India’s electric vehicle market is like a toddler learning to walk, sometimes wobbling, but determined to step up and sprint as launches are coming in thick and fast Mercedes-Benz is throwing EVs at us like confetti at a wedding ensuring there’s an option across its entire price range.
So, if you’ve got Rs 70 lakh burning a hole in your pocket and you’re yearning for an electric chariot, then let’s talk about the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+. We’ve driven this electric SUV for a whole month and here’s a first-hand experience of its good sides and what could have been better.
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+: Range anxiety
No matter which electric vehicle it is, everyone has the same question, what’s its range? It reminds us of the perennial question, ‘kitna deti hai’. What can we say? Some things never change. The EQA 250+ is a mile-munching machine that really surprised us. My daily commute is basically a marathon – anything from 75 to 80 km of bumper-to-bumper bliss, with the air condition switched on of course. And guess what? This sneaky compact SUV consistently gave me a 520 km range, that’s like, a week’s worth of driving for me, which is basically a lifetime in Delhi traffic.
Forget range anxiety, I was practically laughing at fuel stations. Speaking of charging we juiced up that 70.50 kWh battery in a mere hour and a half, for Rs 1500. That’s cheaper than your daily coffee run because we all know ‘ek sai kya hoga’.
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+: Ideal for city, but is it right for you?
Unless you’re rolling with a family tree that could rival a banyan, enter the Mercedes EQA 250+, the perfect size for city life. Some will complain about its compact dimensions, but at 4.4 meters, it’s just right for squeezing through those choc-a-bloc traffic jams and parking in spaces that would make a sardine claustrophobic.
The EQA’s light yet surprisingly responsive electric power steering makes it feel like you’re just gliding, and at high speeds, it weighs up nicely, giving you that sweet feeling of control. The EQA is like a ballet dancer in rush hour Delhi traffic as it effortlessly avoids people popping out from every direction like they’re auditioning for a Bollywood action flick. With people overtaking from every angle and sometimes, even the wrong side of the road, what’s the best defence? Brakes, right? Well, the EQA’s brakes are like a superhero’s reflexes, instant and reliable.
We even tinkered around with regenerative braking and the EQA has three modes. Normal was like a polite tap on the shoulder, but we found ourselves reaching for the brakes more often. Maximum? Let’s just say, it felt like you’re driving with the handbrake up than regenerative braking. The Strong mode was just right. It felt like the car was telling us — I’ve got this.
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+: Cabin designed to make you feel special
Step inside the EQA and the cabin welcomes you with luxury, state-of-the-art technology and top-notch features. The dashboard layout is nothing short of a masterpiece with dual-tone copper and chrome finish turbine-designed air condition vents, back-lit three-pointed star panel in front of the front passenger, the flat bottom steering wheel and the twin 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster.
If you’re used to smartphones, which most are, then MBUX will feel like an extension of your device — intuitive and easy to use, almost second nature. We were particularly impressed with the navigation system, especially its augmented reality feature. Using cameras, it displays a live road map on the screen, and when you’re approaching a turn, an arrow pops up to guide you. It’s surprisingly accurate and a game-changer for navigation.
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+: Performance and Ride
The EQA 250+ boasts a single motor up front, churning out 188 bhp and 385 Nm of torque. Numbers may fall short when compared to its competition but on Delhi roads, it had enough oomph to leave other cars choking on its ‘electric’ dust.
The EQA’s vibe is all about comfort and control with its smooth acceleration, unlike not a surprise attack on other EVs. If you’re feeling particularly ‘Speedy Gonzales’, just switch to Sport mode and prepare to be startled by its sudden burst of enthusiasm. You have got your usual suspects driving modes: Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual.
The real magic is the suspension set-up as the EQA glides over potholes, neutralizing bumps. Even your backseat passengers can snooze through Delhi’s lunar landscape without being rudely awakened by a jolt that sends them flying.
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+: Not so spacious
All is not all sunshine and electric rainbows with the EQA 250+ and this involves two crucial things — the cargo space and rear passengers seating position. The battery is like a greedy roommate who loves to hog all the space. This is the reason why the EQA only has 340 litres of boot space, over 100 litres less than its ICE sibling, the GLA. To add insult to injury, instead of a spare wheel, you get a puncture kit that further eats into the luggage area. You end up carrying a couple of carry-on bags.
Moving on to the rear passengers. The raised floorboard in the EQA means the rear passengers’ knees will be pointing upwards, and the seats on the lower side. Anyone over 5’10” will feel the pinch potentially feeling cramped.
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+: Verdict
Despite its luggage and rear passenger drawbacks, the EQA 250+ is a great EV option for those who primarily drive themselves. It’s got that Mercedes-Benz luxury feel, a decent range, and a suspension that can handle our unpredictable road conditions.
However, at a starting price of Rs 67.20 lakh, it’s pricier than some of its more powerful rivals. If you’re looking to join the illustrious three-pointed star family and want to go electric, the EQA 250+ is a respectable starting point. Just remember to pack light.
