Mercedes-Benz has revealed its second all-electric model. Meet the EQA!

What you see here is essentially an all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLA. Merc itself says the new EQA is a close relation to the GLA, and is the first all-electric compact car offering from the German brand.

There will be multiple derivatives of EQA to come, but for now there's this the EQA 250.Under the bonnet, there's a 140 kW electric motor, which gives the EQA a range of 486 km based on the NEDC cycle. Consumption is rated at 15.7 kWh/100 km. For those wanting more, there'll be an all-wheel drive model, as well as models that have over 200 kW and long-distance versions that are said to offer at least 500 km. In terms of battery size, the Mercedes-Benz EQA offers a 66.5 kWh.

The technology claims are impressive. Merc says its new EQA features something called Navigation with Electric Intelligence that gets you to your destination fastest, while taking into account charging times, which should ease some of that range anxiety. It's smart enough to allow for charging stops, terrain, traffic and driving style. If you're worried about enough chargers, Mercedes-Benz says there are more than 450 000 AC and DC charging stations on the Mercedes Me Charge network in 3 countries. Mercedes Me Charge also allows charging at more than 175 000 public charging points across Europe.

Mercedes-Benz says its EQA features trick aerodynamics that contributes to its efficiency. Impressively, theEQA is the first model from Mercedes-EQ whose aerodynamic development has been undertaken entirely digitally. The underbody is completely enclosed, the wheels are aerodynamic and there are special spoilers to help deflect air.

Naturally, there's an array of intelligent driving aids such asActive Lane Keeping Assist and Active Brake Assist, and in the event of a crash, the vehicle's body is designed to protect the battery from being pierced, which would likely result in a fire. Inside, the Mercedes-Benz EQA features MBUX infotainment system, complete with the Hey Mercedes digital assistant. There's an Edition 1 model that offers luxuries like 'eather seats, through which can be seen a fabric in the signature Mercedes-EQ colour pure blue. The instruments, with their electric vehicle-specific displays, pick up on the same colour scheme with rosé gold-coloured and blue highlights.'

Mercedes-Benz EQA Price

Mercedes-Benz Europe has released pricing for the EQA and it comes to 47 540.50 Euros, which is around R855 000.As for South African availability, it's unlikely we'll be seeing the Mercedes-Benz EQA on our roads any time soon. Fans of the 3-pointed star can look forward to the bigger Mercedes-Benz EQC SUV making landfall in 2021.

Further Reading

Mercedes-Benz GLA (2020) Launch Review

6 Things You Need to Know: Updated Mercedes-Benz SUV range

Mercedes-Benz Plans 6 New EVs

Mercedes-Benz EQC – a local taste