedes is just over 2000kg. You can move to sport mode but there isn’t really a big difference, and remember speed depletes the battery, so best to stick to comfort mode.

The high driving position helps navigate through rush hour traffic on the motorway, and the powertrain is quiet with little road noise.

Heading to winding back roads, the EQA struggled at my tight cornering, with a bit of tyre spin as I navigated a switchback at speed. On the gravel road to Parihoa for the photoshoot, I had to bypass the pot holes and rutted sections.

Its steering is light, which is fine at low speeds around town but under pressure there is little connection to the front tyres. That’s probably also due to it being tall and heavy.

And as for the rebate issue? Mercedes-Benz NZ said, “we are aware of the rebate threshold, the most important is the level of equipment that is expected in the three-pointed star vehicle”.